The Sly Flourish D&D Podcast: Recent Episodes
slyflourish
The complete podcast of Sly Flourish, the Lazy Dungeon Master. Building the better D&D dungeon master.
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:31 Sly Flourish News: Other Stuff in Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster, Types of Lightning Rods * 00:07:28 Sly Flourish News: All SF Products now in Markdown * 00:12:20 D&D & RPG News: New 13th Age Products Coming * 00:13:53 D&D & RPG News: ENNIE 2026 Winners Announced * 00:20:32 D&D & RPG News: How Long Have People Played D&D? * 00:25:31 D&D & RPG News: Poll on Gencon D&D Products * 00:35:49 Commentary: More Thoughts on Gencon 2026 D&D Announcements. * 00:41:57 DM Tip: Two Goldilockses and Six Beds * 01:04:36 Patreon Question: Prep Between Sessions for Larger Campaigns
Links* Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * The Rest of the Stuff in Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * Types of Lightning Rods for D&D and 5e * Appearance on Boards and Swords * Lazy GM's Resource Document * New 13th Age stuff * 2026 ENNIE Winners * EN World ENNIES thread * Years Playing D&D Poll from Insight Check * D&D Channel Poll on Favorite Announcements * Ranking your interest in D&D's new lineup — EN World * “D&D Icons” line wins an award before making anything * Mike Mearls talks more about Death Saves.
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Back Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster on Kickstarter
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:46 Sly Flourish News: Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Final Days — Articles and Appearances * 00:03:50 Kickstarter Spotlight: Plate Mail Games Audio Tracks for your RPG * 00:05:19 D&D & RPG News: Big Gencon News * 00:06:24 D&D & RPG News: World of Warcraft and D&D * 00:11:23 D&D & RPG News: Dark Sun * 00:16:01 D&D & RPG News: Greyhawk Crown of the Witch Queen * 00:19:54 D&D & RPG News: Star Wars D&D * 00:22:44 Commentary: Universes Beyond is a Burned Brand * 00:27:41 D&D & RPG News: Partnerships for FR, Ravenloft, and Eberron * 00:30:54 Commentary: D&D Icons is Weird * 00:35:07 Commentary: Death Saves is Weird Too * 00:35:42 D&D & RPG News: Search, New App, and other D&D Beyond Stuff * 00:41:27 D&D & RPG News: Free League Unbound, New One Ring, Dungeon World 2, Keith Baker, New Vampire Masquarade * 00:43:53 Commentary: The Other Stuff in Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * 00:51:34 Patreon Question: Handling Missing Players * 00:54:49 Patreon Question: Should Exploration and Roleplaying Have Stronger Procedures? * 00:59:55 Patreon Question: Do the 8 Steps Work with All RPGs?
Links* Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Kickstarter! * Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * The Lazy GM's Toolbox in Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * The Rest of the Stuff in Rise * Geeknative Interview with Mike Shea by Egg Embry * Mike on One Hit Point Podcast (YouTube) * Mike on One Hit Point Podcast (Spotify) * Mike on Gnome Stew’s Gnomecast * Mystic Arts on Eight Steps and Rise * Shadowmain — Tales From the Tavern Q&A With Mike Shea * Plate Mail games RPG audio files Kickstarter * D&D Announcements * World of Warcraft * Dark Sun * Greyhawk Adventure * Star Wars * Universes Beyond * Ghostfire does Ravenloft; Kobold Press does Forgotten Realms; Visionary Productions does Eberron * D&D Icons * Death Saves * D&D Beyond LFG * Great interviews by Crit Hit the Giant * Free League Unbound * New One Ring backerkit campaign coming * Dungeon World 2 Beta * New Daggerheart setting by Keith Baker * New Vampire the Masquerade
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Back Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster on Kickstarter
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:27 Sly Flourish News: Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Kickstarter Continues * 00:03:15 Sly Flourish News: Adventure Types and the Lazy GM Toolkit * 00:05:00 Sly Flourish News: Signed SF Books at Inkwell Ideas at Gencon Booth 150 and Rock and Roar samples * 00:06:36 Sly Flourish News: Rise of the Lazy GM Interview and Mentions * 00:08:24 D&D & RPG News: Ship of the Dead with Bob, Grace, and Ginny Di * 00:10:09 D&D & RPG News: Free Core20 Adventure and Playtest Rules * 00:11:16 Kickstarter Spotlight: Doom—Dust of the Disintegrator * 00:14:04 Commentary: Gencon next week and D&D World of Warcraft * 00:20:48 D&D & RPG News: Archives of Nethys Deal with Paizo * 00:25:25 Commentary: Lazy GM Toolkit in Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * 00:31:55 DM Tip: The Variables in Combat Complexity * 00:50:37 Patreon Question: D&D Monster Manual Versus A5E Monsterous Menagerie * 00:54:31 Patreon Question: Handling Big Battles Off Screen * 00:56:59 Patreon Question: Why PDFs when they Suck?
Links* Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Kickstarter! * Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * Adventure Types in Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * The Lazy GM's Toolbox in Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * Rock and Roar in print with free samples * TTRPG Insider Interview * JP Coovert video * Ship of the Dead with Bob, Grace, and Ginny * Tormented Temple by Scott Fitzgerald Gray * World of Warcraft for D&D * Doom-Dust of the Disintegrator: Deluxe Edition * Paizo and Archives of Nethys figure things out
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:32 Sly Flourish News: Rise of the Lazy Game Master Articles * 00:03:22 Patreon Spotlight: Reading Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Chapters Aloud * 00:04:48 Sly Flourish News: Mike on Lots of Podcasts and Videos * 00:14:48 D&D & RPG News: Throne and Bones Bundle of Holding * 00:15:37 Product Spotlight: Nimble Action Tracker * 00:16:36 Kickstarter Spotlight: Limithron's Pirate Map Collection for Pirate Borg * 00:19:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Fingertip Isles by Jeff Stevens * 00:19:59 Kickstarter Spotlight: Attack the Light — Avenge the White Mare * 00:21:59 D&D & RPG News: Perkins, Stephens, Thompson on Star Wars Saga Edition History * 00:25:57 Commentary: Adventure Types in Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * 00:44:07 DM Tip: The Value of Relics * 00:53:29 Patreon Question: Components of a Campaign Frame
Links* Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * Prepping and Running Lazy Campaigns * Adventure Types in Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * Mike on Morrus's Unofficial Tabletop Talk * Mike on Kobold Press's YouTube Talk Show * Mike on Tabletop Journeys (YouTube) * Mike on Tabletop Journeys (Podcast) * Mike on PAGE's Friday Night Talk Show * Nimble action tracker * Thrones and Bones Bundle of Holding * Limithron’s Pirate Map Collection * Fingertip Isles by Jeff Stevens * Attack the Light — Avenge the White Mare * Reading D&D Aloud Podcast on Star Wars Saga Editon
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:15 Sly Flourish News: Rise Kickstarter, Expanding Eight Steps, Lazy Campaigns * 00:04:07 Sly Flourish News: Reddit AMA for Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * 00:06:35 Sly Flourish News: Mike on Mastering Dungeons, Tome Show, and Polygon * 00:09:13 D&D & RPG News: ENNIE Voting Underway * 00:10:08 Kickstarter Spotlight: Exalted Funeral ENNIE Award Titles Backerkit Campaign * 00:11:58 Kickstarter Spotlight: En5der Magazine Annual Hardcover from EN World Publishing * 00:14:05 D&D & RPG News: Massive D&D Convention Building at Gencon * 00:20:15 D&D & RPG News: Arcana Unleashed Deadfall for 11th to 20th level * 00:26:48 D&D & RPG News: D&D Death Saves Black Label Campaign Setting * 00:30:20 Commentary: Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Campaign Prep and Play * 00:40:47 DM Tip: Lazy Dungeon Prep * 00:52:34 Patreon Question: What Is the Mourning? * 00:57:51 Patreon Question: Spiral Development in Big Cities
Links* Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Kickstarter! * Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * Expanding Each of the Eight Steps * Prepping and Running Lazy Campaigns * Reddit AMA * Mike on Mastering Dungeons Video * Mike on Mastering Dungeons Podcast * The Tome Show Spotlight on Mike Shea * Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Article on Polygon * Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Article on Techraptor * Burn After Reading — The Lazy Loremaster * ENNIE Voting Now Open * Exalted Funeral ENNIE Nomination Backerkit Campaign * EN5ider Magazine Annual by EN World Publishing Kickstarter * Huge D&D Presence at Gencon * Arcana Unleashed: Deadfall 11-20th campaign * Death Saves — Dungeons & Dragons “Black Label” setting
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:03 Sly Flourish News: Five Scenes, Expanding the Eight Steps * 00:03:17 Sly Flourish News: Mike on What Would the Smart Party Do Podcast * 00:05:09 Sly Flourish News: Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Kickstarter Is Live * 00:07:19 D&D & RPG News: 2026 ENNIES Nominations * 00:12:45 Kickstarter Spotlight: Ereb Altor * 00:15:12 Commentary: Expanding Each of the Eight Steps * 00:41:15 DM Tip: Timing Your Sessions * 00:51:51 Patreon Question: Building Worlds for Spelljammer * 00:56:14 Patreon Question: Adding Cool Effects to Monuments
Links* Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Kickstarter * Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * Five Scenes * Expanding Each of the Eight Steps * What Would the Smart Party Do * 2026 ENNIE Nominations * Ereb Altor Kickstarter
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:02 Sly Flourish News: Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster in One Week * 00:02:22 Sly Flourish News: Make Monsters Unique, Five Scenes * 00:04:12 Patreon Spotlight: Blood of the Primordials * 00:07:15 D&D & RPG News: New Dyson Maps Available * 00:12:38 Commentary: D&D Has Been Incomplete for 52 Years and That's Good Actually * 00:33:12 DM Tip: Clocks Versus Skill Challenges * 00:44:23 Sly Flourish News: Adventure Types in Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * 00:53:52 Patreon Question: Running Short Games * 00:58:16 Patreon Question: Feeling Nervous Before a Game
Links* Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * Make Monsters Unique * Five Scenes * Dyson Maps Updated * Dyson Commercial Maps * Support Dyson's Patreon * EN World Thread on Tools We Love
Mike Reviews Daggerheart!
Contents* 00:00:00 Introduction * 00:02:30 My Experience Running Daggerheart * 00:03:13 Disclaimer * 00:03:53 My Goal for This Review * 00:04:56 30-second Review * 00:09:01 A Kitchen Sink RPG * 00:22:20 Things I Love * 00:27:15 Things I Didn't Love * 00:35:00 Encounter Building * 00:45:15 Solutions and House Rules * 00:53:10 Final Thoughts
Links* Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Daggerheart * Daggerheart System Reference Document
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:58 Sly Flourish News: Rise Kickstarter, Single Target Number, Make Monsters Unique, Blood of the Primordials * 00:06:56 Sly Flourish News: Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Sample Walkthrough * 00:17:29 Commentary: Nimble RPG First Thoughts * 00:36:29 DM Tip: What Is a Lazy Gamemaster? * 00:48:03 Patreon Question: Handling Persuasion Checks * 00:53:53 Patreon Question: Light-weight OSR versus Crunchier new RPGs for Campaigns * 00:59:29 Patreon Question: Running City of Arches After Heroes of the Borderlands
Links* Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster! * Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * A Single Target Number * Make Monsters Unique * Nimblenomicon
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:01 Sly Flourish News: Single Target Number, Top Tips Chapter Read Aloud, Trying Lots of New Systems * 00:08:46 D&D & RPG News: Dungeonomicon Bundle of Holding * 00:10:03 Kickstarter Spotlight: Machine of Bone and Blood Kickstarter * 00:13:24 D&D & RPG News: Layoffs at Paizo * 00:19:26 Sly Flourish News: Rise of the Lazy Game Master FAQ * 00:33:51 Commentary: RPG Publishers Who Are Killing It * 00:44:33 DM Tip: Go Around the Table * 00:49:02 Patreon Question: Prepping for Daggerheart * 00:53:35 Patreon Question: Static Damage for Shadowdark
Links Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * A Single Target Number * Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster* Coming Soon! * Dungeonomicon Bundle of Holding * Machines of Bone and Blood * Paizo Layoffs
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:58 Sly Flourish News: Defending Out of the Fun, Rolling for Targets, 1d4 Con, Finished Dragonbane, Started Nimble * 00:07:10 Sly Flourish News: Order now Before New EU Taxes * 00:08:55 D&D & RPG News: Dyson Logos Bundle of Holding * 00:11:06 D&D & RPG News: Free League Humble Bundle * 00:12:21 D&D & RPG News: Dyson Logos Bundle of Holding * 00:13:19 Kickstarter Spotlight: Book of Unnumbered Worlds by Kevin Crawford * 00:15:32 D&D & RPG News: Merry Mushman Knock Sale with US Shipping * 00:17:18 Sly Flourish News: Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Coming Soon to Kickstarter! * 00:24:23 D&D & RPG News: D&D Community Advisory Group * 00:32:20 Commentary: Ravenloft Horrors Within Quick Thoughts * 00:44:38 Patreon Question: How Fast for a Level 1 to 20 Campaign * 00:49:00 Patreon Question: Improv With VTTs * 00:53:03 Patreon Question: Hard Drive Crashed, Using Analog Tools for Prep
Links* Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster * Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Defending Out of the Fun * Roll to Target * Big RPG Humble Bundle * Free League Humble Bundle * Dyson Presents 2026 Bundle of Holding * Book of Unnumbered Worlds * Merry Mushman Sale * D&D Community Advisory Group Announcement * EN World Ravenloft Horrors Within Spotlight * Alphastream's Ravenloft Horrors Within – The Good * Alphastream's Ravenloft Horrors Within – The Bad
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:40 Sly Flourish News: Draw Small Maps, Defending Out of the Fun * 00:04:24 Sly Flourish News: Grand Lift of Depths Forgotten * 00:06:42 Sly Flourish News: Secret Project Preview Done * 00:10:22 D&D & RPG News: EZD6 Bundle of Holding * 00:12:14 Commentary: Why Are Popular Games Complicated and Slow? * 00:16:48 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dwarven Forge Caverns Reforged * 00:23:11 D&D & RPG News: Green Ronin Physical Books On Sale * 00:27:45 Commentary: The Wish Thief for Daggerheart and Chases * 00:48:30 DM Tip: Write For Yourself * 00:56:56 Patreon Question: Run OSR Style Games with 5e * 01:03:23 Patreon Question: Games to Play at Conventions
Links* Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * Draw Small Maps * Defending Out of the Fun * EZD6 Bundle of Holding * Dwarven Forge Caverns Crowdfunding Campaign * Green Ronin Warehouse Sale * Daggerheart The Wish Thief * Troublesome Quest Models * Avoid Removing Player Agency * YouTube Video on Chases
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:00 Sly Flourish News: RPG Tags, Draw Small Maps * 00:03:14 Commentary: Pronouncing Melnibone * 00:04:12 Kickstarter Spotlight: Spawns of the Mind Renderer * 00:09:40 Commentary: Why Dungeon Crawler Carl and Neon Odyssey are So Popular * 00:19:50 D&D & RPG News: Patchwork Paladin on Dolmenwood Experiences * 00:23:13 D&D & RPG News: Bob World Builder Survey on Favorite RPG * 00:27:00 Commentary: My Favorite RPG * 00:39:18 Patreon Spotlight: Grand Lift of Depths Forgotten * 00:44:11 DM Tip: Greed, Heroism, and Wonder * 00:51:57 Patreon Question: Monster Vulnerabilities as Puzzles * 00:57:17 Patreon Question: 13th Age and Daggerheart as Narrative Games * 01:03:25 Patreon Question: Brutal Shakeoff, Break Status Effects with Psychic Damage
Links* Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * Defining RPGs with Tags * Draw Small Maps * Spawns of the Mind Renderer * Neon Odyssey * Dungeon Crawler Carl * Patchwork Paladin in Dolmenwood * Bob World Builder's RPG Survey * Greed, Heroism, Wonder * Lazy GM's Resource Document
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:05 Sly Flourish News: Quantum Ogres and the Eight Steps, Tagging RPGs, Secret Project Announcement Date * 00:06:03 Kickstarter Spotlight: Demonic Grimoire for OSE * 00:09:55 D&D & RPG News: Elric for 5e, DCC, and Dragonbane * 00:13:19 Commentary: D&D Drops and Being a Good Steward of D&D * 00:43:39 D&D & RPG News: Old Gus's Daggerheart Resource Document * 00:48:00 Patreon Spotlight: Dyson Map Gallery Updated * 00:50:12 DM Tip: Scenes and Situations * 00:58:21 Patreon Question: Running Classic Adventures with 5e * 01:03:34 Patreon Question: Strong Finishes for Strong Starts
Links* Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish RSS Feed * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast (Ad Free!) * Quantum Ogres and the Eight Steps * Defining RPGs with Tags * Demonic Grimoire for OSE * Elric for DCC, 5e * Elric for Dragonbane * D&D Beyond Drops * Games Radar Interview with Chris Cocks * Old Gus's Daggerheart Resources * Scenes and Situations
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:56 Sly Flourish News: Not All Checks Need a Mechanical Outcome, Quantum Ogres and the Eight Steps * 00:04:02 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches One Shot Builder for Patreon * 00:08:43 Sly Flourish News: Mike at 1d4 Con * 00:09:35 Product Spotlight: One Shot World by Yochai Gal * 00:12:17 Product Spotlight: Final Torch 3 for Shadowdark * 00:14:18 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Press Elves and Fey Humble Bundle * 00:17:18 D&D & RPG News: Battlezoo Bestiary Humble Bundle * 00:18:18 D&D & RPG News: James Introcaso on When to Roll Checks * 00:23:37 Sly Flourish News: Dyson Map Gallery Updated * 00:30:07 Commentary: WOTC Employees Form a Union * 00:45:41 Commentary: Ghostfire Poll on D&D 2014 and 2024 Use * 00:51:47 Patreon Question: Dealing with Discord Enshittification * 01:01:35 Patreon Question: Using Lazy DM Material in the Creative Commons
Links* Visit Sly Flourish * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Every Roll Doesn’t Need a Mechanical Outcome * Quantum Ogres and the Eight Steps * 1d4 Con * One Shot World * Final Torch Issue 3 * Elves and Fey Bundle by Kobold Press * Roll for Combat Battlezoo Humble Bundle * James Introcaso on When You Should Roll * Dyson Maps * WOTC Magic Arena Team Unionizes * United Wizards of the Coast letter * Are You Playing D&D 2024? A poll by Ghostfire! * The Lazy GM's Resource Document * Lazy GM's 5e Monster Builder Resource Document
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:02 Sly Flourish News: House Rules from Various 5es, Every Roll Doesn't Need Mechanical Outcomes * 00:06:25 Sly Flourish News: Grotto of the Grandfather for Shadowdark * 00:09:30 Sly Flourish News: Secret Project Update * 00:11:35 D&D & RPG News: Land of Eem on Bundle of Holding * 00:13:26 Commentary: Cairn Players Guides for Super Cheap * 00:20:01 Commentary: The $140 Artificer Subclass * 00:34:11 Commentary: Dungeon Masters Liveplay Thoughts * 00:47:22 DM Tip: Two Minute Session Zero * 00:59:34 Patreon Question: Customizing NPC Stat Blocks * 01:05:50 Patreon Question: Best Values in Physical Products
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Newsletter * Podcast * RSS * Website * Bluesky * Mastodon * House Rules from Various 5es * Every Roll Doesn’t Need a Mechanical Outcome * Land of Eem Bundle * Cairn Player's Guide * Cairn free on the Web * Cairn PDF free on Itch.io * Dungeon Masters liveplay D&D show
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:10 Sly Flourish News: Lets Learn Together, House Rules from Various 5es * 00:04:12 Sly Flourish News: Patreon Q&A Database * 00:09:48 Sly Flourish News: Secret Project Update * 00:11:27 Commentary: Crowdfunding Disclaimer * 00:12:51 Kickstarter Spotlight: Traveller 5e * 00:18:21 Kickstarter Spotlight: Jewel of the Sky by MCG * 00:21:50 Kickstarter Spotlight: Hastening Doom by Kobold Press * 00:22:49 Kickstarter Spotlight: Pirates and Plunder by Kobold Press * 00:27:41 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dungeon Crawler Carl RPG * 00:31:26 D&D & RPG News: Daggerheart Hope and Fear Preorder * 00:35:20 D&D & RPG News: Fighter Wizard Elf by Jonathan Tweet * 00:45:05 D&D & RPG News: Monte Cook Interview on Rascal * 00:51:54 DM Tip: Just Use Bears * 01:01:59 Patreon Question: Lazy GMing for New GMs * 01:08:11 Patreon Question: Risks of Prep Notes in Roll20
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Let's Learn Together * House Rules from Various 5es * Traveller 5e * Jewel in the Sky * Hastening Doom * Pirates and Plunder * Flail * Dungeon Crawler Carl * Hope and Fear Deluxe preorder * Fighter Wizard Elf * Monte Cook interview on Rascal * Knock Magazine * Just Use Bears by Jack Shear in 2016
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:44 Sly Flourish News: Because of X You Know Y, What Separates Adventure Types, New Project Feedback * 00:04:13 Sly Flourish News: Grotto of the Grandfather for Shadowdark * 00:08:23 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches on Alchemy VTT * 00:09:33 D&D & RPG News: Open Gaming Licenses for Free League * 00:22:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Horror at Devil's Run for Shadowdark * 00:23:24 DM Tip: Examples of Bad Dungeon Beats * 00:46:02 Patreon Question: Scouting Dungeons with Familiars and Arcane Eye * 00:55:42 Patreon Question: Planning Big Boss Fights
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Because of X, You Know Y * What Separates Adventure Types? * City of Arches on Alchemy * Free League Open Licenses * Horror at Devil's Run
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
- PDF Search
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:01 Sly Flourish News: Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master 50% Off * 00:03:08 Sly Flourish News: General Purpose Domains, Because of X You Know Y, Secret Project Packet 4 * 00:07:12 D&D & RPG News: Crypt of Death Shadowdark Level 0 Gauntlet by Raging Swan * 00:10:26 D&D & RPG News: Fateforge Humble Bundle * 00:14:46 D&D & RPG News: 1d4 Con in West Virginia * 00:15:59 D&D & RPG News: Announcements at Kobold Con * 00:30:51 D&D & RPG News: New Graphic Character Builder on D&D Beyond * 00:37:40 D&D & RPG News: Heroes of the Borderlands in Four Languages * 00:41:13 D&D & RPG News: Crit Hit the Giant Gary Con Review * 00:42:03 DM Tip: Procedures in RPGs * 01:01:38 Patreon Question: Do Players Notice or Care about Forge of Foes Monsters? * 01:06:07 Patreon Question: Switch Systems Mid Campaign?
Links* Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master for 50% Off! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy other Sly Flourish Books: * General Purpose Domains * Because of X, You Know Y * Crypt of Death by Raging Swan * Fateforge Humble Bundle * 1D4 Con Badges and Games Open * Kobold Con 2026 Day 1 * CritTheGiant's GaryCon Summary * D&D Beyond New Character Builder * D&D Heroes of the Borderlands in several languages
Mike reviews the Dragonbane RPG by Free League Publishing.
