The Lazy RPG Podcast - D&D and RPG News and GM Prep from Sly Flourish

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.

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.

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

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

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

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00:00 Show Start 00:00:45 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, Weapons of Power, Combat Tracker 00:01:53 Sly Flourish News: Weapons of Power Supplement 00:09:25 Sly Flourish News: Dread Necropolis Adventure Toolkit 00:12:53 Sly Flourish News: Combat Tracker in 5e Artisanal Database 00:18:17 D&D & RPG News: Numenera Humble Bundle 00:21:59 Product Spotlight: Dragon Delves for D&D 00:40:26 DM Tip: Building a Lazy Pantheon 00:54:43 Patreon Question: Adventure-Breaking Character Abilities 01:01:36 Patreon Question: Climactic Negotiations Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Avoid Removing Player Agency Chessex Battle Mat Review Numenera Humble Bundle

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

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

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

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