The Eldritch Lorecast

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!

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

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!

Adam Carnevale, a notable figure in the RPG community, shares his expertise and insights in this engaging discussion. The conversation kicks off with Kobold Press's firm stance on AI in game design, emphasizing human creativity. They explore the latest in D&D, including the integration of D&D 2024 into the Adventurer’s League and the upcoming Ravenloft novel. Most intriguingly, they reimagine Strahd as a complex villain, diving into the thematic depth of vampire archetypes while proposing innovative mechanics to enhance storytelling.

Join Ben Byrne, a creative force in TTRPGs, Dael, a keen voice in tabletop discussions, James Haeck, a TTRPG content producer, and Shawn Merwin, a game design contributor, as they dive into the controversial topic of AI in D&D. They discuss Hasbro’s CEO's thoughts on technology, the release of MCDM's creator license for Draw Steel, and explore the impact of YouTube on TTRPG creators. The conversation highlights the challenges of game scheduling and the evolving landscape of tabletop gaming, rich with community insights!

Delve into the ethical dilemmas of using tabletop RPGs for military training, exploring the intersection of gaming culture and military preparedness. Discover the latest transformations in Grim Hollow, unveiling character mechanics that add depth to storytelling. The discussion around bounded accuracy uncovers how it empowers lower-level characters in high-stakes situations, contributing to a more heroic narrative. Experience insights on balancing player agency with worldbuilding, enhancing both gameplay and character dynamics in engaging tales.