Show Contents
- 0:00 Show Start
- 2:34 Initial Thoughts – I Love It
- 5:25 Things I Love About Dragonbane
- 12:59 Adversaries – NPCs and Monsters
- 22:32 General Observations
- 27:51 Rough Spots
- 35:12 Managing Character Progression
- 40:17 Evasion and Fancy Footwork
- 48:55 Lazy GM Tips for Dragonbane
- 53:10 Adventure Book Thoughts
- 59:05 Final Thoughts
Links
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
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- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Dragonbane Core Set
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:43 Sly Flourish News: Return of the Lazy DM On Sale for 50% Off! * 00:04:39 Sly Flourish News: Experiences Running 3x5e, General Purpose Domains, Secret Project Updates * 00:08:41 D&D & RPG News: Ars Magica 5.0 Released Under CC BY SA * 00:13:48 D&D & RPG News: WOTC Announcements at Garycon * 00:31:11 Commentary: Should WOTC Make New Campaign Settings? * 00:59:18 Patreon Question: Moving from Tier 1 to Tier 2 in the Story * 01:03:41 Patreon Question: D&D 2014 versus D&D 2024 Likes and Dislikes
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Experiences Running a 20th Level Multi-5e Game * General Purpose Domains * Ars Magica in CC * WOTC Press Briefing at Garycon * Melfs Guide to Greyhawk * Wotc panel at Gencon * EN World's Giant List of Settings
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:10 Sly Flourish News: Play Solo RPGs, Experiences Running a 1 to 20 3x5e Game, Secret Project News * 00:07:51 Kickstarter Spotlight: Druskara for Shadowdark * 00:12:21 Kickstarter Spotlight: Creating Villains and Lairs by Jeff Stevens * 00:15:27 Commentary: Onboard Players with Cheap or Free Player Guides * 00:37:20 DM Tip: Who Summarizes Your Last Session * 00:45:56 Patreon Question: Announcing Non-Betraying NPCs in Session Zero * 00:51:39 Patreon Question: Is Procedural Prep and Play Good? * 00:59:07 Patreon Question: Building Situations
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Play Solo RPGs * Experiences Running a 20th Level Multi-5e Game * Druskara: A Brutal Fantasy World Setting for Shadowdark RPG * Game Master Tools: Creating Villains & Lairs * Daggerheart character playbooks * Dragonbane's cheat sheet by Rocketpunch * Dragonbane Quick Start Riddermound * Dragonbane Quick Start Sinking Tower * Dolmenwood's online rules reference * character generator * Cairn's Kettlewright * Index Card Free Quickstart * Index Card $5 print Player Book * Shadowdark Quickstart * Pirate Borg Player's Guide ($25) * Daggerheart Quickstart * The Delian Tomb for Draw Steel * Build Single Encounter Situations
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:16 Sly Flourish News: Eight Steps and Other RPGs, Play Solo RPGs, Secret Project * 00:04:42 Sly Flourish News: Mike on Ship of the Dead Podcast * 00:06:30 D&D & RPG News: Dolmenwood PDFs On Sale * 00:13:39 D&D & RPG News: D&D Ravenloft the Horrors Within * 00:19:48 D&D & RPG News: Arcana Unleashed * 00:23:58 D&D & RPG News: Arcana Unleashed Deadfall * 00:26:37 D&D & RPG News: New D&D Web Site * 00:38:16 D&D & RPG News: D&D 5.5? * 00:45:30 Commentary: Things I Love About Daggerheart * 01:12:38 Patreon Question: 5e Threats of Death
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Do the Eight Steps Work for Other RPGs? * Play Solo RPGs * Mike on Ship of the Dead * Dolmenwood sale * Kobold Press Southlands Fanatical Bundle * 1d4 Con * Ravenloft the Horror Within * Arcana Unleashed * Arcana Unleashed: Deadfall * New Dungeons & Dragons Web Page * D&D Seasonal Play and D&D Encounters * Mysterious Season of Champions * State of the Game on Nerd Immersion * D&D Beyond Staff on Mastering Dungeons * D&D Beyond Staff on Eldritch Lorecast * D&D 5.5
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:54 Sly Flourish News: Greed, Heroism, and Wonder; Do the Eight Steps work for other RPGs?; new secret project packet next week * 00:04:12 Patreon Question: Character Creation During Session Zeros for Traveler Online * 00:06:51 Kickstarter Spotlight: Stoneshatter Tomb * 00:08:38 Commentary: More Dragonbane Thoughts * 00:22:15 Commentary: Daggerheart Review Article and Thoughts * 00:37:15 Commentary: Discord Enshittification * 00:46:41 DM Tip: Move Steps Forward * 00:54:07 Patreon Question: What Makes You Play 5e? * 01:00:03 Patreon Question: Character Creation During Session Zeros for Traveler Online * 01:02:49 Patreon Question: Managing Challenge with Sidekicks
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Greed, Heroism, Wonder * Do the Eight Steps Work for Other RPGs? * Pathfinder 2 Bundle * Stoneshatter Tomb Kickstarter * Daggerheart, a Dishonest Review Full of Lies * Communities are not fungible
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blogs
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:01 Sly Flourish News: Slashes and Xs; Greed, Heroism, and Wonder; Secret Project Packet 2 * 00:04:41 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dragonbane Trudvang * 00:08:45 Commentary: A Tale of Two Solos * 00:33:30 DM Tip: Survive and Thrive at Gaming Conventions * 00:53:14 Patreon Question: When to Choose Three Villains For Your Campaign * 00:57:09 Patreon Question: Revealing Villain Quests Through Secrets * 00:59:31 Patreon Question: Running Campaigns About Revolution * 01:01:49 Patreon Question: Famous NPC Cameos in Adventures and Campaigns
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Use Slashes and Xs to Track Damage * Greed, Heroism, Wonder * Trudvang Kickstarter * Gaming Convention Survival Guide * Lazy Campaign Building Checklist
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Bloga
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:02 Sly Flourish News: Many RPG Hobbies, X and Slash to Track Damage, Secret Project Batch 2 * 00:04:15 Kickstarter Spotlight: Rock and Roar Monsters for OSE and Shadowdark * 00:05:40 Kickstarter Spotlight: Under the Shadow of Helfast Spire for Shadowdark * 00:07:37 Kickstarter Spotlight: Blades 68 * 00:08:59 Kickstarter Spotlight: Nimble Reprint * 00:11:20 Kickstarter Spotlight: Numenera for Cypher * 00:18:04 Commentary: We All Won – Three Years since the OGL Crisis * 00:47:51 DM Tip: Because of X, You Know Y * 00:54:40 Patreon Question: Running Two Groups Thorugh the Same Campaign * 00:58:03 Patreon Question: Pausing Personal Quests * 01:01:12 Patreon Question: Adding 5e Rules to D&D 2024
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * The Many TTRPG Hobbies * Use Slashes and Xs to Track Damage * Rock & Roar Kickstarter * Under the Shadow of Helfast Spire by Bob World Builder * Blades '68 * Nimble 5e * Numenera Cypher BackerKit Campaign * History of the OGL
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Bloga
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:11 Sly Flourish News: Lazy Campaign Checklist, Many RPG Hobbies * 00:10:00 Patreon Spotlight: Dwarven Forge VTT Backdrops * 00:15:57 D&D & RPG News: Baldur's Gate TV Show * 00:21:27 DM Tip: Feedback and Ideas for Scene Target Numbers * 00:31:31 Product Spotlight: Down Among the Dead for Pirate Borg * 00:45:58 DM Tip: Case Study Solution for Betraying Quest NPCs * 01:00:36 Patreon Question: Involving Players in Collaborative Worldbuilding * 01:05:19 Patreon Question: Planning Final Sessions of Long Campaign and One Year Later
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Lazy Campaign Building Checklist * The Many TTRPG Hobbies * Dwarven Forge VTT Backdrops * Baldur’s Gate TV Show * Down Among the Dead * Pirate Borg * Ending Campaigns
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:16 Sly Flourish News: Your Own Prep Framework, Lazy Campaign Building Checklist, New Project Test Chapters Released * 00:09:48 Commentary: More Thoughts on Dragonbane * 00:33:09 DM Tip: Single Target Number for a Scene * 00:42:22 Commentary: Not Like This * 00:52:54 Patreon Question: Dreadful Blessings for Legendary Actions * 01:00:05 Patreon Question: Cult of the False Hydra
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Your Own Prep Framework * Lazy Campaign Building Checklist * Interview on RPG Drop * Dreadful Blessings * False Hydra
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:03 Sly Flourish News: Location Moves, Simplest Quest Model, Your Own Prep Framework * 00:03:47 Patreon Question: Missing Players with Strong Story Connections * 00:06:38 Sly Flourish News: Dragonbane, Daggerheart, Tales of the Valiant Games * 00:15:00 Kickstarter Spotlight: Nighthunters by Tales of the Valiant * 00:19:00 Kickstarter Spotlight: Savage Arctic For Shadowdark by Jeff Stevens * 00:21:37 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dungeons Inc by Merry Mushman * 00:24:04 D&D & RPG News: Halls of Arden Vul Bundle of Holding * 00:26:15 Product Spotlight: Index Card RPG GM's Guide and Player's Guide * 00:30:37 D&D & RPG News: Dungeon Masterpiece on Four Indie RPGs * 00:47:35 Commentary: Crows Playtest with James Introcaso * 00:52:54 Patreon Question: Antagonistic Relationships with Warlock Patrons * 00:56:20 Patreon Question: Roles for Players to Help Run the Game * 00:58:52 Patreon Question: Missing Players with Current Connections * 01:01:00 Patreon Question: Ninth Step for Larger World Ideas
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Location Moves * The Simplest Quest Model * Your Own Prep Framework * Tales of the Valiant Night Hunters Kickstarter * Savage Arctic by Jeff Stevens Kickstarter * Dungeon Inc Kickstarter * Halls of Arden Vul Bundle of Holding * New ICRPG Books * ICRPG Video * Dungeon Masterpiece on Five Indie RPGs
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:44 Sly Flourish News: Single-Encounter Situations, Location Moves, Tower of Kartan, PAGE 3 * 00:05:57 Sly Flourish News: ToV, Dragonbane, Daggerheart Thoughts * 00:16:50 D&D & RPG News: BackerKit Hack * 00:18:21 D&D & RPG News: Kansas City Chiefs Play D&D * 00:23:13 D&D & RPG News: Stranger Things Boxed Set Sells Out * 00:27:09 Product Spotlight: Dolmenwood * 00:52:47 DM Tip: High-Value RPG Tricks * 01:04:46 Patreon Question: Taking Notes During the Game
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Build Single-Encounter Situations * Location Moves * D&D with Kansas City Chiefs * Dolmenwood * Welcome to Dolmenwood * Dolmenwood Online Rules Reference * Dolmenwood Generators * Ending Campaigns * Making Great Handouts
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:53 Sly Flourish News: 5e Crafting, Single-Encounter Situations, 5eADB Dark Mode, Tower of Kartan * 00:05:42 Sly Flourish News: Top Ten Articles of 2025 * 00:13:38 D&D & RPG News: Tim Kask Passes Away * 00:14:37 D&D & RPG News: James Haeck Joins WOTC * 00:15:13 D&D & RPG News: Shannon Appelcline on RPG Business in 2025 * 00:16:09 Commentary: Stranger Things Series Finale & D&D * 00:29:31 DM Tip: On Puzzles * 00:50:54 Patreon Question: Prepping Cities the Lazy Way * 00:54:37 Patreon Question: Taking Notes During a Game
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * How to Get Your Group to Play Other RPGs * The Secret of the Eight Steps of Lazy Game Prep * Mashing Up the Eight Steps * Build a Campaign-Unique Faction List * Shadowdark House Rules * Build Characters Quickly in D&D 2024 * Lazy Map Annotation * Avoid Removing Player Agency * Lazy World Building * Two Different 5e Games at the Same Table * Tim Kask passed away * James Haeck joins WOTC as a senior game designer * Shannon Appelcline's Year-end Review
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:04:14 Commentary: A Look Back at 2025 * 00:05:31 Sly Flourish News: Sly Flourish Stuff That Happened in 2025 * 00:11:41 Commentary: Awesome New RPGs in 2025 * 00:20:52 Commentary: Lots of Open Licensed Games in 2025 * 00:25:35 DM Tip: My Favorite 5e Trick of 2025 – Doom Points * 00:29:01 Commentary: Big D&D Products of 2025 * 00:34:02 Commentary: Daggerheart's Big Splash in 2025 * 00:39:41 Commentary: Brennan Lee Mulligan Runs Critical Role Season 4 with D&D 2024 * 00:40:32 Commentary: Project Sigil Shuts Down, One D&D Ends * 00:44:14 Commentary: 2026 Predictions
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Dreadful Blessings
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:12 Sly Flourish News: Crap in my Tackle Box, Timing Sessions * 00:03:38 D&D & RPG News:Traveller Bundle of Holding * 00:06:13 D&D & RPG News: Tales of the Valiant Bundle of Holding * 00:09:05 D&D & RPG News: Panhandle PBS on RPG Culture * 00:10:46 D&D & RPG News: Vote on Anticipated RPGs of 2026 * 00:13:33 Commentary: Save Dungeontube! * 00:25:52 DM Tip: Modifying Published Adventures * 00:56:23 Patreon Question: Character Motivations for New Players * 01:00:10 Patreon Question: Hurrying and Speeding Up Players
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Crap I Keep in my Tackle Box * Tips and Tools for Timing Sessions * Traveller Bundle of Holding * Tales of the Valiant Bundle of Holding * RPG Documentary from Panhandle PBS * RPG Documentary Trailer from Panhandle PBS * Vote for your most anticipated RPG of 2026 * RPG Blogs
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:59 Sly Flourish News: Last Days of Sly Flourish Book Sale! * 00:03:48 Sly Flourish News: Adventure Prompts, Crap in my Tackle Box * 00:06:24 D&D & RPG News: JP Coovert Gift Guide * 00:07:51 Kickstarter Spotlight: Crack the Sun for Draw Steel * 00:11:50 Product Spotlight: Dread Dungeonomicon by Raging Swan * 00:16:54 D&D & RPG News: D&D Beyond Developer AMA * 00:31:42 D&D & RPG News: 5.2.1 SRD Released in Four Languages * 00:36:52 DM Tip: Prep Through Villains * 00:50:53 Patreon Question: Convincing Players to Play Folk-Heroic RPGs * 00:57:49 Patreon Question: Players Drawing Maps on GM Descriptions * 01:00:25 Patreon Question: GM Notes and Campaign Continuity and Consistency
Links* Last days Sly Flourish Book Sale! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Seek Adventure Prompts * Crap I Keep in my Tackle Box * JP Coovert’s Gift Guide of Indie RPGs * Crack the Sun Crowdfunding Campaign * Dread Dungeononomicon * D&D Beyond Producer Post * D&D Beyond Producer AMA * Maps Updates and Feedback Post * 5.2.1 SRD in Five Languages
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:59 Sly Flourish News: 20% Off Books and Free Shipping in US and UK on $50 or More * 00:02:30 Sly Flourish News: Running Scarlet Minotaur, Seek Adventure Prompts, Monastery of Astarion * 00:05:42 Sly Flourish News: Mike on the Games with Dave Stream * 00:06:29 D&D & RPG News: Forge of the Artificer Articles on EN World * 00:09:39 D&D & RPG News: EN World 2026 Anticipated RPG Nominations * 00:16:14 Commentary: A Tale of Two Session Zeros * 00:50:54 DM Tip: Campaign Prep Part 2 – Post Session Zero * 01:03:02 Patreon Question: Types of Secrets
Links* A20% off Sly Flourish Books with Free Shipping in US and UK for $50 or More * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Running Shadowdark's Scarlet Minotaur as a One-Shot Game * Seek Adventure Prompts * Appearance on Games with Dave * Forge of the Artificer first impressions on EN World * Forge of the Artificer Deep Dive on EN World * EN World’s Most Anticipated RPGs of 2026 Nominations * Dragonbane Cheat Sheet * Types of Secrets
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:43 Sly Flourish News: Sly Flourish Books 20% off with Free Shipping * 00:02:11 Sly Flourish News: Favorite 2025 Products, Running Shadowdark's Scarlet Minotaur, Patron Obsidian Vaults * 00:05:16 Kickstarter Spotlight: Beast RPG for 5e * 00:09:08 D&D & RPG News: Shadowrun 5e Bundle of Holding * 00:12:09 D&D & RPG News: Dyson Commerical Maps of 2025 * 00:13:43 Commentary: RPGs of 2026 * 00:30:48 DM Tip: Prepping New Campaigns * 00:46:48 Patreon Question: Roll Dice in the Open * 00:49:24 Patreon Question: Is Shadowdark Still the Best D&D Starter Set? * 00:53:02 Patreon Question: Improvising Failing Forward * 00:57:26 Patreon Question: Trends in RPGs Post OGL * 01:01:53 Patreon Question: Playing RPGs is Boring
Links* A20% off Sly Flourish Books with Free Shipping! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Favorite RPG Products of 2025 * Running Shadowdark's Scarlet Minotaur as a One-Shot * Beast Kickstarter * Shadowrun Bundle of Holding 5e Essentials * Universe Mega * Dyson 2024 Commercial Map Pack
Show Links
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- Dragonbane Core Set
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:03 Sly Flourish News: When to Cheat at RPGs, 2025 Favorite RPG Products, Finished Two Campaigns, Next Campaigns * 00:06:25 Sly Flourish News: Apperance on Solo RPG Podcast * 00:07:20 Kickstarter Spotlight: Temple of the Lightbringers by MT Black * 00:09:22 D&D & RPG News: Pax Unplugged, Lots of Daggerheart, Nothing for D&D * 00:18:33 Commentary: Favorite RPG Products of 2025 * 00:32:51 Patreon Spotlight: Dwarven Forge VTT Backdrops * 00:35:52 DM Tip: Run Great Campaign Endings * 00:50:21 Patreon Question: Running Cohesive Campaigns * 00:54:07 Patreon Question: Why Are the Eight Steps In Their Current Order? * 01:00:09 Patreon Question: Factions in a Homebrew Setting
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * When and How to Cheat when Running RPGs * Favorite RPG Products of 2025 * Temple of the Lightbringers Kickstarter * Daggerheart Announcements at PAX Unplugged * Dragonbane Core Set * Tales of the Valiant Game Master's Guide * Daggerheart Core Set * Chessex 24" Battle Mat * Staedtler 315-9 Medium Point Wet Erase Marker (Black) * Ending Campaigns
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
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- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:04 Sly Flourish News: Mash Up the Eight Steps, How to Cheat at RPGs, Dread Necropolis, * 03:47 Sly Flourish News: New RPGs Hitting My Desk * 10:17 D&D & RPG News: Fantasy Grounds Free to Play and Online Compendium * 13:20 D&D & RPG News: D&D Nexus on Demiplane * 17:10 Commentary: Is Locally Owned Software Important? * 23:57 D&D & RPG News: Apocalypse World Burned Over AMA on Reddit * 24:56 Commentary: What Is the OSR? * 50:38 DM Tip: Pre-Game Rituals * 57:42 Patreon Question: Generating Random Adventures * 01:02:26 Patreon Question: Stranger Things D&D Box To Bring In New Players
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Mashing Up the Eight Steps * When and How to Cheat when Running RPGs * Fantasy Grounds Free with Online Web Viewer * New D&D Nexus on Demiplane * Vincent Baker AMA on Apocalypse World Burned Over * Using REAL CULT TACTICS to improve your D&D group
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:01:08 Sly Flourish News: Alternative Initiative Options, Mashing Up the Eight Steps * 00:02:49 Patreon Spotlight: Dread Necropolis Adventure Scenario * 00:05:06 Sly Flourish News: Upcoming Games * 00:09:29 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Press Book Bundle * 00:13:06 Kickstarter Spotlight: Drakkenheim Daggerheart Campaign Book * 00:18:02 Kickstarter Spotlight: Apocalypse World Burned Over * 00:23:45 D&D & RPG News: Meg and Vincent Baker and Jonathan Harper Podcast with Ben Riggs * 00:25:02 D&D & RPG News: Shannon Appleclein on Mastering Dungeons * 00:28:09 D&D & RPG News: WOTC Brings Back Educational Resources for D&D * 00:32:20 D&D & RPG News: New One Ring Adventures * 00:34:38 DM Tip: Experiences with Dreadful Blessings * 00:55:46 Patreon Question: Building Characters for One-on-One RPGs * 00:58:31 Patreon Question: Motivations for Cultists * 01:01:44 Patreon Question: Dealing and Facilitating Table Talk * 01:03:59 Patreon Question: Tuning Bosses in Shadowdark
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Three Alternative Initiative Options * Mashing Up the Eight Steps * Huge Kobold Press Bundle * Drakkenheart Kickstarter * Apocalypse World Burned Over Kickstarter * Meg and Vincent Baker and Jonathan Harper on Reading D&D Aloud * Designers and Dragons Crowdfunding Campaign still going on * D&D After School Programs * Hasbro Educational Resources * New One Ring and Lord of the Rings 5e Adventure Books * Dreadful Blessings
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:38 Sly Flourish News: Improv vs. Prep, Three Initiative Options * 02:12 Patreon Spotlight: Dyson Commercial Maps Gallary * 05:15 Sly Flourish News: Halloween Shadowdark Ravenloft Game * 08:47 Sly Flourish News: Appearance on EN World * 09:32 Commentary: Evil Hat Games and EPUB for Accessibility * 13:44 Commentary: What Is the Lazy RPG Talk Show? * 26:36 Product Spotlight: Forgotten Realms Heroes and Adventures of Faerun * 49:29 Patreon Question: Improvising Map Annotations and Details * 54:15 Patreon Question: Connecting with Another Player's Character * 56:15 Patreon Question: How do you Review the Characters?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Morrus's Unofficial Tabletop RPG Talk with Mike
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
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- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:01 Sly Flourish News: Gamehole Panels, Ravenloft with Shadowdark, Models Fuel Creativity, Prep Versus Improv * 05:42 D&D & RPG News: StartPlaying.Games RPG Mental Health Survey * 11:23 D&D & RPG News: Rob Weiland Passes Away * 13:11 D&D & RPG News: Asmodee Takes Control of Lord of the Rings Tabletop License * 16:56 D&D & RPG News: 30% Off Chaosium Products on DTRPG * 17:50 Kickstarter Spotlight: Origins 4-Volume D&D Product History by Evil Hat * 19:45 D&D & RPG News: Glass Cannon Liveplay using Shadowdark and Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * 20:33 D&D & RPG News: D&D 3D VTT Project Sigil Officially Ends * 29:48 Product Spotlight: Phantasy Star RPG * 37:23 Commentary: Experiences at Gamehole Con 2025 * 54:15 Patreon Spotlight: Crypts of Karigulon Updates * 59:02 Patreon Question: Friend Doesn't Want My AI / LLM Generated Campaign
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Running Ravenloft with Shadowdark * Frameworks Fuel Creativity * Improv Versus Prep * TTRPG Mental Health Survey on StartPlaying.Games * Rob Weiland Passed Away * Asmodee takes over LOTR RPG rights * Chaosium sale on DTRPG * Designers and Dragons crowdfunding campaign * Glass Cannon Liveplay mentions Lazy DM * Project Sigil D&D 3D VTT is No More * Phantasy Star RPG
Mike Shea, David Christ, and Allan Patrick share our best GM tips and discuss with the audience at our Gamehole Con panel recorded on 18 October 2025
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A recording of the "Beautiful Mess of 5e" Gamehole Con seminar recorded on 15 October 2025 with Teos Abadia, Shawn Merwin, Mike Mearls, and Mike Shea.
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:45 Sly Flourish News: Tab Your Books, Ravenloft with Shadowdark, Gamehole Con * 04:01 Patreon Spotlight: 5e Artisanal Database Combat Tracker * 10:43 Kickstarter Spotlight: Allies and Enemies for Shadowdark * 12:26 Kickstarter Spotlight: Hall of Horrors for Daggerheart, Candela Obscura, and 5e * 14:49 Sly Flourish News: Partnering with Let's Quest * 16:49 Commentary: Back Up Your Digital RPG Stuff * 34:25 DM Tip: The Value of Adventure Types * 43:14 Patreon Question: Advanced Traps in 5e * 48:18 Patreon Question: Keeping Multiple RPG Rulesets In Our Heads * 53:10 Patreon Question: Homebrewing Adventures As Good As Published Adventures
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Tab Your Books * Running Ravenloft with Shadowdark * Allies and Enemies for Shadowdark Kickstarter * Hall of Horrors: Bestiary for Daggerheart, D&D 5E, and CO * Let's Quest * Adventure Types: Dungeon Crawls
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:58 Sly Flourish News: Take it Easy, Tab Your Books, Gamehole Con, PAGE 3 * 04:55 Kickstarter Spotlight: Hexploration Decks by Inkwell Ideas * 06:51 D&D & RPG News: Better Accessibiliy for PDFs * 11:15 D&D & RPG News: How to Make an RPG Book * 12:34 Product Spotlight: The Land of Eem * 33:10 Commentary: Great 3rd Edition Forgotten Realms Products * 48:23 DM Tip: The Simplest Quest Model * 55:03 Patreon Question: Preparing to Improvise * 58:40 Patreon Question: Handling Monsters who Give Up or Run
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Last Week's Article: Go Easy On Yourself * Next Week's Article: Tab Your Books * Going to be at Gamehole Con * Going to be at PAGE3 * Hexploration Decks Expanded * How to make an RPG book Part 1 * How to make an RPG book Part 2 * Land of Eem Quickstart * Land of Eem Core Rule Book * Land of Eem Boxed Set * Forgotten Realms 3rd Edition Campaign Sourcebook * Waterdeep City of Splendors * Lost Empires of Faerun * Unapproachable East * Shining South * Mysteries of the Moonsea * Serpent Kingdoms * Lords of Darkness
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
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- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:50 Sly Flourish News: Use Agnostic Tools, Go Easy On Yourself, Vathrex Unchained * 00:03:16 D&D & RPG News: Shadow of the Weird Wizard Bundle of Holding * 00:07:05 Product Spotlight: Mythic Game Master Emulator for Solo RPGs * 00:12:49 D&D & RPG News: How Many D&D Products Are There? * 00:16:28 D&D & RPG News: Critical Role Interview on Dungeon Craft * 00:37:47 DM Tip: What's Your Villain's Backup Plan? * 00:52:34 Patreon Question: Share DCs and ACs? * 00:57:09 Patreon Question: Worth Running Other RPGs? * 01:04:13 Patreon Question: Starter Sets for Experienced Groups?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Use Agnostic Tools * Go Easy On Yourself * Shadow of the Weird Wizard * How to Find and Read Blogs * Mythic Game Master Emulator Free guidelines * Mythic Game Master Emulator One Pager * Mythic Game Master Emulator Second Edition * How Much D&D Stuff Is There? * Critical Role interview with Professor Dungeon Master
Villainous Backup Plans1. Makes a pact with a devil 2. Sacrifices themselves 3. Sacrifices their followers 4. Sacrifices something they love 5. Finds another key 6. Conducts a life stealing ritual 7. Makes a deal with a rival 8. Digs everywhere 9. Goes after something the characters love 10. Allies with a more powerful being 11. Creates a fake key 12. Moves at a faster pace 13. Takes a big risk 14. Digs a new entrance 15. Attempts to destroy the thing 16. Seeks an alternative route 17. Goes after an alternative artifact 18. Infiltrates through a parallel world 19. Sends in an army 20. Seeks the Forbidden Way
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
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- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:59 Sly Flourish News: Published Adventures, Use Agnostic Tools, Vathrix Unchained * 04:28 Sly Flourish News: Lazy DM's Workbook in NY Magazine * 05:42 D&D & RPG News: Justice Arman on Mastering Dungeons * 07:35 D&D & RPG News: D&D Starter Set Ad and Liveplay * 11:25 Commentary: Is WOTC Being a Good Steward of the RPG Hobby? * 38:59 Commentary: Dragonbane Feedback * 52:08 Patreon Question: Running Paper Character Sheets * 55:44 Patreon Question: Magic Item Attunement Criteria
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Lazy DM's Workbook in New York Magazine * Justice Arman on Mastering Dungeons * D&D Starter Set Ad * D&D Starter Set Liveplay with Stinky Dragon Podcast folks * New URL for D&D School Program pages * Sly Flourish Sponsorship page * D&D Beyond Isn't a Fair Platform for Customers or Publishers
Mike offers his first look at the new D&D Starter Set – Heroes of the Borderlands.
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D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:39 Sly Flourish News: Lazy Map Annotations, Are Published Adventures Easier?, the Beautiful Mess of 5e * 05:35 Sly Flourish News: Attention Retailers * 07:08 D&D & RPG News: Starter Set Spotlights * 09:13 Product Spotlight: Dragonbane Core Boxed Set * 40:18 DM Tip: The Value of Solo Play * 46:12 Patreon Question: Preparing Dungeons * 51:28 Patreon Question: Colonialism and Looting Treasure * 01:00:49 Patreon Question: Running 90 Minute Games
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Lazy Map Annotation * Are Published Adventures Easier to Run? * Gamehole Con * Alphastream Heroes of the Borderlands Starter Set - Components and Characters Review * Heroes of the Borderlands Starter Set - What Adventures are Like * Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of the Borderlands - First Impressions * Dragonbane Boxed Set * Ironsworn RPG * Solodark for Shadowdark * Thousand Year Old Vampire
Mike dives into the three core books of four different 5e systems and offers his opinions on the best of the bunch!
- 00:00 - I love 5e
- 01:48 - What is 5e?
- 06:51 - Focusing on Four Versions -- D&D 2014, D&D 2024, Level Up Advanced 5e, and Tales of the Valiant
- 08:51 - Focusing on the Core Books
- 09:26 - What is the Best 5e?
- 11:36 - Best Player's Handbook
- 24:27 - Best Game Master Guide
- 36:57 - Best Monster Book
- 46:06 - Recapping the Ranking
- 47:02 - Mix and Match
Links* Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Black Flag System Reference Document * D&D 2014 5.1 System Reference Document * D&D 2024 5.2 System Reference Document * Level Up Advanced 5e System Reference Document
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:36 Sly Flourish News: Secret of the Eight Steps and Lazy Map Annotations * 01:43 Sly Flourish News: New Hat, Coffee Cup, and Calendar on the Store * 04:29 Sly Flourish News: Key of Worlds 15 Releasing This week! * 07:32 Sly Flourish News: Upcoming Conventions * 09:16 Sly Flourish News: 5e, OSR, and Shadowdark on Dungeon Master Diaries * 09:54 Kickstarter Spotlight: Scorched Basin by Homie and the Dude * 12:50 Kickstarter Spotlight: Northlands by Kobold Press * 30:15 Commentary: Daggerheart Initiative Feedback * 37:36 Commentary: Lots Of You Play Lots of Different RPGs * 44:59 DM Tip: Lazy 5e Crafting Guidelines * 59:06 Patreon Question: Create a New or Use an Existing Location for Homebrew Adventures in Published Campaign Worlds * 01:03:47 Patreon Question: Where to Spend time on Campaign Building * 01:09:29 Patreon Question: Prepping Dungeons When you Don't Know Their Path
Links* The Secret of the Eight Steps of Lazy Game Prep * Lazy Map Annotation * Gamehole Con * PAGE 3 Con * Mike on Dungeon Master Diaries Talking about 5e and OSR and Shadowdark * Homie and the Dude Scorched Basin * Northlands Kickstarter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:44 Sly Flourish News: Track Turns the Shadowdark Way, The Secret of the Eight Steps of Lazy GM Prep * 02:16 Sly Flourish News: 300 Room Descriptions * 09:06 D&D & RPG News: DMs Guild Humble Bundle * 12:26 D&D & RPG News: Dungeon Master Diaries on Playing Games Online * 14:07 Commentary: Daggerheart Initial Thoughts * 50:17 DM Tip: Roll for Monster Targets * 56:57 Patreon Question: Dealing with the Mid-Campaign Blues * 01:02:12 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Spend Treasure
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Track Turns the Shadowdark Way * The Secret of the Eight Steps of Lazy Game Prep * Room descriptions in the Lazy GM Resource Doc * DMs Guild Humble Bundle * Dungeon Master Diaries – Playing Online * Daggerheart
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:11 Sly Flourish News: Lazy 5e Magic Item Prices, Track Turns the Shadowdark Way, 14th Key of Worlds Scenario * 05:48 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Database Treasure Generators * 10:11 D&D & RPG News: Ironsworn Bundle of Holding * 12:39 Kickstarter Spotlight: Aethereal Expanse Dreams of the Drowned God by Ghostfire Gaming * 15:09 D&D & RPG News: Critical Role Season 4 Uses D&D 2024 * 33:40 D&D & RPG News: Dark Sun Subclasses in Playtesting * 37:26 D&D & RPG News: Cypher System 2e Preview from Monte Cook Games * 41:01 Product Spotlight: Nimble Boxed Set * 51:39 DM Tip: Fixing Counterspell and Spell-Like Attacks * 01:02:03 Patreon Question: How to Reveal Character Secrets
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Ironsworn Bundle of Holding * Aethereal Expanse Dreams of the Drowned God Kickstarter * Critical Role Season 4 Uses D&D 2024 * Dark Sun Subclass Playtest * Cypher System Preview * Nimble Boxed Set * Nimble Quickstart Rules
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:12 Sly Flourish News: NPC Betrayal, 5e Magic Item Prices * 03:03 Sly Flourish News: 20% Sly Flourish Books and Free US Shipping * 04:04 Patreon Spotlight: Readings and Reflections * 05:34 Patreon Spotlight: 5eADB Dice Roller and Point Buy Calculator * 09:56 Product Spotlight: Tales of the Valiant Starter Set * 21:52 Commentary: D&D Versus Magic the Gathering * 49:23 DM Tip: Lazy Map Annotation * 54:47 Patreon Question: Best Tools for Digital D&D? * 59:18 Patreon Question: Shadowdark Feeling with 5e
Links* Sly Flourish Sale – 20% off and Free US Shipping until 20 August * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Avoid NPC Betrayal * Lazy 5e Magic Item Prices * Tales of the Valiant Starter Set * Hasbro Earnings Call Transcript * Ben Rigg's Gencon Panel: Solving the Mysteries of the D&D Business
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:29 Sly Flourish News: Lazy World Building, Avoid NPC Betrayal * 02:31 Sly Flourish News: Summer Sale - 20% off books and free US shipping > $60 * 03:49 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches on Shard * 04:57 Sly Flourish News: DM's Guid to Tyranny of Dragons by Beadle and Grimm * 06:59 Sly Flourish News: Mike Joins Luke Hart on DM's Lair * 09:19 Sly Flourish News: Sly Flourish Partnering with Let's Quest for After-School RPGs * 12:34 Sly Flourish News: 5e ADB Monster Database * 19:32 D&D & RPG News: D&D Starter Set Details * 23:57 DM Tip: Choose Your Next RPG * 36:11 DM Tip: Lose Yourself in Fiction * 48:38 Patreon Question: Overwhelming Players with Villain Quest Progression * 53:10 Patreon Question: Running Games with One Online Player * 57:28 Patreon Question: D&D 2024 Slowing Down Combat?
Links* Twenty Percent Off Sly Flourish Books and free US shipping! * Let's Quest – Empowering Schools & Libraries * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Lazy World Building * Avoid NPC Betrayal * City of Arches on Shard Tabletop * Beadle and Grimm Tyranny of Dragons Legendary Edition * Mike on DM's Lair with Luke Hart * D&D Starter Set – Heroes of the Borderlands Details
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:04 Sly Flourish News: Ten Heist Encounters, Lazy World Building * 02:28 Sly Flourish News: Map Annotator in 5eADB * 06:06 D&D & RPG News: ENNIE Winners * 07:46 D&D & RPG News: Cypher System Revised by Monte Cook Games * 14:59 D&D & RPG News: Daggerheart Class Decks, New Adventures, New Worlds with Keith Baker * 20:06 D&D & RPG News: Critical Role Season 4 with Brennan Lee Mulligan * 23:28 D&D & RPG News: Pathfinder Abomination Vaults on D&D Beyond * 25:20 Commentary: D&D Beyond Isn't a Fair Business Platform * 32:57 D&D & RPG News: Exclusive Forgotten Realms Products on D&D Beyond * 39:26 Commentary: "Welcome Back" post by Dan Ayoub * 01:00:24 DM Tip: Five Scenes * 01:07:30 Patreon Question: 3-2-1 Quest Model Without a Job Board
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * ENNIE Winners * Cypher Evolved by Monte Cook Games * Daggerheart Gencon 2025 Announcements * Brennan Lee Mulligan GMs Critical Role Season 4 * Pathfinder Abomination Vaults PDF * Forgotten Realms Digital Exclusives for D&D Beyond * Welcome Back to the Table: D&D's New Direction * D&D Beyond Terms and Conditions * Jess Lanzillo interview with Christian Hoffer * 3-2-1 Quest Model
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:08 Sly Flourish News: Three Quests, Ten Heist Encounters, Endless Warrens Adventure Scenario * 00:05:58 Sly Flourish News: Token Maker in 5e Artisanal Database * 00:09:06 D&D & RPG News: Signed Sly Flourish Books and Hexploration Kits at Gencon Inkwell Ideas Booth 150 * 00:13:06 D&D & RPG News: Eddie Munson Stranger Things D&D Starter Set * 00:24:09 D&D & RPG News: Cthulhu by Torchlight on D&D Beyond * 00:34:39 DM Tip: Experiences Running the D&D 2024 Lich * 00:55:03 Patreon Question: Fitting RPGs into a Busy Life * 01:02:05 Patreon Question: Converting City of Arches and Grendleroot to Daggerheart
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Prep Three Quests * Ten Easy Heist Encounters * Eddie Munson Stranger Things D&D Starter Set * Cthulhu by Torchlight
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:38 Sly Flourish News: Take it Easy, Prep Three Quests, Shadowdark Adventure, Creative Spark Appearance, * 03:12 Sly Flourish News: Lazy 5e Treasure Generator * 06:00 D&D & RPG News: Black Flag Released in Creative Commons * 11:45 Commentary: Eberron Forge of the Artificer is a Weird Product * 24:16 Commentary: 2025 D&D Starter Set * 33:20 DM Tip: Experiences Running the D&D 2024 Death Knight * 42:29 DM Tip: Lazy 5e Magic Item Prices * 52:20 Patreon Question: Where Do Your RPG Tips Come From? * 57:15 Patreon Question: Converting D&D 2024 Material Back to 2014
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Take It easy * Prep Three Quests * Guest on Creative Spark talking about being an RPG YouTuber * Black Flag released in the CC * Eberron Forge of the Artificer delayed * D&D Starter Set Info * RPG Tips in the Creative Commons
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:54 Sly Flourish News: Treasure Parcels, Take it Easy, Shadowdark Adventure * 05:06 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Database Encounter calculator * 09:13 D&D & RPG News: New VP of D&D and a D&D Franchise Model * 22:37 Product Spotlight: City of Arches Spotlight * 40:09 DM Tip: What Do You Need To Run Your Next Session? * 52:58 Patreon Question: Are We Leaving Fun at the Table? * 58:59 Patreon Question: Revealing Character Secrets
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Dungeons & Dragons Shifts to Franchise Model, Dan Ayoub Named as Head * City of Arches (with link to free preview)
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:06 Sly Flourish News: Chessex Mat Review, Treasure Parcels, Shadowdark Adventure * 00:03:06 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Database Advanced Search Features * 00:09:43 D&D & RPG News: RPG Mega Bundle on Humble Bundle * 00:14:31 D&D & RPG News: Free Leage Summer Sales * 00:16:42 D&D & RPG News: 2025 ENNIE Nominations * 00:17:36 Commentary: Dungeon Delves Core Book Compatibility and Betrayal Adventures * 00:34:51 Product Spotlight: Labyrinth by Kobold Press * 00:53:01 DM Tip: The Two Opposing Truths of RPGs * 01:00:15 Patreon Question: Maps and Theater of the Mind Breaking Immersion
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Chessex Battle Mat Review * Lazy 5e Treasure Parcels * Go Big RPG Humble Bundle * Free League sale * ENNIE 2025 nominations * Labyrinth Worldbook * Running Theater of the Mind Combat * Abstract Battle Maps * Zone-based Combat
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:45 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, Weapons of Power, Combat Tracker * 00:01:53 Sly Flourish News: Weapons of Power Supplement * 00:09:25 Sly Flourish News: Dread Necropolis Adventure Toolkit * 00:12:53 Sly Flourish News: Combat Tracker in 5e Artisanal Database * 00:18:17 D&D & RPG News: Numenera Humble Bundle * 00:21:59 Product Spotlight: Dragon Delves for D&D * 00:40:26 DM Tip: Building a Lazy Pantheon * 00:54:43 Patreon Question: Adventure-Breaking Character Abilities * 01:01:36 Patreon Question: Climactic Negotiations
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Avoid Removing Player Agency * Chessex Battle Mat Review * Numenera Humble Bundle
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
- 00:00 Show Start
- 00:59 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, Scions of Light, 5eADB Updates
- 09:19 Kickstarter Spotlight: Treasures in the Dark by Jeff Stevens
- 10:43 D&D & RPG News: Perkins and Crawford Join Darrington Press, Ivan van Norman Leaves DP, Todd Kendrick Laid Off, Jess Lanzillo Leaves WOTC
- 16:57 Commentary: The RPG Business Punditry Hobby
- 22:14 Commentary: What Makes an RPG Successful?
