

The Lazy RPG Podcast - D&D and RPG News and GM Prep from Sly Flourish
mike@slyflourish.com
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 8, 2025 • 37min
Din of the Void – Dragon Empire Prep Session 33
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

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 13min
"Welecome Back" to D&D? – Lazy RPG Talk Show
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents
00:00 Show Start
01:04 Sly Flourish News: Ten Heist Encounters, Lazy World Building
02:28 Sly Flourish News: Map Annotator in 5eADB
06:06 D&D & RPG News: ENNIE Winners
07:46 D&D & RPG News: Cypher System Revised by Monte Cook Games
14:59 D&D & RPG News: Daggerheart Class Decks, New Adventures, New Worlds with Keith Baker
20:06 D&D & RPG News: Critical Role Season 4 with Brennan Lee Mulligan
23:28 D&D & RPG News: Pathfinder Abomination Vaults on D&D Beyond
25:20 Commentary: D&D Beyond Isn't a Fair Business Platform
32:57 D&D & RPG News: Exclusive Forgotten Realms Products on D&D Beyond
39:26 Commentary: "Welcome Back" post by Dan Ayoub
01:00:24 DM Tip: Five Scenes
01:07:30 Patreon Question: 3-2-1 Quest Model Without a Job Board
Links
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books:
ENNIE Winners
Cypher Evolved by Monte Cook Games
Daggerheart Gencon 2025 Announcements
Brennan Lee Mulligan GMs Critical Role Season 4
Pathfinder Abomination Vaults PDF
Forgotten Realms Digital Exclusives for D&D Beyond
Welcome Back to the Table: D&D's New Direction
D&D Beyond Terms and Conditions
Jess Lanzillo interview with Christian Hoffer
3-2-1 Quest Model

5 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 44min
Colosseum of the Red Sun – Dragon Empire Prep Session 32
Prepare for an enthralling quest as characters seek a powerful helm at the Colosseum of the Red Sun, battling dragons and rival factions. Delve into the eerie lore of satyrs and the sinister experiments of a dragon empire. Experience a heart-pounding multi-wave battle against corrupted foes and explosive creatures. Discover strategic character development ideas and explore growth themes through nature and literature. Finally, learn tips for crafting engaging adventures that balance challenges and player interactions.

5 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
Who is the Stranger Things D&D Starter Set For? – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Dive into the latest in tabletop RPGs, including fresh news about the Eddie Munson Stranger Things D&D starter set and marketing insights from the Hellfire Club box. Discover strategies for navigating the Endless Warrens scenario with its clash of factions and treasures. Learn tips for adapting gameplay elements like the lich monster and managing RPG time effectively. Plus, explore valuable resources like Virtual Tabletop tools and the impact of video games on the RPG community.

6 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 33min
Alien Invasion – Dragon Empire Prep Session 31
Explore the preparations for a thrilling campaign in the Dragon Empire, featuring the haunted goblin city of Copper Vein. The characters embark on a daunting quest for the Helm of Teleportation, battling mercenaries and a fierce dragon. After celebrating their victory over the dragon, players discuss character backgrounds and strategies for the next challenges. Delve into the secrets of a magical helm linked to dark rituals, and uncover plans for destabilizing the dragon empire—a journey filled with lore, strategic quests, and unexpected monsters awaits!

8 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 3min
Eberron Forge of the Artificer is Weird – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Dive into the bizarre world of Eberron's Forge of the Artificer and its unique quirks. Discover the new Lazy 5e treasure generator designed to enhance gameplay. Get insights on the Creative Commons release of the Black Flag system and what that means for players. Explore the upcoming D&D Starter Set's role in attracting newcomers. Plus, learn tips on running a Death Knight smoothly and balancing magic item pricing for a fairer game experience!

7 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 30min
Darkstar – Dragon Empire Prep Session 30
Mike dives into the thrilling preparation for a role-playing session in a goblin-infested keep. Players are encouraged to think outside the box as they navigate challenges in a zombie-filled crypt, encountering goblin ghosts and transforming into bats. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of player dynamics and inclusivity, enhancing engagement through unique character arcs and narrative depth. Lastly, there's a reflection on effective game preparation and resource-sharing for a richer RPG experience.

5 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 4min
What Is a D&D Franchise Model? – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Explore the intriguing transition of Dungeons & Dragons into a franchise model and its potential implications. Discover the City of Arches, a versatile setting for lazy game masters, complete with rich lore and adventure hooks. Dive into the encounter calculator for customizable combat challenges and learn how to enhance replayability with random elements. The conversation emphasizes prioritizing fun over strict rules in RPGs, encouraging a relaxed approach to game mastering while engaging players with secrets and storytelling.

Jul 11, 2025 • 26min
Stonewatch – Dragon Empire Prep Session 29
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

Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 7min
Labyrinth Worldbook Spotlight – Lazy RPG Talk Show
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents
00:00:00 Show Start
00:01:06 Sly Flourish News: Chessex Mat Review, Treasure Parcels, Shadowdark Adventure
00:03:06 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Database Advanced Search Features
00:09:43 D&D & RPG News: RPG Mega Bundle on Humble Bundle
00:14:31 D&D & RPG News: Free Leage Summer Sales
00:16:42 D&D & RPG News: 2025 ENNIE Nominations
00:17:36 Commentary: Dungeon Delves Core Book Compatibility and Betrayal Adventures
00:34:51 Product Spotlight: Labyrinth by Kobold Press
00:53:01 DM Tip: The Two Opposing Truths of RPGs
01:00:15 Patreon Question: Maps and Theater of the Mind Breaking Immersion
Links
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Chessex Battle Mat Review
Lazy 5e Treasure Parcels
Go Big RPG Humble Bundle
Free League sale
ENNIE 2025 nominations
Labyrinth Worldbook
Running Theater of the Mind Combat
Abstract Battle Maps
Zone-based Combat