The Eldritch Lorecast

Outrage explodes at WotC over D&D Beyond Drops, which give new 5.5e content to subscribers only! But is the latest controversy real or overblown?Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  ⁨@ToddKenreck⁩  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  ⁨@jberrt⁩  Topics:00:00 - Intro04:32 - D&D Beyond Drops30:49 - Chris Cocks Interview38:37 - Neon Odyssey41:40 - High Level Campaigns48:54 - Optimizer Discourse

This week we minimize DM prep by converting D&D adventure modules to other settings like Grim Hollow, and which one-shots make for the perfect side quests and starter adventures to kick off your TTRPG campaign!Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor: @jberrt Topics:00:00 - Intro01:36 - Best side quest one-shots09:32 - D&D Beyond Starter Packs15:33 - Ted D&D episode21:10 - WotC's AI rules lawyer31:26 - WotC workers union35:10- Supporting New DM’s40:01 - Transforming adventure modules49:58 - "Pilot Episode" D&D sessions.

This week we revisit the hidden differences between D&D 5e and 5.5e, review the Dungeon Masters live play "Play Along Pack", and Dael actually reads an Unearthed Arcana including the Barbarian Path of Lament, Monk Warrior of Venom, and Warlock Primordial Patron.LAST WEEK to back Lairs of Etharis: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHLA_2026_4_236Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydaelTodd: @ToddKenreckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor: @jberrtTopics:00:00 - D&D 5.5e rules Quiz14:39 - Do you like a one-shot?23:10 - D&D live play "Play Along Pack"38:53 - Unearthed Arcana: Villains 249:03 - Louis Zocchi passing50:24 - D&D 6e on the horizon?

WotC is launching an 'official' D&D liveplay campaign, with talent from Dimension 20 and Baldur's Gate 3. But can it hope to topple Critical Role? Meanwhile, have TTRPG's become a luxury purchase?Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro06:00 - Ravenloft book reveals21:50 - Daggerheart & luxury TTRPG goods25:35 - Dungeon Crawler Carl sets records!29:10 - The "Official" D&D live play38:42 - Players missing sessions46:41 - Complex villains & worlds

Not a single full adventure module has released for D&D 5.5e! Have Wizards of the Coast abandoned modules in favor of only setting guides? Or does a new role at WotC suggest 3rd party creators will make the adventures, now?Delve into the Lairs of Etharis: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHLA_2026_4_236Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro04:52 - Adventure prep in 30mins11:05 - D&D abandoning adventure modules?22:06 - WotC hire new 3PP role29:11 - Lairs of Etharis31:12 - World of Darkness OGL40:26 - Worst part of turning into a monster44:55 - A return to analog TTRPG's?

Unearthed Arcana unlocks the power of EVIL for D&D 5.5e, with a villainous new Cleric, Druid, Fighter, and Sorcerer subclass. With villainous feats also empowering players, does WotC miss the point of playing evil characters?\Delve into the Lairs of Etharis: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHLA_2026_4_236Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro07:00 - Lairs of Etharis x Mega Dungeon Month10:55 - Unearthed Arcana: Villainous Options27:10 - Villainous transformations32:52 - Hasbro vs the netrunners35:02 - Greyhawk: Shield Lands36:33 - Free League OGL

D&D Beyond releases the character Quickbuilder while MCDM launches the Codex for Draw Steel on Steam marketplace. Player or GM, the digital age of TTRPG's is here to stay!Delve into Mega Dungeon Month: https://www.backerkit.com/c/collections/mega-dungeon-monthThe Codex Pricing & Distribution: https://www.patreon.com/posts/codex-pricing-153537787Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro05:26 - Cyberpunk Red reprint08:55 - D&D Beyond Quickbuilder13:36 - The Draw Steel Codex22:22 - Mega Dungeon Month25:46 - Are 5.5e Gish overpowered?40:54 - Living up to a Forever DM

Wizards of the Coast collaborates with Melf himself, Luke Gygax, on a new Greyhawk setting book for D&D 5.5e. Meanwhile we plan a TTRPG heist adventure and debate random encounter charts.Back Neopia Quest today! https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GGNQ_2026_1_226Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro04:19 - Playing a MEGA-dungeon09:42 - Melf's Guide to Greyhawk22:35 - Neopia Quest launches!24:59 - Direct sales vs distribution31:16 - Heists and sneaking past danger!50:35 - Using random encounter charts