- 37:30 DM Tip: Running 200 Ghouls in One Battle
- 49:53 Patreon Question: Campaign Plans and Player Agency
- 55:30 Patreon Question: Best Resources for New GMs
- 58:43 Patreon Question: Managing Large Groups of Monsters
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * How to Get Your Group to Play Other RPGs * Organizing Your RPG Prep Notes * Avoid Removing Player Agency * Treasures in the Dark Kickstarter * Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford Join Darrington Press * Ivan van Norman Leaves Darrington Press * Todd Kendrick Laid Off * Jess Lanzillo Departs Wizards of the Coast * Mastering Dungeons Episode * What Makes RPGs Successful * Running Hordes
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:48 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Database Updates, Key of Worlds Scenario 11 * 08:25 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dragonbane Arkand & Book of Magic * 11:19 D&D & RPG News: LGBTQ+ TTRPG Bundle on Bundle of Holding * 11:54 Product Spotlight: Daggerheart * 36:08 DM Tip: Track Monster Damage with Xs and Slashes * 47:16 Patreon Question: Telling Players About Quests * 51:13 Patreon Question: Keeping a Campaign's Tone Consistent * 54:33 Patreon Question: Tying Character Backgrounds to Published Adventures
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Hang On Loosely * How to Get Your Group to Play Other RPGs * Dragonbane Kickstarter * Pride Games Bundle of Holding * Daggerheart * Tallying Damage – Patchwork Paladin
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:02 D&D & RPG News: Happy Pride Month * 00:01:31 Sly Flourish News: Leave Blanks, Hang On Loosely, COA Available Worldwide, Markdown and EPUB Lazy DM's Companion * 00:08:03 D&D & RPG News: Daggerheart in Markdown * 00:09:50 D&D & RPG News: Grim Hollow Bundle of Holding * 00:13:48 D&D & RPG News: RPG Game Master Book Series Humble Bundle * 00:15:01 Kickstarter Spotlight: Tales of the Valiant Player's Guide 2 * 00:18:40 Product Spotlight: Horizon Issue 3 by Wildmage Press * 00:21:46 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2014 to D&D 2024 Conversion Guide * 00:25:51 D&D & RPG News: Ten Cultist Powers by Evan Rash * 00:26:53 D&D & RPG News: Corridor Themes by Justin Alexander * 00:29:58 Sly Flourish News: The 5e Artisanal Database * 00:39:04 DM Tip: The Power of Text Files * 00:50:41 Patreon Question: Running the Keep Scenario from Lazy DM's Companion * 00:55:16 Patreon Question: Sly Flourish Tools for Shadowdark * 01:03:04 Patreon Question: Stocking Dungeons
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Leave Blanks * Hang On Loosely * City of Arches Shipping Worldwide * Daggerheart SRD in Markdown * Grim Hollow Bundle of Holding * Deadlands Humble Bundle * The Game Master's Book Of Humble Bundle * Tales of the Valiant Player's Handbook 2 Kickstarter * Horizons Issue 3 * New D&D 2014 to D&D 2024 Conversion Guide * Ten Cult Powers by Evan Rash * Corridor Themes by Justin Alexander
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:33 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, Updated Obsidian Notes, COA Shipping in Europe, Lazy DM's Companion in EPUB and Markdown * 08:04 D&D & RPG News: Old School Essentials Bundle of Holding * 11:14 Kickstarter Spotlight: Blades in the Dark Deep Cuts * 13:52 D&D & RPG News: Daggerheart Released * 27:42 DM Tip: Mashing Up the Eight Steps * 48:04 Commentary: Too Much Linking In Markdown Notes * 49:57 Patreon Question: Rolling 3d6 For Ability Scores * 53:34 Patreon Question: Low Level Characters with Powerful Legacy Magic Items * 57:11 Patreon Question: Building Rich Tactical Battles in Old School Adventures
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Your Criteria for Selecting Great Published Adventures * Leave Blanks * Old School Essentials Bundle of Holding * Blades in the Dark Deep Cuts Backerkit Campaign * Dice Exploder Interview with Jonathan Harper on Blades in the Dark Deep Cuts * Daggerheart on Critical Role Store * Daggerheart SRD * Daggerheart Community License * Daggerheart Quickstart PDF * Evaluating an adventure — Patchwork Paladin
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:08 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, Key of Worlds Scenario 10, COA Shipping News * 06:25 D&D & RPG News: Raging Swan Bundle of Holding * 09:14 Kickstarter Spotlight: Neon City Outlaws by Rodney Thompson * 12:17 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 5.2 SRD Available in Markdown * 16:51 D&D & RPG News: Patchwork Paladin on Lord of the Rings 5e Dissecting and Piecing Together 5e * 21:11 Commentary: Gary Gygax's 25 Year D&D Predictions from 1999 * 35:41 Commentary: 25 Years of WOTC Making Fun of It's Own Products * 39:46 Commentary: AI GMing Taken to the Logical Conclusion - Just Run the Whole Game For Us * 42:22 DM Tip: Lightning Rods for Each 5e Class
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Raging Swan Bundle of Holding * Neon City Outlaws * D&D 2024 5.2 SRD in Markdown * Pulling Apart D&D 5e – Patchwork Paladin * Lightning Rods – Showcase Powerful Character Abilities
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:55 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, COA Fulfillment, Artisanal Monster Database Updates * 11:06 Commentary: Experiences Running Three 5e Systems in the Same Game * 28:26 Commentary: Managing Character Options At Our Table * 45:34 DM Tip: How to Run Stealth and Hiding in 5e * 59:16 Patreon Question: The Intimacy and Focus of One-on-One Games
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Two-Word Cure All to Overpowered Characters * Break and Prevent the Boredom Spiral * Running One-on-One Games * A Framework for One-on-One D&D Games: Sherlock Holmes and Watson
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:39 Sly Flourish News: Grendleroot for $5 * 02:56 Sly Flourish News: TOV Article, Patreon Benefits, New GM Card, COA Updates, Shadowdark Scenario * 10:50 Kickstarter Spotlight: Fury of the Forsaken by Lazy Wolf Studios * 12:27 D&D & RPG News: Huge Pathfinder 2 Humble Bundle * 15:49 D&D & RPG News: Sage Advice Column on D&D Beyond * 19:58 Commentary: Paizo Flip Mat Basic Versus Chessex Battle Map * 38:46 Patreon Question: Lazy Encounter Benchmark and Waves of Combatants * 44:55 Patreon Question: Leveling Up Villains with Forge of Foes * 47:34 Patreon Question: Managing Real-World Time In-Game * 52:00 Patreon Question: Character Motivation in Shadowdark with high PC Turnover * 58:06 Patreon Question: Managing Monster Difficulty in D20 / 5e Games
Links* Grendleroot On Sale for $5! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Gems of the Tales of the Valiant Game Master's Guide * Fury of the Forsaken Kickstarter * Pathfinder 2 Asian Fantasy Humble Bundle * D&D 2024 Sage Advice * Staedtler 315-9 Medium Point Wet Erase Markers * Chessex Battle Mat * Chessex Battle Megamat * Pathfinder Flip Mat Basic * Lazy Encounter Benchmark * Dials of Monster Difficulty
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:04 Sly Flourish News: Ruins of the Grendleroot On Sale * 04:42 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Monster Database Updated with D&D 2025 MM Monsters * 07:42 Sly Flourish News: New Articles and Podcasts * 10:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Knock Issue 5 from Merry Mushman * 13:17 D&D & RPG News: 5.2 SRD Released into the Creative Commons * 22:07 Commentary: What can GM's Do with the 5.2 SRD? * 27:40 Commentary: A Look at Mike's Little Candles -- Is WOTC Being a Good Steward of the Hobby? * 45:36 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 Errata * 49:34 DM Tip: Using Physical Book At the Table
Links* Ruins of the Grendleroot On Sale for $5 * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Knock Kickstarter * 5.2 SRD Page * 5.2 SRD PDF * D&D 2024 PHB Errata * D&D 2024 DMG Errata * D&D 2024 MM Errata
Mike builds an adventure from one of the adventure prompts in the City of Arches!
Buy the City of Aches
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:01 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches, Latest SF articles and podcasts, new CC material * 12:15 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 5.2 System Reference Document on Tuesday * 15:09 Commentary: Why the 5.2 SRD Matters to GMs * 20:25 Commentary: Do we Need a 5.2 SRD in the OGL? No! * 24:52 Commentary: How to Play D&D 6E Today! * 31:49 DM Tip: Get Your Players to Play Other Systems * 39:47 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Search More * 44:56 Patreon Question: Grim Portents and Focusing On Your Next Game * 49:04 Patreon Question: Revealing Secrets Through Sages * 51:22 Patreon Question: What Sections Are Missing From Most GM Books? Monuments
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * City of Arches * D&D 2024 5.2 SRD Coming Tuesday * 13th Age * Shadow of the Weird Wizard * Numenera * Dusk City Outlaws * Lazy GM's Resource Document
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:01:25 D&D & RPG News: Jeremy Crawford Leaves Wizards of the Coast * 00:07:31 D&D & RPG News: State of the OSR Podcast * 00:09:42 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Available in Hardcover in US and Canada * 00:11:35 Sly Flourish News: SF Books for Friendly Local Game Shops through ACD * 00:12:42 DM Tip: Running the D&D 2025 Monster Manual Beholder * 00:24:25 Commentary: How do RPGs Die? * 00:46:02 D&D & RPG News: One-on-One Adventures in Dragon Delves * 00:49:42 DM Tip: Running One-on-One Games * 00:54:52 Patreon Question: The Lazy GM Eight Steps on Index Cards * 00:58:19 Patreon Question: Encounter Building for Three Characters * 01:01:58 Patreon Question: Are 5e Systems Compatible and Which Would I Choose if I Had to Pick One?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Jeremy Crawford Leaves WOTC * State of the OSR Gencon Panel Podcast * City of Arches Hardcover available in US and CA * Sly Flourish ACD Distribution for Local Game Shops * One-on-One Adventures in Dragon Delves * Tips for One-on-One play
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:01:26 Kickstarter Spotlight: Scepter of the Lightbringer * 00:04:57 D&D & RPG News: Chris Perkins Leaves Wizards of the Coast * 00:09:26 D&D & RPG News: Tariffs and TTRPGs * 00:15:15 Commentary: BG3, Stardew Valley, and Thoughts About Copyright * 00:30:18 D&D & RPG News: Level Up Gateway for Level Up Advanced 5e and the Current State of 5e Character Builders * 00:36:24 DM Tip: Build a D&D 2024 Character On Paper in Ten Minutes * 00:44:56 Patreon Question: Managing Perception and Passive Perception * 00:50:08 Patreon Question: Describing Terrain Mechanics in Combat Encounters * 00:54:14 Patreon Question: Managing Boring but Effective Character Strateies * 00:58:43 Patreon Question: Introducing Old Monsters as New Monsters * 01:01:46 Patreon Question: How Long to Get a Feel for a New RPG?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Scepter of the Lightbringer Kickstarter * Chris Perkins Leaves Wizards of the Coast EN World Discussion * Tariffs and TTRPGs EN World Discussion * Stardew Valley, BG3, and WOTC DMCA Takedown Discussion on EN World * Level Up Gateway for Level Up Advanced 5e * Dungeon Master Diaries * Your Ability Check Toolkit * What Does Passive Perception Show You?
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:17 Kickstarter Spotlight: Free5e * 07:24 Kickstarter Spotlight: Alien RPG Evolved Edition * 09:23 D&D & RPG News: New Miniatures for Sigil? Where's my Gold Dragon Docker?? * 14:01 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 5.2 System Reference Document Coming "Soon" * 19:14 Commentary: Memoirs of a Dracolich * 28:35 DM Tip: Slow, Medium, and Fast Initiative * 32:03 Patreon Question: Promote Better Behavior for Online Play * 35:56 Patreon Question: Choose Your Gamemaster's Guide * 39:29 Patreon Question: Incentivizing Movement for Ranged Attackers * 43:49 Patreon Question: Stealth and Hiding in D&D 2024 * 50:46 Patreon Question: Forge of Foes for Shadowdark? * 52:18 Patreon Question: Lazy Encounter Benchmark for Tales of the Valiant
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Free5e Kickstarter * Alien RPG Evolved Kickstarter * D&D Mimic Miniature for Sigil * 5.2 SRD "Soon" Discussion on D&D Beyond * Ginny Di on Better Online Behavior * Merric Blackman on Hiding * Justin Alexander on Better Stealth Rules * Shadowdark Monster Stats * Creating and Adapting Monsters for use in Shadowdark RPG * The Lazy Encounter Benchmark * Comparing D&D 2024 to the Lazy Encounter Benchmark
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:09 D&D & RPG News: Delta Green, Dragonlance, and Kobold Press Humble Bundles * 00:05:22 Kickstarter Spotlight: Zaminora Ballad of the Witch * 00:06:48 D&D & RPG News: Sigil's Demise * 00:13:46 Commentary: Where's the 5.2 SRD? * 00:16:40 Commentary: Shadow of the Weird Wizard Initial Thoughts * 00:36:04 DM Tip: Defending Yourself Out of the Fun * 00:57:03 Patreon Question: Catching Characters Up to Higher Level Adventures * 00:59:23 Patreon Question: Running Heroic Adventures with Shadowdark * 01:01:33 Patreon Question: Which Monster Book Do You Reach For? * 01:05:19 Patreon Question: Experiences with Level Up Advanced 5e
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Delta Green Humble Bundle * Dragonlance Novel Humble Bundle * Kobold Press 5e Player Option Humble Bundle * Zamanora Ballad of the Witch Kickstarter * Has Wizards of the Coast Given Up on Sigil? * Gizmodo – Hasbro Is Scrapping Dungeons & Dragons‘s Ambitious Virtual Tabletop * Shadow of the Weird Wizard * Soren Johnson – Players Optimize Out of the Fun * Dungeon Master Diaries with Kelsey Dionne
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:06 Kickstarter Spotlight: Beyond the Woods * 03:53 Kickstarter Spotlight: Shadowdark Western Reaches * 15:25 Commentary: Shadowdark Price Ranges and FOMO * 22:53 Commentary: Where Shadowdark Sits Among 5e Games * 32:18 DM Tip: House Rules for Shadowdark * 38:45 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Hardcovers and the Key of Worlds Scenario Path * 44:54 Sly Flourish News: Additions to the Lazy GM's Reference Document * 49:49 Sly Flourish News: Forge of Foes on Audible * 50:58 Patreon Question: Alternatives to Cultists * 55:04 Patreon Question: Suggestions for Short Adventures and One-Shot Rewards
Links* Forge of Foes on Audible * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Beyond the Woods Kickstarter * Shadowdark Western Reaches Kickstarter * Shadowdark Quick Start Free PDF * Shadowdark Quick Start Softcover * City of Arches * Lazy GM's Reference Document
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:21 D&D & RPG News: Mork Borg Bundle of Holding * 04:11 D&D & RPG News: Potbellied Kobold Bundle of Holding * 05:03 D&D & RPG News: Dungeon Crawl Classics Humble Bundle * 07:49 Kickstarter Spotlight: Secrets of Magic for Fateforge * 10:29 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2025 Starter Set Info * 15:44 Commentary: What WOTC Products Matter for the RPG Hobby? * 17:42 Commentary: Sci Show on Science of Scheduling a D&D Game * 23:14 D&D & RPG News: Bob World Builder on RPG Kickstarters * 28:10 Commentary: RPGs I Want To Play * 37:17 DM Tip: The Retreat Action * 46:14 Patreon Question: How Does Fog Cloud Work with Advantage? * 50:12 Patreon Question: The Eight Steps with Big Dungeons * 52:45 Patreon Question: Players Forgetting Character Abilities * 54:40 Patreon Question: Dealing with Players Whose Characters Run Ahead * 59:35 Patreon Question: DM Screen on Small Table
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Mork Borg Bundle of Holding * Potbellied Kobold Bundle of Holding * DCC Megabundle Humble Bundle * Fateforge Secrets of Magic Kickstarter * D&D Starter Set Video Official * D&D Starter Set Demo at New York Toy Faire * EN World Thread * Sci Show on Scheduling RPG Games * Bob World Builder on Crowdfunding Historical Trends * The Retreat Action
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:11 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches in Markdown and EPUB * 17:55 D&D & RPG News: Blog of Holding Monster Manual 2024 Stats in the Creative Commons * 22:34 DM Tip: Challenge Rating Deep Dive * 54:19 Patreon Question: Fantastic Locations in Contemporary Worlds
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * City of Arches * Blog of Holding 2025 Monster Manual on a Business Card * What Does Challenge Rating Mean in D&D 5e? * The Lazy Encounter Benchmark
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:20 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Press Black Flag SRD in Markdown * 04:20 Kickstarter Spotlight: Creating and Adapting Monsters for Shadowdark * 06:11 D&D & RPG News: Mike Mearls on Dungeon Craft * 08:03 Commentary: How Bonus Actions Changed * 14:31 Commentary: GM-Focused Products as Advanced Software for Advanced Users * 21:06 Commentary: Experiences with the D&D 2025 Monster Manual Adult Black Dragon * 29:31 DM Tip: Legendary Resistance Alternatives * 39:51 Commentary: The End of One D&D * 49:02 Patreon Question: Running Frostmaiden with Shadowdark * 51:58 Patreon Question: Additional Roles for Exploration * 53:38 Patreon Question: Did I Negate Character Abilities and Take Away Player Agency? * 56:08 Patreon Question: Should I Kill Shadowdark Characters with Big Backstory? * 58:38 Patreon Question: Is Your YouTube Channel Dying?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Kobold Press Black Flag SRD in Markdown * Creating and Adapting Monsters for Shadowdark Kickstarter * Mearls on Dungeoncraft
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:58 Hexploration Decks * 00:02:59 Mike on EN World and Kobold Press Podcasts * 00:04:09 All Three D&D 2024 Core Books are Released * 00:06:33 2024 Monster Manual is the Most Important DM-Focused D&D 2024 Book * 00:07:46 Is the 2025 Monster Manual Better than the 2014 MM? * 00:08:40 Is the D&D 2025 MM the Best 5e Monster Book? * 00:12:30 Could It Have Been Better? Of Course. * 00:14:36 Monsters Hit at Their Challenge Rating * 00:19:59 Other Designers on the Monster Math * 00:22:05 D&D 2025 Monster Manual Compared to Forge of Foes * 00:25:56 2025 Monster Manual Effects Don't Negatively Impact Damage Anymore * 00:28:04 Vampire * 00:30:15 Requires Looking Up Spells * 00:35:50 Cultist Fanatic * 00:37:59 The Language of the 2025 Monster Manual * 00:39:47 No Orcs, Drow, or Duergar * 00:50:56 Static Initiative Scores * 00:54:16 Crappy Treasure "Tables" * 00:56:29 Crappy Ability Score Tables * 01:00:05 Awesome Contextual Random Tables * 01:03:01 Alphabetically Sorted Most of the Time * 01:05:31 What Else Is Missing? * 01:06:38 Day 1 Errata * 01:07:55 Final Thoughts
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * BackerKit: Hexploration Decks by Inkwell Ideas * Mike on Morrus's Unofficial Tabletop Podcast (YouTube – MM starts at 1:18:00) * Mike on Morrus's Unofficial Tabletop Podcast (Podcast Recording) * Mike on Kobold Chat Talking About Doom Points * Paul Hughes on 2025 Monster Manual on a Business Card * Alphastream YouTube Monster Manual Analysis * Bob World Builder on the Monster Manual
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:02:11 Product Spotlight: Horizon Magazine * 00:07:31 D&D & RPG News: Alphastream on 2025 D&D Monster Manual Math * 00:09:31 Commentary: D&D at Madison Square Garden * 00:13:28 D&D & RPG News: Mike Mearls and Ray Winninger on the Past and Future of D&D 5e * 00:15:42 Product Spotlight: 2025 Monster Manual Initial Thoughts * 00:27:56 Product Spotlight: D&D 2025 Monster Manual Lich * 00:32:28 DM Tip: Avoid Getting Caught in the Zeitgeist * 00:44:13 Patreon Spotlight: Talk Show and Patreon Q&A Databases * 00:47:13 Patreon Question: What D&D Classes and Features Do I Ban? * 00:52:19 Patreon Question: Making Flat Paper Character Minis * 00:54:34 Patreon Question: Dealing with Agency-Stealing Effects like Stun * 01:00:32 Patreon Question: Basic Rules or 5.1 SRD for New Players
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Horizon Magazine * Alphastream on 2025 D&D Monster Manual Math * Ray Winninger and Mike Mearls on Past and Future of D&D 5e * Printable Heroes
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:15 Kickstarter Spotlight: Weapons of Lore by Jeff Stevens * 00:03:46 Kickstarter Spotlight: Gate Pass Gazette by EN World Publishing * 00:07:32 D&D & RPG News: Mike on Kobold Press Talking Doom Points * 00:09:50 D&D & RPG News: Ray Winninger Interview with Stan! on YouTube * 00:23:06 D&D & RPG News: No Roll20 Tales of the Valiant Character Builder * 00:34:36 Commentary: Thoughts from the Philidelphia Area Gaming Expo * 00:48:20 Commentary: RPG Communities on Independent Spaces * 01:05:54 Patreon Question: Can I Submit Your Book to Adobe's AI Tool?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Weapons of Lore Kickstarter * Gate Pass Gazette Annual 2024 * Terror from the Underdeep * Mike on KP talking Doom Points and Monster Vault 2 * Ray Winninger EN World Discussion * Ray Winninger on Stan!'s Show * Stan!'s 50 Years YouTube Playlist * Bring On the Discourse – Yochai Gal * EN World * forums.rpg.net * Mastodon — dice.camp * Mastodon — chirp.enworld.org * Mastodon — mastodon.social * Bluesky * My Bluesky Starter Pack * TTRPG Blogs * RPG Blogroll * ttrpg.network * Top Rated RPG Podcasts
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:01:11 Kickstarter Spotlight: Monster Vault 2 by Kobold Press * 00:08:23 Product Spotlight: Crit Happens iOS Dice Roller * 00:10:32 Kickstarter Spotlight: Free5e * 00:15:54 Product Spotlight: Sly Flourish Newsletter Adventure Generator and One-Page 5e * 00:20:49 Commentary: 2025 Monster Manual Videos * 00:44:24 Commentary: What Do I Want From WOTC After the Monster Manual? * 00:49:07 DM Tip: When and How to Fudge Your Game * 00:59:41 Patreon Question: Monster Dials for Non-5e Games * 01:01:47 Patreon Question: Alternative Initiative Options
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Monster Vault 2 Kickstarter by Kobold Press * Crit Happens iOS Dice Roller * Free5e Kickstarter
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:00 D&D & RPG News: Most Anticipated RPGs of 2025 * 11:55 Commentary: Two Year Anniversary of the OGL Crisis * 32:54 Patreon Spotlight: Talk Show Database with 2,000 Topics * 38:28 DM Tip: Improvisation and the Eight Steps * 51:29 Patreon Question: Lightning Rods for Control Wizards * 57:06 Patreon Question: Running for a Mix of Online and Offline Players * 59:54 Patreon Question: Homebrewing Character Buffs
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Most Anticipated RPGS of 2025 * OGL Article by Lin Codega on 5 January 2023 * The Story Behind WOTC's Blurring of D&D 2024 Videos – Lazy RPG Talk Show
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:11 D&D & RPG News: Goodman Games DCC Bundle of Holding * 03:20 D&D & RPG News: Humblewood and Heckna Pay What You Want * 05:57 Sly Flourish News: Whitesparrow and the Night Blades in the CC * 09:55 D&D & RPG News: Goodman Games 5e System - Advanced Advantage * 13:57 Product Spotlight: Monster Overhaul * 22:57 Commentary: Thoughts on Foundry * 36:38 DM Tip: 3-2-1 Quest Model * 44:07 Patreon Question: Dealing with the Strain of GMing * 49:28 Patreon Question: Balancing Types of Secrets * 52:06 Patreon Question: Which Books Do You Take With You?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Goodman Games DCC Adventure Bundle of Holding * Humblewood Campaign Setting Pay What You Want * Heckna Campaign Adventure Pay What You Want * Whitesparrow and Night Blades in the Creative Commons * Monster Overhaul * Mobile Improvements for Foundry
Mike looks back over a year in the TTRPG hobby!* 00:00 Show Start * 02:19 100 Games in 2024 * 03:16 D&D 2024 PHB and DMG Released * 05:00 Tales of the Valiant * 07:03 Black Flag System Reference Document * 10:06 2024 D&D on Foundry, Fantasy Grounds, and Roll20 * 13:35 Shadow of the Weird Wizard * 14:37 Third Party Publishers on D&D Beyond * 22:41 Shadowdark * 23:25 City of Arches * 25:24 RPGs and Generative AI * 27:11 TTRPG People Moving to Bluesky * 31:24 Other Non-Shittified TTRPG Platforms * 33:59 Other WOTC Corporate Stuff and Bob World Builder's Survey * 40:10 Looking Forward to 2025 * 45:42 Top Ten Sly Flourish Articles of 2024
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Lazy GM Tools in Markdown on Github * Obsidian Web Clipper
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 02:09 D&D & RPG News: Cities Without Number Bundle of Holding * 07:51 D&D & RPG News: Shadowrun Bundle of Holding * 08:58 D&D & RPG News: Join the Arcane Library Newsletter for Two Free Adventures * 11:02 DM Tip: GM Resources in Markdown for Obsidian * 25:27 DM Tip: Use the Obsidian Web Clipper to Save Web Pages * 29:31 Sly Flourish News: Free Dice Roller Web App * 35:23 Commentary: Notable Sections of the 2024 D&D Dungeon Master's Guide * 59:44 Patreon Question: Pondering Conclusions for Sandbox Games * 01:02:55 Patreon Question: Using a Big Monitor on a Gaming Table * 01:04:37 Patreon Question: Advice for Bridge and Travel Sessions
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Cities Without Number Bundle of Holding * Shadowrun 4e Bundle of Holding * Arcane Library * Lazy GM Tools in Markdown on Github * Obsidian Web Clipper * Free Dice Roller * Lazy Encounter Benchmark * Running Hoards
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:03 D&D & RPG News: One Ring Bundle of Holding * 03:57 D&D & RPG News: Haunted West 50% Off * 04:52 Commentary: Running Mixed 5e Characters * 20:18 DM Tip: Avoid the 2024 DMG's Enspelled Magic Items * 33:14 Product Spotlight: Tales of the Valiant Game Master's Guide
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * One Ring Bundle of Holding * Haunted West 50% off (Coupon HOLIDAY24) * Tales of the Valiant Game Master's Guide (Affiliate Link)
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:12 D&D & RPG News: Level Up Gateway Alpha Released * 07:42 Product Spotlight: A5e.Tools * 10:36 D&D & RPG News: Lord of the Rings 5e Not Independent * 14:59 D&D & RPG News: So You Wanna Roleplay * 16:48 Commentary: The Products We Continually Use at the Table * 40:15 Sly Flourish News: 20% off Sly Flourish Books! * 41:38 Sly Flourish News: New Quarterly Patreon Q&A * 44:33 Patreon Question: Worldbuilding Off-Screen Towns and Settlements * 47:33 Patreon Question: Relating CR to the Monster's Fiction * 51:23 Patreon Question: Will "Update Available" overwrite my D&D Beyond Stuff? * 55:29 Patreon Question: What Do You Think of the 4th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide? * 01:00:42 Patreon Question: Full-Power Characters Showing Up Deep in Dungeons
Links* 20% Off Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Level Up Gateway Alpha Announcement * Level Up Gateway * A5e.Tools * Wanna Play Right Now * Buy Wanna Play Right Now * High-Use RPG Products – All Responses * Worlds Without Number * Worlds Without Number - Free Version * Flee Mortals * A5e Monstrous Menagerie * A5e Trials and Treasure * Knave 2 * Maze Rats * Maze Rats pdf * Maze Rats Obsidian * Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Forge of Foes * Lazy DM's Companion * So You Want to be a Gamemaster * Monster Overhaul * Ironsworn * Raging Swan Dread Thingonomicon * GM Miscellany * Chessex Wet Erase Battle Mat * Dyson Maps * Midgard Worldbook (Affiliate link) * Lazy Monster Tokens * 5e Cheat Sheet * Sly Flourish 2024 Gift Guide
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:23 D&D & RPG News: Scott Gray on Points of Interest * 03:11 Sly Flourish News: Mike's Going to the Philidelphia Area Game Expo! * 04:24 D&D & RPG News: Lord of the Rings on D&D Beyond * 10:11 Commentary: Building a Resilient Hobby when Elon Musk Threatens to Buy It * 12:01 D&D & RPG News: Half-Off Lord of the Rings from Free League * 13:58 Commentary: More Thoughts on a Resilient TTRPG Hobby * 16:06 Sly Flourish News: 20% Off Sly Flourish Books * 17:49 D&D & RPG News: Tales of the Valiant Pocket Editions * 19:07 D&D & RPG News: Free League Sales * 20:31 D&D & RPG News: Old School Essentials Sale * 23:16 D&D & RPG News: Free League Bundle of Holding * 24:12 D&D & RPG News: Heroforge Custom Flat Acrylic Miniatures * 26:36 Commentary: The Best Value in TTRPG Accessories * 31:38 DM Tip: The Dangers of Crafting Magic Items in the D&D 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide * 43:18 Patreon Question: Organizing and Tracking Monsters in 5e Combat * 47:54 Patreon Question: Getting Into Alien Minds * 50:24 Patreon Question: The Resolution of Fantastic Locations * 53:16 Patreon Question: Understanding Scenes and Locations
Links* 20% off Sly Flourish Books and Free US Shipping! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Points of Interest by Scott Gray * Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo * Lord of the Rings on D&D Beyond * What does the Lord of the Rings integration on D&D Beyond look like? * Buy Lord of the Rings 5e from Free League * Free League Humble Bundle * Musk – "How Much is Hasbro?" * Ensuring the resilence of your RPGs * Surviving a Digital D&D * Tales of the Valiant: Player’s Guide & Monster Vault Pocket Editions * Old School Essentials Sale * Flat Heroforge Miniatures * Pathfinder Flip-Mat Basic * Staedtler Lumovision medium black 315-9 * Tracking Monsters by Player-Driven Characteristics
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:15 D&D & RPG News: Lazy RPG Talk Show Number One D&D Podcast by D&D Fanatics * 02:32 D&D & RPG News: Professor Dungeon Master on the 2024 DMG * 04:55 D&D & RPG News: DM David on a 25 year D&D Wish List * 08:53 Commentary: Elon Musk tells WOTC to Burn In Hell * 19:55 DM Tip: Anatomy of a Situation -- Red Eagle Tower * 41:45 Patreon Spotlight: Tomb of the War King Scenario * 47:18 Patreon Question: Favorite Monster Abilities of Players * 51:23 Patreon Question: Building Your Own Campaign Outlines * 53:28 Patreon Question: Tips for Playing In-Person Games
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * The 10 Best DnD Podcasts (That Aren’t Actual Plays) * Professor Dungeon Master on the 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide * DM David on 25 Year D&D Wish List * Elon Musk Calls for WOTC to Burn in Hell over Making of Original D&D Passages * The Making of the Original Dungeons & Dragons 1970 1977 (affiliate link) * "Damn Right I'm a Sexist" * Gygax defines self as a biological determinist in 2024 * Cory Doctorow on Harlan Ellison * D&D Co-Creator Gary Gygax was Sexist – Talking About it is Key to Preserving his Legacy * When We Were Wizards * Using Maps for In-Person Games * Tools of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:13 D&D & RPG News: Mike on EN World Podcast Talking about the 2024 DMG * 02:51 D&D & RPG News: Pathfinder 2 Humble Bundle * 05:38 D&D & RPG News: Phantasy Star RPG Preorder * 06:51 Kickstarter Spotlight: A5E Monstrous Menagerie 2 * 08:14 Commentary: Hard Truths About Crowdfunded RPGs * 25:20 Commentary: Comparing DMG 2024 Advice to Lazy DM Advice * 40:19 Patreon Question: Character Home Bases * 44:45 Patreon Question: Set Piece Battles or Theater of the Mind? * 49:10 Patreon Question: Best After-Session Notes * 51:00 Patreon Question: Improving NPC Voices While Roleplaying
Links* Mike on Morrus's Unofficial Tabletop Podcast * Pathfinder 2E Humble Bundle * Phantasy Star RPG Preorder * A5E Monstrous Menagerie 2 * Top Tips for GMs – SlyFlourish.com * Matt Mercer on NPC Voices – DM's Deep Dive * Dialects Archive * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:21 D&D & RPG News: Blades in the Dark Deep Cuts * 03:37 Commentary: What Do You Need to Prep Your Session? * 36:52 Commentary: Encounter Building in the D&D 2024 DMG and the Lazy Encounter Benchmark
Links* Blades in the Dark Deep Cuts * Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Lazy GM Resource Document * The Lazy Encounter Benchmark * 2024 DMG Versus the Lazy Encounter Benchmark * Alphastream on Encounter Building * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:15 Kickstarter Spotlight: Draconics the Peaceful Way to Play 5e * 03:21 Kickstarter Spotlight: Wondrous Worlds by Nord Games * 05:16 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 Free Rules Givith and then Taketh Away * 09:28 Commentary: D&D 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide Thoughts and the Four Gamemaster's Guides * 34:07 DM Tip: Avoid NPC Betrayals * 44:59 Patreon Question: Favorite Short Adventure Books * 47:52 Patreon Question: Expanding a GM's Reading List * 49:18 Patreon Question: Focusing on Prep for the Next Session * 51:09 Patreon Question: Needing to Improvise with Shadowdark * 54:01 Patreon Question: Top House Rules for Shadowdark * 57:03 Patreon Question: The Urgency of Multiple Quest Hooks# [01:00:50 Patreon Question: Where to End Shadowdark Sessions
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Draconis: The Peaceful Way to Play DND 5E * Wondrous Worlds by Nord Games * Updated D&D 2024 Free Rules * Oops, that was a mistake * Level Up Advanced 5e Trials and Treasure * Tales of the Valiant Gamemaster's Guide
Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- Midgard Worldbook
- Tales of the Valiant
- Obsidian for TTRPGs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:16 Product Spotlight: Defiler of Moonsilk Keep * 03:44 Product Spotlight: Horizons Magazine Issue 1 * 06:25 Product Spotlight: Frontiers of Eberron * 12:35 Kickstarter Spotlight: Adventures in Teaching and Learning with TTRPGs * 14:27 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dwarven Forge Dungeons Reforged * 24:25 Commentary: Experiences at Gamehole Con * 34:20 DM Tip: Pool Table Game Mastering * 45:43 Patreon Question: What Makes a Great Monster Book * 51:44 Patreon Question: Running Big Timed Events in Scenes
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Defiler of Moonsilk Keep * Horizons Issue 1 * Frontiers of Eberron * Adventures in Teaching and Learning in TTRPGs * Dwarven Forge Dungeons Reforged * Level Up Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie
Mike discusses his experiences running the Shadowdark RPG for a year
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- Shadowdark RPG
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
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- Shadowdark RPG
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 02:17 D&D & RPG News: Call of Cthulhu Humbled Bundle * 04:40 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Key of Worlds Scenarios for Hero-Tier Subscribers * 12:28 Product Spotlight: Dread Thingonomicon Markdown for Obsidian * 16:19 Sly Flourish News: Lazy GM Reference Guides in Markdown for Obsidian * 20:23 Sly Flourish News: Sly Flourish 2025 Calendar! * 22:00 Commentary: The Trouble with Crafting Systems in 5e * 36:37 DM Tip: Advanced Random Encounter Tricks * 49:46 Patreon Question: Adding Subquests and Managing Levels with Campaign Arcs * 54:04 Patreon Question: Keeping Combat Descriptions Flavorful * 57:17 Patreon Question: Designing a Heroic Shadowdark-Style Game
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Call of Cthulhu Humbled Bundle * Dread Thingonomicon * Dread Laironomicon * Lazy GM Resource Docs likewise have Obsidian versions * Lazy GM's Resource Document * Lazy GM's 5e Monster Builder Resource Document * Crit-Tech's Lazy GM Documents on Github (including Obsidian Markdown versions) * Sly Flourish 2025 calendar
Prep for the finale of Mike's Shadowdark Gloaming campaign!
Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
https://slyflourish.com/
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
https://slyflourish.com/subscribe/
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
https://slyflourish.podbean.com/
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/slyflourish
Buy Sly Flourish Books:
https://shop.slyflourish.com/
Shadowdark RPG
https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark
Cursed Scroll 1
https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/products/cursed-scroll-zine-vol-1-diablerie-print
Using Notion for RPG Prep
https://slyflourish.com/lazy_dnd_with_notion.html
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:20 Sly Flourish News: Sly Flourish After-School RPG Club Sponsorship * 07:44 D&D & RPG News: Free Kobold Press Encounter Builder * 11:11 D&D & RPG News: Dread Thingonomicon Bundle of Holding for $8 * 13:52 D&D & RPG News: Goodman Games Humble Bundle * 16:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Grim Hollow Transformed Kickstarter * 19:15 D&D & RPG News: Ars Magica in a Creative Commons License * 26:33 DM Tip: Two Bandits Talking About the Characters * 31:28 Patreon Question: Single Best Tip for New GMs * 38:24 Patreon Question: What If Characters Don't Strike Lighting Rods? * 44:12 Patreon Question: D&D 2024 Tool DCs and DM Agency * 50:18 Patreon Question: Can You Mix TOV, A5e, D&D 2024, and D&D 2014?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Sly Flourish After-School RPG Sponsorship * Kobold Press Encounter Builder * Dread Thingonomicon * Goodman Games humble bundle * Grim Hollow Transformed Kickstarter * Ars Magica Rules and Setting under CC BY SA * Top Tips for RPG Game Masters * Lightning Rods
Mike begins his campaign prep for his Dragon Empire Midgard-based Tales of the Valiant campaign!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Tales of the Valiant
- Midgard Worldbook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:30 Kickstarter Spotlight: Enter the Labyrinth by Kobold Press * 05:15 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dragontown and the Darkness Below * 11:03 D&D & RPG News: Horizons Magazine by Wildmage Press * 12:16 D&D & RPG News: Beadle and Grimm 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide Map Pack * 14:04 D&D & RPG News: 2024 Player's Handbook is D&D's Fastest Selling Book Ever * 18:22 Commentary: You Don't Own Your D&D Beyond Books * 21:24 D&D & RPG News: Hidden Subclass Compatibility in D&D 2024 * 27:32 Commentary: The Current State of Generative AI and TTRPGs * 46:23 Patreon Question: Industry Standards for Releasing RPG Material Under Open Licenses * 52:03 Patreon Question: Coming Up with Villains or Fronts in Strange Campaign Settings * 54:36 Patreon Question: Excluding a Player from a Game
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Kobold Press’s Labyrinth Kickstarter * Dragontown and the Darkness Below Kickstarter * Wildmage Press Horizons Magazine * Beadle and a Grymm Greyhawk map pack * D&D 2024 Player’s Handbook Fastest Selling D&D Book of All Time * New California law means digital stores can’t imply you’re buying a game when you’re merely licensing it * Where do your Steam games go when you die? * The Best LLM for Generating RPG Stuff – Your Brain
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Join the City of Arches Kickstarter!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:16 D&D & RPG News: Roll20 Packages for Doctors Without Borders * 03:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Pirate Borg * 09:06 DM Tip: Run I6 Ravenloft with Shadowdark on Halloween * 10:45 D&D & RPG News: Free D&D 2024 Rules with All Twelve Classes * 13:20 D&D & RPG News: D&D Adventurer's League Moves to D&D 2024 * 26:13 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 PHB Available Physically and on Four VTTs * 33:55 DM Tip: D&D 2024's Handling of Tools and DCs * 41:02 DM Tip: Two Words for Increasing Combat Challenge * 51:06 Patreon Question: What's My Next Campaign? * 53:26 Patreon Question: Upward and Downward Beats in a Campaign * 57:46 Patreon Question: Why Switch to Obsidian?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Pirate Borg Down Among the Dead * Ravenloft with Shadowdark Video * Ravenloft with Shadowdark Article * D&D Beyond D&D 2024 Free Rules Includes All Twelve Classes * D&D Adventures League Updates * D&D PHB 2024 on Foundry * D&D PHB 2024 on Fantasy Grounds * D&D PHB 2024 on Roll20 * Roll20 Characters * Midgard Dragon Empire Campaign Video
Mike begins his campaign prep for his Dragon Empire Midgard-based Tales of the Valiant campaign!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Tales of the Valiant
- Midgard Worldbook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:16 Kickstarter Spotlight: Worldographer 2025 by Inkwell Ideas * 00:03:36 Kickstarter Spotlight: Shadow City Mysteries * 00:04:53 Product Spotlight: Level Up Advanced 5e on Bundle of Holding * 00:10:46 D&D & RPG News: MCDM's License for Draw Steel * 00:17:33 Product Spotlight: Shadowdark Guide to Monster Statistics by Matt Dietrich * 00:22:14 Commentary: Four Sources of D&D History * 00:44:16 DM Tip: Instant Monsters for 5e * 00:59:02 Patreon Question: Handling Back Seat Driving Veteran Players * 01:03:17 Patreon Question: Running the City of Arches with Shadowdark * 01:05:40 Patreon Question: Managing Secrets with Multiple Paths Ahead * 01:08:09 Patreon Question: Building Single-Session Episodic Adventures
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Worldographer Kickstarter * Shadow City Mysteries Crowdfunding campaign * Level Up A5e Bundles of Holding – Core * Level Up A5e Bundles of Holding – Adventures * Draw Steel creators license * Shadowdark Quick Monster Stats by Matt Dietrich * D&D 50 Year Panel * D&D 50 Celebration Games * When We Were Wizards * The Making of Original D&D: 1970 - 1977
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Join the City of Arches Kickstarter!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:13 Sly Flourish News: Mike Loses a Bet * 02:59 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 and Free D&D on D&D Beyond * 14:06 D&D & RPG News: Rich Lescoulflair Talking Phantasy Star RPG on Morrus's Podcast * 15:42 D&D & RPG News: Matt Coleville on Eldritch Lorecast Talking About Project Sigil * 19:35 D&D & RPG News: Free Hex Crawl Rules from Cursed Scroll 4 * 23:26 Product Spotlight: Broken Weave for 5e by Cubicle 7 * 36:24 DM Tip: Distance, Activity, and Attitude for Random Encounters * 48:18 Patreon Question: Rewriting Published Adventures for Table Use * 52:09 Patreon Question: Building Your Own Pantheon * 55:38 Patreon Question: Using the Eight Steps for Published Adventures
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * 2024 D&D Free Rules on D&D Beyond * Rich Lescouflair on Phantasy Star RPG on Morrus's Podcast * Matt Coleville on Eldritch Lorecast * Free Hex Crawl Rules from Arcane Library * Broken Weave for 5e * Reaction Tables Across the Years * Choosing the Right Steps from Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Join the City of Arches Kickstarter!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:01:49 D&D & RPG News: Follow Up on D&D 2014 Material in D&D Beyond * 00:05:59 D&D & RPG News: Lost Worlds of Gygax Humble Bundle * 00:10:46 D&D & RPG News: D&D Direct Announcements * 00:19:48 Product Spotlight: Knave 2 by Ben Milton * 00:41:12 DM Tip: Twelve Types of Medieval Artwork and Architecture for Dungeon Delving * 00:53:50 Patreon Question: Convincing New Players to Try a New System * 00:57:09 Patreon Question: 18 Months Since Other Publishers Published on D&D Beyond * 01:05:04 Patreon Question: Using City of Arches with Theros * 01:06:38 Patreon Question: Empire of the Ghouls Out of Print * 01:08:41 Patreon Question: Favorite Sourcebook and Setting
Links* Join the City of Arches Kickstarter! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Lost World of Gygax Humble Bundle * D&D Direct Announcements * Knave 2 * Twelve Types of Medieval Artwork and Architecture
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Join the City of Arches Kickstarter!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
Mike builds a 1st level character in the Shadowdark RPG.
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 02:30 D&D & RPG News: D&D Designers of All Editions Talk About and Play D&D * 06:05 D&D & RPG News: Kelsey Dionne of Shadowdark on Morrus's Unofficial Tabletop RPG Podcast * 07:04 Commentary: WOTC Removes 2014 Spells, Items, and Rules from the D&D Beyond Character Builder * 28:06 DM Tip: Track the Characters * 42:07 Patreon Question: Running Short Games for Large Groups * 46:14 Patreon Question: Favorite D&D 2024 Rule? * 48:47 Patreon Question: Running Mastermind and Dark Nemesis Bosses * 51:49 Patreon Question: Releasing the Forge of Foes Generic Monster Stats into the CC * 57:47 Patreon Question: What's In your DM - GM Kit?
Links* City of Arches Kickstarter! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * D&D Designers of All Editions Talk About and Play D&D - Celebrating 50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons * Kelsey Dionne on Morrus's Unofficial Tabletalk Podcast * D&D Beyond Removes 2014 Spells, Items, Magic Items, and Rules from the Character Builder * Further "Clarification" * EN World Thread – How D&D Beyond Will Handle Access To 2014 Rules * D&D Beyond, Wizards of the Coast, 5e, and You * Lazy GM's 5e Monster Builder Resource Document
Mike builds a 1st level character with Tales of the Valiant!
- Join the City of Arches Kickstarter!
- Tales of the Valiant
- Tales of the Valiant Character Sheet
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:35 Kickstarter Spotlight: Horror at Devil's Run on Foundry * 03:34 D&D & RPG News: Rob Heinsoo on Gnomecast * 05:09 D&D & RPG News: Free League Publishing Pulls PDFs from the Alchemy VTT * 19:34 Product Spotlight: Thrones and Bones Player's Guide by Lazy Wolf Studios * 25:36 D&D & RPG News: Letters to Washington Post About D&D * 28:14 DM Tip: Running an Infiltration in Summervine Villa * 49:54 Patreon Question: Do We Need to Change Forge of Foes and the Lazy Encounter Benchmark for D&D 2024? * 59:59 Patreon Question: Can a Paid DM Run Your Books?
Links* Horror at Devil's Run Foundry Kickstarter * Rob Heinsoo on Gnomecast * Free League Removes PDFs from Foundry * Alchemy's Stance on PDFs * Thrones & Bones Player's Guide * Thrones & Bones Campaign Guide * These dungeons are home. These dragons forged friends – Washington Post * Running Infiltrations and Heists * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:35 Kickstarter Spotlight: Horror at Devil's Run on Foundry * 03:34 D&D & RPG News: Rob Heinsoo on Gnomecast * 05:09 D&D & RPG News: Free League Publishing Pulls PDFs from the Alchemy VTT * 19:34 Product Spotlight: Thrones and Bones Player's Guide by Lazy Wolf Studios * 25:36 D&D & RPG News: Letters to Washington Post About D&D * 28:14 DM Tip: Running an Infiltration in Summervine Villa * 49:54 Patreon Question: Do We Need to Change Forge of Foes and the Lazy Encounter Benchmark for D&D 2024? * 59:59 Patreon Question: Can a Paid DM Run Your Books?
Links* Horror at Devil's Run Foundry Kickstarter * Rob Heinsoo on Gnomecast * Free League Removes PDFs from Foundry * Alchemy's Stance on PDFs * Thrones & Bones Player's Guide * Thrones & Bones Campaign Guide * These dungeons are home. These dragons forged friends – Washington Post * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike builds a 1st level character with Level Up Advanced 5e!
- Join the City of Arches Kickstarter!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Level Up Advanced 5e
- A5e Tools
- Form Fillable Character Sheets
Video Contents
- 00:00 Show Start
- 02:13 What Is Level Up Advanced 5e?
- 06:00 The Step to Build a Character
- 07:02 Building a Character's Origin
- 09:52 Heritage Details
- 14:08 Culture Details
- 16:15 Background Details
- 18:46 Choosing a Destiny
- 21:22 Choosing an Adventure Class
- 30:31 Skill Specializations
- 32:34 Choosing Ability Scores
- 34:12 Equipping Weapons and Armor
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 02:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Amazing Encounters and Dungeons * 05:15 Kickstarter Spotlight: The Perilous Void * 06:23 Commentary: Follow-Up on Blurring 2024 D&D PHB Videos * 13:11 Sly Flourish News: Mike on Morrus's Unofficial Tabletop Podcast on Blurgate and Project Sigil - the D&D 3D VTT * 13:55 Sly Flourish News: More Character Builds with Tales of the Valiant and Shadowdark * 14:30 D&D & RPG News: WOTC Designers on Eldritch Lorecast * 15:55 D&D & RPG News: Tales of the Valiant on Herolab and Shard * 20:54 Sly Flourish News: Biomes of the City of Arches * 29:03 Patreon Question: Bifurcation of the Hobby Between 3d Online and Tabletop Play * 35:51 Patreon Question: Handling Simultanous Events * 38:54 Patreon Question: Is a D&D Beyond Content Subscription Service Acceptable? * 43:13 Patreon Question: D&D 2024 PHB or Shadowdark?
Links* Join the City of Arches Kickstarter! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Amazing Encounters and Dungeons Kickstarter * The Perilous Void Kickstarter * A real lawyer talks about the blurring situation and fair use * Mike on Morrus's Unofficial Tabletop Podcast * WOTC Designers on Eldritch Lorecast * Tales of the Valiant on Herolab * Tales of the Valiant on Shard * Black Flag on Shard
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
Mike builds a character with the new D&D 2024 Player's Handbook
- City of Arches Kickstarter!
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
Show Start* + 00:00 Video Start + 01:17 Disclaimers + 01:44 Making a Character Sheet + 03:15 Creating a Character First Steps + 04:08 Choosing a Class + 07:51 Most Important Character Building Tip + 09:44 Spells + 19:56 Choosing a Background + 26:09 Equipment + 32:25 Species + 36:41 Character Backstory Stuff + 37:27 Languages + 38:45 Determine Ability Scores + 42:09 Appearances + 44:41 Passive Perception + 47:37 Calculating Weapon Attacks and Damage + 51:03 Other Details + 53:34 Final Thoughts
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:07 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Kickstarter! * 02:18 Kickstarter Spotlight: Victoriana 5e by Cubicle 7 * 05:12 Commentary: WOTC Made Me Blur My D&D 2024 Videos * 25:09 D&D & RPG News: Shadowdark Wins Four ENNIES! * 26:34 Commentary: Survive a Future Digital D&D * 43:21 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Campaign Outlines * 51:31 Patreon Question: Maps and Mapping At the Table * 54:23 Patreon Question: What Makes the City of Arches Unique? * 58:29 Patreon Question: Awarding Treasure to Specific Characters
Links* Support the City of Arches Kickstarter! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Victoriana Kickstarter by Cubicle 7 * WOTC's Feedback Forum * Shadowdark RPG * Survive a Digital D&D * JP Coovert Dungeon Mapping Book * Dyson Logos Map Key
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
Mike dives deep into the D&D 2024 Player's Handbook!
- City of Arches Kickstarter!
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
Show Contents* 00:00 Intro * 01:58 Disclaimers * 02:42 Big Thoughts Up Front * 03:35 Should You Buy It? * 05:55 What Do I Love? * 10:11 What Do I Not Love? * 15:25 No Cultures, Just Species * 19:46 Other Things Not Fixed * 22:26 On Compatibility * 27:08 Things May Be in the DMG But I Wouldn't Know * 27:49 Good for New Players? * 34:49 How's the Art? * 36:11 The Best Improvement in D&D 2024 * 37:33 New Mechanical Language and "Utilize" * 40:18 No Downtime * 41:49 No Gods * 43:11 Not Enough On Session Zeros and Safety Tools * 46:06 Backgrounds and Character Optimization * 50:48 I Love the Conjure Spells * 53:10 Lucky * 55:27 The Awesome Rules Glossary * 57:41 Marching Order * 58:04 What Your Character Would Do * 58:45 Final Thoughts
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:22 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Kickstarter Next Week! * 02:43 D&D & RPG News: Lots of D&D 2024 Info Next Week * 03:51 D&D & RPG News: Solodark Solo-play Video by Kelsey Dionne * 06:12 D&D & RPG News: When We Were Wizards Podcast * 19:19 Kickstarter Spotlight: Nimble 5e * 26:58 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Obsidian Skull Walkthrough * 38:40 DM Tip: Handling Questions of Morality in TTRPGs * 51:38 Patreon Question: Players Suspicious of Potentially Betraying NPCs
Links* City of Arches Kickstarter! * Solodark Video * Free Solodark PDF * When We Were Wizards * Nimble 5e Backerkit Launch * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:22 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Kickstarter Next Week! * 02:43 D&D & RPG News: Lots of D&D 2024 Info Next Week * 03:51 D&D & RPG News: Solodark Solo-play Video by Kelsey Dionne * 06:12 D&D & RPG News: When We Were Wizards Podcast * 19:19 Kickstarter Spotlight: Nimble 5e * 26:58 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Obsidian Skull Walkthrough * 38:40 DM Tip: Handling Questions of Morality in TTRPGs * 51:38 Patreon Question: Players Suspicious of Potentially Betraying NPCs
Links* City of Arches Kickstarter! * Solodark Video * Free Solodark PDF * When We Were Wizards * Nimble 5e Backerkit Launch * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:21 D&D & RPG News: ENnie Voting Goes Live! * 02:27 Product Spotlight: Dyson Maps Bundle of Holding * 05:09 D&D & RPG News: Level Up Gateway Online Character Builder * 22:52 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Kickstarter Coming August 6th * 35:00 Commentary: Top Ten Lazy 5e Tricks * 54:46 Patreon Question: What Would I do If I Was In Charge of D&D? * 58:19 Patreon Question: Magic Numbers to Keep In Your Head
Links* City of Arches Kickstarter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * ENnies Voting * Dyson Maps Bundle of Holding * Level Up Gateway Preview
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:21 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Kickstart Coming August 6th! * 07:54 D&D & RPG News: The Negative Feedback of D&D Beyond's Exclusive Offers * 21:27 Commentary: The Lost Modularity of D&D and How to Get it Back * 35:41 Commentary: Is Shadowdark the Best D&D Starter Set? * 49:07 Patreon Spotlight: The SlyFlourish.com Downloadable Archive * 52:12 Patreon Question: Lazy DMing with Virtual Tabletops (VTTs) * 56:07 Patreon Question: How Do We Feel About D&D 2024?
Links* City of Arches Kickstarter Prelaunch! * PC Gamer on D&D Beyond's Preorders * Shadowdark Quickstart Set * Free Shadowdark Quickstart Set PDFs * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:11 D&D & RPG News: Dyson's Delves Bundle of Holding * 04:19 D&D & RPG News: Monte Cook Games 50% off 5e Products * 07:26 Sly Flourish News: Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master On Sale for 50% off * 09:09 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 Class Videos * 10:04 Commentary: 2024 D&D Needed a DM Advocate * 17:45 Commentary: WOTC Says the Quiet Part Out Loud: "Frustrating for Dungeon Masters" * 24:10 Commentary: Is Tales of the Valiant the 2024 D&D We Want? * 26:23 Commentary: Comparing Four Versions of 5e * 38:52 DM Tip: Expanding Tales of the Valiant's Doom Points * 49:15 Patreon Question: Running Games for Young Neurodivergent Kids * 53:59 Patreon Question: Comparing Monster Spellcaster Styles * 59:40 Patreon Question: Asking Questions to Players Without Tipping Your Hand * 01:02:59 Patreon Question: Tips for On-Call Players and Their Characters * 01:04:45 Patreon Question: Tips for Evaluating Published Adventures * 01:10:39 Patreon Question: Missing Stat Block Info when Running Monsters * 01:13:35 Patreon Question: Why Are Gaming PDFs Crappy for So Many Devices? Publishers, Publish ePub!
Links* Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master On Sale for 50% off! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Dyson's Delves Bundle of Holding * Monte Cook Games 50% off 5e Sale * "Frustrating Dungeon Masters" D&D 2024 Rogue Preview * Tales of the Valiant * Level Up Advanced 5e
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:38 Product Spotlight: Esper Genesis on Bundle of Holding * 02:35 Product Spotlight: Magic Item Card Generator by Inkwell Ideas * 04:30 D&D & RPG News: 2024 D&D Core Book Videos * 08:39 Commentary: D&D 2024 Monster Stat Block -- Yuck * 14:10 Commentary: The 2024 D&D Players Handbook is the Only Book that Matters * 17:53 Commentary: The Specifics of D&D 2024 Compatibility with 5e * 29:56 D&D & RPG News: Mobile Character Builder for D&D 2024 on Roll20 * 32:12 Sly Flourish News: Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master On Sale * 33:17 DM Tip: Use NPC Archetypes from a Single Show * 40:50 Patreon Question: What Digital Tools Would Help Us? * 46:57 Patreon Question: Managing Teleportation in Campaigns * 52:57 Patreon Question: How Would I Run Vecna Eve of Ruin * 59:48 Patreon Question: How Do You Run Maps?
Links* Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master on Sale for 50% off Digital and 30% off Hardcover! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Esper Genesis on Bundle of Holding * Printable Magic Cards by Inkwell Ideas * D&D 2024 Reveals and Discussions on EN World * D&D 2024 Updates on Comicbook.com * D&D 2024 Monster Stat Block Revealed * Roll20 D&D Character Builder * Character Archetypes from Expanse
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:18 D&D & RPG News: WOTC Begins Posting to EN World * 04:15 Product Spotlight: Solodark for Shadowdark RPG * 09:10 Product Spotlight: More Purple More Better Character Builder for 5e * 22:43 Patreon Spotlight: 5e Artisanal Monster Database * 27:23 DM Tip: Finding Players and Building a Resilient Group * 41:24 Patreon Question: Allowing Alternative Character Options * 44:18 Patreon Question: Uses for Generative AI and RPGs -- Is it Cheating?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * WOTC's Post on EN World * Solodark – Solo Rule for Shadowdark * More Purple More Better * Finding and Maintaining a D&D Group * How Do People Find In-Person Players?
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:01 Commentary: Happy Pride Month * 01:33 Commentary: How to Get More Engagement on YouTube! * 02:18 D&D & RPG News: Roll20 Buys Demiplane * 12:43 Kickstarter Spotlight: Voidrunner for 5e by EN World Publishing * 16:27 Patreon Spotlight: Infiltration of Bonespur Keep * 19:46 DM Tip: Organize Your Gaming PDFs * 27:59 DM Tip: Searching PDFs on MacOS * 30:49 DM Tip: Search PDFs with Finder on the Mac * 32:20 DM Tip: Alfred for Searching PDFs on a Mac * 34:18 DM Tip: Search PDFs with Ripgrep All * 38:25 Patreon Question: Getting Excited for Longform Campaigns * 42:17 Patreon Question: Contingencies for TPKs
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Roll20 Buys Demiplane * Adam Bradford Moves to Fantasy Grounds * Voidrunner Kickstarter by EN World Publishing * Organize Your RPG PDFs * Searching PDFs with Spotlight * Alfred for MacOS * Ripgrep All
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:05 D&D & RPG News: Cover Art for 2024 D&D Dungeon Master's Guide * 03:10 D&D & RPG News: Sly Flourish and Elderbrain Video on Adventure Design * 04:24 Commentary: Are Actual Plays Building False Expectations? * 21:04 Patreon Spotlight: Dwarven Forge Virtual Tabletop Backdrops * 29:13 DM Tip: Leaving Blanks * 45:06 Patreon Question: GM Tips for Players * 48:18 Patreon Question: Managing Monster Stat Blocks * 51:21 Patreon Question: Integrating Prophecies and Fate into D&D Games * 53:42 Patreon Question: Medium-Length Campaigns * 56:58 Patreon Question: Players Projecting Micro-Aggressions * 59:59 Patreon Question: Commiting Time and Energy to Prep a Game
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * EN World on New DMG Cover * EN World New Special Edition DMG Cover * Sly Flourish and Elderbrain talk Adventure Design * Against Lore by Cory Doctorow
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:02 Kickstarter Spotlight: Iskandar Adventures Volume 1 * 04:40 Product Spotlight: Torrents of the Spellhoarder by Elderbrain * 09:40 D&D & RPG News: Rob Heinsoo on Mastering Dungeons * 11:55 D&D & RPG News: Scroll for Initiative on Pass Without Trace * 18:12 D&D & RPG News: Bob World Builder on Gridded, Abstract Maps, and Theater of the Mind * 20:47 Commentary: New Poll Results on Combat Styles * 24:44 DM Tip: The Lost Art of Abstract Maps * 36:15 Patreon Question: Running a Quick Conclusion to a Campaign * 40:00 Patreon Question: Are Secrets Always True? * 41:09 Patreon Question: Upward Beats for Dungeons * 45:18 Patreon Question: Appropriate Challenges, Quests, and Adventures for 1st Lvel Characters * 47:29 Patreon Question: Taking Away the Characters' Stuff * 50:48 Patreon Question: Buying Material Multiple Times on Different Platforms
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Kickstarter: Iskandar Adventures Volume 1 * Torrents of the Spellhoarder * Rob Heinsoo on Mastering Dungeons * Scroll for Initiative on Pass Without Trace * Bob World Builder on Grid, Theater of the Mind, and Abstract Maps * Grid, Abstract Map, and Theater of the Mind 2023 Poll Results * The Abstract Battle Map Sly Flourish article * Beats of a Dungeon Crawl
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:24 D&D & RPG News: Cypher Humble Bundle -- $570 of books for $25 * 04:31 D&D & RPG News: New Covers and Greyhawk in 2024 D&D Books * 11:35 D&D & RPG News: Support Victims of Rio Grande Flooding with this $20 RPG Bundle * 12:48 D&D & RPG News: Rob Heinsoo Interview on La Taberna de Rol * 15:56 Product Spotlight: Tales of the Labyrinth by Kobold Press * 23:15 D&D & RPG News: Tales of the Valiant on Shard Tabletop * 36:08 Patreon Spotlight: Myre's End Adventure for Patrons * 39:23 Commentary: One Night with Level Up Advanced 5e * 56:44 Patreon Question: Three House Rules for Shadowdark RPG
Links* Cypher Humble Bundle * D&D 2024 Cover Reveal * D&D 2024 Other News * Rio Grande Flood Charity Bundle * Rob Heinsoo on La Taberna de Rol * Thirteenth Age V2 Kickstarter * Guide to the Labyrinth by Kobold Press * Tales of the Valiant on Shard * Black Flag SRD on Shard * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike ranks ten years worth of campaigns from S through F tier.
- 00:00 Show Start
- 01:18 Goal: Define Criteria for Evaluating Future Campaigns
- 02:58 Tier Ranking Ground Rules
- 06:28 Beginning the Tier Rankings
- 06:41 Shadow of the Demon Lord
- 07:28 Numenera
- 09:39 Rime of the Frost Maiden
- 11:29 Wild Beyond the Witchlight
- 12:35 Blades in the Dark
- 14:08 Curse of Strahd
- 15:29 Descent into Avernus
- 18:17 Eberron Rising from the Last War
- 19:01 Empire of the Ghouls
- 20:22 Ghosts of Saltmarsh
- 22:21 Hoard of the Dragon Queen
- 23:10 Dragons of Icespire Peak
- 25:33 Lost Mine of Phandelver
- 27:07 Out of the Abyss
- 28:40 Princes of the Apocalypse
- 29:23 Rise of Tiamat
- 29:56 Scarlet Citadel
- 32:04 Gloaming: Cursed Scroll 1
- 33:45 Shadowed Keep of the Borderlands
- 35:15 Storm King's Thunder
- 37:39 Tomb of Annihilation
- 39:56 Waterdeep Dragon Heist
- 41:50 Spelljammer: Light of Xaryxis
- 45:53 Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
- 47:14 Campaign Tier-Ranking Summary
- 49:36 What Did I Learn?
