Explore every episode of the podcast The Eldritch Lorecast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #152. Why Every TTRPG Should Be Publicly Developed | 28 Aug 2024 | 01:02:43 | |
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 | |||
| #151. What Deborah Ann Woll Teaches Us All About D&D | 22 Aug 2024 | 01:00:57 | |
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 | |||
| #142. Fans Notice D&D Beyond Differences in Vecna: Eve of Ruin! | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:55:51 | |
Fans notice differences in the D&D Beyond Vecna: Eve of Ruin, Chris Cocks submits to an amazingly awkward interview, and we ponder who the average TTRPG player is? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:52 - Player's Handbook predictions 17:17 - Eve of Ruin print vs digital 23:17 - Chris Cocks interview 34:08 - Who is the average player? 41:06 - TTRPG chase scenes | |||
| #52. You Can't Make a Mega Dungeon That Big! | 28 Sep 2022 | 01:04:59 | |
Design your own campaign spanning mega dungeon with these handy tips! Wizards of the Coast introduce an after school program, the crew lament directional dungeon doors, and we ponder whether to subscribe to a TTRPG streaming service. | |||
| #51. Did Critical Role Just TPK the Party? | 21 Sep 2022 | 01:04:34 | |
Recent events on Critical Role has everyone discussing when and how a Total Party Kill (TPK) happens, and how to handle it as a player and a GM. | |||
| #50. Sebastian Crowe needs you! | 14 Sep 2022 | 01:02:04 | |
The Dungeon Dudes return to the Eldritch Lorecast once again as "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim", their second Kickstarter is finishing soon! We touch on a bit of Monty Python, talk about the Dungeons of Drakkenheim show and its sequel, and workshop some minigames to learn a language in-game! | |||
| #49. Exploration Mechanics In One D&D? | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:59:38 | |
We're dissecting One D&D further in response to the playtest survey on D&D Beyond, which launches into a massive chat about how the game could better support the exploration and social pillars of play, for 5e and in future! | |||
| #48. Reviewing the D&D 2023 Release Schedule | 31 Aug 2022 | 01:02:03 | |
We discuss our expectations of Dungeons & Dragons' 2023 release schedule, prompting discussions about heist adventures, the deck of many things, and rediscovering Planescape! | |||
| #47. Is One D&D the Last Edition of Dungeons & Dragons? | 24 Aug 2022 | 01:15:50 | |
This week we're taking a deep dive into the One D&D Unearthed Arcana, closely examining the D&D Beyond VTT announcement, and asking what all this news means for the TTRPG industry? | |||
| #46. Support For Theatre of the Mind In D&D 5.5e | 17 Aug 2022 | 00:57:39 | |
We pontificate further about what we'd like to see in D&D 5.5e, "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim" gets funded in 3 minutes, and our expert panelists break down the art of running one shots! | |||
| #45. 'Wizards Presents' Predictions with Matt Colville | 10 Aug 2022 | 01:03:17 | |
We're joined by Matt Colville to reflect on the past and present of D&D to predict the future of the world's most popular roleplaying game! The Lorecast graduates to it's own YouTube channel and we congratulate James Haeck alongside his fellow ENNIE award winners. | |||
| #44. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Owlbears | 03 Aug 2022 | 01:01:24 | |
James and Shawn return in time to pick apart the D&D movie trailer and give their opinion on Owlbear-gate. Speaking of monsters, we answer a YouTube listener question about running 'monster of the week' style campaigns. | |||
| #43. Sebastian Crowe Guides Us Back To Drakkenheim | 27 Jul 2022 | 01:04:04 | |
The Dungeon Dudes return to the Eldritch Lorecast with "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim", their second Kickstarter! We weigh in on the Owlbear vs wild shape debate while geeking out over the 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' trailer! | |||
| #141. The Influencer-fication of the TTRPG Industry | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:56:42 | |
Do you need to be an Influencer to be a successful TTRPG designer? Is Roll20 buying Demiplane good for the RPG industry? Why has Dicebreaker stopped reporting on D&D? All that and more, right now... Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - Monster Manual covers 04:23 - Roll20 buys Demiplane 11:40 - Dael’s Dragon Age corner 14:12 - Dicebreaker conspiracy 19:16 - Legend of Vox Machina S3 20:45 - Diana Jones Award nominees 32:24 - YouTubification of TTRPG's | |||
| #42. Unearthed Wonders of the Multiverse | 20 Jul 2022 | 00:53:30 | |