10 Tabletop Roleplaying Games DOMINATED 2025 sales from Sept-Nov, Matt Colville shows how MCDM continue to do things differently, and why backseat Dungeon Mastering drives us all nuts!Follow Neopia Quest for updates: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GGNQ_2026_1_226Check out  ⁨@masteringdungeons⁩  MCDM interview: https://youtu.be/6-dUeIQHRYs?si=yNNRb9AtCEumvhTYEmail your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro04:43 - Top selling TTRPGs22:16 - Matt Colville interview recap28:40 - Neopets ends Geekify license32:53 - Neopia Quest34:51 - Critical Role movie39:40 - Backseat DMing47:21 - Best 5e monster rules

WotC reveal D&D Seasons as the roadmap forward in 2026, including new Ravenloft content in the Season of Horror and Arcana Unleashed to empower spellcasters!Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro04:05 - D&D Beyond interview recap08:15 - Chris Cocks on AI (briefly)09:22 - D&D roadmap28:48 - Vox Machina S433:19 - Kickstarter United35:15 - 1 setting, multiple tables?46:13 - Big monsters at low levels

Ben & Todd talk to Brian Perry (Executive Producer) and Zac Cohn (MAPS Product Manager) to explore how D&D Beyond is changing to make playing D&D 5.5e a better game to play! Critical Role makes a new hire, and the Exodus TTRPG not published by WotC?Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro00:45 - Brian Perry and Zac Cohn Interview37:37 - New DnD books44:25 - Crit Role hires Alyssa52:31 - DnD Fan Expo London56:10 - Exodus RPG

A roadmap for D&D Beyond reveals new upcoming features, the OGL architect claims AI could replace game designers, and is it better to have more classes or subclasses in a TTRPG like D&D or Pathfinder?Follow Neopia Quest for updates: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GGNQ_2026_1_226D&D Beyond roadmap article: https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/2132-d-d-beyonds-2026-development-roadmapEmail your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro07:29 - D&D Beyond roadmap23:03 - Neopets TTRPG disaster28:47 - Can AI replace game designers?37:41 - Pathfinder playtest40:53 - Classes vs subclasses

Chris Perkins reveals how Vecna: Eve of Ruin COULD have been a perfect finale for 5e 2014, D&D continues the march towards its digital future, and is the fall of Discord going to harm tabletop roleplaying games?Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro09:20 - Vecna’s missing obelisks19:57 - Hasbro pushes digital26:46 - Discord hurting TTRPGs35:42 - Villain foreshadowing49:39 - Volcano adventures

D&D gets a television series as a sequel to Baldur's Gate 3 while Apple TV greenlights multiple Cosmere projects. Then remembering we're a TTRPG podcast, we debate whether Wild Shape is magical and why Encumbrance is a GREAT RULE, ACTUALLY TODD!Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:16 - Is Wild Shape magic?08:46 - HBO Baldur's Gate 3 series17:59 - Apple TV Cosmere series24:39 - Beadle & Grimms D&D leaks27:41 - GM books vs player books37:14 - When to help players with rules51:51 - Enforcing encumbrance

Does Demiplane's NEW Campaign feature give it an edge over D&D Beyond? Meanwhile, WotC continues hiring game designers, and how can YOU design the best dungeons?Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro03:59 - WotC hires MORE designers05:49 - New Hasbro board members08:07 - Why AI can't play D&D15:19 - New Demiplane features21:16 - Designing GREAT dungeons35:56 - Setting Ability Check DC's

D&D introduces itself to Fortnite players, WotC hires ANOTHER fantastic game designer, and we decide upon the TOP 3 D&D 5e Adventure Modules!Follow Neopia Quest here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GGNQ_2026_1_226Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - TOP 3 D&D Adventure Modules12:18 - WotC Hires Shawn13:30 - D&D Fortnite collab18:01 - D&D Beyond 3rd party updates25:42 - Neopia Quest29:45 - DriveThru RPG price rise30:50 - Farewell Jean Rabe32:08 - Making solo scenes work43:45 - Homebrew magic itemsFortnite island codes:D&D Boxfights – 1190-4691-0255D&D Treasure RNG – 4958-2624-5634D&D Dungeon Deathrun – 5806-6430-0158D&D Bossfight – 2218-1049-5866D&D Zombie Dragon Adventure (early access) – 2525-9596-3235

Is the D&D Shrinkflation getting more noticeable with Eberron: Forge of the Artificer? Are bigger or smaller TTRPG books better? Does Critical Role or Stranger Things sell more D&D? All that, and more!Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  ⁨@jberrt⁩  Topics:00:00 - D&D book shrinkflation08:34 - Ed Greenwood on RPG book quality18:58 - Non-WotC Forgotten Realms book?25:45 - WotC staff shuffle32:42 - The Stranger Things effect40:31 - Unearthed Arcana: Mystic Subclass47:49 - Games Workshop says "No AI"53:11 - Are miniatures needed?