- 51:07 Product Design Matters More than Production Quality
Links* Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: https://shop.slyflourish.com/ * Final Tier Ranking Image * Tiermaker SF Campaign Tier Link * Shadow of the Demon Lord * Numenera * Blades in the Dark * Gloaming: Cursed Scroll 1 * Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands (affiliate link) * Empire of the Ghouls (affiliate link) * Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link) * Dragons of Stormwreck Isle (affiliate link) * Curse of Strahd (affiliate link) * Wild Beyond the Witchlight (affiliate link)
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:48 D&D & RPG News: WOTC Announces the Upcoming Release of 2024 Rules in the Creative Commons * 05:28 D&D & RPG News: Black Flag SRD Released Under ORC * 09:57 D&D & RPG News: Tales of the Valiant Released to Backers * 16:13 Kickstarter Spotlight: Oracle Monster Generator by Nord Games * 17:53 Kickstarter Spotlight: 13th Age version 2 * 19:00 D&D & RPG News: Nine Perfect Things for Your D&D Games * 20:48 D&D & RPG News: Why Cults Are Awesome * 23:10 Commentary: Why Open Licenses Matter to GMs * 38:49 Patreon Question: Games Getting Too Complex Above 10th Level * 42:18 Patreon Question: Getting Players Excited for Homebrewed Campaigns * 45:11 Patreon Question: What Drains Your Energy In Your Games?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * WOTC Announces 5.2 System Reference Document in the CC in Early 2025 * Black Flag System Reference Document * Tales of the Valiant * Oracle Monster Generator BackerKit Campaign * 13th Age Version 2 Kickstarter * Nine Perfect Things for your D&D Game – Scroll for Initiative * Why Cults Are Awesome * Building a One-Page Campaign Guide
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:11 D&D & RPG News: Shadow of the Weird Wizard Impressions by Gnome Stew * 02:32 D&D & RPG News: WOTC Stops Selling A La Carte Items on D&D Beyond * 11:08 Commentary: Bob World Builder D&D and WOTC Popularity Survey Results * 27:42 Kickstarter Spotlight: Delve by Bob World Builder * 29:32 Patreon Spotlight: Regnum Rattus the Rats in the Cellar * 31:53 Sly Flourish News: 4,000+ DM Tips in the Creative Commons * 34:17 Product Spotlight: The GMs Miscellany by Raging Swan * 38:16 Commentary: Being a Good Steward of the RPG Hobby * 49:15 Patreon Question: Should a New DM Run Fateforged? * 51:09 Patreon Question: How to Expose Midgard and Big Campaign Settings to Players? * 54:56 Patreon Question: Handling a TPK in Witchlight
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Shadow of the Weird Wizard impressions * WOTC changes D&D Beyond — no more a la carte purchases * Bob World Builder on WOTC and D&D Survey Results * Bob World Builder WOTC & D&D Popularity Survey Predictions and Results * Delve by Bob World Builder * RPG Tips in the CC * Raging Swan Wilderness Dressings
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:23 D&D & RPG News: Roll20 and Discord Integration * 05:12 D&D & RPG News: Alphastream on the Summit One Year Later * 09:02 Product Spotlight: Return of the Witch King Adventures for Shadow of the Demon Lord * 14:48 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Press Offers Sourcebook Subscriptions on Shard * 23:18 Commentary: Tales of the Valiant Monsters Hitting Too Hard? * 27:58 Patreon Spotlight: Forge of Foes Monster Stats Tool * 31:08 DM Tip: Use an oracle Die * 41:32 Patreon Question: Managing One Year Later Montages * 45:05 Patreon Question: Sticking With the City of Arches * 52:17 Patreon Question: Help Players Tap Into Their Emotions
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Roll20 on Discord * Alphastream: Looking at the D&D Summit One Year Later * Shadow of the Demon Lord - Falling Tears * Shadow of the Demon Lord - You Shall Not Take these Noble Souls * Kobold Press Bundle on Shard * The Tales of the Valiant Mimic * Ending Campaigns – One Year Later Montages
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:12 Product Spotlight: PJ Coffey's Crafting Heritages and Cultures CC-Released Doc * 04:38 Kickstarter Spotlight: Campaign Builder - Dungeons and Ruins * 07:16 Product Spotlight: 13th Age 2e Preview * 10:18 Patreon Spotlight: Secret of Summervine Villa * 13:58 D&D & RPG News: Cynthia Williams Leaves Hasbro * 16:26 Commentary: Build Your Resilient TTRPG Hobby * 20:00 Commentary: Matt Coleville on Long-form versus Short-Form Adventures * 27:14 Commentary: The MtG Hobby Compared to the D&D Hobby * 36:47 DM Tip: Fantastic Short-Form Adventure Publishers * 50:41 Patreon Question: Villains and NPCs Responding to High Level Characters * 54:28 Patreon Question: Warlords Are in 5e * 56:27 Patreon Question: Repeating Descriptions and Getting Players to Pay Attention
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Sly Flourish Fantastic Bundle * PJ Coffey’s Crafting Heritages and Cultures SRD * Kobold Press’s Campaign Builder: Dungeons & Ruins * The 13th Age 2 Kickstarter Coming May * Matt Colville on Short versus Long Adventures – There is no “default” * Merric’s Article on Short-form WOTC Adventures * Arcane Library * Jeff Steven's 5e Adventures * Kobold Press's Lairs books * MT Black's Adventures * Raging Swan's 5e adventures
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:40 D&D & RPG News: Robert Schwalb on La Taberna de Rol * 03:48 D&D & RPG News: DM David Compares MCDM, Daggerheart, and 5e * 05:42 Kickstarter Spotlight: Wandering Tavern by Homie and the Dude * 09:51 Kickstarter Spotlight: Infestation at Devil's Glade by Jeff Stevens * 11:50 Kickstarter Spotlight: Restless Encounters by Inkwell Ideas * 13:51 D&D & RPG News: 13th Age Megabundle on Bundle of Holding * 17:23 Product Spotlight: Dyson Logos Commercial Map Packs * 19:55 D&D & RPG News: Cairn 2 Character Builder Open Sourced * 25:56 Patreon Spotlight: Readings and Reflections with Sly Flourish Podcast * 28:21 D&D & RPG News: JP Coovert's video on Indie RPGs * 29:11 DM Tip: Split Up Your Prep * 39:05 Patreon Question: How Often to Level Characters? * 43:27 Patreon Question: What to Prep When You Have a Long Time * 49:26 Patreon Question: Accounting for High Power Charactesr with the Lazy Encounter Benchmark
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Robert Schwalb on La Taberna de Rol * Daggerheart vs. the MCDM RPG vs. D&D: A Playtest Comparison – DM David * The Wandering Tavern Kickstarter * Infestation at Devil's Glade for 5E Kickstarter * Restless Encounters Backerkit Campaign * 13th Age Megabundle * Dyson Logos Commercial Map Packs * Cairn 2e open source character generator * Indie RPG Roundup by JP Coovert
Mike dives into running the evil city of Vandekhul and the freedom it gives heroic characters to be jerks!
Video Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:38 Number One Tip for Running Evil Cities * 04:56 Ghoulish Elizabethian Politics in the Center of the Underworld * 06:08 The Yojimbo / Fistful of Dollars Adventure Model * 20:08 Double Check Your Session Zero Lines and Veils * 22:38 Turning the In-World Safety Dials * 26:26 Dungeons Everywhere * 30:45 Adding Nice Places the Characters (and Players) Can Rest * 35:55 Adding Nice People to Meet and Care About * 37:31 Adding Physical Layers of History
Show Links* Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Empire of the Ghouls * Dyson's Maps * Dyson's Patreon
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:03 D&D & RPG News: Dungeoncraft on Getting Cheap Miniatures * 03:58 Kickstarter Spotlight: Monsters of Drakkenheim * 05:52 Kickstarter Spotlight: Cairn 2e Boxed Set * 08:16 Commentary: Tales of the Valiant Wight * 14:26 Commentary: Why CR3 is the best CR * 20:09 Sly Flourish News: New Search Engine for Sly Flourish! * 22:13 DM Tip: The Two Different Games at the Table * 34:29 Patreon Question: Lazy DM Steps in an Online VTT World * 40:55 Patreon Question: Handling Failure at the End of Campaigns * 45:23 Patreon Question: Handling Flying Characters * 48:53 Patreon Question: Feeling Bad After a Big Battle * 54:22 Patreon Question: When to Give Out Magic Items
Links* How To Get Minis for D&D For Cheap! Dungeoncraft * Monsters of Drakkenheim Kickstarter * Cairn 2e Boxed Set Kickstarter * Tales of the Valiant Wight * Sly Flourish Search Engine * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books
Mike dives deep into Shadowed Keep of the Borderlands by Raging Swan Press.
- 00:00 Show Start
- 01:39 What Is Shadowed Keep of the Borderlands?
- 04:59 Why is it So Good?
- 07:07 What Do You Get?
- 10:09 Dulwich Overview and Quick References
- 18:24 The Duchy of Ashlar
- 22:42 The Shadowed Keep
- 31:35 Appendices and Player Handouts
- 33:35 My Own Shadowed Keep Campaign
- 42:22 Final Recommendation: Buy It
Links* Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: https://shop.slyflourish.com/ * Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands (affiliate link)
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:59 D&D & RPG News: Jim Ward Passes Away * 01:37 Commentary: Bob World Builder's Survey of D&D and WOTC Popularity * 12:55 D&D & RPG News: Legos and Sneakers and Hawaiian Shirts * 13:59 D&D & RPG News: Tome of Beasts 2023 on D&D Beyond * 21:45 Patreon Spotlight: The SF Patreon Q&A Database * 25:41 D&D & RPG News: Larian says No BG3 Expansions or BG4 * 29:27 DM Tip: Reach and Run Awesome Campaign Endings * 45:36 Patreon Question: Too Much Comedy and Joking at our Serious D&D Game * 49:15 Patreon Question: How Much is Gold Worth? Function Economies in our D&D Games * 52:55 Patreon Question: Lazy Encounter Benchmark for Multiple Battles in a Day
Links* James Ward Wikipedia Page * Bob World Builder WOTC Survey Video * Take the Survey Here * Tome of Beasts 1 2023 * Larian Studios Won't Make Baldur's Gate 3 DLC, Expansions, or Baldur's Gate 4 * Ending Campaigns * The Lazy Encounter Benchmark * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Video Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:28 D&D & RPG News: Dungeon Crawl Classics Humble Bundle * 04:35 D&D & RPG News: Worlds Without Number SRD in CC0 * 07:07 D&D & RPG News: WOTC's "Do You Like Me" Survey * 16:11 D&D & RPG News: Hasbro's Chris Cocks on D&D and AI * 20:36 D&D & RPG News: WOTC Partners with StartPlaying.Games * 23:26 D&D & RPG News: Daggerheart Open Beta Available * 30:05 Sly Flourish News: Lazy DM's Companion On Sale! * 30:47 Patreon Spotlight: Dungeon Chambers * 36:44 DM Tip: Challenging High-Level Characters * 55:28 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Speak Up During (Online) Games * 58:01 Patreon Question: Staying Excited about Long Campaigns
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Lazy DM's Companion on sale for 50% off! * Huge DCC Humble Bundle * Worlds Without Number SRD CC0 * Hasbro on AI for D&D * Penny Arcade on Hasbro * WOTC Partners with Startplaying.games * Daggerheart Playtest Released * Collected Experiences Running D&D 5e Boss Fights * Call on Individual Players During Online D&D Games * Ginny Di on Online Game Etiquette
Mike explores using https://obsidian.md/ for tabletop RPG prep.
Episode Contents* 00:00 - Show Start * 01:18 - Why Obsidian? * 02:40 - Choose the Tool You Dig * 04:19 - What Is Obsidian * 05:11 - Check the Resource Links in the Show Notes * 07:17 - The Fun and Dangers of Dorking With Our Systems * 11:28 - Why Obsidian Again? * 13:10 - On Markdown * 20:10 - On Synching Notes * 24:30 - Keeping Things Simple * 35:18 - Limiting Hyperlinking * 36:03 - The Lazy GM Campaign Template for Obsidian * 41:38 - The Danger of Plugin Proprietary Notes * 45:32 - Espanso for Text Autofilling * 49:40 - Printing Notes to PDF with Automator, Shell Scripting, Pandoc, and Latex... * 52:32 - Final Thoughts
Links* Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Getting Started with Obsidian for D&D – PhD20 * Nicole van der Hoeven's D&D and Obsidian YouTube Playlist * Nicole's RPG Obsidian Notes * D&D-tagged notes * Non-Lazy DMs use Obsidian for D&D * Obsidian for Tabletop Roleplaying Games (collection) * Obsidian TTRPG Tutorials * Espanso
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:06 Sly Flourish News: Last Week's Sly Flourish RPG Newsletter * 03:42 Kickstarter Spotlight: Planestrider * 09:52 Kickstarter Spotlight: Surviving Strangehollow * 12:02 Sly Flourish News: Lazy DM's Companion On Sale 50% Off * 13:59 D&D & RPG News: NASA Releases a 5e Adventure * 16:04 D&D & RPG News: Chaosium RPG Design Contest * 21:58 DM Tip: Taking Notes During and After the Game * 36:43 Patreon Question: Running City of Arches as an Open Table Game * 41:18 Patreon Question: Villainous Plans and the Three of Five Keys Model * 48:21 Patreon Question: Introducing New Players to RPGs * 51:18 Patreon Question: Secrets and Lore as Character Knowledge * 54:22 Patreon Question: Secrets and Clues in Dark Sun
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Last weeks Lazy RPG News Letter * Planestriders Kickstarter * Surviving Strangehollow * NASAs RPG adventure * Chaosium Basic Roleplaying Design Challenge * Three of Five Keys * Revealing Secrets
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:01 D&D & RPG News: Rascal.News for TTRPG News * 03:19 D&D & RPG News: Ginny Di on D&D with ADHD * 05:50 D&D & RPG News: Shadow of the Weird Wizard Released * 08:50 DM Tip: The Benefits of Character Factions * 16:35 Commentary: The Many Right Answers of TTRPGs * 32:53 Patreon Question: WOTC and Table-Usable Maps * 38:06 Patreon Question: Selling Magic Items -- Info and Inventories * 39:57 Patreon Question: Tying Backgrounds to Curse of Strahd * 42:34 Patreon Question: How do I Feel about AI in TTRPGs?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Rascal.News * Ginny Di on D&D and ADHD * Shadow of the Weird Wizard * Using Maps for In-Person Games
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:26 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 Core Book Release Dates * 03:58 Commentary: Call the New Books "D&D 2024" * 06:47 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 on Roll20 * 08:41 D&D & RPG News: Humblewood on D&D Beyond * 16:43 D&D & RPG News: How D&D Began Video * 20:56 Patreon Spotlight: Best of Sly Flourish 2013-2023 * 27:30 DM Tip: Different Steps for Different Circumstances * 40:45 Patreon Question: Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands Campaign * 44:27 Patreon Spotlight: A Player's Version of Forge of Foes. Forge of Heroes? * 49:52 Patreon Question: Favorite Three RPG Mechanics
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * D&D 2024 Core Book Release Dates * Humblewood * D&D 2024 on Roll20 * How Dungeons & Dragons Started Video * Choosing the Right Steps from the Lazy DM Checklist * Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:04 D&D & RPG News: Ginny Di on One-on-One D&D * 02:33 Product Spotlight: Crown and Skull by Runehammer * 32:10 Patreon Spotlight: City of Arches Updates * 34:31 Patreon Spotlight: 1d100 Monuments * 40:18 DM Tip: Build Custom Faction Lists * 47:52 Patreon Question: Banning Subclasses * 52:16 Patreon Question: Paralysis Choosing What to Run
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Ginny Di on D&D Duets – One-on-One D&D Games * Crown and Skull by Runehammer
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:07 D&D & RPG News: D&D on Foundry * 16:39 Commentary: D&D Beyond Isn't Destroying the 5e Hobby * 29:19 D&D & RPG News: Shadowdark Print Books For Sale * 30:46 DM Tip: When To Use Simple or Complicated Stat Blocks * 46:13 Patreon Question: XP Loss on Death in Shadowdark * 47:53 Patreon Question: Why No Shapechange for Flee Mortals Vampires? * 49:20 Patreon Question: Looking Back on Old Secrets * 51:05 Patreon Question: Teaching New Players 5e through D&D * 53:59 Patreon Question: Quest Continuity in Shadowdark
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * D&D on Foundry * Sly Flourish YouTube Poll Responses * Shadowdark Print Copies Available * Forge of Foes * A5e Monstrous Menagerie * Flee Mortals
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:05 Kickstarter Spotlight: Vault 5e Crafting and Alchemy by Cubicle 7 * 03:50 DM Tip: Making Your Lore Optional by PHD20 * 10:49 D&D & RPG News: Bob World Builder on 15 Different RPGs * 12:55 D&D & RPG News: Kelsey Dionne and Baron de Ropp on RPG Design * 14:02 D&D & RPG News: Tegan J Gaming on a Defense of Dungeons & Dragons * 18:01 Patreon Spotlight: Dwarven Forge VTT Backdrops * 21:34 DM Tip: TTRPG Tips from Baldur's Gate 3 * 44:29 Patreon Question: Are Casters Better than Martial Characters in 5e? * 47:38 Patreon Question: Running Single-Session One-Shot Games On Time * 50:54 Patreon Question: Running Too Many NPCs * 54:01 Patreon Question: Writing Adventures as Good as Published Ones * 58:47 Patreon Question: Wolfgang Baur on Worldbuilding
Links* Vault 5e Crafting and Alchemy Kickstarter by Cubicle 7 * Making Your Lore Optional by PHD20 * Bob World Builder on 15 Different RPGs * Kelsey Dionne and Baron de Ropp on RPG Design * Tegan J Gaming on a Defense of Dungeons & Dragons * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike dives deep into Forge of Foes – build and run awesome monsters for your 5e RPG!
Video Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 02:05 Forge of Foe's Main Advantage * 04:26 Forge of Foes and 5e Modularity * 06:36 Is Forge of Foes Compatible with Other RPGs? * 08:38 The Book's Structure * 13:28 The Quick Monster Builder and Stats by CR * 23:35 Quick 5e Monster Stats Tool * 24:33 Adding Monster Powers * 28:00 General Use Stat Blocks * 31:59 Using Stats by CR to Benchmark Existing Monsters * 36:11 Monster Powers * 36:49 Monster Roles * 37:54 Other Lazy Tricks * 39:01 Monster Advice Chapters * 40:34 Alternative Takes on Encounter Building * 42:57 Monsters By Adventure Location * 43:43 More Monster Advice * 45:14 Monsters by Story or Story by Monster? * 45:57 Anticolonial Play * 47:57 The Best 5e Monster Book
Links* Forge of Foes * Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:11 Kickstarter Spotlight: Tales of the Valiant Gamemaster's Guide * 06:36 Kickstarter Spotlight: Gate Pass Gazette 2023 for Level Up Advanced 5e * 12:00 Commentary: What Is 5e? * 30:01 DM Tip: Using the Eight Steps At the Table * 47:26 Patreon Question: How Many Battles in a Dungeon? * 51:19 Patreon Question: Should We Demand Players Read the Books? * 54:19 Patreon Question: Player Rolls or Player Skill for Puzzles?
Links* Tales of the Valiant Gamemaster's Guide Kickstarter * Gate Pass Gazette 2023 for Level Up Advanced 5e Kickstarter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:29 Patreon Spotlight: City of Arches Update * 09:52 D&D & RPG News: Jennell Jaquays Passes Away * 11:26 Commentary: Don't Throw Away 5e Because of Hasbro * 27:47 Product Spotlight: Weapons of Legend for 5e by Jeff Stevens * 33:40 DM Tip: Add the Black Flag Luck System to your 5e games * 45:36 Patreon Question: Pacing Quests for Villainous Plots * 50:31 Patreon Question: Pricing Magic Items * 53:03 Patreon Question: Best Quest Vehicles in City of Arches * 56:04 Patreon Question: Preparing Players for a 2e Campaign
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Jennell Jaquays Go Fund Me * The Legacy of Jennell Jaquays * Don't Throw Away 5e Because of Hasbro * Weapons of Legend for 5th Edition * Black Flag Reference Document
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:27 D&D & RPG News: A Player's Primer to Level Up Advanced 5e * 06:23 Product Spotlight: GM Screen for Lazy GMs Portrait Mode * 09:45 D&D & RPG News: Ben Riggs on the Fall of 5e * 37:58 DM Tip: Making 5e Your Own on the GM Side of the Screen * 48:48 Patreon Question: Tracking Alternative Endings for Combat * 52:17 Patreon Question: Getting Shadowdark Treasure Right * 54:09 Patreon Question: Best Designs for Published Adventures * 59:13 Patreon Question: Secrets and Clues and the Quantum Ogre
Links* The Player’s Case for Level Up: Advanced 5e * 5e Game Master Screen for Lazy GMs * Ben Riggs: The Golden Age of TTRPGs is Dead * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:11 DM Tip: Adding Free Monstrous Menagerie Tokens to Owlbear Rodeo * 07:55 D&D & RPG News: CORE20 RPG Playtest * 10:47 Patreon Spotlight: 5e Artisanal Monster Database * 14:53 Commentary: A Look Back at 2023 * 40:31 Product Spotlight: Sly Flourish 2024 Calendar * 41:51 Patreon Question: Best Adventure to Learn Shadowdark RPG * 44:13 Patreon Question: Using The Books We Buy * 46:27 Patreon Question: When Will You Run Drakkenheim? * 49:03 Patreon Question: Leaving a Game Gracefully * 52:08 Patreon Question: Dealing with Missing Players in Character-Focused Adventures * 53:57 Patreon Question: What To Do with Players of Dead PCs?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Level Up Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie tokens (affiliate link) * Owlbear Rodeo * Owlbear Rodeo Tutorial Video * CORE20 Blog * CORE20 Playtest Download * Lazy DM 2024 Calendar
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:27 D&D & RPG News: Numenera Bundles of Holding * 04:25 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Guides Bundle of Holding * 05:46 DM Tip: Detailed Random Encounters with A5E's Monstrous Menagerie and Trials and Treasures * 11:50 DM Tip: PJ Coffey's Intro to Level Up Advanced 5E * 13:32 Patreon Spotlight: Patreon Discord Server * 16:37 Commentary: Travel Options from 5e Books * 33:25 Patreon Question: Tips for One on One Games * 39:04 Patreon Question: What To Do with Weeks of Prep Time? * 42:27 Patreon Question: How Much is Too Much for Describing Scenes? * 45:37 Patreon Question: How Much Do I Need to Get Buy-In from Players on a Future Campaign? * 47:49 Patreon Question: Offering Feedback to Other DMs
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Numenera Discovery Bundle of Holding * Numenera Horizons Bundle of Holding * Kobold Guides Bundle of Holding * Level Up Advanced 5e Trials and Treasures * Level Up Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie * PJ Coffey's How to Explain: Level Up Advanced Fifth Edition * Uncharted Journeys * Campfire (affiliate link) * Weird Wastelands * Lazy DM's Companion * Running One on One Games * Balancing D&D Combat for One-on-One Play * A Framework for One-on-One D&D Games: Sherlock Holmes and Watson
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:00 Sly Flourish News: Last Hours of the Lazy DM Bundle of Holding * 02:11 D&D & RPG News: Hasbro Lays Off 1,100 Workers * 10:41 DM Tip: Get Exponentially More Value out of Random Tables * 19:51 Patreon Spotlight: Readings and Reflections Podcast * 21:00 Commentary: Favorite RPG Products of 2023 * 33:56 Patreon Question: Dealing with GM Burnout * 39:59 Patreon Question: Character-Focused Side Quests Versus the Main Quest
Links* Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding * Hasbro Layoffs Thread on EN World * Level Up Advanced 5e Trials and Treasure: * Tome of Beasts 1 2023 * Zobeck Clockwork City * Uncharted Journeys * Flee Mortals * Shadowdark RPG * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:03 Sly Flourish News: Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding! * 02:22 Kickstarter Spotlight: MCDM's RPG * 05:31 Kickstarter Spotlight: One Dollar One-shot by Penny Dragon Games * 09:16 Patreon Spotlight: Game Master Screen for Lazy GMs * 12:04 Sly Flourish News: Mike on EN World's Podcast Talking D&D Beyond * 13:27 Product Spotlight: Level Up Advanced 5e Adventurer's Guide * 46:19 DM Tip: Tips for Using Paper Character Sheets * 58:48 Patreon Question: Secrets and Clues Creating Too Many Adventure Hooks * 01:01:37 Patreon Question: Running a Prequel Campaign * 01:03:43 Patreon Question: Preparing a Big Campaign Adventure
Links* Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * MCDM RPG Backerkit Campaign * One Dollar One-Shot – Tomb of the Undead King Backerkit Campaign * Petero's Tome of Adventure by Penny Dragon * Game Master Screen for Lazy GMs (affiliate link) * Mike on Morrus's Unofficial Tabletop RPG Talk Show * Level Up Advanced 5e's Adventurer's Guide * YouTube Discussion on Paper Character Sheets * EN World Discussion on Paper Character Sheets
Mike shares his experiences with Empire of the Ghouls!
Links* Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Empire of the Ghouls (affiliate link) * Midgard Worldbook (affiliate link) * Zobeck Clockwork City (affiliate link) * Southlands Sourcebook (affiliate link) * Book of Ebon Tides (affiliate link)
Show Contents:* 00:00 Show Start * 00:51 This Adventure Is Awesome * 04:26 Top Tips for Running Empire of the Ghouls * 04:37 Tip 1: Deal with the Loads of Travel * 11:19 Tip 2: Prepare for Dark and Mature Content * 14:20 Tip 3: Add Upward Beats to the Final Two Chapters * 15:41 Tip 4: Change Things to Suit Your Game * 16:50 Tip 5: Use the Whole Kobold Press Midgard Library as Source Material * 21:08 Tip Summary * 21:37 A Deeper Chapter by Chapter Guide * 22:15 Dread Chambers of the Undercity * 24:20 Holy Robes of Sister Adelind * 27:33 The Blood Marriage * 30:45 Catacombs of the Ghul King * 32:40 Into the Fuligin Realm * 36:08 The Pure City of Vandekhul * 38:34 Final Thoughts -- It's Awesome
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:17 Sly Flourish News: Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding! * 03:15 Product Spotlight: Raging Swan 2021 5e Megabundle * 05:01 Product Spotlight: Drake Koboldson's Exotic Weapons and Gadgets * 06:00 Patreon Spotlight: Dyson Royalty Free Maps Gallery * 08:59 Commentary: Other 5e Publishers on D&D Beyond * 13:18 Commentary: What Can We Do to Strengthen 5e? * 18:49 Commentary: Is it Good for Publishers? * 22:55 Commentary: Why It Matters to GMs * 28:32 Commentary: What Can Wizards Do For the 5e Community? * 34:02 Commentary: What Can We Do for a Resilient 5e Hobby? * 40:16 Commentary: You Can Get Involved * 41:11 Commentary: WOTC's Role in the Community * 45:35 DM Tip: High Value Prep Activities * 57:52 Patreon Question: Helping Players Discover Secrets and Clues * 01:00:10 Patreon Question: High-Level Monster Tactics * 01:02:57 Patreon Question: Alignment for Factions * 01:04:42 Patreon Question: Running Ariel Combat * 01:06:03 Patreon Question: Revealing Lots of Campaign Info as Secrets and Clues
Links* Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Raging Swan 2021 5e Bundle (affiliate link) * Drake Koboldson's Exotic Weapons & Gadgets Ltd. * Open 5e * Open 5e Discord Server
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:51 Kickstarter Spotlight: Grimtooth's Traps * 07:51 Kickstarter Spotlight: Seekers Guide to Enchanting Emporiums * 16:51 D&D & RPG News: Big Sales This Month * 17:39 D&D & RPG News: EN World's Article on Free and Bundled RPG Products * 18:50 DM Tip: Awarding Treasure in 5e * 38:47 Patreon Question: Best Features for Funnels * 41:06 Patreon Question: Forgetting Things in Combat * 44:53 Patreon Question: Running Short Episodic Sessions * 47:33 Patreon Question: Adding Spells to Monsters
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Grimtooth's Traps * Seekers of the Enchanting Emporiums * Blasphemies of Bor Bwalsch * Midgard Worldbook on sale for $30 * EN World Free and Bundled RPGs * Awarding Treasure and Magic Items in D&D 5e * Trials and Treasure – Level Up Advanced 5e * A5e Treasure Generator * donjon.bin.sh Treasure Generator
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:02 D&D & RPG News: Free WOTC D&D After-School Materials and Adventure * 05:34 Commentary: This Is What We Want WOTC To Do * 08:36 Commentary: Practical 5e Digital Interoperability Today * 25:20 Patreon Spotlight: Lazy GM's Random Generator * 29:31 DM Tip: Prepping on a High Stress Short Timeline * 39:32 Patreon Question: When to End a Campaign * 42:02 Patreon Question: Prep NPCs with Personality Quotes * 49:52 Patreon Question: Getting Backstory for New Characters
Links* D&D Educator Resources * Free Peril in Pinebrook Adventure PDF * WHO on the Dangers of Loneliness * Beyond 20 * Mr Primate's Foundry D&D Beyond Importer * How to Import a D&D Beyond Character Into Shard VTT * Open5e * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:33 D&D & RPG News: Fantastic Deals on D&D and 5e Books * 06:51 D&D & RPG News: Roll 20 D&D Character Builder Outside the VTT * 11:47 Commentary: A D&D Digital Utopia * 26:10 DM Tip: Build Monuments of Power for Big Battles in 5e * 41:48 Patreon Question: Dialog Options for NPCs * 45:45 Patreon Question: Good AD&D Adventures for Shadowdark RPG * 46:40 Patreon Question: Learning New RPGs
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Radiant Citadel on Amazon (Affiliate Link) * Eberron Rising from the Last War on Amazon (Affiliate Link) * Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica on Amazon (Affiliate Link) * Mythic Odyssey of Theros on Amazon (Affiliate Link) * 5e Humble Bundle * Roll20 D&D Character Builder * Level Up Advanced 5e System Reference Documents * A5e Foundry Module Github Repo * Anatomy of an Environmental Effect – Chernobog's Well
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:01:06 Commentary: What's the Value of an RPG Product? * 00:29:07 DM Tip: Using the 8 Steps At Your Table * 00:49:15 Patreon Question: How I Feel about D&D 2024 * 00:54:17 Patreon Question: Where to Get D&D News * 00:57:05 Patreon Question: Encounter Builiding for Waves of Monsters * 01:03:48 Patreon Question: Running Gladiatorial Arenas
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Eberron Rising from the Last War (affiliate link) * Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft (affiliate link) * Midgard Worldbook * Southlands * Tal'Dorei Reborn * Ptolus * Cursed Scroll 1 * Shadow of the Demon Lord (affiliate link) * Iskandar (affiliate link) * Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * EN World * Lazy Encounter Benchmark * Dials of Monster Difficulty
Mike shares his experiences, tips, and tricks for running the original 1983 I6 Ravenloft using the Shadowdark RPG.