A new Unearthed Arcana arrives halfway through recording and we marvel at the Wonders of the Multiverse! There's speculation over the Roll20 and OneBookShelf merger, anticipation for the "next versions" of the D&D core books, and time for a snack! | |||
| #41. Spelljammer Academy Has Free Tuition! | 13 Jul 2022 | 01:02:52 | |
We break news with Spelljammer Academy releasing free on D&D Beyond, celebrate the announcement of the ENNIE award nominations with nominee James Haeck, and think up questions to ask players during character creation! | |||
| #40. The D&D Civil War Heats Up! | 06 Jul 2022 | 00:57:03 | |
We celebrate the launch of Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse, dissect the news about DM's Guild partnering with Roll20, and congratulate celebrated RPG 'Alice is Missing' receiving a movie deal! | |||
| #39. Radiant Citadel's First Chapter Is Free! | 29 Jun 2022 | 01:04:31 | |
We consider TTRPG's digital future with D&D Beyond releasing of the first chapter from Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel free. Ben geek's out over a D&D themed breakfast, James listens to the official Critical Role album, Shawn talks marketing strategies, and Dael judges the transitions. | |||
| #38. This One Spell That All D&D GM's Hate! | 23 Jun 2022 | 01:01:32 | |
How high have you levelled up playing D&D 5e? Is it better to be a creative story writer or game mechanic engineer when writing for TTRPG's? Why is goodberry just the worst!? The answers to all these questions and more awaits! | |||
| #37. The Vecna Dossier and Even Stranger Things | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:56:40 | |
UPDATE: We forgot to mention the day we're streaming the Lorecast! Monday 7pm EDT / Monday 4pm PDT / Tuesday 9am AEDT | |||
| #36. Nine Eyes of Lucien and One Eye of Vecna | 08 Jun 2022 | 01:00:42 | |
The Critical Role extended universe is expanded by the impending release of "The Nine Eyes of Lucien", we speculate about monster themed supplements, and ponder the influence of Stranger Things on D&D. | |||
| #35. Unearthing a Giant Amount of Arcana | 01 Jun 2022 | 01:01:47 | |
We're dissecting the giant feats and subclasses offered in Unearthed Arcana, revisiting Monsters of the Multiverse to discuss the changes to player races, and special guest Joe Raso joins us to chat more Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse! | |||
| #34. Mordenkainen's Monsters Multiverse Mash | 25 May 2022 | 01:01:54 | |
This week we review the changes in Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse, provide a sneak preview of Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse, briefly touch on the issues around Dark Souls TTRPG, and answer a bunch of listener emails! | |||
| #33. The Age of Desolation is Upon Us | 18 May 2022 | 01:00:02 | |
Arora: Age of Desolation has arrived, and Shawn is here to unleash all the details about his beloved project! Unfortunately shardscale has started infecting Ben's microphone this week, resulting in a very slight audio quality dip. | |||
| #140. Will the WotC Controversies Ever STOP!? | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:58:51 | |
Wizards of the Coast publish a job listing for an AI Engineer, the new D&D Dungeon Master's Guide has its cover revealed, and we might have found an official name for the MCDM RPG. Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 04:44 - 5e DMG Covers 09:44 - WotC hiring AI Engineers 19:35 - Adam Bradford joins Fantasy Grounds 31:56 - D&D Show leaves Paramount+ 34:07 - D&D's controversial history 38:01 - AC or damage threshold? | |||
| #32. D&D Miniatures Vs Theatre of the Mind | 11 May 2022 | 01:00:44 | |
This week a geyser of new D&D miniatures from Wizkids rains down upon us and sparks a conversation about battle maps vs theatre of the mind. Shawn teases Arora: Age of Desolation, and Ben invents his best segues yet. | |||
| #31. Travelers of the D&D Metaverse? | 04 May 2022 | 01:09:23 | |
This week we try to break some news, pondering whether a 'Metaverse' is coming for 5e which could include third party campaign settings? James is as excited as ever for Episode 5 of Fables, and Dael teaches us the word skeumorphism. | |||
| #30. D&D Beyond is Bought and Spelljammer Confirmed | 27 Apr 2022 | 01:00:22 | |
We dive deep into the Dungeons & Dragons news from D&D Direct, including Spelljammer, Dragonlance, Baldur's Gate, campaign cases and more! Plus we dissect the implications (good and bad) of Wizards of the Coast purchasing D&D Beyond! | |||
| #29. Run Party Followers Your Players Won't Hate | 20 Apr 2022 | 01:03:22 | |
This week's episode of The Eldritch Lorecast is a deep dive into our mail bag, answering questions about party followers, sidekicks and familiars, D&D as an educational tool, and could you run Bridgerton as a 5e adventure? | |||
| #28. Make Dungeons Inspired by The Legend of Zelda | 13 Apr 2022 | 00:57:58 | |
