Podcast · Leisure & Travel

The Eldritch Lorecast

by Ghostfire Gaming · English · Leisure & Travel

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 .

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 58 min
Latest: 14 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026 · 59 minNew

#263. Things Every D&D Table Should Be Stealing From Other Games | Eldritch Lorecast

Some of the best rules at a D&D table don't come from D&D at all. This week we dig into other games like Daggerheart and Shadowdark to find what's worth smuggling into your 5.5e game. Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Matt: @heyitsMattyP Adam: @RetroArchetype Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 00:42 - TTRPG's that make D&D better! 25:30 - Kobold Press x Shadowdark 28:18 - White Wolf & Renegade Games part ways 34:52 - D&D workers union 37:38 - D&D Star Wars 39:51 - Hacks for learning new games

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E262 · 7 Oct 2026 · 58 min
#262. The Sorrow Knight is D&D's Most Emo Subclass Yet | Eldritch Lorecast
Jay Jani from D&D Beyond joins us to talk digital tools at the table, what goes into a monthly Drop, and the Sorrow Knight! The first full subclass to arrive through the program. We also get into Ravenloft: Project Lamordia, what Ghostfire is bringing to PAX Australia, and how to make a horror adventure scare and delight your players. Want to join Ghostfire Gaming at PAX Australia? See the Game Schedule here and book now: https://events.humanitix.com/gfg-pax-aus?ml_recipient=200315957349975649&ml_link=200315818930603626 Find out more information about our Panel at PAX Australia here:…
E261 · 30 Sep 2026 · 52 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 [email protected]: @shawnmerwinDael: @dailydaelTodd: @ToddKenreckAdam: @retroarchetypeEditor: @jberrtTopics:00:00 - Intro07:37 - D&D World of Warcraft: Updates24:34 - Wizards of the Coast Staff…
E260 · 23 Sep 2026 · 56 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 [email protected] Shawn: @shawnmerwin Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Logan:…
E259 · 16 Sep 2026 · 51 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 [email protected] Jess: @jbertart Dael: @dailydael Jordy: @Arlentric Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro/…
E258 · 9 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 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 [email protected] 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…
E257 · 2 Sep 2026 · 53 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 [email protected] 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
E156 · 26 Aug 2026 · 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 [email protected] 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
E255 · 19 Aug 2026 · 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 [email protected] 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…
E254 · 12 Aug 2026 · 55 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 [email protected] 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…
E253 · 5 Aug 2026 · 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 [email protected] 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
29 Jul 2026 · 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 [email protected] 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?
E251 · 22 Jul 2026 · 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 [email protected] 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…
E250 · 15 Jul 2026 · 59 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 [email protected] 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…
E249 · 8 Jul 2026 · 59 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 [email protected] 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!…
E248 · 1 Jul 2026 · 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 [email protected] 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…
24 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 4 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 [email protected] 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?
E246 · 17 Jun 2026 · 54 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 [email protected] 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
E245 · 10 Jun 2026 · 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 [email protected] 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…
E244 · 3 Jun 2026 · 58 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 [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro…
E243 · 27 May 2026 · 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 [email protected] 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
E242 · 20 May 2026 · 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 [email protected] 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…
13 May 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
#241. Have "Drops" Just Changed D&D FOREVER?
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] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: ⁨@ToddKenreck⁩ Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: ⁨@jberrt⁩ Topics: 00:00 - Intro 04:32 - D&D Beyond Drops 30:49 - Chris Cocks Interview 38:37 - Neon Odyssey 41:40 - High Level Campaigns 48:54 - Optimizer Discourse
6 May 2026 · 57 min
#240. How to Transform D&D Adventure Modules to Other Settings!
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] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:36 - Best side quest one-shots 09:32 - D&D Beyond Starter Packs 15:33 - Ted D&D episode 21:10 - WotC's AI rules lawyer 31:26 - WotC workers union 35:10- Supporting New DM’s 40:01 - Transforming adventure modules 49:58 - "Pilot Episode" D&D…
E239 · 29 Apr 2026 · 59 min
#239. Are You Still Getting These D&D 5.5e Rules Wrong?
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_236 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - D&D 5.5e rules Quiz 14:39 - Do you like a one-shot? 23:10 - D&D live play "Play Along Pack"…
E238 · 22 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
#238. Is the OFFICIAL D&D Liveplay About to End Critical Role?
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] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 06:00 - Ravenloft book reveals 21:50 - Daggerheart & luxury TTRPG goods 25:35 - Dungeon Crawler Carl sets records! 29:10 - The "Official" D&D live play 38:42 - Players missing sessions 46:41 - Complex villains & worlds
E237 · 15 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
#237. Is D&D 5.5e Abandoning Full Adventure Modules?
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_236 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 04:52 - Adventure prep in 30mins 11:05 - D&D abandoning adventure modules? 22:06 - WotC hire new 3PP role 29:11 - Lairs of…
E236 · 8 Apr 2026 · 59 min
#236. How D&D's New UA Misses the Point of Playing Evil Characters!
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_236 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 07:00 - Lairs of Etharis x Mega Dungeon Month 10:55 - Unearthed Arcana: Villainous Options 27:10 - Villainous transformations…
S235 · 1 Apr 2026 · 57 min
#235. The D&D Digital Era Continues with the Quickbuilder
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-month The Codex Pricing & Distribution: https://www.patreon.com/posts/codex-pricing-153537787 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:26 - Cyberpunk Red reprint 08:55 - D&D Beyond Quickbuilder 13:36 - The Draw Steel…
E234 · 25 Mar 2026 · 59 min
#234. WotC Announces ANOTHER D&D Setting Book!
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_226 Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Todd: @ToddKenreck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @jberrt Topics: 00:00 - Intro 04:19 - Playing a MEGA-dungeon 09:42 - Melf's Guide to Greyhawk 22:35 - Neopia Quest launches! 24:59 - Direct sales vs distribution 31:16 - Heists and sneaking past danger!…

About The Eldritch Lorecast

The Eldritch Lorecast is a English leisure & travel podcast from Ghostfire Gaming. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Ghostfire Gaming
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 58 min
Latest episode: 14 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1589018435
Rights: Ghostfire Gaming

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