
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

7 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 7min
WOTC Was Right! – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Dive into the world of tabletop RPGs as a new Kickstarter campaign takes the spotlight. Discover the implications of Chris Perkins' exit from Wizards of the Coast and how tariffs are reshaping the industry. Enjoy a lively discussion on the balance between copyright and community creativity, while also exploring strategies for battling a Dracolich. Plus, get practical DM tips on character building and managing player perceptions. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their gaming experience!

8 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 42min
Path to Blackspire – Dragon Empire Prep Session 18
Mike dives into preparations for his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. The group faces ghost walker ettins and humorous game mechanics mishaps, leading to mysterious discoveries. Political intrigue unfolds with characters entangled in smuggler schemes and rivalries. They explore the obsidian fortress of Black Spire and its enigmatic guardians. Encounter balancing becomes crucial as players strategize against winter wolves, all while crafting immersive adventures filled with colorful NPCs and rich lore.

12 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 57min
Memoirs of a Dracolich – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Dive into the world of tabletop RPGs with exciting insights on Kickstarter projects like Free5e and the Alien RPG Evolved Edition. Explore the potential impact of a Creative Commons 5e RPG for global accessibility. Engage with the challenges of running high-stakes encounters featuring formidable Dracoliches. Uncover tips on flexible rules and strategic initiative handling in combat to enhance player experiences. Plus, discover the latest discussions on D&D 2024's stealth mechanics and promote better online gameplay behavior!

16 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 12min
Sigil's Demise – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Explore the latest in D&D and RPG news, including intriguing Humble Bundles and the fate of Sigil. Delve into the Zaminora Ballad of the Witch Kickstarter while discussing community reactions to the cancellation of the Sigil virtual tabletop. Gain insights into optimizing gameplay without sacrificing fun and learn how to balance player choices through innovative mechanics. Discover the nuances of running Level Up Advanced 5E compared to standard D&D, highlighting player preferences for gameplay complexity.

8 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 42min
Shopping Cliffhanger – Dragon Empire Prep Session 17
Join Mike as he dives into the thrilling preparations for his Dragon Empire campaign. The plot thickens with a daring hijack of a dragon-linked smuggling operation, complete with magical portals and rival allies. Discover unique treasures and character lore that add depth to the game. Exciting locations like the 'Forgotten Shrine of Nackrash' and abandoned sewers are revealed as potential adventure spots. Mike shares insights on crafting balanced narratives and keeping players engaged, while offering strategic game-master tips.

7 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 59min
Shadowdark Love-Fest – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Dive into the world of RPGs with fascinating insights on the Beyond the Woods Kickstarter, exploring its Irish folklore ties. Uncover the mechanics of the Shadowdark RPG, especially the exciting Western Reaches edition. Discussions around pricing and house rules reveal how these elements enhance gameplay. Alternatives to cultists, like mercenaries, offer new storytelling opportunities. Plus, discover tips for creating engaging adventures for novice players that keep them returning for more!

Mar 14, 2025 • 37min
The Sunless Stream – Dragon Empire Prep Session 16
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

Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 3min
RPGs I Want to Play – Lazy RPG Talk Show
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents
00:00 Show Start
01:21 D&D & RPG News: Mork Borg Bundle of Holding
04:11 D&D & RPG News: Potbellied Kobold Bundle of Holding
05:03 D&D & RPG News: Dungeon Crawl Classics Humble Bundle
07:49 Kickstarter Spotlight: Secrets of Magic for Fateforge
10:29 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2025 Starter Set Info
15:44 Commentary: What WOTC Products Matter for the RPG Hobby?
17:42 Commentary: Sci Show on Science of Scheduling a D&D Game
23:14 D&D & RPG News: Bob World Builder on RPG Kickstarters
28:10 Commentary: RPGs I Want To Play
37:17 DM Tip: The Retreat Action
46:14 Patreon Question: How Does Fog Cloud Work with Advantage?
50:12 Patreon Question: The Eight Steps with Big Dungeons
52:45 Patreon Question: Players Forgetting Character Abilities
54:40 Patreon Question: Dealing with Players Whose Characters Run Ahead
59:35 Patreon Question: DM Screen on Small Table
Links
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mork Borg Bundle of Holding
Potbellied Kobold Bundle of Holding
DCC Megabundle Humble Bundle
Fateforge Secrets of Magic Kickstarter
D&D Starter Set Video Official
D&D Starter Set Demo at New York Toy Faire
EN World Thread
Sci Show on Scheduling RPG Games
Bob World Builder on Crowdfunding Historical Trends
The Retreat Action

Mar 7, 2025 • 32min
Shrine of Isis – Dragon Empire Prep Session 15
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

25 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h
Challenge Rating Deep Dive – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Dive into the complexities of Challenge Rating in Dungeons & Dragons and learn practical methods for evaluating encounter difficulty. Discover updates about the City of Arches project, including the anticipated Monster Manual 2024. Explore the art of integrating fantastic locations into a modern campaign setting, as well as tips for crafting dynamic and immersive landmarks. With insights on adapting monster stats and logistics for RPG books, this discussion is a treasure trove for both seasoned and new dungeon masters!
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