The Eldritch Lorecast

Ghostfire Gaming

Ben Byrne, Dael Kingsmill, Shawn Merwin, and Todd Kenreck 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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#261
Today · 51 min
#261. Is D&D Finally Nerfing Casters?
The D&D: World of Warcraft previews keep rolling in, and the new monster abilities have everyone asking whether casters are finally getting reined in. We also cover Dragonlance joining the D&D Icons line, D&D novels getting reprinted in the UK, and whether bolting rules from other games together is a 5th Edition habit or something D&D faithfuls have always done.Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comShawn: @shawnmerwinDael: @dailydaelTodd: @ToddKenreckAdam: @retroarchetypeEditor: @jberrtTopics:00:00 - Intro07:37 - D&D World of Warcraft: Updates24:34 - Wizards of the Coast Staff Changes28:59 - D&D Icons: Dragonlance33:08 - D&D Novel Reprints in the UK38:37 - Is combining multiple systems unique to 5th Edition D&D?44:45 - Best DMing moments?
#260
September 23 · 55 min
#260. Should D&D Fans Be Worried About Universes Beyond?
Preorders are open for D&D: World of Warcraft, the first book in the new Universes Beyond line. But, what does a crossover this big mean for the future of D&D? We also dig into the Seeker's Guide to Dreaded Demigods,hunt for systems that make non-combat gameplay sing, and work out why hexcrawls keep pulling us back in. Follow The Seeker's Guide to Dreaded Demigods on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/the-seekers-guide-to-dreaded-demigods Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Shawn: @shawnmerwin Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Logan: @Runesmith Editor: @jberrt Topics: Intro - 00:00 05:22 - D&D: World of Warcraft Preorders 11:29 - Impact of Universes Beyond on D&D? 20:04 - The Seeker’s Guide to Dreaded Demigods 29:49 - Martial vs Caster Support 37:15 - Systems for Non Combat Gameplay? 45:44 - Hexcrawls
#259
September 16 · 50 min
#259. D&D Has Gone Off the Deep End With Playable Kuo-toa...
Unearthed Arcana returns to the Underdark for round two, with new Cleric and Sorcerer subclasses, an updated Circle of Spores Druid, and FIVE playable species. Meanwhile, we tackle character death in D&D, figure out how to run a HUGE dungeon without losing your mind, and ponder whether Frankensteining game systems together makes a masterpiece or a monster? Back Aberration NOW it's the LAST 24 HOURS : https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB2_2026_8_935 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Jess: @jbertart Dael: @dailydael Jordy: @Arlentric Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro/ DnD Character Deaths 07:22 - Starlight Event Recap 14:22 - Unearthed Arcana: Underdark Pt.2 18:16 - CONTENT WARNING: ARACHNOPHOBIA!! 23:31 - Aberration: Oblivion’s Embrace - FINAL 24 HOURS! 25:30 - Home TTRPG Games 30:37 - Running Large Dungeons 38:51 - Frankensteining Systems?
#258
September 9 · 1 hr 1 min
#258. Wake Up Babe, a New D&D TV Show Announced!
Netflix announces a Ravenloft TV series, but who should play D&D's most notorious villain, Strahd von Zarovich? We fondly remember the D&D movie, recap every announced (and cancelled) D&D TV show, and ponder whether 5.5e should have bounded Hit Points? Back Aberration NOW: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB2_2026_8_935 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:17 - Ravenloft coming to Netflix 13:57 - Every announced D&D TV show 17:13 - Remembering Honor Among Thieves 23:29 - Castle Ravenloft board game 2e 25:15 - Paizo still in trouble? 29:30 - Encouraging player feedback 44:30 - Bounded hit points?
#257
September 2 · 52 min
#257. Reacting to the Warlock Trailer and D&D's Digital Future!
Gameplay footage from Warlock gets a HUGE reaction, and D&D drops ANOTHER surprise video game trailer! Meanwhile, we ponder whether a 5.5e adventure could ever feel like The Odyssey? Back Aberration NOW: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB2_2026_8_935 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: ⁨@ToddKenreck⁩ Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 04:19 - Warlock video game 14:35 - Long Rest Tavern game 19:11 - Exodus (& octobot!) 25:13 - Aberration 26:40 - The Odyssey as a D&D adventure? 41:57 - High Level Adventures
#156
August 26 · 58 min
#256. D&D Now Lets You Play as a Mind Flayer... (which SHOULD be a Bad Thing, Right?)
The latest D&D Unearthed Arcana lets your 5.5e character "transform" into a Mind Flayer! But shouldn't turning into a monster be a bad thing? Back Aberration NOW: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB2_2026_8_935 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:28 - UA: Mind Flayer Transformation 26:18 - Aberration board game 30:53 - UA: Underdark subclasses 54:33 - Ravenloft D20 Popcorn Bucket
#255
August 19 · 1 hr 1 min
#255. Does EVERY TTRPG Have to be a Video Game, Now?
