The Eldritch Lorecast

By Ghostfire Gaming

What's The Eldritch Lorecast about?

Ben Byrne, Dael Kingsmill, Shawn Merwin, and James Haeck bring you the latest tabletop hobby news, discussions on roleplaying game design, ideas for players and GMs, and share their passion for tabletop roleplaying games and the community!

For More info be sure to check out ghostfiregaming.com.

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The Eldritch Lorecast episodes:

05.29.2024
#139. Are these D&D Settings too Problematic to Return?
We dive into D&D; adventure settings from Greyhawk to Kara Tur, from Forgotten Realms to Dark Sun, and ponder which deserve to return to 5e? Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Teos: @Alphastream Omar: @OmarNajam Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:36 - Greyhawk 10:59 - Campaign settings...
05.22.2024
#138. Details in WotC's New Art shows D&D's Future!
New D&D; art drops, showcasing the cover of the next 5e PHB. MCDM rockets onto D&D; Beyond with two 3rd party titles. Vecna is revealed as the next Dead by Daylight villain. Get 30% off at Into the AM until May...
05.15.2024
#137. Is Critical Role Repeating Geek & Sundry's Mistakes?
Critical Role starts its own subscription service, but is this repeating Geek & Sundry's mistakes? D&D; announces another video game licensing deal and makes a controversial reveal! Sign for the Monster Hunter playtest: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_4_134 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn:...
05.08.2024
#136. Is D&D Beyond Ending Microtransactions a Good Thing?
Wizards of the Coast drops microtransactions from D&D; Beyond, promises to update the 5e SRD, and releases an AI art FAQ. Should every TTRPG have a TV show like Fallout? Crowdfund Campaign Cabinets here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/loudounlaserworks/campaign-cabinets?ref=cq6nex Sign for the Monster Hunter playtest: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_4_134 Email...
05.01.2024
#135. How to Design a Class like the DnD Monster Hunter
We discuss designing a new 5e class, the difference between psionics and magic in D&D;, Hasbro's investor call, and GM'ing for strangers! Discover the Wandering Tavern here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/homieandthedude/the-wandering-tavern?ref=e9y7dz Sign for the Monster Hunter playtest: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_4_134 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn:...
04.24.2024
#134. Are New TTRPG's Crowding Out Smaller Indie's?
Cynthia Williams resigns from Wizards of the Coast and leaves behind her D&D; legacy, Critical Role showcase Daggerheart rules on stream, and Pathfinder has new classes for you to playtest. Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James:...
04.17.2024
#133. Does Initiative Make Daggerheart Better or Worse?
We review the changes to Daggerheart and whether it's better or worse with initiative rules, boggle at the price of Dimension 20 live tickets, and consider whether Hasbro's CEO is right about the future of gaming. Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131 Chris...
04.10.2024
#132. What Loot Is Hiding in the D&D LEGO Dungeon?
This week Lexi McQueen joins the Lorecast to look through the D&D; LEGO adventure, speculate at the D&D; video game news, and then we all try not to panic while our party learns to teleport! Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131 Email your...
04.03.2024
#131. D&D Sales Have Dropped in 2023! What Now?
D&D; Beyond joins Kickstarter to support Monsters of Drakkenheim, a free 5e adventure is released for Tsojcanth, and are dropping D&D; sales in 2023 a problem? Express your style with 10% off at INTO THE AM: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14 Email...
03.27.2024
#130. Baldur's Gate 4 is Cancelled. Here's Why!
A deluge of gaming news breaks with a sneak peak at the new 5e DMG, Tome of Beast hits D&D; Beyond, Wizard's secures more licensing deals, and Larian cancels Baldur's Gate 4! Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben:...
03.20.2024
#129. Daggerheart Doesn't Want You to Roll for Initiative
The Dungeon Dudes drop in to talk the Daggerheart open Beta, their next 5e Kickstarter "Monsters of Drakkenheim", and whether AI creation tools can be used responsibly? Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne James: @JamesJHaeck Monty: @montycmartin Kelly: @KaiInRealLife Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:28...
03.13.2024
#128. 5e Adventurer's League Absorbed by D&D Beyond!
5e Adventurer's League consolidates onto D&D; Beyond, Chaosium offers money if you develop for the Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine, and Kobold Press announces a new Tales of the Valiant starter set! Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00...
03.06.2024
#127. How to Playtest Daggerheart for Darrington Press!
Darrington Press announces a Daggerheart open playtest, D&D; Beyond updates Maps and offers an exclusive Vecna adventure, and a surprise new TTRPG adventure wants you to play for science! Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:23 -...
02.28.2024
#126. How Many D&D Characters Can You Name?
Does D&D; lore need a refresh with more recognizable characters? Why did WotC cut Portuguese translations from their books? Where's the best place to get TTRPG news? All that and more on the Eldritch Lorecast! Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael:...
02.21.2024
#125. Has D&D Cross Marketing Gone Too Far!?
This week's Eldritch Lorecast reignites the Legendary Resistance debate, welcomes more 3rd party publishers to D&D; Beyond, gets hyped for LEGO rumors, and charts the rise and fall of Evil Genius Games. Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael Shawn: @shawnmerwin James: @JamesJHaeck Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00...
