
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

May 5, 2025 • 1h 7min
Chessex Battle Mat Deep Dive – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Dive into the latest tabletop RPG news, from exciting Kickstarter projects like Fury of the Forsaken to valuable updates for GMs. Discover the pros and cons of Chessex Battle Mats versus Pathfinder Flipmats, focusing on durability and usability. Explore strategies for multi-wave encounters and the impact of character motivations. Gain insights on managing monster difficulty and adjusting challenge ratings for a more engaging gameplay experience. Whether you're a seasoned DM or a newcomer, there's a wealth of useful tips to enhance your RPG sessions!

6 snips
May 2, 2025 • 28min
Sunray – Dragon Empire Prep Session 21
Mike gears up for an exciting infiltration mission in the Dragon Empire. Players strategize to undermine the empire's wealth while facing formidable challenges, including ghostly guardians and a young copper dragon. They must make tough decisions about resource management and navigate family dynamics amidst a looming threat from spies. The adventure unfolds with strategic planning for the Maradi armies, blending character skills with potential mission failures, all while engaging the audience through interactive content.

7 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 60min
Is WOTC a Good Steward of 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: Ruins of the Grendleroot On Sale
04:42 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Monster Database Updated with D&D 2025 MM Monsters
07:42 Sly Flourish News: New Articles and Podcasts
10:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Knock Issue 5 from Merry Mushman
13:17 D&D & RPG News: 5.2 SRD Released into the Creative Commons
22:07 Commentary: What can GM's Do with the 5.2 SRD?
27:40 Commentary: A Look at Mike's Little Candles -- Is WOTC Being a Good Steward of the Hobby?
45:36 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 Errata
49:34 DM Tip: Using Physical Book At the Table
Links
Ruins of the Grendleroot On Sale for $5
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Knock Kickstarter
5.2 SRD Page
5.2 SRD PDF
D&D 2024 PHB Errata
D&D 2024 DMG Errata
D&D 2024 MM Errata

9 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 39min
Let's Make an Adventure with the City of Arches
Delve into the creative process of building engaging D&D adventures using prompts from the City of Arches! Discover how to craft personalized scenarios with unique characters and thrilling mechanics, like battling gray oozes in dark lore-filled caverns. Gain practical tips for selecting maps that enhance storytelling, and explore dungeon design featuring thematic encounters and navigation challenges. A methodical approach to RPG preparation also unveils insights into turning adventure hooks into structured notes, perfect for inspiring your next campaign.

8 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 55min
Play D&D 6e Today – Lazy RPG Talk Show
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents
00:00 Show Start
01:01 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches, Latest SF articles and podcasts, new CC material
12:15 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 5.2 System Reference Document on Tuesday
15:09 Commentary: Why the 5.2 SRD Matters to GMs
20:25 Commentary: Do we Need a 5.2 SRD in the OGL? No!
24:52 Commentary: How to Play D&D 6E Today!
31:49 DM Tip: Get Your Players to Play Other Systems
39:47 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Search More
44:56 Patreon Question: Grim Portents and Focusing On Your Next Game
49:04 Patreon Question: Revealing Secrets Through Sages
51:22 Patreon Question: What Sections Are Missing From Most GM Books? Monuments
Links
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Buy Sly Flourish Books:
City of Arches
D&D 2024 5.2 SRD Coming Tuesday
13th Age
Shadow of the Weird Wizard
Numenera
Dusk City Outlaws
Lazy GM's Resource Document

6 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 31min
Graymist – Dragon Empire Prep Session 20
Join in on the thrilling preparations for a tabletop RPG session in a haunted citadel as characters navigate perilous encounters with wraiths and winter wolves. Discover strategic paths, potential allies, and enemies while unearthing intriguing treasures like a haunted glass eyeball. Delve into the challenges of navigating a complex economic system in the Maradi Empire. Plus, get insights on organizing materials for an exciting game session and learn about new resources to enhance your RPG experience!

9 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 9min
How RPGs Die – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Delve into the recent shakeup at Wizards of the Coast as key figures depart, potentially reshaping the future of D&D. Explore the rise of one-on-one RPG sessions that enhance player agency. Discover insights on the evolution toward D&D's sixth edition and the state of the Old School Renaissance. Get tips for using index cards as a prep tool and learn about revamped Beholder tactics from the new Monster Manual. Plus, engage with community resources that enrich the RPG experience.

Apr 11, 2025 • 39min
The Blackspire Heist – Dragon Empire Prep Session 19
Dive into the thrilling preparations for a campaign featuring a dragon's roost and strategic game map design. Explore the characters' perilous quest to the obsidian keep, battling winter wolves and navigating political alliances. Discover the intricate financial logistics of funding an army, including the tricky calculations of managing mercenary costs. Finally, uncover the treasures and creative tactics behind an upcoming heist, complete with clever strategies for transporting copious amounts of gold.

13 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.
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