Digital platforms like D&D Beyond continue to infiltrate the TTRPG industry with the release of Free League Unbound! Could Paizo recover from their money troubles? And what's the secret to ensuring your D&D Players are always having fun? Learn how to use their curiosity against them! Noclip⁩ documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAv0LYLQi5c&tEmail your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - Best TTRPG video games 08:57 - Free League Unbound 17:51 - Paizo's got money troubles 23:10 - Rowan, Rook & Decard unionize 24:08 - D&D Beyond disgusting Drops 26:16 - Using curiosity to craft campaigns 39:14 - Noticing interactive objects 48:59 - Sparking player curiosity
#254
August 12 · 54 min
#254. Is D&D is About to Drown...?
An UNPRECEDENTED amount of D&D news fell out of Gen Con, including Icons, Dark Sun, and even Universes Beyond setting up a massive number of new D&D products! Follow Aberration here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB2_2026_8_935 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Gen Con Recap 08:57 - Gen Con breaks records! 10:11 - D&D keynote recap 13:37 - World of Warcraft 16:37 - Is D&D flooding the market? 28:20 - D&D Beyond updates 32:01 - Aberration 34:18 - Ghostfire Gaming x Ravenloft 37:23 - Daggerheart & V:TM V6 42:35 - ANOTHER new OGL
#253
August 5 · 41 min
#253. How D&D SLAYED Gen Con to Remain the #1 TTRPG
SO MUCH D&D news exploded at Gen Con, including Icons, Dark Sun, Greyhawk, and the Universes Beyond projects: World of Warcraft and Star Wars... we barely had time to cover it all while sheltering from a tornado! GeeknSon gaming tables: https://geeknson.com/pages/game-room-gaming-table Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Joey: @JamesJHaeck Justice: @justiceraminarman Foster: @TheatreOfTheUnaligned Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Gen Con 2026 13:50 - D&D Icons 22:14 - Uh oh, A Tornado 22:46 - GeeknSon 24:01 - Dark Sun 28:08 - Star Wars 30:41 - World of Warcraft
July 29 · 57 min
#252. The Deadliest Challenge Your D&D Party can Face!
What's more dangerous in D&D than a monster? The party! So give your players a taste of their own medicine with the "Anti-Party" method. Also, should roleplaying be MANDATORY for a Warlock player? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 03:42 - The "Anti-Party" 16:41 - Gen Con events 19:28 - Warlock players MUST roleplay 37:14 - Is 5.5e crafting broken? 46:58 - Is a monster book a setting guide?
#251
July 22 · 52 min
#251. Is D&D Abandoning the Adventurer's League?
Are D&D Encounters replacing the Adventurer's League? Meanwhile, Paizo revokes its Pathfinder and Starfinder license from Archives of Nethys and we decide the best social encounter rules. Book your seat for the Starlight D&D Epic: https://events.humanitix.com/starlight-dnd Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Using a DM Screen? 07:45 - D&D Encounters S2 16:53 - Finding a TTRPG group 21:19 - Starlight D&D Epic 23:35 - Ghostfire at Gen Con 25:09 - Paizo revoke license 41:06 - Best social mechanics
#250
July 15 · 58 min
#250. How Gen Con will Reshape D&D's Future!
WotC announces a STAGGERING number of D&D events for Gen Con, which could change the future of 5.5e forever! Daggerheart releases new playtests for the Summoner and Blood Hunter, while Chaosium Vote Grim Hollow for Best Setting at the ENNIES: https://vote.ennie-awards.com/vote/2026/ Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Hiding Ability Check DC's 14:16 - The D&D TOWER!! 29:35 - Ennie Awards voting 30:47 - D&D Season of Magic 39:15 - Daggerheart playtests 45:50 - Chaosium vs AI 49:19 - Invasion of the Doppelgängers?
#249
July 8 · 58 min
#249. DON'T Let Party Conflict Ruin Your D&D Campaign!
Is it ever safe to let your D&D party argue among themselves? Should just ANY character be allowed to use Thieves Tools to pick a lock? What makes a great TTRPG open game license? We answer the tough questions on this week's episode! Learn about Aberration: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2026_7_249 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Project Hail Mary [SPOILERS!] 06.23 - Letting Sorcerers pick locks? 18:41 - Ennie Awards nominations 22:45 - A Grim Hollow board game! 25:09 - D&D Fan Expo postponed 27:58 - Zweihänder game license 31:16 - Creating party conflict 48:51 - Stop being bored in combat!