02.14.2024
#124. Will Release Dates Build Excitement for D&D 2024?
The D&D; 2024 release schedule arrives just in time for this week's Eldritch Lorecast! We also talk Dragonlance heartbreak and how to use player-character backgrounds effectively? Discover Surviving Strangehollow: http://get.accidentalcyclops.com/4 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael Shawn: @shawnmerwin James: @JamesJHaeck Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00...
02.07.2024
#123. The Rage Bait Meta is Taking Over D&D YouTube!
This week's Eldritch Lorecast Unearths the last of the D&D; Arcana and gets rage baited by the latest TTRPG controversies. Express your style with 10% off at INTO THE AM: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @JamesJHaeck Teos: @Alphastream Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:36...
01.31.2024
#122. The First D&D VR Game! Would You Join the Adventure?
We announce all the 5e news from Ghostfire Gaming, review the Deck of Many Things continued production issues, and when we can expect D&D; in VR? Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael Shawn: @shawnmerwin James: @JamesJHaeck Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 04:48 - 2024 gaming...
01.24.2024
#121. How Nightshade Inflicts Poison Damage on AI Art
Is Nightshade the end of AI art in the TTRPG industry? How do you effectively playtest new rules you've written? What's the worst DM behavior you've put up with in your D&D; game? All that, and more! Email your questions to...
01.17.2024
#120. Avoid the Pitfalls when Introducing New D&D Players
This week's Eldritch Lorecast celebrates the D&D; Movie winning an award, commemorates the passing of Jennell Jaquays, explores Aussie game design, and how NOT to introduce new players to 5e or TTRPG's. Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00...
01.10.2024
#119. The Inevitable Rise of AI Art in TTRPG's
Hot takes burn up this week's Eldritch Lorecast as the crew tackle WotC getting caught using AI Art once again, and whether the Golden Age of TTRPG's is dead as Ben Riggs predicts? Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James:...
01.03.2024
#118. How to Choose a 5e Adventure for the New Year?
This week we discuss integrity in the TTRPG YouTube space, choose new 5e adventures for 2024, and discuss whether the stun condition should be removed from D&D; entirely? Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:05 - AI...
01.02.2024
#117. How to Publish a TTRPG from Homebrew to Hardcover
Learn the entire process of publishing a TTRPG product in the industry, from game design, writing, editing, art, graphic design, project managing, and marketing your book. A special episode of The Eldritch Lorecast recorded LIVE at PAX Aus 2023. Email your...
12.20.2023
#116. Was 2023 the Best or Worst Year for TTRPG's?
We celebrate a massive year for D&D; the Tabletop Roleplaying Game industry as a whole! The ups, the downs, and everything in between. Final hours to back Enchanting Emporiums on Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: ZsDante Topics: 00:00...
12.13.2023
#115. Could The MCDM RPG Launch be Any More Wild?
After being blown away by The MCDM RPG day 1 success, the team review the 50 Years of D&D; panel and all the 5e books set for release in 2024. Support the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael:...
12.06.2023
#114. D&D Beyond Unleashes Surprise 3rd Party 5e Content!
Ghostfire Gaming arrives on D&D; Beyond with Lairs of Etharis and Dungeons of Drakkenheim, the first 3rd party 5e content after Critical Role. We also take time to answer listener emails. Get Lairs of Etharis on D&D; Beyond: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHMG_2023_12_114 Support the Enchanting Emporium's...
11.29.2023
#113. Mo' Monk, Mo' Problems - Stunning Strike is Broken!
Reviewing the new D&D; Unearthed Arcana playtest packet 8 leads to pondering whether 5e still needs resource management and if it's better for a monk's foe to succeed against Stunning Strike? Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben:...
11.22.2023
#112. STOP Making Boring D&D Shopping Sessions!
This week we deep dive into 'The Seeker's Guide to Enchanting Emporiums', and why the latest 5e release 'Peril in Pinebrook' isn't for D&D; players! We also discuss the application of crafting in your TTRPG campaign. Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter:...
11.15.2023
#111. Why the Brawler Got KO'd from the D&D Playtest!
Dael and Ben argue whether the D&D; Brawler should be a Fighter or a Monk subclass. We review the updates to D&D; Beyond Maps, celebrate the release of Candela Obscura, and ponder how to fight god. Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter:...
11.08.2023
#110. Why is EVERYONE Talking About This D&D Adventure?
This week we're talking Magic Item Shops, new Black Flag adventures from Ghostfire Gaming, why in the Nine Hells EVERYONE is talking about Chains of Asmodeus, and clues about D&D; 2024's core 5e rulebooks and release slate! Follow the Enchanting Emporium's...
11.01.2023
#109. D&D's Beautiful Catastrophe!
Wizards of the Coast delays the D&D; Deck of Many Things, MCDM announces their RPG Backerkit launch, and Kobold Press releases the Black Flag SRD. Meanwhile, nobody is impressed by Critical Role!? Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:...
10.25.2023
#108. Planescape's Surprise Update & Pathfinder's Dilemma!
Shawn reports back from Gamehole Con on the MCDM RPG, D&D; Beyond launches Day 1 DLC for Planescape, the Candela Obscura draws near, and Paizo hikes its Pathfinder prices! All that Tabletop News, and more to come! Email your questions to...
10.18.2023
#107. Why is D&D Returning to Magazines and Print Media?