This week's news is Hasbro's stealth announcement of a new D&D starter adventure, 'Dragons of Shipwreck Cove', and the next chapter of Fables is revealed to be more open world! James is inspired by The Legend of Zelda, Dael rolls for initiative against a giant spider, Shawn recounts more of 5e's beginnings, and Ben doesn't like Skyrim. | |||
| #27. Pathfinder is Getting a 5e Adventure Module! | 06 Apr 2022 | 00:57:00 | |
It's no April Fool's joke, Paizo are publishing a Pathfinder module as a 5th Edition adventure! Meanwhile WizKids are making a skirmish wargame with D&D: Onslaught. Dael brings her Golarion expertise, Shawn fears the reality-slayer-sword, James is gaga-googly eyes, and Ben lets his wargamer flag fly! | |||
| #26. Critical Role vs Legacy Media | 30 Mar 2022 | 01:02:50 | |
This week we're hyped for 'Arora: Age of Desolation', 'Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel', and Stephen Colbert teaming up with Critical Role again in April! Dael and James reminisce over their favorite Crit Role guest stars, Shawn gives sneaky clues about his new campaign world, and Ben turns EVERY game into an rpg. Discover 'Arora: Age of Desolation': https://ghostfiregaming.com/arora/ Help Choose Stephen's Adventure (Again): https://tiltify.com/@criticalrole/choose-stephen-colberts-adventure-again Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @Melb_DM Topics: | |||
| #25. Alternative Leveling Up Options for 5e! | 23 Mar 2022 | 01:00:08 | |
This week we get hyped for the Dungeons & Dragons movie with Chris Pine and Hugh Grant, and debate whether it feels good to level up in 5e. Ben just keeps his players at level 1, Dael is kinder to leveling than she's been in the past, James is on Witcher Watch this week, and Shawn is glad it's not like earlier editions. Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @Melb_DM Topics: | |||
| #24. The Netherdeep Calls Once More! | 16 Mar 2022 | 01:03:21 | |
This week we dive deep into Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep, discussing Critical Role Easter eggs, rival parties, and what we're most excited for! James and Shawn give insight into working in the TTRPG industry, and Dael doesn't think that's how lunar magic works while Ben crosses his arms in thoughtful disagreement. Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @Melb_DM Topics: | |||
| #23. Are These the Best D&D Campaign Settings? | 09 Mar 2022 | 01:05:40 | |
We spend this week's podcast exploring our favorite D&D campaign settings and answering listener questions! We chat about player races, NPCs, and whether Saving Throws are redundant? Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ghostfire Gaming Discord: https://discord.gg/QamRfm8d2A | |||
| #139. Are these D&D Settings too Problematic to Return? | 29 May 2024 | 01:01:57 | |
We dive into D&D adventure settings from Greyhawk to Kara Tur, from Forgotten Realms to Dark Sun, and ponder which deserve to return to 5e? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Teos: @Alphastream Omar: @OmarNajam Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:36 - Greyhawk 10:59 - Campaign settings & GMs 17:59 - D&D: Worlds and Realms 25:11 - Kara Tur 33:39 - D&D translations and accessibility 36:01 - "Blue Shell" rubber band mechanics 52:22 - Food in TTRPGs | |||
| #22. Are D&D Liveplays Evolving Beyond Critical Role? | 02 Mar 2022 | 01:03:29 | |
This week we finally deep dive into The Legend of Vox Machina!! We also discuss how Liveplays are changing and what makes one worth watching? Topics: | |||
| #21. Why Are Other Editions of D&D Better Than 5e | 23 Feb 2022 | 01:03:06 | |
This week Jim Davis from @Web DM joins the Eldritch Lorecast to help us learn from past editions of Dungeons & Dragons and brew house rules together from what we discover! | |||
| #20. Why NFTs are TERRIBLE for the TTRPG Industry! | 16 Feb 2022 | 01:04:19 | |
We dirty our souls discussing exactly why NFTs are terrible for the TTRPG industry, and then dive into listener email questions about DnD homebrew mechanics and house rules. Email: podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @Melb_DM Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Topics: 00:00 - Favorite House Rules 11:24 - Why NFTs Are TERRIBLE for the TTRPG Industry! 27:01 - Alternative Exhaustion Mechanics 43:00 - Balancing House Rules & Homebrew | |||
| #19. Runesmith Explains the Sunken Isles | 09 Feb 2022 | 01:01:57 | |
Runesmith returns once more to dive even deeper into the Sunken Isles, their new 5e adventure module. We explore the monster statblocks, including the mighty Shrimp Lord! Dael still hasn't seen The Legend of Vox Machina, James explores 5e condition mechanics, and Ben gushes about violent dragon attacks! | |||
| #18. Reviewing The Legend of Vox Machina | 02 Feb 2022 | 01:00:08 | |