Show Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:17 Did Shadowdark and Ravenloft Work Well Together? * 03:26 Get Ravenloft for $3 * 05:21 Main Experiences Running Ravenloft with Shadowdark * 05:30 Use 5th Level Characters * 08:06 Use Twice as Many Pregens as you Have Players -- Plan for Death * 09:28 Include Some Silvered Weapons * 10:31 Use Old-School Mapping * 11:35 We Got Through a Lot of the Castle -- They Ran from a Lot * 12:55 Introducing Shadowdark to 5e Players * 20:06 Running Ravenloft in One Session * 28:29 Modifying Ravenloft for Shadowdark -- Very Little Needed * 35:59 Patreon Toolkit to Run Ravenloft with Shadowdark * 39:50 VTT Ravenloft Maps * 40:46 Other Ways to Run Ravenloft * 41:57 Ravenloft + Shadowdark = Awesome
Links* Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * I6 Ravenloft (affiliate link) * Shadowdark RPG * Shadowdarklings * Running Ravenloft / Curse of Strahd in a Single Session * Ravenloft VTT maps (affiliate Link)
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:27 D&D & RPG News: Arcane Library Bundle of Holding * 00:03:00 D&D & RPG News: Level Up Advanded 5e SRD in the Creative Commons * 00:07:50 Commentary: Planescape Adventures in the Multiverse * 00:37:20 Commentary: The Mortuary * 00:42:42 Patreon Spotlight: Lazy GM Screen Sheets and a Forge of Foes Monster Stat App * 00:47:41 DM Tip: Music Playlists For Your Game * 00:57:52 Patreon Question: Pacing High-Level Campaigns * 01:03:06 Patreon Question: Running Two Campaigns with the Same Setting and Story
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Arcane Library Bundle of Holding * Level Up Advanced 5e System Reference Documents
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:22 D&D & RPG News: Black Flag System Reference Document * 07:37 Commentary: A Comparison of Cult Fanatics * 20:53 DM Tip: Lazy Tricks for Making Great Magic Items * 33:05 Commentary: Defining Adventure Types * 50:29 Patreon Question: Running Battles in the Background (again) * 53:42 Patreon Question: Running Ravenloft with Shadowdark
Links* Black Flag System Reference Document * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:38 D&D & RPG News: Amazon Sales on D&D Books * 07:25 Commentary: What Do We Need from WOTC for D&D? * 29:16 DM Tip: Running Monsters in Dynamic Situations * 43:14 Patreon Question: Character Wants to Defer to Authorities * 48:26 Patreon Question: Running Flashbacks * 52:25 Patreon Question: Managing Big Battles in the Background
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Van Richten's Guide on Amazon (affiliate link) * Big ship poster map for Pathfinder (affiliate link)
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:03 Commentary: D&D Playtest on Bastions and Cantrips * 23:30 Kickstarter Spotlight: The Vault of Life Well Lived by Cubicle 7 * 29:21 Patreon Spotlight: Secret of Summervine Villa * 34:41 DM Tip: Prepping and Improvising Pacing * 51:01 Patreon Question: Foreshadowing Roach Motel Dungeons * 57:15 Patreon Question: Showing Locations in a Hex Crawl
Links* Unearthed Arcana Bastions and Cantrips Playtest * Alphastream on Bastions * Vault of a Life Well Lived by Cubicle 7 * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:05 Flee Mortals (Qualifiers) * 00:02:28 Flee Mortals Overall Assessment * 00:03:48 Flee Mortals - Not a Monster Manual Replacement * 00:06:17 Flee Mortals - Are 5e Monsters Boring? * 00:09:50 Flee Mortals Overview * 00:13:32 Flee Mortals Monster Roles * 00:15:54 Flee Mortals Action Oriented Monsters * 00:17:44 Flee Mortals Minions * 00:25:48 Flee Mortals Encounter Building Guidelines * 00:28:21 Flee Mortals Monster Index Spreadsheet * 00:29:10 Flee Mortals and Other Monster Books * 00:30:20 Flee Mortals and D&D Beyond * 00:31:59 Flee Mortals Other Chapters * 00:34:22 Who Should Buy Flee Mortals? * 00:35:22 Flee Mortals Lightning Round Questions * 00:41:42 Flee Mortals Final Thoughts * 00:42:37 Patreon Spotlight: Readings and Reflections Podcast * 00:44:26 Patreon Question: Alternatives to Legendary Actions for Legendary Monsters * 00:46:14 Patreon Question: WOTC changing Legendary Actions to Reactions * 00:48:36 Patreon Question: Buying or Leasing Material from D&D Beyond or Demiplane * 00:52:53 Patreon Question: Safest Place to Buy Digital RPG Content * 00:55:40 Patreon Question: Going Off the Path on Published Adventures * 00:57:13 Patreon Question: Good Advice I Don't Follow * 01:02:46 Patreon Question: Handling Villagers in Protect the Village Situations * 01:04:38 Patreon Question: Managing Sandbox Situations with the 8 Steps * 01:06:40 Patreon Question: Overcoming the Need for High Production Value D&D
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Flee Mortals * Flee Mortals Preview * Flee Mortals Monster Index Spreadsheet
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:03 Kickstarter Spotlight: Wanderer's Guide to Enchanted Emporiums * 03:21 D&D & RPG News: VTT "Maps" in D&D Beyond * 18:41 D&D & RPG News: Monstrous Compendium 4: Eldraine Creatures * 28:57 Patreon Spotlight: Mire's End 4th Level Adventure * 30:36 DM Tip: Adventure Structures * 50:04 Patreon Question: Shaking Up Castle Ravenloft * 53:14 Patreon Question: Three Weeks of GM Improvement
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Wanderer's Guide to Enchanted Emporiums * D&D Beyond Maps * Monstrous Compendium 4: Eldrane Creatures * Running Ravenloft * Kobold Guides
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:08 D&D & RPG News: Chris Perkins's DM Tips * 07:39 Kickstarter Spotlight: Level Up Advanced 5e Starter Set by EN World Publishing * 12:01 Kickstarter Spotlight: Monstrous * 14:19 Commentary: Correction on A5e Counterspell * 17:13 DM Tip: Run Really Hard Battles and Let Player Get Away with Stuff * 28:45 Patreon Spotlight: Dwarven Forge VTT Backdrops * 32:59 Patreon Question: Prepping Adventures While Visually Impared * 38:54 Patreon Question: Reciting Session Recaps and Previous Session Summaries * 42:32 Patreon Question: GMs Bringing More Energy to the Game * 46:37 Patreon Question: Best Starting Adventures for New Players and DMs
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Chris Perkins's DM Tips * Level Up Advanced 5e Starter Set Kickstarter * Monstrous Kickstarter * A5e's Counterspell * Choosing the Right Steps from Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Knights of the Braille Discord Server * Dungeons And Dragons: a How-To For Blind And Low Vision Tabletop Enthusiasts * Accessible Gaming Quarterly magazine * That All May Read apparently has services for the D&D 5e core books in braille and audio
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:13 D&D & RPG News: 2024 Players Handbook Playtest 7 * 09:43 Commentary: I Hate Counterspell * 16:42 Kickstarter Spotlight: Side Quests and NPC Decks by Inkwell Ideas * 18:14 D&D & RPG News: Demiplane Gets 5e Content * 22:58 Commentary: Adventure Pitfalls -- Where Do Our Games Fail to Be Fun? * 34:25 Patreon Spotlight: The Lazy RPG Talk Show Database * 37:57 Commentary: Baldur's Gate 3 Ability Checks * 47:10 Patreon Question: Does Baldur's Gate 3 Match the D&D Experience? * 51:34 Patreon Question: Fudging Monster Stats Feels Bad * 56:38 Patreon Question: Tips for Rules Versus Rulings in OSR Games * 59:34 Patreon Question: Only Using Half of your Prep Notes
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Book * 2024 Player's Handbook Playtest 7 * Side Quests and NPC Decks by Inkwell Ideas * Demiplane for 5e * Adventure Crucible by Robin Laws
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:53 Kickstarter Spotlight: Old Town Saga by MT Black * 03:43 Kickstarter Spotlight: Weapons of Legend by Jeff Stevents * 06:35 Commentary: D&D on Death Row * 14:33 Patreon Spotlight: Tomb of the Red Headsman * 18:06 Patreon Question: The Eight Steps for Call of Cthulhu and Investigative or Mystery Games * 24:10 Patreon Question: Incentivizing Moving Around During Combat * 28:03 Patreon Question: Thoughts on Anti-Colonial Chapter of Forge of Foes * 36:29 Patreon Question: Player-Focused Tasks and Roles * 39:22 Patreon Question: Where to Drop In the Three Choices For Future Sessions * 41:56 Patreon Question: Fitting a Strong Start Into a Three-Hour Game * 44:57 Patreon Question: Where Does Treasure Make Sense?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Old Town Saga Kickstarter by MT Black * Weapons of Legend Kickstarter by Jeff Stevens * When Wizards and Orcs Came to Death Row
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
Mike prepares for his final Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Show Contents
- 00:00 Show Start
- 01:03 Top Tips for Running Scarlet Citadel
- 01:44 Tip 1: Bring Your Own Story and Motivation
- 04:03 Tip 2: Give the Villains Escalating Plots
- 05:30 Tip 3: Pay Attention and Note the Verticality of the Dungeon
- 07:10 Tip 4: Show How the Dungeon Evolves
- 08:43 Tip 5: Take Advantage of Scarlet Citadel's Excellent Maps
- 10:04 I can't Recommend Scarlet Citadel
- 17:22 What Do I Like about Scarlet Citadel?
- 18:52 How Did Our Campaign End?
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:12 D&D & RPG News: Baldur's Gate Gazateer Free on D&D Beyond * 03:55 Product Spotlight: Bigby's Glory of the Giants * 27:57 Patreon Spotlight: Uncovered Secrets Volume 2 * 35:55 Product Spotlight: Adventure Crucible - Building Stronger Scenarios for Any RPG * 46:24 Commentary: Read Books Instead of Social Media * 48:15 DM Tip: Adventure Models from the Lazy DM's Companion * 54:53 Patreon Question: Handling Multiple 5e Systems * 58:55 Patreon Question: Challenging Differently Powered Characters * 01:02:45 Patreon Question: Encouraging Party Talk and Banter
Links * Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer * Bigby's Glory of the Giants (Affiliate Link) * Tribality Bigby's Glory of the Giants Review * Adventure Crucible — Building Stronger Scenarios for any RPG (Affiliate Link) * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his Shadowdark RPG campaign, the Gloaming!
- Shadowdark RPG Campaign Notebook available to Sly Flourish patrons
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 1
- Dyson Maps
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:02 Kickstarter Spotlight: Ultimate Bestiary Secrets of the Fey * 02:16 Kickstarter Spotlight: Objima Tales of the Tall Grass * 03:30 D&D & RPG News: Elderbrain Adventure Survey * 05:03 Sly Flourish News: Reading and Reflection Podcast for Heroic Patrons * 07:23 D&D & RPG News: WOTC to Revisit Old Settings * 12:21 D&D & RPG News: Tal'dorei Reborn on D&D Beyond * 18:15 Commentary: Mike's Little Candles -- Is WOTC Being a Good Partner in the TTRPG Hobby? * 30:49 DM Tip: The Bare Minimum You Need for an RPG Session * 41:33 Patreon Question: Run an RPG with a Focus on Roleplay * 45:37 Patreon Question: Pacing Going Too Fast?
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Ultimate Bestiary Secrets of the Fey Kickstarter * Objima Tales of the Tall Grass Kickstarter * Elderbrain Adventure Survey * SF Patreon Readings and Reflections Episode 1 * WOTC to Revisit Old Settings * Tal'Dorei Reborn on D&D Beyond * Mike's Little Candles
Mike prepares for his final Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:23 Kickstarter Spotlight: Sky Zephyrs * 04:29 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dolmenwood * 11:48 Kickstarter Spotlight: Shadow of the Weird Wizard * 16:27 D&D & RPG News: Shadow of the Demon Lord Bundle of Holding * 19:11 D&D & RPG News: New Roll 20 D&D Character Builder * 30:22 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Outlands * 38:43 Product Spotlight: Uncharted Journeys by Cubicle 7 * 49:28 Patreon Question: Scarlet Citadel for Shadowdark RPG * 50:55 Patreon Question: Looking for System Neutral RPG Settings * 53:08 Patreon Question: Defining My Style of RPGs
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Sky Zephyrs Kickstarter * Dolmenwood Kickstarter * Shadow of the Weird Wizard Kickstarter * Shadow of the Demon Lord Bundle of Holding * Demon Lord Legacies Bundle of Holding * Roll20 Character Vaults * Uncharted Journeys by Cubicle 7
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:23 Kickstarter Spotlight: Sky Zephyrs * 04:29 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dolmenwood * 11:48 Kickstarter Spotlight: Shadow of the Weird Wizard * 16:27 D&D & RPG News: Shadow of the Demon Lord Bundle of Holding * 19:11 D&D & RPG News: New Roll 20 D&D Character Builder * 30:22 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Outlands * 38:43 Product Spotlight: Uncharted Journeys by Cubicle 7 * 49:28 Patreon Question: Scarlet Citadel for Shadowdark RPG * 50:55 Patreon Question: Looking for System Neutral RPG Settings * 53:08 Patreon Question: Defining My Style of RPGs
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Sky Zephyrs Kickstarter * Dolmenwood Kickstarter * Shadow of the Weird Wizard Kickstarter * Shadow of the Demon Lord Bundle of Holding * Demon Lord Legacies Bundle of Holding * Roll20 Character Vaults * Uncharted Journeys by Cubicle 7
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Mike shares his thoughts after running a Shadowdark RPG 0-Level Gauntlet – Hoard of the Sea Wolf King!
Links:
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Shadowdark RPG
- Cursed Scroll 3
- Shadowdarklings
Show Contents:
- 00:00 An Opportunity to Play Shadowdark
- 01:46 My Main Point - We loved It and grasped it's theme quickly
- 04:23 Three Other Top Thoughts
- 05:49 Running Hoard of the Sea Wolf King
- 18:00 Other Thoughts about Shadowdark RPG
- 28:09 How is Shadowdark RPG to GM?
- 33:05 Final Thoughts
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com?utm_source=sf_podcast_talkshow&utm_medium=sf_podcast_description_link
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:06 D&D & RPG News: Flee Mortals For Sale * 06:59 Kickstarter Spotlight: Where Evil Lives Crowdfunding Campaign * 11:41 D&D & RPG News: Free Giants of the Star Forge Adventure on D&D Beyond * 12:47 D&D & RPG News: Shadow of the Weird Wizard Preview * 19:28 D&D & RPG News: 2023 Award Winning RPG Products * 22:57 D&D & RPG News: New Starfinder 2 in 2025 * 23:40 D&D & RPG News: AI Art Used in Bigby's Glory of the Giants * 42:28 Commentary: Don't Forget Why We Love RPGs * 45:33 Patreon Question: Concerns with Planescape and other WOTC Sourcebooks * 50:20 Patreon Question: Prep During Long Breaks with Different Players * 52:40 Patreon Question: Being Overwhelmed by Huge Sourcebooks * 55:35 Patreon Question: Where Do You Get Puzzles? * 57:46 Patreon Question: Engaging Players Between Sessions
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Flee Mortals * Where Evil Lies BackerKit Campaign * Free Giants of the Star Forge D&D Beyond Adventure * Shadow of the Weird Wizard Preview (Affiliate Link) * Diana Jones Finalists * ENNies finalists * Starfinder 2 Announcement * Glory of the Giants' AI-Enhanced Art * WOTC Statement on AI-Generated Art * Keith Amman on Bigby's Use of AI
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:58 D&D & RPG News: 5.1 SRD Released in Four Languages * 10:23 D&D & RPG News: Shadowdark RPG Game Jam Results * 12:46 D&D & RPG News: Pathfinder 2 Remaster Preview * 21:47 D&D & RPG News: Map Crow Uses Forge of Foes and Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * 22:24 DM Tip: Moving Things Forward * 43:22 Patreon Question: Balancing Spotlight and Player Creativity * 48:11 Patreon Question: Recommends for Nautical Seafaring Adventuress * 50:12 Patreon Question: Tips for Sci-Fi 5e games * 51:39 Patreon Question: RPGs that Ephasize Theater of the Mind * 54:26 Patreon Question: Handling In-World Dead Time * 57:19 Patreon Question: Running Consecutive Campaigns in the Same Setting
Links * 5.1 System Reference Document in French * 5.1 System Reference Document in German * 5.1 System Reference Document in Spanish * 5.1 System Reference Document in Italian * Shadowdark RPG Game Jam Results * Tragic Curse of Grimhill Fort * Pathfinder 2 Remaster Preview * Map Crow's Lazy DM Video * Esper Genesis (affiliate link) * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Links * Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Shadowdark RPG * Cursed Scroll 3 * Shadowdarklings
Show Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:41 What Is a Shadowdark Gauntlet? * 03:46 Running Hoard of the Sea Wolf King * 07:17 Prep the Session -- an In-World Session Zero * 12:29 Add Some Secrets and Clues * 15:01 Add a Dash of Cultists
Mike dives deep into the dungeon crawler RPG Shadowdark RPG
Links * Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Shadowdark RPG
Show Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:38 One of Three Videos * 01:29 What Is Shadowdark RPG? * 03:54 Key Features of Shadowdark RPG * 04:04 Torches and Lighting * 05:38 Always On Initiative * 06:56 Really Flat Math * 10:04 Slot-Based Encumbrance * 11:44 Treasure-Based Experience * 13:47 Differences with 5e * 13:56 Very Different Style and Focus than 5e * 15:39 Other 5e Differences * 18:55 Convincing Your Group to Play Shadowdark RPG * 19:58 Running the Gauntlet * 20:56 An Opinionated RPG * 24:25 Abstract Distances and Double-Near?? * 26:08 Awesome Monster Design * 30:41 I'm Excited to Try It!
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:43 Kickstarter Spotlight: Shadows of the Weird Wizard Coming Soon * 02:05 Kickstarter Spotlight: 500 Year Old Vampire * 03:59 D&D & RPG News: Fantasy Age 2 Released * 05:47 D&D & RPG News: Hydra Co-op OSR Bundle of Holding * 08:13 D&D & RPG News: Owlbear Rodeo 2.0 Fully Released * 12:09 Commentary: What is the Easiest RPG for GMs to Run? * 24:32 Patreon Question: Linear vs Railroad vs Sandbox Adventure Design * 31:11 Patreon Question: Using Forge of Foes for Rival Adventuring Parties * 33:48 Patreon Question: Customizing Downtime for the Characters * 35:53 Patreon Question: What Issues as a GM Did I Have and Change? * 39:52 Patreon Question: Standing Firm on Cliffhanger Endings * 43:12 Patreon Question: Handling Tag-Along NPCs in Light of Xaryxis
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Shadow of the Weird Wizard Kickstarter * Five Hundred Year Old Vampire * Fantasy Age 2 * Hydra Co-op OSR Bundle * Owlbear Rodeo 2.0 * Owlbear Rodeo 1.0 * Comments on Easiest RPG for GMs
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:43 Kickstarter Spotlight: Shadows of the Weird Wizard Coming Soon * 02:05 Kickstarter Spotlight: 500 Year Old Vampire * 03:59 D&D & RPG News: Fantasy Age 2 Released * 05:47 D&D & RPG News: Hydra Co-op OSR Bundle of Holding * 08:13 D&D & RPG News: Owlbear Rodeo 2.0 Fully Released * 12:09 Commentary: What is the Easiest RPG for GMs to Run? * 24:32 Patreon Question: Linear vs Railroad vs Sandbox Adventure Design * 31:11 Patreon Question: Using Forge of Foes for Rival Adventuring Parties * 33:48 Patreon Question: Customizing Downtime for the Characters * 35:53 Patreon Question: What Issues as a GM Did I Have and Change? * 39:52 Patreon Question: Standing Firm on Cliffhanger Endings * 43:12 Patreon Question: Handling Tag-Along NPCs in Light of Xaryxis
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Shadow of the Weird Wizard Kickstarter * Five Hundred Year Old Vampire * Fantasy Age 2 * Hydra Co-op OSR Bundle * Owlbear Rodeo 2.0 * Owlbear Rodeo 1.0 * Comments on Easiest RPG for GMs
Mike dives deep into Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands for 5e, a short campaign adventure written by Raging Swan Press.
- 00:00 Show Start
- 01:01 Returning to the Joy of a Core D&D Experience
- 04:25 A Deep Dive of Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands
- 05:01 Tested for More than a Decade
- 06:56 An Expandible 1st to 4th Level Adventure / Campaign
- 09:27 Both Readable and Usable at the Table
- 10:31 Single Page References Throughout
- 15:22 The Duchy of Ashlar
- 17:02 The Shadowed Keep
- 20:39 A Juxtaposition from Spelljammer
- 21:38 My Mistake -- Tying it to Greyhawk
- 28:39 Homebrewing Almost Immediately
- 31:33 The Masks of Orcus
- 33:48 Filling Out the World with Dyson Maps
- 36:38 Usable with Many Fantasy RPG Systems
- 38:13 Which Parts of Published Adventures Are Most Scrapable?
- 42:47 Do You Have to Read the Whole Thing?
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands for 5e
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:06 Product Spotlight: Free A5e Monster Tokens * 03:03 D&D & RPG News: 2023 Ennie Nominations * 12:05 Product Spotlight: Swords of the Serpentine * 23:50 DM Tip: Running Cities * 45:26 Patreon Question: Running Cozier Fantasty Games * 50:28 Patreon Question: Running Tier 3 and 4 campaigns * 53:27 Patreon Question: The Differences between Grim and Heroic D&D * 57:28 Patreon Question: Building Fantastic Locations
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * A5e Monster Tokens at DriveThruRPG (affiliate link) * Ennie Nominations - 2023 * Swords of the Serpentine * Swords of the Serpentine Quickstart Rules * Waterdeep City Encounters * Campaign Builder Cities and Towns
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:20 D&D & RPG News: Guest Host on Mastering Dungeons * 03:07 Commentary: The RPG Fediverse and dndblogs.com * 10:29 Commentary: Find Players for Non-5e RPGs * 20:29 DM Tip: Project Deadly Threats * 30:27 Patreon Question: Adjusting Spells with the Monster Dials * 33:55 Patreon Question: Challenging High AC Characters * 38:25 Patreon Question: Running Cozier Heroci 5e Games
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Mastering Dungeons Podcast * Mastering Dungeons YouTube Channel * RPG Blog Reader * TTRPG Lemmy (Reddit Replacement) * Dice.camp (Mastodon server) * Chirp.enworld.org (Mastodon server) * Comments from Youtube on Finding Players for Other RPGs
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:57 DM Tip: Build a Vampire Knight with Forge of Foes * 09:11 Product Spotlight: Shard Tabletop * 18:31 D&D & RPG News: New 2024 D&D Playtest Packet * 32:56 D&D & RPG News: Two Tales of the Valiant Playtests * 42:26 Patreon Question: Using PbtA Mechanics in 5e Games * 47:36 Patreon Question: Giving Bonus Info for High Ability Rolls * 50:48 Patreon Question: Improving Evocative Location Descriptions * 54:44 Patreon Question: Telling Players about Changes You Made in Published Adventures
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Forge of Foes Preorder * Shard Tabletop * D&D 2024 Playtest 6 * Tales of the Valiant Smallfolk Playtest * 1d20 Shades of Gray
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:14 Product Spotlight: Tome of Beasts 1 2023 Revision by Kobold Press * 10:07 D&D & RPG News: Tales of the Valiant Finishes at 10k Backers and 1.1M Dollars. * 11:12 Kickstarter Spotlight: Gloomhaven RPG * 14:44 Product Spotlight: Crucible for Foundry * 16:51 D&D & RPG News: D&D VTT Hands-On Experiences * 18:35 Commentary: The Digital Future of RPGs * 25:16 Commentary: Where to Engage with the RPG Community * 37:22 Patreon Question: Which Will Be the Most Popular RPG? It Doesn't Matter. * 41:06 Patreon Question: Will the D&D 3D VTT Eat the World of RPGs? No. * 43:43 Patreon Question: The Difference Between Old School Grim Characters and New Heroic Characters * 49:24 Patreon Question: Sample Encounters for Monsters
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Tome of Beasts 1 2023 Revision * Gloomhaven RPG Crowdfunding Campaign * D&D VTT Hands-On Experiences by Daniel Kwan * Crucible for Foundry * BurnBryte for Roll20 * Sly Flourish's Blogroll * chirp.enworld.org * dice.camp * ttrpg.network * EN World * Monstrous Menagerie by Level Up Advanced 5e
Mike talks about how we can fix the 2014 D&D Players Handbook to preserve the value of the millions of copies that exist throughout the world and those in our own gaming room.
Podcast Contents * 00:00 How Would You Fix the 2014 D&D Player's Handbook? * 02:09 What Parts of the 2014 Player's Handbook Disrupt the Game? * 04:10 House Rules in My Own Game * 05:26 House Rules Take 1: Nerf Nerf Nerf * 05:54 Ability Score Generation * 07:31 Class and Subclass Nerfs * 08:31 Ispiration * 08:48 Exhaustion * 09:03 Spell Changes * 13:33 Feedback I got: Too Many Nerfs * 14:31 A Different Approach: Let's All Make the Game Better * 15:20 Where Do You get These House Rules? * 16:01 A Focus on Intention * 16:31 Boss Monsters are Special * 19:40 Requests for a Smooth Game * 19:49 Please don't Run More than One or Two Sidekick NPCs * 20:23 Please don't multiclass dip for Shield * 21:33 Be Mindful of Arcane Eye's Disruption * 21:53 Let's Avoid the Counterspell Arms Race * 22:25 Familiars are either In or Out of Combat * 22:59 Goodberries Are No Substitute for Real Food * 23:17 Pure Immunity Breaks a Lot of Monsters * 23:38 Tiny Hut Works Poorly in Dangerous Areas * 26:17 Pass Without Trace Isn't Invisibility * 27:50 Give Me Feedback
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike talks about the recent Reddit collapse, Cory Doctorow's "Enshittification" model for this type of collapse, and how DMs and GMs can protect themselves from the collapse of other enshittified platforms.
Video Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 02:41 Main Points -- How GMs can Protect Themselves from Enshittified Platforms * 05:08 The Enshittification Model * 09:23 Why Does This Matter for DMs, GMs, and RPGs? * 11:52 The Enshittification of Reddit and the RPG Subreddits * 14:44 What GMs Are Really Losing -- The DM Academy * 15:21 Where Will New DMs Go to Get Questions Answered? * 17:18 Is D&D Itself Enshittified? * 20:41 Enshittification Risks to GMs * 24:21 What Are the Risks for Sly Flourish? * 27:48 Know Enshittification, Have Backup Plans, Own Your Stuff * 28:20 Returning to Blogs, Newsletters, Podcasts
Additional Links * Visit the Sly Flourish Blog * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Cory Doctorow's "Tiktok's enshittification"
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:22 Sly Flourish News: The Lazy GM's Resource Document in Japanese * 04:05 D&D & RPG News: Bob World Builder's Four D&D Combat House Rules * 07:12 Kickstarter Spotlight: Aetherial Expanse Setting Guide by Ghostfire Gaming * 09:59 Commentary: Chat GPT for RPG Prep * 33:05 Patreon Question: Making a Location Feel Dangerous * 35:46 Patreon Question: Dealing With Emotional Drain After Intense Roleplay Scenes * 38:14 Patreon Question: Running Campaigns Built from Multiple Published Adventuresb * 40:17 Patreon Question: What Are GMs Not Thinking About Enough? * 43:59 Patreon Question: Let Campaign Themes Come Out Naturally * 46:16 Patreon Question: Combining 5e Subclasses with A5e Classes
Links * Lazy GM's Resource Document * Lazy GM's Resource Document in Japanese * Lazy GM's Resource Document on Github * Bob World Builder's Top Four Combat House Rules * Aetherial Expanse Kickstarter by Ghostfire Gaming * RPG Safety Toolkit * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
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- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Mike offers a review and tips for running the Spelljammer adventure, Light of Xaryxis, with experiences from his own campaign.
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Show Contents * 00:00 Video Start * 00:28 Reviewing Adventures I've Actually Run * 00:49 Top Tips for Running Light of Xaryxis * 00:52 Tip 1: Use Stars Over Stormwreck to Connect the Characters to Light of Xaryxis * 01:26 Tip 2: Stay with the Moondancer * 02:22 Tip 3: Embrace Flash Gordon * 03:03 Tip 4: Run Ship Combat in the Narrative * 04:11 Tip 5: Give Players Agency Over the Ending * 04:58 A Review of the Spelljammer Boxed Set * 06:55 Breaking Down the Adventure * 08:22 Tips for Part 1 * 11:36 Tips for Part 2 * 15:37 Tips for Part 3 * 18:11 Tips for Part 4 * 19:03 Missions of the FInal Battle * 21:26 Who Lives and Who Dies? Let the Dice Decide! * 23:26 Add a Touch of Mind Flayer... * 24:06 Princess Xedali's Choice * 26:04 Run a One Year Later Montage * 27:12 Final Thoughts
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:13 Sly Flourish News: Dwarven Forge VTT * 07:46 D&D & RPG News: Wizards on One D&D and 2024 Core Book Messaging * 14:57 Commentary: 5e Isn't D&D * 25:38 Commentary: High Trust Trad Concepts and Situation-Based RPGs * 40:34 Patreon Question: Can the Eight Steps work for Dungeon World? * 43:22 Patreon Question: Dealing with Missing Players and Absenteeism * 47:49 Patreon Question: Why Are Hags Allowed to Persist?
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * D&D Community Update: Clarifying Language: One D&D, 2024 Core Rulebooks * What are the 2024 Fifth Edition Core Rulebooks? D&D YouTube Video * What is high-trust trad adventure design? * How to Handle Missing Players
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:20 Kickstarter Spotlight: Deck of Player Safety * 04:24 D&D & RPG News: Tales of the Valiant on What's Compatible and What Isn't * 13:35 Commentary: Homebrew Adventures in Published Settings * 32:14 Patreon Question: Better Inclusiveness and Representation In Our Games * 36:39 Patreon Question: Dice-Rolling for Stochastic Countdown Timers * 38:57 Patreon Question: Managing Pacing of Downtime and Roleplayy Scenes * 41:45 Patreon Question: Building Combat Encounters * 45:00 Patreon Question: Tools for Improvisation At The Table * 48:16 Patreon Question: Forge of Foes General Use Stat Block Encounter Math * 52:00 Patreon Question: Improving NPC Dialog * 53:41 Patreon Question: Character-Focused Spiral Campaign Development
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Deck of Player Safety Kickstarter * Tales of the Valiant on What's Compatible and What Isn't * EN World: Introducing the COUNTDOWN DICE Mechanic! * THE UNDERCLOCK: Fixing the Random Encounter * The Lazy 5e Cheat Sheet
Mike offers tips and a recap for running the third part of Empire of the Ghouls.
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D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 01:16 D&D & RPG News: Candela Obscura * 08:18 Kickstarter Spotlight: Tales of the Valiant * 33:52 Commentary: The D&D Book Price Increase * 47:58 Patreon Question: Trying Out House Rules * 51:17 Patreon Question: Dials for Magic Items * 53:41 Patreon Question: Physical Tools for Online Play * 55:39 Patreon Question: Gods for your Homebrew Campaign * 58:18 Patreon Question: Alternatives to Notion
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Candela Obscura * Tales of the Valiant Kickstarter * D&D Studio Blog on Price Increases * Enshitification
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:56 Commentary: Maps - Is D&D an Incomplete Product? * 02:54 Commentary: Maps - No Great Single Solution for In-Person Play * 04:51 Commentary: Maps - What Does D&D Recommend for New DMs? * 06:44 Commentary: Maps - A Big Digital Display * 07:45 Commentary: Maps - The Pathfinder Basic Flip Mat * 10:35 Commentary: Maps - Big Sheets of 1" Gridded Poster Paper * 13:12 Commentary: Maps - Print "Blueprint" Maps for Cheap. * 15:14 Commentary: Maps - Use Cloth for a Fog of War * 16:24 Commentary: Maps - Print Individual Rooms on Normal Paper * 18:59 Commentary: Maps - Mixing Different Types * 20:24 Product Spotlight: JP Coovert's Drawing Dungeons Booklet * 25:18 Commentary: Maps - Theater of the Mind and Abstract Maps * 29:26 Commentary: Maps - Try Lots of Options * 30:37 Product Spotlight: The Works of JP Coovert * 40:18 Patreon Question: Rewarding Inspiration * 43:57 Patreon Question: Balancing Encounters Across the Adventuring Day
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Using Maps for In-Person Play * The Pathfinder Basic Flip Mat * Big Pads of 1" Gridded Paper (affiliate link) * JP Coovert's Draw a Battle Map video * Flik Silverpen's Guide to Drawing Dungeons * Running Theater of the Mind Combat * Abstract Maps for D&D Combat
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:49 Product Spotlight: Crown of the Oathbreaker Physical Book * 03:57 Sly Flourish News: The Lazy GM's Resource Document in the Creative Commons * 08:14 Sly Flourish News: Lazy Solo 5e generator on Perchance * 10:04 Commentary: Developers! Help Open5e! * 14:22 Commentary: Will WOTC Use Open5e? * 15:58 Commentary: Playing Five RPGs in Three Days * 18:57 Commentary: Playing Dungeon World at 1d4 Con * 21:15 Commentary: Playing Pathfinder 2 at 1d4 Con * 25:57 Commentary: Playing Call of Cthulhu at 1d4 Con * 29:05 Commentary: Playing Dungeon Crawl Classics at 1d4 Con * 32:12 Commentary: Playing My Friend's New RPG at 1d4 Con * 34:29 Patreon Question: Players Questioning the GM's Logic * 38:04 Patreon Question: Remembering Campaign-Specific Rules * 40:18 Patreon Question: Is the DM the Storyteller or the Referee? Neither! * 42:53 Patreon Question: Running 45 Minute Battles with No Tweaking * 47:19 Patreon Question: Reigning in Wanderlust in an Island Hopping Campaign
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Crown of the Oathbreaker * Crown of the Oathbreaker Spotlight * Lazy GM's Resource Document * Lazy Solo 5e Generator * Open5e * Open5e Discord Server * Dungeon World * Pathfinder 2 (Affiliate Link) * Call of Cthulhu (affiliate link) * Dungeon Crawl Classics (affiliate link)
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:17 Kickstarter Spotlight: Knave 2.0 * 08:02 Kickstarter Spotlight: Amazing Encounters and Quests * 10:35 Kickstarter Spotlight: Emporium of Wonders * 13:20 Commentary: Tips from the Midnight Temple * 36:13 Patreon Question: Organizing an big RPG Club and Community * 40:14 Patreon Question: Building Mythic Monsters * 44:53 Patreon Question: Action-Oriented Monsters in Forge of Foes? * 46:15 Patreon Question: Playing In Person after 30 Years Away * 49:24 Patreon Question: Lazy Gamemaster's Guide? * 52:27 Patreon Question: Does Curse of Strahd Take a Lot of Work to Fix? No * 55:34 Patreon Question: Needing to Take a Break? * 58:35 Patreon Question: Top Tips for New and Experienced GMs
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Knave v2 Kickstarter * Amazing Encounters and Quests Kickstarter * Emporium of Wonders Kickstarter * Fantastic Lairs Monstrous Appendix * Lazy DM's Toolkit * Ginny Di on Burnout * Top Tips for Being a Great Gamemaster
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:10 D&D & RPG News: Owen KC Stevens Bundles on DriveThruRPG * 02:26 D&D & RPG News: Owlbear Rodel 2.0 Official Release in July * 06:19 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Press Tales of the Valiant Monsters Playtest * 19:51 D&D & RPG News: 2024 D&D Players Handbook Playtest 5 * 24:48 DM Tip: Mass Effect Style Preludes and Wars * 33:46 DM Tip: Tuning the Lazy Encounter Bechmark * 38:34 Patreon Question: Chat GPT and AI For Adventure Generation * 44:26 Patreon Question: Running Ship Battles in Light of Xaryxis * 47:40 Patreon Question: Character Grabbing the Wrong Hook
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Owen KC Stevens Bundle 1 * Owen KC Stevens Bundle 2 * Owlbear Rodel 2.0 Full Release * Owlbear Rodeo Videos * Kobold Press Tales of the Valiant Monster Playtest * D&D 2024 Players Handbook Playtest 5 * Lazy Encounter Benchmark
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:17 Sly Flourish News: The Lazy GM's Resource Document * 18:21 D&D & RPG News: Darrington Press Roleplaying Games * 22:19 D&D & RPG News: Chris Perkins on the 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide * 23:13 D&D & RPG News: Cubicle 7 on C7D20 Open Licensing * 32:07 D&D & RPG News: More D&D Creator Summit Accounts * 33:19 Patreon Question: Running High Level 5e Games * 37:25 Patreon Question: Pointing Out Magic Items to Characters * 40:16 Patreon Question: Tying Together Independent Published Adventures * 43:04 Patreon Question: 5e Cross Compatibility Among Publishers
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Darrington Press RPG Announcements * Chris Perkins on the 2024 DMG * Cubicle 7 Interview about C7D20 * Bob World Builder on the D&D Summit * Alphastream Summit Writeup Part 3 * Nerd Immersion Summit Recap
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:02 Product Spotlight: Regnum Rattus - The Rats in the Cellar * 02:50 Product Spotlight: Iskandar Explorer's Journal Volume 1 * 04:36 Kickstarter Spotlight: Blood and Doom * 11:24 Sly Flourish News: Three Books Released to the Creative Commons * 14:21 Commentary: What's Changed over 13 Years of Lazy DMing? * 27:52 Sly Flourish News: More Material to the Creative Commons * 31:41 Commentary: What Does 5e Backward Compatibility Mean? * 49:04 Patreon Question: Dealing with Non-Heroic Heroes * 53:37 Patreon Question: Convincing a DM to Run Online Games * 55:27 Patreon Question: Initiation Quests to Get Into a Cult * 57:35 Patreon Question: Challenging Tier 4 Characters
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Iskandar Explorer's Journal Volume 1 (Affiliate Link) * Blood and Doom Kickstarter * Dungeon Master Tips – Creative Commons * Running Epic-Tier D&D Games – Creative Commons * The Lazy Dungeon Master (2014) – Creative Commons
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Mike talks about the D&D Creator Summit with a focus on what matters most to 5e DMs and GMs.