This week D&D; returns to magazine shelves with Dungeons & Dragons Adventurer, new iconic D&D; characters are possibly teased, and we return to our discussion social encounter game mechanics to decide how much crunch is the right amount. Aberration on Gamefound:...
10.11.2023
#106. We Play Tested the MCDM TTRPG! We Have Thoughts...
After playtesting the MCDM TTRPG at PAX Aus, Ben, Dael and James have thoughts... we also look at the Bastion system in the new D&D; Unearthed Arcana playtest packet. Shawn doesn't think the sky is falling for bookstores. Check out Aberration:...
10.03.2023
#105. Powerful New Fey Stat Blocks Hit D&D Beyond
This week the Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4 unleashes on D&D; Beyond, Netflix rolls for initiative against a TTRPG publisher, and the Australians' lose their minds. Discover Aberration here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_10_105 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael Shawn: @shawnmerwin Adam: @RetroArchetype Editor: ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 00:58 -...
09.27.2023
#104. D&D Beyond Surprise Launches New VTT!
Game designer Peter Lee joins the Lorecast to discuss board game development, how to use playtest feedback, and the history of his career. We also take a look the new D&D; Beyond Maps and dissect some D&D; sales data! Back Aberration...
09.20.2023
#103. 3rd Party Publishers Arrive on 5e Nexus!
This week is look at how Baldur's Gate 3 uses initiative, celebrate Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire arriving on 5e Nexus, and explore implicit storytelling in TTRPG adventures. Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:07 -...
09.13.2023
#102. Barbarians Are D&D's Best Spellcasters, After All!
Another full episode of pouring over a playtest packet for D&D; 5e (2e), which raises game design questions about opportunity attacks, whether failure is good, and is D&D; too "magical"? Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: ZsDante Topics: 00:00 -...
09.06.2023
#101. Phandelver and Below is NOT Child Friendly!
We're delving below Phandelver to preview the latest D&D; 5e adventure, discussing new Pathfinder classes up for playtest, and then relax with a fine drink at the Quest's End. Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael Omar: @OmarNajam Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante 00:00 - Intro 04:38 -...
08.30.2023
#100. The #1 TTRPG Podcast in All The Realms!
This week we take a break from the D&D; news to answer YOUR questions about TTRPGs, 3rd party publishing, game mechanics and power rangers! Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Our named wizards spells 04:37...
08.23.2023
#99. D&D Beyond Publishes 3rd Party Content
D&D; Beyond publishes it's first 3rd party supplement, Tal'Dorei Reborn from Darrington Press. We also review Glory of the Giants, and decide when it's okay to give players meta knowledge to make in game choices. Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael:...
08.16.2023
#98. Daggerheart's Radical Divergence from D&D 5e!
We're diving into the design of Daggerheart from Darrington Press, and just how different it is from D&D; 5e. We also announce a new board game, discuss the Playtest 5 survey results, and discover why not everyone's happy with Baldur's...
08.09.2023
#97. AI Art 'Lends a Hand' to D&D's Giants Book
Live from Gen Con 2023 we discuss AI art infiltrating the TTRPG industry, events from the convention show floor, US pub culture vs Australian, and celebrate industry award winners. Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael Shawn: @shawnmerwin Anthony: @AJoyce_Rivera Editor: ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 00:44...
08.02.2023
#96. Is Kickstarter Killing the TTRPG Industry?
This week we dive into the mailbag to answer your D&D; and TTRPG questions, including whether the Kickstarter hype cycle is killing the TTRPG industry, and whether there's a solution to challenge ratings! Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn:...
07.26.2023
#95. Will MCDM's New TTRPG Change the Industry?
Lots of sneak peaks this week: Matt Colville reveals design goals for the MCDM roleplaying game, Wizards of the Coast preview Planescape, and Candela Obscura announces Chapter 2! Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 00:54 -...
07.19.2023
#94. Bigby Presents- Hold on, is Gandalf a Paladin?
This week's Eldritch Lorecast asks the big question! Which giant is best giant? Why are psionics largely absent from D&D; 5e? Is Gandalf a paladin!? Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Editor: ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 00:46 - Which Giant is best? 06:39...
07.12.2023
#93. How Much D&D Romance is Too Much?
This episode includes Baldur's Gate 3, D&D; romances, and a bear! We also congratulate the Ennie Award nominees, and Smosh (finally) starts their live play game. Check out the Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn:...
07.05.2023
#92. Is New D&D 5e too Focused on Player Success?
The latest Unearthed Arcana drops another 5e playtest packet, prompting more conversation about D&D;'s goals as a game. We also give a few opinions on the latest changes. Discover 'Arora: Age of Desolation' with new 5e exploration mechanics: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2023_7_092 Email your questions...
06.28.2023
#91. Valiant Tales About TTRPG Publishing
Shawn Merwin, Dael Kingsmill and James Haeck hosts this episode discussing the Tales of the Valiant, how to get noticed if you plan to publish your own adventure/TTRPGs and other listener emails with our honoured guest Scott Fitzgeralt Gray! Check out...
06.21.2023
#90. Favorite 5e Monsters to Make Formidable!
D&D; Community managers Sarah Chaffee and LaTia Jacquise join the Eldritch Lorecast to chat about the spookiest monsters, playing games in public spaces, and being part of this wonderful community! Check out Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben:...