This week James returns to help us celebrate a dice bag's worth of TTRPG news! Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun's second episode arrives, Tal'Dorei is Reborn, and we discuss Scanlan's [censored] on The Legend of Vox Machina. | |||
| #17. You Should Railroad Your Players | 26 Jan 2022 | 01:00:00 | |
Railroading isn't such a bad thing, and this week we mount the argument why when discussing running campaigns for uncreative dungeon masters. We also answer email questions about satisfying endings and how to make it fun to outlaw magic. Ben: @Melb_DM Dael: @DailyDael Shawn: @shawnmerwin Logan: @the_runesmith Topics: 00:00 - Intro 10:08 - DMing adventures when you're not creative 18:32 - How do you generally prep and run modules? 25:14 - It's Good to Railroad 31:45 - Ending a long campaign 42:15 - World Building: Magic is Illegal | |||
| #16. Choosing Monsters & Magical Damage | 19 Jan 2022 | 00:55:58 | |
Shawn unveils Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire to the public and we discuss building encounters around our favorite monsters. Ben and Dael debate Fire Elementals vs a bucket of water, and just how magical is that magical weapon? | |||
| #15. Sailing Towards a New 5e Adventure | 12 Jan 2022 | 01:12:00 | |
Runesmith himself, Logan Reese, returns to The Eldritch Lorecast to introduce his first 5th Edition adventure module; Sunken Isles. We're also delving into player-character backgrounds and how crafting your perfect backstory, and answering the big questions about sausage rolls! | |||
| #14. The Future of Tabletop Roleplaying Games | 05 Jan 2022 | 00:59:26 | |
The Eldritch Lorecast is back in 2022 and we're looking forward to a bright future in the TTRPG space. James discusses the release of his Fables baby, Shawn exhibits signs of Dragon Rage, Dael aims for some achievable goals including "2 small tricks", and Ben reminds himself to get back in touch with D&D as a hobby. Topics: 00:00 - Intro 00:39 - Reflecting on 2021 03:59 - Release of Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun 09:57 - Exploring the Monster Grimoire 17:51 - Dungeons of Drakkenheim 22:13 - Fables 2 rumors 27:49 - Project "Dragon Rage" 31:14 - Sunken Isles 31:55 - Fight the Blight announcement 35:10 - Setting your hobby goals for 2022 | |||
| #13. A Very Grim Hollow Christmas: Part 2 | 29 Dec 2021 | 01:02:04 | |
The crew continue our Christmas themed adventure, playing FATE: Accelerated by Evil Hat Productions. Gripped by terror one year more, is the entirety of Landhaus who have all locked their doors... which is likely wise with Kallos, Brillo and Eleanor running amok! | |||
| #138. Details in WotC's New Art shows D&D's Future! | 22 May 2024 | 01:00:24 | |
New D&D art drops, showcasing the cover of the next 5e PHB. MCDM rockets onto D&D Beyond with two 3rd party titles. Vecna is revealed as the next Dead by Daylight villain. Get 30% off at Into the AM until May 29: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Zac: @ZacSpeaksGiant Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 02:05 - How important is art? 07:54 - New D&D Covers 24:12 - Cover & Interior Art 29:39 - New D&D rules details 40:39 - MCDM on D&D Beyond 45:01 - Vecna joins Dead by Daylight 46:44 - Ability checks you want to fail | |||
| #12. A Very Grim Hollow Christmas: Part 1 | 22 Dec 2021 | 01:07:41 | |
On this very special episode of The Eldritch Lorecast, we're taking some time off from game design to play FATE: Accelerated, from Evil Hat Productions. 'Tis all winter solstice and silent in the city of Landhaus... until our heroes incite a riot and start breaking into homes in search of a mysterious gift giving monster! | |||
| #11. All I Want For Christmas is a Cthulhoid Effigy | 15 Dec 2021 | 00:53:17 | |
This week's Lorecast asks the big questions about whether you NEED to expand your TTRPG repertoire or 5th Edition D&D can cover every genre? James gets excited about Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun and Dael introduces us to The Gentleman. Download the first chapter of Fables FREE: https://ghostfiregaming.com/fables/ Topics: 00:00 - Intro 00:12 - Favorite Christmas gifts 07:00 - Fables Chapter 1 08:19 - Designing traps that engage players 16:31 - James' final words on Fables 18:56 - D&D 5e and genres of Fantasy 38:56 - How would you hack 5e to fit another genre? 49:44 - Christmas live-play teaser | |||
| #10. Arcane Anomalies and Studying at Strixhaven | 08 Dec 2021 | 01:04:34 | |
This episode is all about the arcane, eldritch, and magical as we anticipate the release of Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos. Dael makes controversial claims about Counterspell, Ben is mad at Suggestion, Shawn warns against the dangers of not cleaning up after a ritual, and James 00:00 - Intro | |||