

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

12 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 7min
Critical Role Chooses D&D 2024 – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Explore the latest trends in tabletop RPGs, including new magic item management strategies and inventive treasure generators. Delve into Critical Role's decision to adopt D&D 2024 for its fourth season and the implications for fan loyalty. Discover insights on the anticipated revival of the Dark Sun campaign and innovative updates in the Cypher system. Plus, get practical tips on revealing character secrets to enrich storytelling and enhance player engagement in your games.

12 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 34min
Seggotan's Anvil – Dragon Empire Prep Session 35
Mike dives into his preparations for the upcoming Tales of the Valiant campaign, celebrating a recent victory against a void creature. The discussion turns to key player choices, like thwarting a biological weapon and the twists of teleportation. Tensions rise as adventurers confront Dragon Empire tax collectors with moral dilemmas involving displaced children. Insights into organization, creature types, and treasure generation take center stage, providing invaluable tips for a smooth gaming experience.

Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 8min
D&D Versus Magic the Gathering – Lazy RPG Talk Show
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents
00:00 Show Start
01:12 Sly Flourish News: NPC Betrayal, 5e Magic Item Prices
03:03 Sly Flourish News: 20% Sly Flourish Books and Free US Shipping
04:04 Patreon Spotlight: Readings and Reflections
05:34 Patreon Spotlight: 5eADB Dice Roller and Point Buy Calculator
09:56 Product Spotlight: Tales of the Valiant Starter Set
21:52 Commentary: D&D Versus Magic the Gathering
49:23 DM Tip: Lazy Map Annotation
54:47 Patreon Question: Best Tools for Digital D&D?
59:18 Patreon Question: Shadowdark Feeling with 5e
Links
Sly Flourish Sale – 20% off and Free US Shipping until 20 August
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Avoid NPC Betrayal
Lazy 5e Magic Item Prices
Tales of the Valiant Starter Set
Hasbro Earnings Call Transcript
Ben Rigg's Gencon Panel: Solving the Mysteries of the D&D Business

Aug 15, 2025 • 36min
The Helm of Teleportation – Dragon Empire Prep Session 34
Mike dives into his campaign preparation, focusing on ancient tomb explorations and encounters with alien threats. He tackles the challenges of a nomad character facing scorched drakes and goblins, while emphasizing memorable locations and detailed maps. The discussion on multilayered fantasy map design introduces unique NPCs and highlights the art of balancing structure with improvisation. Listeners also get tips on creating engaging treasures and the importance of game prep, wrapped up with news on special promotions for RPG resources.

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 3min
Lose Yourself in Fiction – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Discover the latest in tabletop RPGs, including the launch of City of Arches on the Shard platform and the revamped 'Tyranny of Dragons.' Delve into a vast monster database and get acquainted with the new D&D starter set, 'Heroes of the Borderlands.' Explore storytelling styles that balance character-driven narratives with tactical gameplay, and learn strategies for managing multiple villains and diverse player groups. Plus, uncover tips for smoother gameplay and effective player turn management.

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.
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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!