#248
July 1 · 1 hr 1 min
#248. How to LEVEL UP Your Game Master Skills for D&D!
We're sharing HORROR stories from our early days GM'ing for D&D or other TTRPG's, giving tips on how to improve as a game master, and digging deeper into Vampire: The Masquerade on D&D Beyond. Pre-order Vampire: The Masquerade - Bound by Blood: https://marketplace.dndbeyond.com/category/4IQF87I?pid=DB4IQF87I Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - GM Horror Stories! 08:27 - Lorecast SURPRISE interview? 10:53 - Arcana Unleashed subclasses 14:45 - Free RPG Day 17:51 - Diana Jones Award nominees 20:38 - First WotC workers union 21:34 - V:tM Bound by Blood 29:21 - Easy GM mistakes? 38:56 - Level up your GM'ing 50:51 - Player consequences
June 24 · 1 hr 3 min
#247. How Vampire: the Masquerade Landed on D&D Beyond!
HUGE News this week with Vampire: the Masquerade landing on D&D Beyond while WotC reveals more of how Unearthed Arcana 5.5e playtesting works. Jennifer Kretchmer joins us to talk TTRPG accessibility, educating the next generation of game designers, and what playing a Paladin truly means! Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: ‪ ⁨@ToddKenreck⁩ Jen: @dreamwisp Editor: ‪ @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 18:29 - VtM: Bound by Blood 26:04 - UA and WotC transparency 47:49 - D&D rules reference cards 49:49 - Why the Paladin hate?
#246
June 17 · 53 min
#246. Would You Play a Transformer in D&D 5.5e?!
Joined this week by special guest Logan, we question whether the FATE TTRPG is dying, chonky dragons in chonkier dice, Hasbro IP's coming to D&D 5.5e and how to survive your first Convention in style! Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Shawn: @shawnmerwin Dael: @dailydael Todd: ‪@ToddKenreck‬ Logan: @Runesmith Editor: ‪ @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:03 - The End of Fate? 10:04 - Themberchaud D20 Chonk 14:55 - Toy franchises in 5.5e? 20:35 - Legends of Greyhawk on D&D Beyond 25:25 - Advice for Your First Convention 32:46 - Large Scale Battles in D&D 42:59 - 3rd Party Spells
#245
June 10 · 52 min
#245. WotC Backtracks on D&D Beyond Drops!
Is WotC listening to the community with the changes to D&D Beyond Drops? We meet the members of the D&D Advisory Group, Hasbro starts up an AI company, and Paizo are forced to make some difficult choices. Grim Hollow now Available: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHRF_2026_6_244 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - What is Homebrew? 09:08 - D&D Beyond Drops update 13:31 - D&D Advisory Group 19:14 - New D&D book and Baldur’s Gate 2? 27:58 - Hasbro AI studio 32:50 - Paizo layoffs 35:55 - Neon Odyssey breaks records 45:24 - John Blanche 46:42 - Digital dice themes
#244
June 3 · 57 min
#244. D&D Goes Fully Grimdark with Latest Books!
Grim Hollow 5.5e FINALLY brings horror and grimdark adventures to D&D! Meanwhile D&D Beyond makes good on another promise, and we gear up to celebrate the International Day of Play! Grim Hollow now Available: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHRF_2026_6_244 Start your Adventures in Etharis here:https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHRF_2026_6_243 Learn more about the UNICEF Day of Play:https://www.unicef.org/parenting/day-of-play Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 06:54 - Grim Hollow 5.5e is HERE! 13:56 - Gen Con D&D events 18:50 - International Day of Play 22:22 - D&D Beyond Journals 27:07 - Political intrigue adventures 49:01 - 3rd party D&D starter sets
#243
May 27 · 45 min
#243. A New Horror TTRPG Emerges from D&D's Biggest Rival
A D&D game is cancelled and details about a new horror TTRPG from the makers of Pathfinder and Starfinder! Meanwhile, are you a Gamist, Narrativist, or Simulationist gamer? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:46 - Paizo’s horror TTRPG 23:09 - D&D game cancelled 28:20 - GNS game theory 35:43 - Weaving Character Backstories
#242
May 20 · 58 min
#242. Is Playing D&D a "Selfish" Power Fantasy?
D&D 5e is accused of being 'artistically hollow' by one of tabletop gaming's biggest influencers, alongside Pathfinder, Draw Steel, and Daggerheart. So we explore if that's true? Quinns Quest review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH5-uQj4uOA Saga of the Seasons 5e Adventure: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2026_5_242 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:04 - Gen Con events 07:39 - Quinns vs D&D 26:15 - Are Optimizers truly the villains? 40:20 - Stories vs Railroads

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