Why ARE D&D, Daggerheart, and Draw Steel the ONLY roleplaying games folks talk about? What is Crows and when can you playtest it? How do you tackle GM mental overload?Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor: ⁨@DannyCalamari⁩  Topics:00:00 - Intro00:29 - Non-D&D games we play03:55 - Why we DON'T talk non-D&D games17:05 - What is Crows?25:47 - Handling GM mental overload39:11 - Hex grid vs square grid48:38 - Alternate combat win conditions

The biggest D&D news podcast welcomes their newest Co-Host! Critical Role plans for their future while WotC is yet to reveal any D&D books for 2026.Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  ⁨@ToddKenreck⁩  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  ⁨@jberrt⁩  Topics:00:00 - Intro03:34 - Todd Kenreck's new job!05:45 - D&D's plans in 202613:03 - Stranger Things S5 (spoilers)17:46 - Future of Critical Role32:45 - Adhoc and Crit Role video game36:00 - Industry passings37:09 - Stat Block integrity

The Eldritch Lorecast says another sad farewell! We try deciphering our own Spotify wrapped while pondering whether systems of magic inherently make it impossible to balance a TTRPG, and is that a bad thing?Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  ⁨Danny CamilleriTopics:00:00 - Intro04:23 - Lorecast's terrible analytics20:51- Another sad farewell24:03 - Systems of magic34:25 - Balancing spellcasters46:06 - Is balancing the party important?56:16 - Favorite poems

What was the BEST game released in 2025? What stories reshaped the TTRPG industry? The Eldritch Lorecast celebrates another year of D&D and tabletop gaming with the Elly Awards!Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  ⁨@jberrt⁩  Topics:00:00 - Intro02:23 - Biggest news of 202512:01- Best TTRPG release16:56 - Best TTRPG related release22:59 - Best Con of 202527:46 - Guests of the year30:01 - A sad farewell35:04 - New Years resolutions45:29 - Best Lorecast moments 2025

Paying your DM can change the dynamic at your D&D table, but do paid dungeon masters ruin the TTRPG hobby for everyone? Meanwhile, WotC makes a pact for the next D&D video game: Warlock!LAST CHANCE to Late Pledge to Grim Hollow: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qvEmail your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:05 - Divinity trailer04:24 - Warlock D&D game19:43 - Jason Carl departs White Wolf24:30 - New head of D&D!26:59 - Holiday stream schedule28:55 - Finding regular players40:54 - Paid GMing

The Cosmere RPG set the record for TTRPG crowdfunding and then vanished? So where did it go? Meanwhile D&D Beyond plans for the future and why is Jubensha the best roleplaying game you've never heard of?Enter the Enchanting Emporiums with 30% off (use EE30): https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2025_12_219 People Make Games⁩ Jubensha documentary: https://youtu.be/6_dlxbGUNNQ?siEmail your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinBrooks: @brooksthoEditor: Jess Berthelsen-MurrayTopics:00:00 - Intro02:50 - Is Cosmere over already?14:46 - Jubensha (scripted murder)28:43 - An Italian 5e adventure31:40 - Future for D&D Beyond39:38 - Enchanting Emporiums43:09 - Evil Hat Production pitches45:05 - Make 5e combat challenging

D&D sales figures expose the REAL popularity of 5e 2024, we're give our gift giving guide for the TTRPG fan in your life, and discuss how to bring adventure campaigns to that satisfying conclusion!Transform your wardrobe at the Ghostfire merch store: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_Store_2025_11_204Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:13 - TTRPG gift guide05:09 - D&D sales lies!19:02 - Restarting a Campaign after hiatus30:28 - Satisfying campaign endings

Has Daggerheart conquered Pathfinder as the #2 most popular TTRPG? Is D&D 5e next on the chopping block? Or is the success of Darrington Press all smoke & mirrors?FINAL WEEK of Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DKDH_2025_10_210Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinAdam: @RetroArchetypeEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:45 - 2nd most popular TTRPG?09:03 - Is Daggerheart new #2?18:09 - Daggerheart: Hope & Fear22:21 - Daggerheart adventure module25:21 - Ed Greenwood rewrites Forgotten Realms28:44 - TTRPG player skill types42:24 - Skill challenges (that actually work!)

