The Eldritch Lorecast

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.

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, a contributor from MCDM, shares his insights on the merits of public development in tabletop RPGs, arguing it can lead to more engaging games. He discusses the recent updates from D&D Beyond and Paizo, exploring how community feedback shapes these policies. The conversation dives into whether RPGs can thrive on purely narrative mechanics, sparking intriguing debates on storytelling versus traditional gameplay. Additionally, they dissect the highly anticipated adaptation of Critical Role’s Mighty Nein, analyzing its potential new direction.

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

Join WotC designers Makenzie De Armas and Justice Ramin Arman as they discuss the exciting features of the upcoming 2024 Player's Handbook. They dive into innovative healing spells, unique character creation processes, and the revamped Monster Manual, including new abilities for dragons. Get an inside look at Project Sigil—a 3D virtual tabletop tool—and explore the creative chemistry between gameplay mechanics and narrative art. Plus, enjoy humorous anecdotes from their Gen Con experiences and hints about the game-changing title, 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

Excitement for D&D 2024 PHB early release at Gen Con, USPS D&D Stamps, WotC's new president, Role Gate acquisition of Tabletop Mirror, favorite character flaws in tabletop games