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

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00:00 Show Start 00:00:50 Sly Flourish News: Use Agnostic Tools, Go Easy On Yourself, Vathrex Unchained 00:03:16 D&D & RPG News: Shadow of the Weird Wizard Bundle of Holding 00:07:05 Product Spotlight: Mythic Game Master Emulator for Solo RPGs 00:12:49 D&D & RPG News: How Many D&D Products Are There? 00:16:28 D&D & RPG News: Critical Role Interview on Dungeon Craft 00:37:47 DM Tip: What's Your Villain's Backup Plan? 00:52:34 Patreon Question: Share DCs and ACs? 00:57:09 Patreon Question: Worth Running Other RPGs? 01:04:13 Patreon Question: Starter Sets for Experienced Groups? Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Use Agnostic Tools Go Easy On Yourself Shadow of the Weird Wizard How to Find and Read Blogs Mythic Game Master Emulator Free guidelines Mythic Game Master Emulator One Pager Mythic Game Master Emulator Second Edition How Much D&D Stuff Is There? Critical Role interview with Professor Dungeon Master Villainous Backup Plans Makes a pact with a devil Sacrifices themselves Sacrifices their followers Sacrifices something they love Finds another key Conducts a life stealing ritual Makes a deal with a rival Digs everywhere Goes after something the characters love Allies with a more powerful being Creates a fake key Moves at a faster pace Takes a big risk Digs a new entrance Attempts to destroy the thing Seeks an alternative route Goes after an alternative artifact Infiltrates through a parallel world Sends in an army Seeks the Forbidden Way

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 00:59 Sly Flourish News: Published Adventures, Use Agnostic Tools, Vathrix Unchained 04:28 Sly Flourish News: Lazy DM's Workbook in NY Magazine 05:42 D&D & RPG News: Justice Arman on Mastering Dungeons 07:35 D&D & RPG News: D&D Starter Set Ad and Liveplay 11:25 Commentary: Is WOTC Being a Good Steward of the RPG Hobby? 38:59 Commentary: Dragonbane Feedback 52:08 Patreon Question: Running Paper Character Sheets 55:44 Patreon Question: Magic Item Attunement Criteria Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Lazy DM's Workbook in New York Magazine Justice Arman on Mastering Dungeons D&D Starter Set Ad D&D Starter Set Liveplay with Stinky Dragon Podcast folks New URL for D&D School Program pages Sly Flourish Sponsorship page D&D Beyond Isn't a Fair Platform for Customers or Publishers

Mike dives into the new D&D Starter Set, Heroes of the Borderlands, providing a thorough first look. He discusses its quality, price, and intriguing contents like character and map components. Concerns around first-level character fragility arise, along with suggestions for enhancing player survivability. The exploration of adventure books and quest hooks reveals opportunities for player-driven storytelling, while his closing thoughts inspire listeners to embrace RPGs and explore deeper into the game.

Dive into exciting discussions around customizing your D&D experience through retail partnerships and unique player dynamics. Explore the innovative mechanics of the Dragonbane box set, emphasizing skill-focused gameplay. Delve into the ethics of treasure hunting in RPGs and strategies for navigating morally complex scenarios. Plus, get practical tips for running engaging 90-minute sessions and discover the joys of solo play with thrilling narrative adventures. Uncover the beautiful mess of D&D and the nostalgia surrounding new starter sets!

Dive deep into the world of 5e as Mike explores four different systems, including D&D 2014 and D&D 2024. Discover which core books stand out, from the best Player's Handbook to the ultimate Game Master Guide. He highlights the essential features that make each system unique and emphasizes the importance of tailoring RPG experiences to fit your group's dynamics. Plus, get insights on monster books and how a mix-and-match approach can elevate your gameplay!

Dive into the latest buzz in tabletop RPGs, featuring exciting Kickstarter projects like Northlands and Scorched Basin. Explore innovative crafting mechanics and the intricacies of utilizing rare components for unique magic items. Get insights on upcoming conventions and the Daggerheart Initiative feedback. There's also a spotlight on balancing narrative with player engagement, emphasizing improvisation techniques for game masters. Finally, discover tips for campaign building and how to make the most of your RPG experience!

Dive into an epic quest to assassinate a dragon half basilisk in a thrilling campaign set in the Midgard world. Discover players’ strategic discussions to confront a powerful green dragon and their daring attempts at stealthy heists. Unearth the complexities of character dynamics as they balance unique NPC designs and player motivations. Get a glimpse into future challenges targeted at levels 15 to 16, along with essential tips and resources for Dungeon Masters looking to elevate their gameplay.

Dive into the latest D&D and RPG updates, including an intriguing discussion on the Dungeon Masters Guild Humble Bundle. Discover initial thoughts on the innovative tabletop RPG Daggerheart, focusing on its unique mechanics and initiative system that fosters player creativity. The hosts share tips for enhancing player engagement and effective treasure utilization, while addressing the challenge of mid-campaign blues. Plus, get insights on turning mundane moments into exciting gameplay and the significance of quality maps in creating immersive adventures!

The discussion kicks off with prepping for a thrilling mission to assassinate the adult green dragon, Stone Gaze, as characters approach the trade town of Segetan's Anvil. Secrets unfold beneath the town in a network of tunnels, adding layers to the adventure. Innovative gameplay mechanics featuring black puddings are introduced, alongside explorations of character dynamics. The narrative deepens with notable figures like Eustasia Stonegades, immersing players in rich environments. The importance of meticulous preparation and community resources is highlighted for an enhanced RPG experience.