What's The Eldritch Lorecast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Eldritch Lorecast episodes:

#139. Are these D&D Settings too Problematic to Return?

#138. Details in WotC's New Art shows D&D's Future!

#137. Is Critical Role Repeating Geek & Sundry's Mistakes?

#136. Is D&D Beyond Ending Microtransactions a Good Thing?

#135. How to Design a Class like the DnD Monster Hunter

#134. Are New TTRPG's Crowding Out Smaller Indie's?

#133. Does Initiative Make Daggerheart Better or Worse?

#132. What Loot Is Hiding in the D&D LEGO Dungeon?

#131. D&D Sales Have Dropped in 2023! What Now?

#130. Baldur's Gate 4 is Cancelled. Here's Why!

#129. Daggerheart Doesn't Want You to Roll for Initiative

#128. 5e Adventurer's League Absorbed by D&D Beyond!

#127. How to Playtest Daggerheart for Darrington Press!

#126. How Many D&D Characters Can You Name?

#125. Has D&D Cross Marketing Gone Too Far!?

#124. Will Release Dates Build Excitement for D&D 2024?

#123. The Rage Bait Meta is Taking Over D&D YouTube!

#122. The First D&D VR Game! Would You Join the Adventure?

#121. How Nightshade Inflicts Poison Damage on AI Art

#120. Avoid the Pitfalls when Introducing New D&D Players

#119. The Inevitable Rise of AI Art in TTRPG's

#118. How to Choose a 5e Adventure for the New Year?

#117. How to Publish a TTRPG from Homebrew to Hardcover

#116. Was 2023 the Best or Worst Year for TTRPG's?

#115. Could The MCDM RPG Launch be Any More Wild?

#114. D&D Beyond Unleashes Surprise 3rd Party 5e Content!

#113. Mo' Monk, Mo' Problems - Stunning Strike is Broken!

#112. STOP Making Boring D&D Shopping Sessions!

#111. Why the Brawler Got KO'd from the D&D Playtest!

#110. Why is EVERYONE Talking About This D&D Adventure?

#109. D&D's Beautiful Catastrophe!

#108. Planescape's Surprise Update & Pathfinder's Dilemma!

#107. Why is D&D Returning to Magazines and Print Media?

#106. We Play Tested the MCDM TTRPG! We Have Thoughts...

#105. Powerful New Fey Stat Blocks Hit D&D Beyond

#104. D&D Beyond Surprise Launches New VTT!

#103. 3rd Party Publishers Arrive on 5e Nexus!

#102. Barbarians Are D&D's Best Spellcasters, After All!

#101. Phandelver and Below is NOT Child Friendly!

#100. The #1 TTRPG Podcast in All The Realms!

#99. D&D Beyond Publishes 3rd Party Content

#98. Daggerheart's Radical Divergence from D&D 5e!

#97. AI Art 'Lends a Hand' to D&D's Giants Book

#96. Is Kickstarter Killing the TTRPG Industry?

#95. Will MCDM's New TTRPG Change the Industry?

#94. Bigby Presents- Hold on, is Gandalf a Paladin?

#93. How Much D&D Romance is Too Much?

#92. Is New D&D 5e too Focused on Player Success?

#91. Valiant Tales About TTRPG Publishing

#90. Favorite 5e Monsters to Make Formidable!

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