The Eldritch Lorecast

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.

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