The Eldritch Lorecast

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

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?

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!

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

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?