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 02:10 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Press's Black Flag is Tales of the Valiant * 02:48 D&D & RPG News: The ORC Open Gaming License Draft Released * 05:18 D&D & RPG News: Thirteenth Age Humble Bundle * 06:21 D&D & RPG News: D&D Summit Writeups by Others * 07:05 D&D & RPG News: D&D Summit Top Three Observations for D&D DMs * 10:51 D&D & RPG News: Looking Into the D&D Summit Organization, Missteps, and Recommendations for Next Time * 18:50 D&D & RPG News: D&D Summit 2024 Core Book Updates * 39:40 D&D & RPG News: The Format of Planescape * 41:08 D&D & RPG News: Thoughts on a D&D Beyond Marketplace * 44:51 D&D & RPG News: Other News from the D&D Summit * 50:05 Patreon Question: What Should the Dungeon Master's Guide Do? * 51:44 Patreon Question: Challenges for 11th+ Level Characers
Links* Tales of the Valiant * ORC License Public Draft * Thirteenth Age Humble Bundle * EN World D&D Creator Summit Summary * TheSpaceJamber D&D Creator Summit Summary * Daniel Kwan D&D Creator Summit Summary and Thoughts * Alphastream D&D Creator Summit Summary * D&D Community Update on the Creator Summit * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:22 D&D & RPG News: D&D Direct Announcements * 05:50 D&D & RPG News: D&D 3D Virtual Tabletop First Look * 09:54 D&D & RPG News: More Announcements from D&D Direct * 13:03 D&D & RPG News: The D&D Virtual Summit * 17:07 D&D & RPG News: PlayDnD and D&D Beyond 1st Level Pregens * 21:04 D&D & RPG News: Cubicle 7's Design Goals for C7D20 * 25:22 D&D & RPG News: Shadow of the Weird Wizard Ancestries * 27:09 Patreon Question: Getting Better at Being a DM * 30:54 Patreon Question: Using Random Tables for Prep or At The Table? * 33:12 Patreon Question: Using D&D For Facing with Real Life Issues * 35:35 Patreon Question: Too Many NPCs as Upward Beats in a Dungeon Crawl * 37:38 Patreon Question: Getting Through Lots of Story in Shorter Sessions * 41:54 Patreon Question: Running Online With Some Players At Same Location * 44:41 Patreon Question: How's Dungeon 23 Working Out? * 48:05 Patreon Question: Dealing With High Passive Insight * 50:20 Patreon Question: Offering Three Plus Infinite Choices * 52:07 Patreon Question: Building Shorter Campaigns for 8 to 12 Sessions
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * D&D Direct Announcements * Play D&D Homepage * Cubicle 7's C7D20 Design Goals * Shadow of the Weird Wizard Ancestries * Paths for DM Expertise:
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:09 Sly Flourish News: Final Week of Forge of Foes * 12:08 Sly Flourish News: Appearance on D&D Beyond Twitch Stream * 13:41 Sly Flourish News: Forge of Foes Interview on EN World * 14:30 Commentary: The Resilience and Antifragility of Tabletop RPGs * 25:22 Commentary: What can WOTC Do for the RPG Community? * 44:22 D&D & RPG News: Before the Storm D&D Intro on D&D Beyond * 45:30 Patreon Question: Avoiding Bioessentialism in 5e RPGs * 52:05 Patreon Question: Low Fantasy Survival Horror in 5e * 56:18 Patreon Question: Dealing with Lots of Overpowered Tag Along NPCs
Links* Forge of Foes Kickstarter – Back Now! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Forge of Foes on D&D Beyond! * Forge of Foes Interview on EN World * Before the Storm D&D Intro on D&D Beyond
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:23 Sly Flourish News: Forge of Foes Material Going to Creative Commons * 03:33 Sly Flourish News: General-Use Stat Blocks for 5e in Forge of Foes * 16:11 D&D & RPG News: Shadow of the Weird Wizard Kickstarter June 2023 * 17:13 Product Spotlight: Arcane Library Adventures for 5e * 31:21 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Press Black Flag Playtest 2 * 53:53 Patreon Question: Why Make a Book About Building Monsters? * 57:01 Patreon Question: Playing D&D with Small Children or Obstructive Pets
Links* Forge of Foes Kickstarter * Reintroducing the Weird Wizard * Arcane Library 5e Adventures * Kobold Press Black Flag Playtest 2 * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:36 Sly Flourish News: Forge of Foes Kickstarter Continues * 02:52 D&D & RPG News: Radiant Citadel Nominated for a Nebula * 03:53 D&D & RPG News: Tome of Beasts 1 Revisited * 05:39 Product Spotlight: Campaign Builder - Cities and Towns by Kobold Press * 14:24 D&D & RPG News: D&D Community Update * 19:22 D&D & RPG News: D&D Content Creator's Summit * 21:43 Commentary: How Can Wizards be a Stronger Positive Force in the RPG Community? * 38:59 Patreon Question: Modifying NPCs with Species Traits * 42:07 Patreon Question: The Challenge of Discovering Secrets * 45:28 Patreon Question: Integrating In Disconnected Characters * 50:10 Patreon Question: Using Dice for Other Things In-World
Links* Forge of Foes Kickstarter * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Radiant Citadel Nominated for a Nebula * Tome of Beasts 1 Revsisted * Campaign Builder: Cities and Towns (Referral Link) * D&D Community Update * Anydice
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- The 5e Artisanal Monster Database
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:07 Sly Flourish News: Forge of Foes Kickstarter Going On Right Now! * 02:48 Kickstarter Spotlight: Shadowdark RPG by Arcane Library * 10:58 Product Spotlight: Open5e.com * 18:01 Patreon Question: How to Handle Maps for Exploration * 20:55 Patreon Question: Teaching New Systems to Players * 23:25 Patreon Question: Taking Notes while Running a Game * 25:45 Patreon Question: Helping Players Balance Character Types and Skills * 27:59 Patreon Question: Not Offering Custom Lineage or Variant Humans -- Is that Wrong? * 30:54 Patreon Question: Accomidating a Players's Spirit Being In Your Game * 35:48 Patreon Question: Overwhelmed by Midgard Lore * 40:49 Patreon Question: Dealing with Shopping Sessions * 44:54 Patreon Question: Balancing Encounters in High Magic Item Campaigns * 47:47 Patreon Question: Adopting the Eight Steps to Gumshoe Games
Links* Forge of Foes Kickstarter! * Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter * Open5e.com * Open5e Discord Server * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:55 Sly Flourish News: Forge of Foes Kickstarter This Wednesday! * 02:04 D&D & RPG News: Arcana of the Ancients Bundle of Holding * 03:48 D&D & RPG News: Mastering Dungeons on Shadow of the Demon Lord * 04:26 D&D & RPG News: New One D&D Playtest * 23:03 Product Spotlight: Iskandar Player's Handbook * 31:25 Patreon Question: Co-DMing Two Groups in the Same Campaign Adventure * 34:40 Patreon Question: Managing and Referencing So Many Monster Books * 38:26 Patreon Question: Updates to the 5e Artisenal Monster Database in Notion * 43:42 Patreon Question: Worldbuilding Book recommendations * 45:37 Patreon Question: Sharing RPG PDFs with Google Drive * 49:02 Patreon Question: Running D&D for a 5 year Old * 51:12 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Be More Tactical
Links* Forge of Foes Launching Wednesday! Get Notified! * Arcana of the Ancients for 5e Bundle of Holding * Mastering Dungeons Podcast * Mastering Dungeons on Shadow of the Demon Lord (YouTube) * One D&D Unearthed Arcana: Druid and Paladin * Iskandar Player's Handbook * Notion 5e Artisanal Monster Database * Kobold Guides (including Worldbuilding) * Sharing Documents on Google Drive Without Downloading or Printing * Fate Accelerated * RPG Kids * Magical Kitties Save the Day * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:17 Sly Flourish News: Forge of Foes Kickstarter Coming March 1st * 13:20 Kickstarter Spotlight: Valikan Clans by Ghostfire Gaming * 16:35 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Press Black Flag Playtest 1 * 35:05 D&D & RPG News: Demiplane 5e Nexus and the Future of Digital 5e Tools * 40:43 Product Spotlight: Level Up Advanced 5e Trials and Treasure by EN World Publishing * 50:20 Patreon Question: The Future of RPGs -- 5e or Independent RPGs?
Links* Forge of Foes Kickstarter Pre-Launch Page * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Grim Hollow Valikan Clans Kickstarter * Kobold Press Black Flag Playtest 1 * Black Flag Designer Diary 1 * 5e Nexus by Demiplane * Level Up Advanced 5e Trials and Treasure by EN World Publishing * Fantasy Heartbreakers
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:04 Sly Flourish News: Forge of Foes Kickstarter 1 March * 03:28 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Updates * 10:58 Commentary: Kyle Brinks and the Future of D&D from Wizards of the Coast * 28:31 Kickstarter Spotlight: Escape from Undergarden by JVC Parry * 30:58 Kickstarter Spotlight: Encyclopedia 2 by Studio Agate * 38:25 Patreon Question: Overwhelmed Running Big Published Campaigns * 42:02 Patreon Question: Players Voting on Campaign Adventures to Run * 44:30 Patreon Question: How Long to Prep Games and Generate Ideas? * 48:03 Patreon Question: Running Shorter Sessions
Links* Forge of Foes Kickstarter Goes Live 1 March! * Three Black Halflings Kyle Brinks Interview * Three Black Halflings Interview EN World Summary * Mastering Dungeons Kyle Brinks Interview * Mastering Dungeons Kyle Brinks Interview EN World Summary * Ginny Di Kyle Brinks Video * Escape from Undergarden Kickstarter * Encyclopedia 2: Lore Book & Toolbox Kickstarter * Spending a Whole Day Preparing a D&D Game * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:09 D&D & RPG News: Pathfinder 2 Humble Bundles * 02:56 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Press Worlds Humble Bundle * 04:21 Commentary: What's Normal in the Post OGL Fiasco RPG Hobby? * 15:56 D&D & RPG News: Keys from the Golden Vault Free Adventure * 18:02 Product Spotlight: Raiders of the Serpent Sea by Arcanum Worlds * 24:23 Kickstarter Spotlight: Kibbles Compendium of Legends and Legacies * 30:07 Patreon Question: Lazy Encounter Benchmark for Solo and Legendary Monsters * 35:18 Patreon Question: Players Making Choices Against a Chracter's Alignment * 38:33 Patreon Question: Converting Monsters Across RPG Systems? Reskin! * 41:03 Patreon Question: Worried About Making Mistakes with Big Published Adventures * 45:40 Patreon Question: Free to Use Dungeons of Fate?
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Pathfinder 2 Humble Bundle * Kobold Press and Friends Worlds Humble Bundle * Keys from the Golden Vault Prisoner 13 Free D&D Beyond Adventure * Raiders of the Serpent Sea * Kibbles Compendium of Legends and Legacies Kickstarter * Lazy Encounter Benchmark * A5e Monstrous Menagerie * Reskinning Monsters * Dungeons of Fate
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:13 D&D & RPG News: WOTC Releases 5e Into the Creative Commons * 11:15 Commentary: What Does Trust Mean with Wizards of the Coast? * 27:50 Sly Flourish News: Lazy RPG Podcast Awarded Best Talk Show Podcast by EN World * 30:01 Kickstarter Spotlight: Oracle Character Generator Deck by Nord Games * 34:41 Product Spotlight: Zobeck Clockwork City by Kobold Press * 40:00 Patreon Question: Running Rich and Dynamic Combat Encounters * 47:22 Patreon Question: Not Exposing a Movie-Based Adventure Plot * 49:19 Patreon Question: Building a Villain or Monster from a PC * 51:06 Patreon Question: How Many Rounds Should Encounters Go? * 52:19 Patreon Question: Other RPGs I'm Running This Year? * 53:16 Patreon Question: Finishing Writing One-Shot Adventures * 57:11 Patreon Question: Balancing the Action Economy with Big Solo Monsters
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * WOTC Releases the 5e SRD to the Creative Commons * Download the 5e SRD under a Creative Commons Right Now * Morrus's Unofficial Tabletop Podcast * Mastering Dungeons Podcast * Oracle Character Generator Deck Kickstarter by Nord Games * Zobeck Clockwork City by Kobold Press
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:32 D&D & RPG News: OGL 1.2 Feedback and Suggestions * 11:33 D&D & RPG News: The Industry Responds to the attempted OGL 1.0a Deauthorization * 17:37 Commentary: Rebranding the Lazy RPG Talk Show * 18:40 Commentary: I'm Here For You Whatever RPG You Play * 21:47 DM Tip: Curing the OGL Blues * 23:41 Kickstarter Spotlight: Deep Magic 2 * 26:27 D&D & RPG News: Two Huge Bundles of Holding and Humble Bundles * 29:04 Patreon Question: Keeping Your Games on Track * 32:51 Patreon Question: Running Games for Seven Players * 35:41 Patreon Question: Introducing Lots of NPCs at Once * 37:48 Patreon Question: Fueling Creativity * 44:12 Patreon Question: Identifying Relics and Single-Use Magic Items * 46:29 Patreon Question: Improving Representation in Older Material
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * WOTC OGL 1.2 "Playtest" * WOTC's OGL 1.2 PDF (CC and OGL) * Feedback to WOTC on the OGL 1.2 Draft * Project Black Flag Update: Sticking To Our Principles * The ORC license * MCDM Rebranding Arcadia * Deep Magic 2 Kickstarter * RPG Worlds with Kobold Press and Friends Humble Bundle * Bundle of Holding Alternatives to D&D * Ancestries and Culture
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Mike talks about the OGL fiasco and offers up ten awesome RPGs that aren't D&D.
- 00:00 Show Intro
- 01:09 This Matters to All Of Us
- 03:35 WOTC's Excuses Hold No Water At All
- 07:53 What's Happening Now
- 08:45 We Can Never Trust WOTC Again
- 09:58 What Can We Do About This?
- 12:37 Ten Awesome RPGs that Aren't D&D
- 13:19 13th Age
- 15:56 Blades in the Dark
- 17:31 Fantasy Age
- 19:01 The Non-OGL Fantasy Bundle of Holding
- 19:38 Fate Condensed
- 21:41 Index Card RPG
- 23:44 Ironsworn
- 25:26 Level Up Advanced 5e
- 26:49 Numenera
- 28:59 Old School Essentials
- 30:55 Shadow of the Demon Lord
Links
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books:
- WOTC Attempts to Deauthorize the OGL 1.0a — Thoughts on the OGL 2.0
- You, Me, and the D&D Open Gaming License
- Dungeons & Dragons’ New License Tightens Its Grip on Competition
- 13th Age
- 13th Age Bundle of Holding
- Blades in the Dark
- Blades the Dark SRD
- Fantasy Age
- The Non-OGL Bundle of Holding
- Fate Condensed
- Fate Condensed SRD
- Index Card RPG
- Ironsworn
- Level Up Advanced 5e
- Numenera
- Old School Essentials
- OSE Basic Rules
- Shadow of the Demon Lord
Mike covers the remaining Sly Flourish Patreon questions for December 2022!
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:48 Patreon Question: Replacing or Houserulling 5e Mechanics and Favorite Houserules * 06:17 Patreon Question: Dealing with Followers from a Rod of Rulership * 08:30 Patreon Question: Offering Multiple Paths with Diviniation * 10:38 Patreon Question: Handling NPCs with the Lazy Encounter Benchmark * 13:53 Patreon Question: Offering Options when Captured * 15:54 Patreon Question: Learning a New RPG With Your Players * 17:38 Patreon Question: Trouble Committing to Deadly Attacks * 20:21 Patreon Question: Making D&D Deadlier * 22:25 Patreon Question: Alternative Patrons like Koblold Press's Warlock * 24:31 Patreon Question: Making Undead Monster Variants * 27:41 Patreon Question: Dungeon 23
Links* Theater of the Mind Guidelines * Lazy Encounter Benchmark * MCDM's Arcadia Patreon * CZRPG Patreon * Elven Tower Patreon * Raging Swan Patreon * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Dungeon 23 by Sean McCoy
D&D news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 01:13 D&D & RPG News: 13th Age Bundle of Holding * 05:28 Commentary: How to Skip Content you Don't Want to Hear * 06:52 Commentary: The WOTC OGL 1.1 Announcement * 28:54 Product Spotlight: Alternate Objectives by Sneak AttackPress * 33:14 Commentary: Favorite Product of 2022 * 37:27 Patreon Question: Connecting Published Adventures * 41:12 Patreon Question: When to Use Which Dials of Monster Difficulty * 46:10 Patreon Question: Thoughts on Owlbear Rodeo 2.0 * 50:35 Patreon Question: Making Failure Interesting with Ability Checks * 53:58 Patreon Question: Performing Mid-Campaign Check-Ins * 56:33 Patreon Question: Revealing a Pointcrawl Map * 59:11 Patreon Question: Using AI Generators like Chat GPT and Midjourney
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * 13th Age Bundle of Holding * OGLs, SRDs, & One D&D – Wizards of the Coast on D&D Beyond, 21 Dec 2022 * Thoughts on the OGL 1.1 – MikeShea.net * OGL 1.0a FAQ answered by Wizards of the Coast * The OGL 1.0a and 5e System Resource Document version 5.1 (see if this link goes bad!) * Level Up Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie by Paul Hughes * Level Up Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie Video Spotlight * Dials of Monster Difficulty * Owlbear Rodel 2.0 * Our Ability Check Toolbox * Pointcrawls for City and Overland Travel
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Kobold Press Monster Database
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:03 DM Tip: Rolling Lots of Checks with a Single D20 * 00:10:51 Product Spotlight: Chronicles of Eberron * 00:26:28 Commentary: How I Baseline D&D Monsters * 00:34:00 Commentary: Designing MCDM's Flee Mortals Vampires * 00:51:31 Patreon Question: What Are My DM Weaknesses? * 00:54:38 Patreon Question: Handling Pacing in D&D Games * 00:57:08 Patreon Question: Describing Old School Essentials to 5e Players * 01:01:24 Patreon Question: Handling Large Exposition and Descriptions
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Chronicles of Eberron * Old School Primer
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:55 Kickstarter Spotlight: Tome of Beasts 3 Monster Cards by Inkwell Ideas * 04:05 D&D & RPG News: Blades in the Dark Bundle of Holding * 05:34 D&D & RPG News: Free Monstrous Compendium 2: Dragonlance * 27:37 Product Spotlight: Arcadia 22 Heroic Champions * 36:37 Product Spotlight: GMs Miscellany Dungeon Dressing for 5e * 45:07 Commentary: AI for DM Inspiration * 48:18 Patreon Question: Tips for Running 20th Level One-Shot Games * 52:04 Patreon Question: Campaign Hooks for West Marches Style Games * 55:54 Patreon Question: Running Hordes and Minions
Links* Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Tome of Beasts 3 Monster Cards Kickstarter * Blades in the Dark Bundle of Holding * Monstrous Compendium Volume 2: Dragonlance Creatures * MCDM Arcadia Patreon * Arcadia Issue 22 * GM Miscellany Dungeon Dressing for 5e * Running Hordes
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents* 00:00 Show Start * 00:59 D&D & RPG News: One D&D Species and Cleric Playtest Packet. * 07:07 Commentary: One D&D and Backward Compatibility * 16:41 Commentary: One D&D Species and Cleric Playtest Thoughts * 30:01 Product Spotlight: Tome of Beasts 3 by Kobold Press * 42:56 D&D & RPG News: Kobold Press Adventure Calendar * 43:47 Patreon Question: Droctor Who style Talk, Move, Do Fight in D&D Combat * 46:45 Patreon Question: Speeding Up Dungeon Exploration from Dungeon-Crawling Players
Links* One D&D Species and Cleric Playtest * Moving On From 'Race' in One D&D * Tome of Beasts 3 by Kobold Press * Jeremy Crawford on Playtest Results * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike offers tips for chapter 2 of Empire of the Ghouls!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
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- Empire of the Ghouls
- Empire of the Ghouls Notion Notebook
D&D news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:58 Sly Flourish News: Leaving Twitter for Mastodon * 00:07:01 D&D & RPG News: Chronicles of Eberron by Keith Baker * 00:08:23 Product Spotlight: Dragonlance Shadow of the Dragon Queen * 00:41:17 D&D & RPG News: WOTC's Non-Answer About a One D&D SRD * 00:45:26 Product Spotlight: Tomb of the Twilight Queen * 00:50:17 Patreon Question: Incorporating Random Encounters * 00:54:35 Patreon Question: Running Pointcrawls with Flying Characters * 00:57:48 Patreon Question: Supporting Players Who Roll Poorly * 01:03:00 Patreon Question: Making Friends from Online D&D Games * 01:08:30 Patreon Question: Favorite Cult and Why Cults?
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Sly Flourish on Mastodon * D&D Tip Tweet Archive * Keith Baker Presents: Chronicles of Eberron * Statement on OGL from WotC * Morrus’ Unofficial Tabletop RPG Talk #228: The Open Gaming License and One D&D * Tomb of the Twilight Queen * Playing D&D Can Save Your Life
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:49 D&D & RPG News: Level Up Advanced 5e on Bundle of Holding * 02:13 D&D & RPG News: Justin Alexander on Pointcrawls * 03:56 D&D & RPG News: Morrus on One D&D and the Open Gaming License * 08:57 D&D & RPG News: Dragon+ Goes Offline * 14:04 D&D & RPG News: Is Takhisis Tiamat? Who Gets to Decide? * 20:47 Patreon Question: Using Side Initiative * 23:02 Patreon Question: Reading an Entire Campaign Adventure * 24:37 Patreon Question: Making a Campaign World Feel Alive * 26:56 Patreon Question: Curing Lycanthrope with a Wererat PC * 29:52 Patreon Question: Focusing Over-Preparing * 32:54 Patreon Question: Non-Lethal Attack Options * 36:36 Patreon Question: Making NPCs Stand Out in Online Games * 38:08 Patreon Question: Player-Driven Character Motivations
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Level Up Advanced 5e Bundle of Holding * Justin Alexander on Pointcrawls Part 1 * Justin Alexander on Pointcrawls Part 2 * Morrus on One D&D and the OGL * Dragon+ Archive * WotC Officially Confirms Takhisis and Tiamat Are The Same
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
D&D news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:59 Sly Flourish News: November Patreon Rewards * 10:56 D&D & RPG News: WOTC's New Inclusivity Review * 14:57 DM Tip: Jaquays-Style Design for Dungeon and Overland Travel * 34:18 Patreon Question: Keeping Villains Alive in Combat * 37:19 Patreon Question: Using Paper Notes for In-Person Games * 40:19 Patreon Question: Mourning the End of a Campaign * 42:05 Patreon Question: Deciding on a Campaign to Run * 44:16 Patreon Question: Using Time Flies Rules from the Midgard Worldbook * 46:35 Patreon Question: Tips for Promoting Paper Character Sheets with Players * 48:58 Patreon Question: Scaling Up Monsters and their Stories to 11th level
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Leveling Up Our Creative Process: Learnings From Spelljammer * Jennell Jaquays Wikipedia Page * Pointcrawls for Cities and Overland Travel in D&D * Run Pointcrawls for Overland Travel in D&D Video * Hills Canton blog on Point Crawls * Jaquaying the Dungeon by Justin Alexander * Fantastic Lairs
D&D news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:59 Sly Flourish News: November Patreon Rewards * 10:56 D&D & RPG News: WOTC's New Inclusivity Review * 14:57 DM Tip: Jaquays-Style Design for Dungeon and Overland Travel * 34:18 Patreon Question: Keeping Villains Alive in Combat * 37:19 Patreon Question: Using Paper Notes for In-Person Games * 40:19 Patreon Question: Mourning the End of a Campaign * 42:05 Patreon Question: Deciding on a Campaign to Run * 44:16 Patreon Question: Using Time Flies Rules from the Midgard Worldbook * 46:35 Patreon Question: Tips for Promoting Paper Character Sheets with Players * 48:58 Patreon Question: Scaling Up Monsters and their Stories to 11th level
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Leveling Up Our Creative Process: Learnings From Spelljammer * Jennell Jaquays Wikipedia Page * Pointcrawls for Cities and Overland Travel in D&D * Run Pointcrawls for Overland Travel in D&D Video * Hills Canton blog on Point Crawls * Jaquaying the Dungeon by Justin Alexander * Fantastic Lairs
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:46 D&D & RPG News: Mastering Dungeons Goes Independent * 02:39 D&D & RPG News: D&D on ESPN?? * 04:42 Kickstarter Spotlight: Heretics Guide to Devotion and Divinity * 08:48 Kickstarter Spotlight: Ultimate Guide to Foraging, Harvesting, and Natural Discovery * 16:41 Patreon Question: Managing Pacing with Heavy Roleplay Scenes * 18:50 Patreon Question: Does Writing Help You Become a Better DM? No. * 23:50 Patreon Question: Players Coordinating Leveling Up * 25:51 Patreon Question: Magic Items for Higher-Level Pregen Characters * 28:27 Patreon Question: Feelings on Boxed and Read-Aloud Text * 31:41 Patreon Question: Heroes and Anti-Villains
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Mastering Dungeons Goes Independent * Mastering Dungeons Podcast Feed * Mastering Dungeons on YouTube * D&D on ESPN * Heretics Guide to Devotion and Divinity Kickstarter * Ultimate Guide to Foraging, Harvesting & Natural Discovery Kickstarter * Ironsworn * Paths of DM Expertise * Describe D&D Character Abilities on Leveling Up * Thinking Through the Eyes of our Villains
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:46 D&D & RPG News: Mastering Dungeons Goes Independent * 02:39 D&D & RPG News: D&D on ESPN?? * 04:42 Kickstarter Spotlight: Heretics Guide to Devotion and Divinity * 08:48 Kickstarter Spotlight: Ultimate Guide to Foraging, Harvesting, and Natural Discovery * 16:41 Patreon Question: Managing Pacing with Heavy Roleplay Scenes * 18:50 Patreon Question: Does Writing Help You Become a Better DM? No. * 23:50 Patreon Question: Players Coordinating Leveling Up * 25:51 Patreon Question: Magic Items for Higher-Level Pregen Characters * 28:27 Patreon Question: Feelings on Boxed and Read-Aloud Text * 31:41 Patreon Question: Heroes and Anti-Villains
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Mastering Dungeons Goes Independent * Mastering Dungeons Podcast Feed * Mastering Dungeons on YouTube * D&D on ESPN * Heretics Guide to Devotion and Divinity Kickstarter * Ultimate Guide to Foraging, Harvesting & Natural Discovery Kickstarter * Ironsworn * Paths of DM Expertise * Describe D&D Character Abilities on Leveling Up * Thinking Through the Eyes of our Villains
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:51 D&D & RPG News: Free MCDM RPG Safety Toolkit * 02:43 Kickstarter Spotlight: The Gloaming Wild 5e Survival Horror * 08:06 Commentary: Running Ravenloft 2022 with Level Up 5e Vampires * 17:11 Patreon Question: Keeping Big Battles from Being Boring * 19:17 Patreon Question: What Other RPGs Do You Recommend? * 21:44 Patreon Question: Filling In the Gaps During the Game * 24:17 Patreon Question: Faction Ideas from Blades in the Dark * 26:51 Patreon Question: Targeting Loot for the Characters * 29:23 Patreon Question: Better Level Draining and Exhaustion for Vampires and * 32:12 Patreon Question: What to Get for Staring Out with Numenera * 32:59 Patreon Question: Comparing Midgard to the Forgotten Realms * 37:51 Patreon Question: Including Every Character's Story Arc * 40:24 Patreon Question: Showcasing High-Level Abilities * 43:01 Patreon Question: Building Open World D&D Games * 45:23 Patreon Question: Building Problems Without Solutions * 46:58 Patreon Question: How Many Encounters Before a Long Rest? * 51:12 Patreon Question: Offering Headquarters and Lair Upgrades to the Characters * 53:05 Patreon Question: Secrets in Clues for Dungeon Crawls and Combat-Focused Games
Links * MCDM RPG Safety Toolkit * TTRPG Safety Toolkit by Kienna Shaw and Lauren Bryant-Monk * Monte Cook Games Consent in Gaming * Gloaming Wild 5e Survival Horror Kickstarter * Running Ravenloft in a Single Session Halloween Game YouTube Video * Blog Article on Running Ravenloft / Curse of Strahd in a Single Session: * Set Up Castle Ravenloft in Owlbear Rodeo in 10 Minutes * The Dials of Monster Difficulty * Fate Condensed * Thirteenth Age * Shadow of the Demon Lord * Blades in the Dark * Numenera Discovery * Types of Secrets * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
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- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Mike offers tips, tricks, and advice for running the D&D Starter Set adventure, Dragons of Stormwreck Isle!
