The Lazy RPG Podcast - D&D and RPG News and GM Prep from Sly Flourish

The End of One D&D – Lazy RPG Talk Show

11 snips

Feb 24, 2025

Explore the latest in RPG news, including the new Markdown-based system reference documents and exciting Kickstarter projects. Discover how bonus actions have evolved and why they matter for gameplay. Learn innovative alternatives to traditional mechanics like legendary resistance. Dive into discussions on character agency and how to navigate challenges in large game groups. Plus, get insights into the impact of YouTube algorithm changes on D&D content creators and the importance of adapting to audience engagement.

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INSIGHT

Bonus Action Evolution

D&D bonus actions were initially designed to limit extra actions, not expand them.
They became another full action type, changing 5e's action economy.

ADVICE

Focus on the GM

Game Masters (GMs) are the primary consumers of RPG products.
Design and purchase products with the GM's needs in mind.

ANECDOTE

Playtesting 2025 Monsters

Mike Shea tested the 2025 Monster Manual with his D&D group.
He used the treant, stone giant, and adult black dragon stat blocks.

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The City of Arches

Mike Shea

Monster Vault 2

Kobold Press

Monstrous Menagerie

Paul Hughes

Shattered

Inside Hillary Clinton's Doomed Campaign

Amie Parnes

Jonathan Allen

Shattered provides a comprehensive chronicle of Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign, from its difficult birth to the bewildering terror of election night. The book, based on extensive interviews with campaign staff and Clinton insiders, highlights the campaign's internal tensions, the candidate's difficulty in articulating a vision, and the failure to internalize lessons from the primary against Bernie Sanders. It offers a richly reported and behind-the-scenes view of the obstacles that contributed to Clinton's defeat, providing urgent lessons both political and personal[2][3][4].

Dungeon Master Guide

Core Rule Book

The Dungeon Master's Guide is one of the three main core rulebooks for Dungeons & Dragons, along with the Player's Handbook and Monster Manual. It provides the Dungeon Master with the tools and resources needed to create adventures, invent monsters, solve mysteries, and explore fantasy worlds. The book includes dozens of tables to inspire decisions and keep the game flowing smoothly, helping to immerse players in the game. It is essential for running D&D games and filling them with characters and stories.

Level Up: Advanced 5e's Trials and Treasure

None

Various

Level Up: Advanced 5e's Trials and Treasure is a supplement for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, focusing on providing Dungeon Masters with tools and resources for creating engaging and challenging encounters. It offers a variety of pre-generated encounters, random tables, and guidance on designing custom encounters. The book aims to streamline the encounter-building process, allowing DMs to focus on other aspects of their game. It includes options for different levels and environments, ensuring versatility for various campaigns. Level Up: Advanced 5e's Trials and Treasure is a valuable resource for DMs of all experience levels.

Monster Manual

Various

The 5th Edition Monster Manual is a seminal book in the Dungeons & Dragons series, offering detailed descriptions, stat blocks, and tactics for over 150 different monsters. It includes iconic creatures like dragons, goblins, and orcs, as well as lesser-known entities. The book is praised for its high-quality artwork, meticulous graphic design, and the balance it strikes between lore and mechanical detail. It serves as a valuable resource for Dungeon Masters to create engaging encounters and populate their adventures with a wide variety of fantastical foes.

Forge of Foes

Scott Gray

Teos Abadia

Level Up: Advanced 5e's Trials and Treasure

None

Various

Tales of the Valiant Game Master's Guide

Not specified

Mike Shea

Lazy DM's Companion

Mike Shea

Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master

None

Mike Shea

Creating and Adapting Monsters for Shadowdark

Michael Putlack

The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

Wizards RPG Team