The Mighty Nein animated show gets pulled from YouTube ahead of it's Amazon release! The D&D Netflix series could be in trouble, and is there a difference between game crunch and 'control', and which camp do 5e, Daggerheart or Draw Steel fall into?Transform your wardrobe at the Ghostfire merch store: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_Store_2025_11_204Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:08 - Too many stat blocks?08:17 - Mighty Nein animated series12:11 - D&D Netflix22:01 - Forgotten Realms books delay23:10 - D&D Nexus rebrand29:30 - Kickstarter strike ends31:08 - Ghostfire Gaming merch33:30 - rules crunch & control49:18 - System agnostic adventures

Hero Forge divides fans with a licensing agreement, the Fantasy Grounds VTT goes Free-to-Play, and should D&D bring Prestige Classes back to 5e 2024?Check out the Ghostfire merch store: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_Store_2025_11_204Delve into the Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DKDH_2025_10_210Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro00:23 - Evil player-characters08:40 - Dark Sun?11:03 - Moonbeam wanes19:43 - Hero Forge controversy!37:48 - Fantasy Grounds goes FTP42:36 - Prestige classes in 5e 2024

Daggerheart launches its first adventure module Kickstarter set in the eldritch city of Drakkenheim! The Blood Hunter also finds its way into Daggerheart while D&D revives Xanathar's subclasses through Unearthed Arcana.Delve into the Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DKDH_2025_10_210Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:08 - Min/Maxing combos06:32 - Daggerheart's first adventure16:43 - Blood Hunter in Daggerheart21:38 - Unearth Arcana: Subclasses38:17 - D&D's new T&C's45:32 - Tariff relief?46:42 - Making Con adventures fun

Sigil has failed its final death save! Is D&D Beyond Maps a good enough replacement? Dragonlance gets resurrected, 5e 2024 could be the most successful edition yet, and what level should you start your campaign?Delve into the Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DKDH_2025_10_210Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro02:20 - Games of paranoia05:27 - Critical Role goes mainstreamer09:03 - Daylight savings09:47 - Sigil laid to rest15:09 - Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart17:32 - Dragonlance returns?26:34 - 5e 2024 is D&D's fastest seller30:56 - Best D&D starting level?48:39 - Narrative leveling

D&D 5e makes magic a group activity with new Circle Casting, Critical Role pushes actual play further as a performance art, and we debate whether a TTRPG is a Shared Story or an Interactive Narrative.Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro03:17 - D&D's new circle casting14:10 - Critical Role pushes the industry23:48 - Passing of Rob Wieland24:33 - Tariff warning25:49 - Shared storytelling vs Interactive narrative

How is a D&D Liveplay different from your home game? Diana Fay and Adam Carnevale help explain what makes a TTRPG Liveplay good! Also, should you tinker with 5e monster rules? How do you play test your own homebrew? Do we need to evacuate?Check out 'Elder Gods And Dragons' & Scryglass Studio: https://www.egnd.com.au/Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelAdam: @RetroArchetypeDiana:  ⁨@DianaOfTheRose⁩  Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:05 - DON'T start a liveplay10:34 - Scryglass Studio11:15 - PAX Aus recap17:03 - Critical Role cartoon updates22:00 - Players surprising GM's29:31 - Should you homebrew monsters?38:01 - Evacuation!42:44 - How to playtest homebrew58:51 - Changing D&D's cosmology

Darrington Press attracts HUGE 3rd party talent like the Dungeon Dudes, who announce Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart. The Mighty Nein on Amazon gets a launch date, WotC want MOAR D&D video games, and a new 5e 2024 Psion drops in Unearthed Arcana.Delve into the Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DKDH_2025_10_210Sign up to play at PAX Aus: https://ghostfiregaming.odoo.com/eventsEmail your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneJames: @jamesjhaeckMonty: @montycmartinKelly: @kaiinreallifeEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:18 - Writing TTRPG worlds10:56 - Daggerheart in Drakkenheim!27:00 - Mighty Nein launch date38:57 - PAX Aus & Gamehole Con41:12 - MORE D&D video games43:00 - Kickstarter United strike44:32 - Unearthed Arcana: Psion

