
The Lazy RPG Podcast - D&D and RPG News and GM Prep from Sly Flourish
The Lazy RPG Talk Show and the Lazy GM Prep show. D&D news, commentary, spotlights, Q&A, and lazy GM prep with Mike Shea of Sly Flourish.
Latest episodes

Jun 26, 2025 • 36min
Return to the Four of Forty Fingers – Dragon Empire Prep Session 27
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
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Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books
Midgard Worldbook
Tales of the Valiant
Obsidian for TTRPGs

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 3min
What Defines a Successful RPG? – Lazy RPG Talk Show
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
00:00 Show Start
00:59 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, Scions of Light, 5eADB Updates
09:19 Kickstarter Spotlight: Treasures in the Dark by Jeff Stevens
10:43 D&D & RPG News: Perkins and Crawford Join Darrington Press, Ivan van Norman Leaves DP, Todd Kendrick Laid Off, Jess Lanzillo Leaves WOTC
16:57 Commentary: The RPG Business Punditry Hobby
22:14 Commentary: What Makes an RPG Successful?
37:30 DM Tip: Running 200 Ghouls in One Battle
49:53 Patreon Question: Campaign Plans and Player Agency
55:30 Patreon Question: Best Resources for New GMs
58:43 Patreon Question: Managing Large Groups of Monsters
Links
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books
How to Get Your Group to Play Other RPGs
Organizing Your RPG Prep Notes
Avoid Removing Player Agency
Treasures in the Dark Kickstarter
Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford Join Darrington Press
Ivan van Norman Leaves Darrington Press
Todd Kendrick Laid Off
Jess Lanzillo Departs Wizards of the Coast
Mastering Dungeons Episode
What Makes RPGs Successful
Running Hordes

Jun 13, 2025 • 43min
Returning Greyharp – Dragon Empire Prep Session 26
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books
Midgard Worldbook
Tales of the Valiant
Obsidian for TTRPGs

Jun 9, 2025 • 60min
Daggerheart Spotlight – Lazy RPG Talk Show
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents
00:00 Show Start
00:48 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Database Updates, Key of Worlds Scenario 11
08:25 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dragonbane Arkand & Book of Magic
11:19 D&D & RPG News: LGBTQ\+ TTRPG Bundle on Bundle of Holding
11:54 Product Spotlight: Daggerheart
36:08 DM Tip: Track Monster Damage with Xs and Slashes
47:16 Patreon Question: Telling Players About Quests
51:13 Patreon Question: Keeping a Campaign's Tone Consistent
54:33 Patreon Question: Tying Character Backgrounds to Published Adventures
Links
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Hang On Loosely
How to Get Your Group to Play Other RPGs
Dragonbane Kickstarter
Pride Games Bundle of Holding
Daggerheart
Tallying Damage – Patchwork Paladin

Jun 6, 2025 • 31min
Vestar the Shining Storm – Dragon Empire Prep Session 25
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books
Midgard Worldbook
Tales of the Valiant
Obsidian for TTRPGs

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 8min
The 5e Artisanal Database – Lazy RPG Talk Show
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents
00:00:00 Show Start
00:01:02 D&D & RPG News: Happy Pride Month
00:01:31 Sly Flourish News: Leave Blanks, Hang On Loosely, COA Available Worldwide, Markdown and EPUB Lazy DM's Companion
00:08:03 D&D & RPG News: Daggerheart in Markdown
00:09:50 D&D & RPG News: Grim Hollow Bundle of Holding
00:13:48 D&D & RPG News: RPG Game Master Book Series Humble Bundle
00:15:01 Kickstarter Spotlight: Tales of the Valiant Player's Guide 2
00:18:40 Product Spotlight: Horizon Issue 3 by Wildmage Press
00:21:46 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2014 to D&D 2024 Conversion Guide
00:25:51 D&D & RPG News: Ten Cultist Powers by Evan Rash
00:26:53 D&D & RPG News: Corridor Themes by Justin Alexander
00:29:58 Sly Flourish News: The 5e Artisanal Database
00:39:04 DM Tip: The Power of Text Files
00:50:41 Patreon Question: Running the Keep Scenario from Lazy DM's Companion
00:55:16 Patreon Question: Sly Flourish Tools for Shadowdark
01:03:04 Patreon Question: Stocking Dungeons
Links
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Leave Blanks
Hang On Loosely
City of Arches Shipping Worldwide
Daggerheart SRD in Markdown
Grim Hollow Bundle of Holding
Deadlands Humble Bundle
The Game Master's Book Of Humble Bundle
Tales of the Valiant Player's Handbook 2 Kickstarter
Horizons Issue 3
New D&D 2014 to D&D 2024 Conversion Guide
Ten Cult Powers by Evan Rash
Corridor Themes by Justin Alexander

8 snips
May 30, 2025 • 29min
The Third Heaven – Dragon Empire Prep Session 24
In a thrilling campaign session, characters navigate a daring heist's aftermath in the treacherous Dragon Empire. They strategize to disrupt a powerful citadel and face a dragon commander while grappling with the fallout from gold mismanagement. The discussion dives into enhancing character development through secrets and creative map use. Unique treasures are introduced, including a teleporting ship, alongside new monsters to elevate the adventure. Excitement builds as preparations for upcoming wyvern encounters unfold.

6 snips
May 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
Daggerheart Released – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Discover insightful updates and resources for tabletop RPG fans, including the exciting launch of Daggerheart and a deep dive into the Old School Essentials bundle. The conversation highlights creative strategies from 'Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master' for effective game prep. There's also an exploration of new RPG releases like 'Blades in the Dark Deep Cuts,' along with tips for enhancing player experiences in encounters. Plus, valuable discussions on rolling ability scores and managing powerful legacy items round out the talk.

5 snips
May 23, 2025 • 38min
The Shadow Drake – Dragon Empire Prep Session 23
Join the thrilling adventure as characters embark on a daring heist in a dragon vault, battling eerie creatures in the Shadow Realm and confronting a captivating queen. Discover effective methods for crafting challenge-rated encounters in the dangerous city of Nerderan, complete with engaging factions. Witness the transformation of a creature into a shadow drake, enhancing the narrative with intricate character dynamics. Finally, unravel the struggles of the Southern Dragon Coil Legions while customizing magical items for unforgettable RPG adventures.

9 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
Gary Gygax's 25 Year D&D Predictions from 1999 – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Dive into the fascinating world of tabletop RPGs! Discover insights on adapting 'Lord of the Rings' for D&D 5E and explore Gary Gygax's ambitious 1999 predictions for D&D's future. Check out the unique gameplay of Neon City Outlaws, showcasing the evolution of RPGs and the growing influence of tech. Learn how strategic 'lightning rods' can enhance gameplay by complementing character abilities. Lastly, ponder the humorous impact of AI in traditional RPG experiences—will it take over the game?