
The Eldritch Lorecast
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 1min
#166. D&D Beyond Publishes a Non-DnD Game!
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

Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
#165. Dimension 20's EXPLOSIVE New TTRPG has Problems...
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

6 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 6min
#164. Bastions Are Good, Actually? Here's Why!
Bob World Builder, a Dungeons & Dragons expert, joins to explore the intriguing Bastion system from the upcoming Dungeon Master's Guide. The conversation balances creative storytelling with gameplay mechanics, discussing how these bastions can enhance player engagement. They also delve into crafting immersive campaign worlds and the importance of narrative consequences, ensuring every player's choice matters. With playful references to Indiana Jones and community insights, the chat highlights the exciting evolution of tabletop gaming.

Nov 13, 2024 • 59min
#163. How Much D&D Prep is Too Much, and Why It’s Never Enough!
Dive into the balance of preparation and improvisation in D&D campaigns. Discover how much prep is too much and the importance of well-crafted villains. Explore the rising influence of AI art in tabletop gaming and its ethical implications. Tune in for insights on new job opportunities in the industry and discussions about the integration of the Bastion system in adventures. Plus, uncover the upcoming challenges and changes in D&D rules, making the game more accessible for newcomers!

Nov 6, 2024 • 56min
#162. MASSIVE D&D Monster Changes Hinted on D&D Beyond!
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

Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 2min
#161. MASSIVE Shakeups at Hasbro Change D&D's Future!
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

Oct 23, 2024 • 52min
#160. What's So Great About the D&D 2024 DMG?
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

Oct 16, 2024 • 1h 2min
#159. How YouTube Destroys the Mental Health of Creators
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

Oct 9, 2024 • 59min
#158. Are Bastions Better than Strongholds & Followers?
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

Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 1min
#157. Is Less Detail Better for Building TTRPG Settings?
Dive into the fascinating world of tabletop RPGs as the hosts discuss the balance between deep lore and flexible storytelling. They explore nostalgic settings, like the potential revival of the 80's D&D cartoon. Discover debates over low versus high magic worlds, and how these choices shape player experiences. Exciting announcements about the Grim Hollow Kickstarter and new free adventures tantalize creativity. Also, get insights into the nuances of the 'Polymorph' spell and its gameplay implications!