Do the Fey of Lorwyn fit into the Forgotten Realms? Is there a better MtG crossover for 5e 2024? The Grim Hollow Campaign Guide erupts onto D&D Beyond, Stranger Things gets a new box set, and we ponder what power is in a True Name?Get the Grim Hollow Campaign Guide on D&D Beyond! https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2025_2_204Email your questions to [email protected]: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinLaTia: @latiajacquiseAdam: @retroarchetypeEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro02:04 - Dream MtG crossovers09:29 - Lorwyn First Light24:52 - Grim Hollow Campaign Guide32:42 - D&D Beyond updates38:19 - D&D Starter Set42:44 - Stranger Things Box Set46:26 - True Names of the fey

Is Unearthed Arcana becoming a problem for WotC? Has 5e 2024 finally gotten the Arcane Archer right? Which D&D edition is the most expensive? What are your thoughts on homebrew?RACE to get Torque Borg by clicking THIS LINK! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/977140613/torque-borg-a-wasteland-rpg?ref=1fwvx3Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Reasons to play TTRPG's06:29 - Unearthed Arcana (again!)18:19 - Torque Borg22:48 - Most expensive D&D edition?33:04 - TTRPG in the EU retail market39:57 - Thoughts on homebrew?

What are the best adventures for introducing new players to D&D 5e? Does the new Starter Set, Heroes of the Borderlands, truly have it all?UNLOCK the Dark Fantasy Construction Kit from Arkenforge: https://bit.ly/DarkenforgeEmail your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro07:34 - D&D's new Starter Set17:45 - Dark fantasy construction kit21:32 - Witcher Watch23:26 - Do evil gods matter?40:58 - Should GMs help players?48:28 - Breaking in as a freelancer

Wizards of the Coast chart their future D&D plans as a franchise, we explore whether a TTRPG should be balanced or fun, and there's IMPORTANT late-breaking Critical Role news!LAST CHANCE to Set Sail on the Aetherial Expanse: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AEDG_2025_7_933Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro03:53 - Aetherial Expanse ENDING soon!07:54 - Critical Role play with puppies08:44 - WotC plans for the future23:29 - Is AI actually the future?33:37 - Adventures with TOO MANY choices43:25 - Does game balance matter?

Do players EVER actually have choices in prewritten adventures? Is the sandbox purely an illusion? How do TTRPG game designers ensure characters have agency choosing their path forward? An Aetherial Expanse adventure is coming to Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AEDG_2025_7_933Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckErin: @nireleEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro00:58 - The Faithless Wench of TTRPG's04:55 - Dreams of the Drowned God21:00 - ANOTHER another D&D video game26:51 - 5e returns to Brazil27:45 - Are ALL adventures linear?

Why NOBODY predicted Critical Role would choose D&D over Daggerheart! And what does a West Marches style campaign mean for Campaign 4? We also invoke the dreaded name of Dark Sun!Get the Grim Hollow Player's Guide on D&D Beyond! https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2025_2_204Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinJames: @jamesjhaeckEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:16 - A Lorecast actual play?05:16 - Critical Role choose D&D!18:20 - Critical Role and West Marches32:06 - Grim Hollow launches on D&D Beyond!35:52 - Unearthed Arcana hints at Dark Sun

In the OGL aftermath and the full release of D&D 2024, is the game better or worse than it's ever been? Is 5e 2024 actually better than 5e 2014? An Aetherial Expanse adventure is coming to Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AEDG_2025_7_933Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinMike:  ⁨@SlyFlourish⁩  Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - The Aftermath of the OGL17:51 - Is D&D 2024 better than 2014?36:15 - Baldur's Gate 4?40:07 - New 5e Adventure module!45:03 - How to plan campaign narratives

Todd Kenreck helps us to ponder which community members should WotC choose for the D&D Advisory Panel? Gen Con hits record attendance! Then we settle in to build cozy homes and grimdark worlds for your TTRPG adventures.An Aetherial Expanse adventure is coming to Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AEDG_2025_7_933Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinTodd:  ⁨@ToddKenreck⁩  Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:34 - The future for Todd Kenreck17:53 - D&D advisory panel24:22 - Gen Con record attendance29:15 - Cozy bastions46:05 - Dark fantasy adventure building

Brennan Lee Mulligan takes over Critical Role, Ghostfire Gaming launches an Organized Play campaign, MCDM releases Draw Steel, and Paizo puts a 5e adventure on D&D Beyond! It's been a long Gen Con...Learn more about the Grim Hunt: https://ghostfiregaming.com/resources/Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinHannah: @AmazingSpidrHanEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:59 - Gen Con 202510:35 - Draw Steel goes live13:43 - Brennan to DM Critical Role19:47 - Paizo now on D&D Beyond!24:42 - D&D's new direction33:45 - Faerun sneak peaks47:09 - Tariffs impacting overseas games50:32 - Listener appreciation

D&D Beyond teases digital DLC for the Forgotten Realms setting books, while Nott the Brave teases town guards in the new Critical Role animated series. We also celebrate 200 episodes of this here podcast!A new Aetherial Expans adventure is coming to Kickstarter:https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AEDG_2025_7_933Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro02:52 - Forgotten Realms book reveals10:40 - D&D Beyond DLC18:01 - Stranger Things starter set24:25 - Aetherial Expanse adventure27:04 - New Critical Role animated seasons32:31 - 200th Episode quiz

Critical Role announces their first video game, WotC boasts the BIGGEST D&D starter set ever, Eberron is delayed, and is "D&D in a Castle" offering a new career path?Unlock the Grim Hollow Player's Guide, today! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=3hjfbfEmail your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:12 - TTRPG from video games06:41 - Starfinder video game10:28 - Critical Role's video game17:08 - Grim Hollow: The Player’s Guide releases19:35 - D&D's BIGGEST ever starter set27:42 - New Stranger Things D&D box set33:54 - Eberron book delayed35:54 - Green Ronin vs Diamond40:05 - Draughts worker strike41:16 - D&D DM University

Big changes for D&D as Wizards of the Coast step towards a franchise model, while Darrington Press take their next big steps as a TTRPG publisher! Also, what exactly IS a Warlock or a Rogue?Email your questions to [email protected]: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinLogan:  ⁨@Runesmith⁩  Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro07:01 - D&D becoming a "franchise"21:19 - Darrington Press levels up!27:31 - Gen Con update32:32 - D&D Classes core fantasy52:37 - Obsolete design ideas

How impactful SHOULD character death be in a TTRPG like Daggerheart or D&D? We ponder this while Paizo experiences book delays, the ENNIE awards are announced, and we decide what monster manuals to make!Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro00:46 - Shopping at FLGS07:26 - Diamond bankruptcy13:43 - Board game cafe strike19:31 - ENNIE nominations21:42 - Handling character death34:42 - GM social leaders48:36 - Monster themed books

Daggerheart releases two new classes into playtesting, triggering a heated rules debate over moons! Meanwhile, another Unearthed Arcana brings the Necromancer Wizard and Hexblade Warlock back to D&D 2024.Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:14 - What is an Undead?06:04 - Unearthed Arcana subclasses23:11 - The missing Todd in the room24:50 - New Daggerheart playtest46:09 - Tabletop Workers United47:23 - Taking GM notes

More industry shuffles as Hasbro lays off more staff, Ivan Van Norman leaves Darrington Press, and we get a sneak peak at a cancelled D&D video game!Email your questions to [email protected]: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:06 - Siege weapons in D&D05:02 - Hasbro layoffs07:47 - WotC cancelled video game18:45 - Ivan Van Norman departs Darrington Press26:10 - Character combat parity42:55 - Player input on adventures

What will Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford joining Darrington Press mean for D&D 5e? Todd Kenreck is laid off from WotC, D&D's Vice President resigns, and other industry shaking events unfold!Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:52 - Todd Kenreck laid off from WotC13:29 - Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford join Darrington Press28:50 - Jess Lanzillo leaves WotC30:59 - Darrington Press' own OGL

Wizard's of the Coast is hiring new D&D designers, but can they fill Chris Perkins or Jeremy Crawford's shoes? A new D&D video game is announced, and World of Darkness publisher White Wolf rises from the grave!Email your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:24 - Best question for Session 0?13:40 - WotC hiring game designers22:23 - White Wolf returns28:38 - A new D&D video game!33:53 - UK Games Expo36:05 - Balancing a TTRPG45:23 - Monstrous BBEG

A surprised Unearthed Arcana launches the Psion back into D&D! Wizards of the Coast inks an new video game publishing deal, while Baldur's Gate 3 goes Pathfinder 2e. Should TTRPG players git gud?Hunt for Monsters of Drakkenheim on D&D Beyond: https://marketplace.dndbeyond.com/category/DB4KDB0Q1Wizards of the Coast signs deal with Giant Skull: https://newsroom.hasbro.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wizards-coast-announces-exclusive-publishing-agreement-giantEmail your questions to [email protected]: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:15 - Best TTRPG settings06:53 - The Psion Unearthed Arcana22:36 - Monsters of Drakkenheim24:56 - New WotC video game?32:17 - BG3's Pathfinder mod34:05 - Does player skill matter in a TTRPG?