Contents
- 00:00 Video Start
- 00:13 Who This Video is For
- 00:54 Top Tips for Running Stormwreck Isle
- 01:28 Tip 1: Keep your Hands on the Dials of Combat
- 02:02 Tip 2: Dive Deep into the Lore
- 03:25 Tip 3: Remember Runara's Failsafe
- 04:33 Read the Pregen Character Background Ties to the Adventure
- 05:08 Read the DM Tips in the Adventure Book
- 05:49 Running Stormwreck Isle Online
- 06:33 Tools for Playing Stormwreck in Person
- 07:15 Tips for Chapter 1 - Dragon's Rest
- 08:08 Choose How to Run Combat
- 09:06 Handling Undead Fortitude
- 09:55 Manage the NPCs of Dragon's Rest
- 11:21 Combining Additional Encounters
- 12:39 Tips for Chapter 2 - Seagrow Caves
- 14:30 Tips for Chapter 3 - The Cursed Shipwreck
- 15:30 Tips for Chapter 4 - The Clifftop Observatory
- 16:58 Follow-on Adventures
Links
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Stars Over Stormwreck (Affiliate link)
- Buy the D&D Starter Set on Amazon (affiliate link)
- D&D Starter Set Pregen Characters
- D&D Starter Set Sample Encounter
- Top Tips for New D&D DMs
- Dials of Monster Difficulty
- Lazy DM Tools
- Love Letter to the Pathfinder Flip Mat
- Dragon of Stormwreck Isle on Roll20
- Dragon of Stormwreck Isle on D&D Beyond
- Dragon of Stormwreck Isle on Fantasy Grounds
- Above VTT for D&D Beyond
- Owlbear Rodeo VTT
- Playing D&D Over Discord
- Experiences Playing D&D Online
- Guidelines for Theater of the Mind Combat
- Zipperon Disney's $20 Accessories for Stormwreck
D&D News, Kickstarter spotlights, D&D product reviews, dungeon master tips, D&D questions and answers!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Under the Harvest Moons * 09:15 Product Spotlight: Venture Maidens Campaign Guide * 25:27 Commentary: D&D Lead Designer Ray Winninger Leaves Wizards of the Coast * 31:43 D&D & RPG News: One D&D Expert Playtest Feedback Survey * 38:32 Commentary: One D&D Ideas We Can Use Right Now * 44:32 Patreon Question: Using NPCs as Assets in D&D Games * 47:30 Patreon Question: Using 5e Rules with Numenera's Ninth World * 49:53 Patreon Question: Props, Decorations, Accessories, and Themes in your D&D Games * 52:59 Patreon Question: Filling Out Big Climactic Boss Battles
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Under the Harvest Moons * Venture Maidens Campaign Guide * Ray Winninger Leaves Wizards of the Coast Twitter Thread * One D&D Expert Class Survey * Mastering Dungeons on One D&D Feats Podcast * Playing D&D can Save Your Life * Making Great Handouts for D&D * Collected Experiences Running D&D 5e Boss Fights
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:53 Sly Flourish News: New Patreon Adventure - The Silver Grotto * 04:41 D&D & RPG News: Midgard Sale - 30% Off * 07:02 Kickstarter Spotlight: Apocalypse - The Complete Guide to Ending the World * 09:05 Kickstarter Spotlight: Torrents of the Spellhoarder * 13:17 Commentary: Elder Brain 5e Survey * 24:45 Commentary: Experiences Running Dragons of Stormwreck Isle * 29:46 Patreon Question: Differences Between DMs and Players and Tips for DMs Becoming Players * 35:07 Patreon Question: Adventure for New Local Game Shop Group * 37:09 Patreon Question: Modifying Published Adventures with a Different Map * 39:16 Patreon Question: Injecting Horror into our Adventures * 42:11 Patreon Question: Pontification on RPGs Moving Towards Digital * 49:09 Patreon Question: Warlock Patreon of Evil God?
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Midgard Sale on Kobold Press * Midgard Worldbook * Southlands * Scarlet Citadel * Apocalypse - The Complete Guide to Ending the World Kickstarter * Torrents of the Spellhoarder Kickstarter * Elder Brain Crown of the Oathbreaker Survey * Elder Brain Spellhoarder Survey * Ten Candles * Dread
Mike prepares for his weekly Scarlet Citadel game!
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:04 Sly Flourish News: Stars Over Stormwreck Released on the DM's Guild * 01:42 Product Spotlight: Dread Thingonomicon by Raging Swan Press * 10:46 Kickstarter Spotlight: Grimoire of the Grave by 2C Gaming * 15:56 Sly Flourish News: Dungeoncraft Review of the Lazy DM's Workbook and Lazy DM's Companion * 16:49 D&D & RPG News: New Senior Vice President of D&D * 26:37 Commentary: Keeping D&D Resilient for Us and our Groups * 32:30 D&D & RPG News: Other Commentaries on the One D&D Experts Playtest * 33:56 D&D & RPG News: D&D Lego Contest * 36:48 Patreon Question: New Lazy Combat Encounter Benchmark for One D&D? * 39:11 Patreon Question: How to Destroy Artifacts * 41:27 Patreon Question: Managing Dungeon Crawling and Offering Useful Options * 44:02 Patreon Question: Good Material from Older Editions * 47:37 Patreon Question: Changing Character Personalities with Magic Items
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Stars Over Stormwreck * Dread Thingonomicon * Raging Swan press * Grimoire of the Grave * Dungeoncraft Review of the Lazy DM's Workbook and Companion * D&D Senior Vice President Press Release * Mastering Dungeons on One D&D Expert Playtest * Eldritch Lorecast (with yours truly) on the One D&D Expert Playtest * DM David on One D&D Expert Playtest * D&D Lego Contest * i6 Ravenloft * 1st Edition Dungeon Master's Guide * 4th Edition Dungeon Delves
Mike prepares for his session zero of his Scarlet Citadel D&D Campaign by Kobold Press.
- Visit the Sly Flourish Blog
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Sly Flourish Books
- Buy Scarlet Citadel (affiliate link)
- Scarlet Citadel Notion Notebook
- Scarlet Citadel One-Page Campaign Guide
- Richard Green's Scarlet Citadel Campaign Blog
- Midgard Interactive Map
Mike talks about his campaign finale for his Numenera Fourth Emperor Campaign, offers tips for D&D DMs and those interested in running Numenera, and discusses feedback from his players!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike covers the remaining Patreon questions for September 2022!
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:01:23 D&D & RPG News: Free Drowned Sailors Encounter from WOTC * 00:02:24 Sly Flourish News: Stars Over Stormwreck Adventure Coming This Week! * 00:11:11 Commentary: The One D&D Experts Playtest * 00:40:14 Commentary: Dungeoncraft on Why D&D Editions Don't Matter * 00:45:07 RPG Industry Tip: Teos Abadia on Freelance Rates * 00:48:34 Patreon Question: Your Thoughts and Plans for Patreon * 00:52:27 Patreon Question: Practical Jokes with Tiny Hut * 00:54:10 Patreon Question: Experienced Player Tips for Inexperienced DMs * 00:56:22 Patreon Question: The Three Most Useful Third-Party Products * 00:58:28 Patreon Question: What's In Front Of You When You DM? * 01:00:50 Patreon Question: How Do You Choose and Run Lots of Campaigns? * 01:03:11 Patreon Question: Helping New Players Avoid Bad Choices * 01:05:40 Patreon Question: Charismatic Players with Non-Charismatic Characters * 01:06:48 Patreon Question: How to Get Value from Purchased RPG Material * 01:09:19 Patreon Question: Is a Focused Campaign Railroading?
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * What Is D&D? * How to DM * Drowned Sailors Encounter * One D&D Experts Playtest * Dungeoncraft – Editions Don't Matter * The Horrid Truth About Freelance Pay (Ep3, Success in RPGs) * Ptolus - City by the Spire * Dread Thingonomicon * Midgard Worldbook
Mike prepares to run the finale of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:47 D&D & RPG News: WOTC D&D After-School Program * 03:01 Commentary: Good Digital Tools for WOTC + Third Party Product Use * 22:50 DM Tip: Sharing Third Party PDFs With Your Players * 29:52 Patreon Question: Running Wild Beyond the Witchlight for Tier 2 Characters * 35:30 Patreon Question: When Is It Appropriate To Hit Downed PCs? * 39:15 Patreon Question: Advice I Regret from Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * 43:15 Patreon Question: Dealing With Player Optimizing Away From Fun * 47:43 Patreon Question: Why Do NPCs Not Use Character Classes? * 52:04 Patreon Question: Is 5e Too Complex?
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * WOTC D&D After-School Program * Matt Colville on Fantasy Grounds * Restricting Access on Google Drive * Mastering Dungeons Podcast
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:46 Product Spotlight: Amazing Encounters and Places by CZRPG * 10:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Apocalypse Keys by Evil Hat Games * 16:23 Commentary: D&D Beyond, Limiting Character Options, and Third Party Products * 43:30 Sly Flourish News: The Sly Flourish Stream Bingo Card * 44:57 Patreon Question: Running the Same Campaign for Multiple Groups * 47:01 Patreon Question: D&D Plots and Inspiration from Westerns * 50:32 Patreon Question: Conflicting Secrets and Clues? No Thanks! * 52:34 Patreon Question: Describing Your DM Style to New Players
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Amazing Encounters and Places PDF * Amazing Encounters and Places Map Pack * Amazing Encounters and Places PDF / Map Pack Combo * Apocalypse Keys Kickstarter by Evil Hat * The Sly Flourish Streaming Show Bingo Card
Mike talks about preparing and running his Empire of the Ghouls campaign.
Video Contents
- 00:00 Show Start
- 02:04 One-Page Campaign Guide
- 15:51 The Characters of My Campaign
- 19:08 Empire of the Ghouls as a Tour of Midgard
- 20:04 Using All the Kobold Press Books
- 24:26 Tome of Heroes and the Midgard Heroes Handbook
- 25:52 Sharing Books using Roll 20's Compendium
- 29:08 Other Kobold Press Books I'm Using
- 31:32 Running and Modifying Chapter 1
Links
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Empire of the Ghouls One-Page Campaign Guide
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:52 Kickstarter Spotlight: Wastes of Chaos by Kobold Press * 05:41 Sly Flourish News: New Lazy D&D Talk Show Topic Database for Patrons * 10:01 Kickstarter Spotlight: Anatomy of an Adventure by MT Black * 13:11 Product Spotlight: Path of the Planebreaker by Monte CookGames * 45:44 Patreon Question: Dealing with Secret Truths of a Campaign World * 48:04 Patreon Question: AI-generated Art and the Lazy DM
Links * Wastes of Chaos Kickstarter by Kobold Press * Anatomy of an Adventure Kickstarter by MT Black * Path of the Planebreaker by Monte Cook Games * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:08 D&D & RPG News: One D&D Origins Playtest Survey * 02:25 D&D & RPG News: Mastering Dungeons on the Origins One D&D Playtest * 03:09 Patreon Update: World of Dead Temples and Secrets of Summervine Villa * 07:49 D&D & RPG News: Spelljammer Errata * 16:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dungeon Delver's Guide * 20:31 Product Spotlight: Planegea * 30:47 Commentary: I don't Review Third Party Products I Don't Like * 36:05 Commentary: 5e Isn't 5e Compatible - We're On Our Own * 46:23 Patreon Question: Strongest Criticism of Lazy DM Advice * 48:59 Patreon Question: Adding a New Player Mid Campaign * 51:00 Patreon Question: Spelljammer for New Players * 52:50 Patreon Question: Adventure Anthologies and Heists * 54:48 Patreon Question: Awarding Gold with the Lazy DM's Companion * 58:03 Patreon Question: Tips for Reaching a Satisfying Campaign Conclusion
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * One D&D Playtest and Survey * Mastering Dungeons on the One D&D Playtest * WOTC Spelljammer Apology and Errata * Dungeon Delver's Guide Kickstarter * Planegea * Reddit Thread on Backgrounds and Feat Mismatch * Poll on Satisfying Conclusions for D&D Campaigns
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:08 D&D & RPG News: One D&D Origins Playtest Survey * 02:25 D&D & RPG News: Mastering Dungeons on the Origins One D&D Playtest * 03:09 Patreon Update: World of Dead Temples and Secrets of Summervine Villa * 07:49 D&D & RPG News: Spelljammer Errata * 16:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dungeon Delver's Guide * 20:31 Product Spotlight: Planegea * 30:47 Commentary: I don't Review Third Party Products I Don't Like * 36:05 Commentary: 5e Isn't 5e Compatible - We're On Our Own * 46:23 Patreon Question: Strongest Criticism of Lazy DM Advice * 48:59 Patreon Question: Adding a New Player Mid Campaign * 51:00 Patreon Question: Spelljammer for New Players * 52:50 Patreon Question: Adventure Anthologies and Heists * 54:48 Patreon Question: Awarding Gold with the Lazy DM's Companion * 58:03 Patreon Question: Tips for Reaching a Satisfying Campaign Conclusion
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * One D&D Playtest and Survey * Mastering Dungeons on the One D&D Playtest * WOTC Spelljammer Apology and Errata * Dungeon Delver's Guide Kickstarter * Planegea * Reddit Thread on Backgrounds and Feat Mismatch * Poll on Satisfying Conclusions for D&D Campaigns
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D! This week a Spelljammer deep dive!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:51 D&D News: WOTC Offering Refunds for Dragonlance Pre-Orders * 02:40 Kickstarter Spotlight: Horror at Devil's Run * 05:32 Kickstarter Spotlight: Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim * 07:30 Product Spotlight: Spelljammer - Adventure's In Space Boxed Set * 09:11 Astral Adventurer's Guide - Spelljammer Character Options * 14:35 Limited (No) Ship-to-Ship Combat Rules * 17:19 Light of Xaryxis - the Spelljammer Adventure * 20:17 Spelljammer DMScreen * 21:07 Boo's Astral Menagerie - Spelljammer Monsters * 31:55 Amazing Production Quality * 33:01 No DM Tools to Build Spelljammer Adventures * 37:31 Not Compatible with Spelljammer Academy * 39:54 Spelljammer Doesn't Help DMs Run Games * 40:45 Should You Buy It? * 41:40 Patreon Question: Is Witchlight Still Great Without Dreadful Incursions? * 43:33 Patreon Question: How Well Does Numenera's Stat Point Spend and Roll Negotiation Work? * 46:53 Patreon Question: How Much Character Background for New Players? * 49:05 Patreon Question: Making a Dungeon Feel Like a Megadungeon * 51:20 Patreon Question: Actionable and Relevant Secrets and Clues
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Wizards of the Coast D&D Customer Service Form * Horror at Devil's Run Kickstarter * Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim Kickstarter * Spelljammer Adventures in Space Boxed Set (Amazon Affiliate Link) * Add Dreadful Incursions to Wild Beyond the Witchlight * Alphastream on Actionable Lore
Mike talks about all things D&D! This week a Spelljammer deep dive!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:51 D&D News: WOTC Offering Refunds for Dragonlance Pre-Orders * 02:40 Kickstarter Spotlight: Horror at Devil's Run * 05:32 Kickstarter Spotlight: Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim * 07:30 Product Spotlight: Spelljammer - Adventure's In Space Boxed Set * 09:11 Astral Adventurer's Guide - Spelljammer Character Options * 14:35 Limited (No) Ship-to-Ship Combat Rules * 17:19 Light of Xaryxis - the Spelljammer Adventure * 20:17 Spelljammer DMScreen * 21:07 Boo's Astral Menagerie - Spelljammer Monsters * 31:55 Amazing Production Quality * 33:01 No DM Tools to Build Spelljammer Adventures * 37:31 Not Compatible with Spelljammer Academy * 39:54 Spelljammer Doesn't Help DMs Run Games * 40:45 Should You Buy It? * 41:40 Patreon Question: Is Witchlight Still Great Without Dreadful Incursions? * 43:33 Patreon Question: How Well Does Numenera's Stat Point Spend and Roll Negotiation Work? * 46:53 Patreon Question: How Much Character Background for New Players? * 49:05 Patreon Question: Making a Dungeon Feel Like a Megadungeon * 51:20 Patreon Question: Actionable and Relevant Secrets and Clues
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Wizards of the Coast D&D Customer Service Form * Horror at Devil's Run Kickstarter * Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim Kickstarter * Spelljammer Adventures in Space Boxed Set (Amazon Affiliate Link) * Add Dreadful Incursions to Wild Beyond the Witchlight * Alphastream on Actionable Lore
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:58 The One D&D Announcement * 02:45 One D&D and Backward Compatibility * 04:25 Playtesting Experiences and Expectations * 05:51 Providing Feedback * 08:19 Looking at the First One D&D Playtest Document * 08:53 Character Origins * 13:25 On Power Increases * 17:22 Changes to Fundamental Rules * 18:10 A 20 Always Succeeds, a 1 Always Fails * 20:24 Critical Hit Changes * 23:50 Inspiration on a 20 - Should be a 1!! * 25:51 Changes to Long Rests * 26:45 One D&D 3D Virtual Tabletop Alpha screenshots * 28:49 Does That Mean No 2d VTT in D&D Beyond? * 29:53 Dragonlance - Wizards Took my $160 For Something I Don't Want and Won't Refund It * 36:27 Five Other Books Announced for 2023 * 37:14 Phandelver Campaign - Eight Years Too Late * 40:14 Book of Many Things * 40:42 Planescape - Please Don't Make it a Boxed Set * 43:57 Final Thoughts
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * One D&D Playtest * One-Hour with Jeremy Crawford on Character Origins * Ancestry and Culture in D&D * D&D 3D Virtual Tabletop Shots
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:52 D&D & RPG News: New 13th Age in 2023 * 07:51 DM Tip: A New D&D Ability Score Standard Array * 15:50 Product Spotlight: Dungeons of Drakkenheim * 30:25 Patreon Question: Distinct Racial Characteristics for NPCs * 33:10 Patreon Question: Making Prophecies Come True Without Railroading * 35:07 Patreon Question: Inspiration for City of Arches * 37:51 Patreon Question: "Milestone" Event-Based Leveling Without Removing Player * 41:13 Patreon Question: Running Zero Prep One-Hour Games
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * New 13th Age Escalation Edition in 2023 * Zipperon Disney: $20 for everything you need to run Dragons of Stormwreck Isle * Dungeons of Drakkenheim * Powerslave by Iron Maiden * Ozymandias by Percy Shelley * Running One-Hour D&D Games with Shawn Merwin
Mike dives deep into the Numenera RPG by Monte Cook Games with tips and tricks for Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Masters.
Contents * 00:00 What This Video Gives To You * 00:56 What Is Numenera? * 05:04 Top Three Favorite Things about Numenera * 09:19 Three Challenges Running Numenera * 17:47 Numenera Buyer's Guide * 27:49 Bringing Your D&D to Numenera and Vice Versa * 33:11 Ideas from Numenera You Can Bring to D&D * 40:33 Other Thoughts About Numenera * 46:02 Final Thoughts on Numenera
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Numenera Discovery * Technology Compendium: Sir Arthour’s Guide to the Numenera * Numenera Bestiary 1 * Numenera Bestiary 2 * Numenera Bestiary 3
Mike dives deep into the Numenera RPG by Monte Cook Games with tips and tricks for Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Masters.
Contents * 00:00 What This Video Gives To You * 00:56 What Is Numenera? * 05:04 Top Three Favorite Things about Numenera * 09:19 Three Challenges Running Numenera * 17:47 Numenera Buyer's Guide * 27:49 Bringing Your D&D to Numenera and Vice Versa * 33:11 Ideas from Numenera You Can Bring to D&D * 40:33 Other Thoughts About Numenera * 46:02 Final Thoughts on Numenera
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Numenera Discovery * Technology Compendium: Sir Arthour’s Guide to the Numenera * Numenera Bestiary 1 * Numenera Bestiary 2 * Numenera Bestiary 3
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:49 Sly Flourish News: Sly Flourish Wins Two ENNIES! * 03:05 D&D and RPG News: Wizards Presents Announcements 18 August * 05:16 D&D and RPG News: Final Spelljammer Academy Adventure * 07:54 Dragons of Stormwreck Isle Character Sheet PDFs * 09:23 Kickstarter Preview: Face Folio by M Blake * 12:34 Commentary: Encounter Building by Dragna Carta * 32:59 Patreon Question: Best Adventure for New Players * 34:22 Patreon Question: Choosing Your Next Campaign With Your Players * 36:56 Patreon Question: Building a Quest Board * 39:23 Patreon Question: Not Enjoying Game Prep
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * 2022 ENNIE Awards * Wizards Presents Announcements * Spelljammer Academy * Spelljammer on Amazon for 40% off (Affiliate Link) * Dragons of Stormwreck Isle Pregenerated Characters * Face Folio Kickstarter * Encounter Building on Dragna's Den * D&D Combat Simulator * Challenge Ratings 2.0
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike offers tips and tricks for running chapters 4 and 5 of Wild Beyond the Witchlight!
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 00:51 Recommendation 1: Consider Dreadful Incursions * 02:02 Recommendation 2: You Don't Have to Run All the NPCs * 03:41 Recommendation 3: You Don't Have to Run Every Location or Encounter * 04:16 Recommendation 4: Run Hag Lairs as Big Situations * 05:09 Recommendation 5: You Can Ignore Valor's Call and the League of Malevolence * 05:47 Recommendation 6: You Don't Have to Run All of the Palace of Heart's Desire * 06:44 Recommendation 7: Add a Dark Lord Villain If Desired * 07:43 Overall Campaign Thoughts Thus Far * 08:41 Witchlight Chapter 4 - Yon Deep Dive * 18:14 Motherhorn * 19:52 Witchlight Chapter 5 - The Palace of Hearts Desire * 21:27 The Final Battle * 22:52 Saving Zybilna * 24:15 One Year Later...
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * YouTube Playlist of All Witchlight Videos * Notes from the Video * Add Dreadful Incursions to Wild Beyond the Witchlight * Reddit Post on Palace of Hearts Desire
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:45 Product Spotlight: D&D Starter Set Dragons of Stormwreck Isle * 18:03 Sly Flourish News:The Sly Flourish Bookstore is Open! * 21:47 D&D News: DM David On Monster Roles * 24:26 D&D News: ENWorld's Review of Radiant Citadel * 25:16 Patreon Question: Banning and Limiting Material In Your Game * 31:17 Patreon Question: Dealing with Tag-Along NPCs * 32:13 Patreon Question: How Many Monster Types in a Battle? * 33:18 Patreon Question: Players Catching On to Film Homage * 34:37 Patreon Question: Stealing Ideas for Homebrew Campaign Setting * 36:26 Patreon Question: Checklist for Building Situations * 38:52 Patreon Question: Lazy Dungeon Mastering and the Quantum Ogreb * 41:11 Patreon Question: Ranking Wild Beyond the Witchlight * 42:14 Patreon Question: Dealing with Prisoners * 44:53 Patreon Question: Pre-Gen Story Hooks for One-Shot Games
Links * D&D Starter Set – Dragons of Stormwreck Isle Thoughts (Notion Notes) * D&D Starter Set at Target * Sly Flourish Bookstore * DM David on Monster Roles * ENWorld on Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:28 Product Spotlight:Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel * 13:34 D&D News: Wonders of the Multiverse Unearthed Arcana * 17:43 Commentary: Adding Reactions to the Resolution Stack * 26:53 D&D News: New Spelljammer Academy Adventure Released * 30:46 D&D News: Teos Abadia's Spelljammer Dispatch on Roll20 * 31:12 D&D News: Ben Riggs's TSR D&D Sales Stats * 39:30 Patreon Question: Running Multiple Games a Week * 42:28 Patreon Question: Meaningful Choices in Adventure Designb * 45:06 Patreon Question: Running Too Many Different RPGs * 47:57 Patreon Question: Running Streaming, Live Play, or Actual Play Games * 52:16 Patreon Question: Players Drawing Other Players Into the Spotlight
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Wonders of the Multiverse Playtest * Spelljammer Academy on D&D Beyond * Spelljammer Dispatch on Roll20 * Mastering Dungeons with Ben Riggs * Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons (Referral link)
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:00 Sly Flourish News: Two SF Products Nominated for the 2022 ENnies! * 03:10 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Updates and Walkthrough * 11:24 D&D News: Free Spelljammer Academy Adventures * 16:26 D&D News: Roll20 and DriveThruRPG Merger * 23:10 D&D News: First Look at D&D 5.5 "Soon" * 24:26 Commentary: What I Want from D&D 5.5 * 39:29 Patreon Question: Dealing with the characters of players who leave a campaign * 41:13 Patreon Question: Introducing Large Cities * 43:47 Patreon Question: Running multiple villainous factions in a dungeon * 47:09 Patreon Question: Magic items with a price * 49:00 Patreon Question: Keeping Prep-time Brief * 51:08 Patreon Question: Using Subsystems * 54:43 Patreon Question: Handling the Guidance Cantrip
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * 2022 ENnie Voting (remember 1 is better than 5!) * Spelljammer Academy * Roll20 and DriveThruRPG (OneBookShelf) Merge * Ray Winninger on Next Iteration Design Look Soon * The Only Subsystem You Need: The Ability Check
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:53 Sly Flourish News: Update on the Lazy DM Companion Kickstarter * 06:00 Sly Flourish News: SlyFlourish.com and the Lazy DM's Companion Nominated for the Ennies! * 07:34 Product Spotlight: Mork Borg Bare Bones Editon Free! * 12:04 Sly Flourish News: Scarlet Citadel and Empire of the Ghouls for my Next D&D Campaigns * 16:47 Commentary: Adding Third Party Character Options * 25:53 Commentary: The Best Features for Near-Perfect D&D Games are Free * 34:58 Patreon Question: What's Fun for Dungeon Masters? * 41:57 Patreon Question: Handling Shopping Trips * 46:01 Patreon Question: Making Players Like Your Patron * 49:14 Patreon Question: D&D Stories for 14-Year-Old Silly Larsons
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * 2022 ENnie Nominations * Mork Borg Bare Bones Edition * Mork Borg Spotlight * Scarlet Citadel * Empire of the Ghouls * Tome of Heroes * Midgard Heroes * The Best Ways to Improve Your D&D Game are Free * Building the Critical Role Gaming Studio
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:58 D&D and RPG News: Roll 20 Partners with the DM's Guild * 03:43 D&D and RPG News: NODES system from Dungeon Delver's Guideb * 09:46 DM Tip: More on Revealing NPC Archetypes * 13:21 DM Tip: More on the Near-Perfect D&D Game * 28:40 Patreon Question: Games Falling Flat with Disinterested Players * 32:44 Patreon Question: Playeres Wasting Spells on Immune Creatures * 35:03 Patreon Question: Good Third Party Books * 36:23 Patreon Question: Changes to Improvised Statistics * 40:12 Patreon Question: Digital Versus Analog Character Sheets * 42:02 DM Tip: Write Down Page Numbers on Paper Character Sheets * 43:19 Patreon Question: Running Campaigns with Often Absent Players * 46:34 Patreon Question: Customizing Random Tables * 50:56 Patreon Question: Determining Starting Gear for Higher Level Characters
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Roll20 Partners with the DM's Guild * Level Up Advanced 5e Dungeon Delve NODE system * Johnn Four on 5-Room Dungeons * Mike Shea and Johnn Four talk about Five-Room Dungeons * Notable Third Party D&D Books
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 00:45 RPG News: Radiant Citadel Free Chapter * 05:00 Commentary: Vecna in Actual Play * 08:28 D&D Tip: Revealing NPC Archetypes * 15:33 D&D Tip: What Does a Near Perfect 10 Game Look Like? * 30:57 Patreon Question: Helping Players Think Creatively During Combat * 36:54 Patreon Question: Staying Consistent with your Own Fiction * 39:19 Patreon Question: Running "Good" Monsters * 42:47 Patreon Question: Actionable Clues Versus General Lore * 45:37 Patreon Question: Interesting Third Party Monsters * 47:41 Patreon Question: How Many Secrets Do You Typically Reveal?
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Radiant Citadel Free First Chapter * 2C Gaming * Kobold Press * Level Up Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie (affiliate link)
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 01:07 Product Spotlight: The Mouthless One Archlich from Level Up Advanced 5e * 11:54 Product Spotlight: A5e.Tools Level Up Advanced 5e Resource Website * 13:32 Product Spotlight: The Night of the Dissolution * 20:17 RPG Industry Tip: Alphastream on Finding Your Passion * 29:51 Patreon Question: Products of Drag and Drop Encounters for 5e * 31:27 Patreon Question: Reviewing the Characters for One-Shot Adventures * 33:32 Patreon Question: Content Creators for Player-Focused Tips * 35:58 Patreon Question: Handling Character Death * 39:13 Patreon Question: Building Challenging Combat Beyond the Four Dials * 41:58 Patreon Questions: Which D&D Books Would You Buy in Order?
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Bob Worldbuilder on Vecna search popularity * Mouthless One Stat Block * Level Up Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie (affiliate link) * A5e Tools * Night of the Dissolution (affiliate link) * Alphastream on Finding Your Passion * Prepared – One-shot adventures for 5e * Prepared 2 - More one-shot adventures by 5e (affiliate link) * The Game Master's Book of Random Encounters (affiliate link) * Ginny Di's videos * Bob World Builder's videos
Mike offers tips and tricks for running Wild Beyond the Witchlight Chapter 3 and how to incorporate Domains of Dread from Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft.
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 01:07 Witchlight Runs Well On It's Own * 03:16 Customize the Getaway Gang * 05:30 Use Nib as a Handy Vendor * 07:14 Foreshadow the Jabberwock * 09:31 Place the Unicorn Horn Before Loomlurch * 11:00 Reveal Secrets and Clues at the Wayward Pool * 12:13 Foreshadow Zybilna's True Origin * 13:48 Run Loomlurch as a Situation * 19:00 Little Oak can be a Mobile Home Base and Guide Across Thither to Yon * 21:02 Final Thoughts on Chapter 3 * 21:36 Expanding Dreadful Incursions into Witchlight * 23:37 Small Encounter-sized Incursions * 25:55 Anchors Between Worlds * 29:39 The Quest of the Dread Lord to Escape Their Doman * 31:34 Tying Domains of Dread to the Characters
Links * Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Affiliate Link) * Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft (Affiliate Link) * Wild Beyond the Witchlight Video Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books:
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:55 D&D News: Vecna Stat Block * 19:56 RPG News: Cypher System Open License * 20:49 Product Spotlight: Potbellied Kobold's Guide to Villains and Lairs * 24:03 D&D Tip: Running War Priests and Enchanters * 33:39 Patreon Question: Dealing with Overly Cautious Players * 37:46 Patreon Question: Reading and Running Published Adventure Text * 42:14 Patreon Question: Exposing Narratives and Events Outside of the Characters * 44:05 Patreon Question: Tying Characters to the Game with Limited Background Lore * 45:54 Patreon Question: Influences on our Games
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Vecna Stat Block on D&D Beyond * Cypher System Open License Announcement * Potbellied Kobold's Guide to Villains & Lairs
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:43 Sly Flourish News: New Campaign Arc in City of Arches * 08:52 Product Spotlight: Battle Walker from the Abyss * 14:28 DM Tip: Focusing on the Fiction and Starting with the Story * 39:42 DM Tip: Focusing the Lens * 45:20 Patreon Question: Hooking Characters Into Adventures * 49:17 Patreon Question: Heralds for Factions * 51:31 Patreon Question: Heuristics for Running Current and Future D&D Concepts
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * Goblin's Henchmen on Hexflowers * Hexflower Toolkit (Affiliate Link) * Battle Walker of the Abyss (Affiliate Link) * DM David Blog on Battle Walker of the Abyss * Safe Havens
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:45 Product Spotlight: Arcadia 16 and the Blackweald * 00:09:14 Product Spotlight: Alphastream on Defining Your Success in RPGs * 00:13:29 Product Spotlight: Monsters of the Multiverse Part 2 * 00:38:20 Patreon Question: How can DMs Enjoy Being Players? * 00:41:51 Patreon Question: Running Third Party Campaigns with D&D Beyond * 00:46:01 Patreon Question: Choosing a VTT to Invest In * 00:49:42 Patreon Question: Collapsing a Wide-Spread Campaign * 00:51:50 Patreon Question: Running Strahd * 00:53:59 Patreon Question: Sharing Villainous Plans and Actions * 00:55:24 Patreon Question: Choosing Third Party Character Options * 00:56:35 Patreon Question: Running Multi-Table Events * 00:58:35 Patreon Question: Using Gold in Mythic Adventures * 01:00:25 Patreon Question: Defining Leveling Milestones * 01:01:38 Patreon Question: Drawing Out Character Backstory * 01:02:37 Patreon Question: Managing Chaotic Characters * 01:05:17 Patreon Question: Recognizing GM Burnout * 01:07:46 Patreon Question: Surprise Twists in D&D Campaigns
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books: * MCDM Patreon * Alphastream on Defining Success in RPGs * Building a Great D&D Character * Good Behaviors for D&D Players * Running Strahd * Matt Coleville on Offering Better Rewards * Campfire Stories
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:44 D&D News: Free Phandelver and Acq Inc on D&D Beyond * 02:21 Product Spotlight: Monsters of the Multiverse * 30:35 Kickstarter Spotlight: Murder in the Shielding Peaks * 34:13 Product Spotlight: Treacherous Traps * 37:14 Patreon Question: Encouraging Player Ingenuity * 40:40 Patreon Question: Running Dungeon Crawls * 48:31 Patreon Question: Describing Irregular Caves in a Dungeon Crawl * 49:52 Patreon Question: Witchlight with Three Players * 52:17 Patreon Question: Resource Management During Travel
Links * Free Phandelver and Acquisitions Incorporated on D&D Beyond * Monsters of the Multiverse (affiliate link) * D&D Adventurer's League rules for Monsters of the Multiverse Races * Blog of Holding Analysis of Monsters of the Multiverse * Level Up Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie (affiliate link) * Kickstarter: Murder in the Shielding Peaks * Treacherous Traps
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 01:00 D&D News: Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes Comes Out on 16 May * 02:01 D&D News: Can't Buy Tome of Foes or Volo's Guide to Monsters on D&D Beyond after 17 May * 05:57 Product Spotlight: Above VTT * 19:00 Kickstarter Spotlight: Campaign Builder - Cities and Towns * 20:46 D&D Tip: Hex Flowers * 31:37 Patreon Question: Introducing Villains in your Campaign * 34:22 Patreon Question: Challenging Characters vs. Players with Puzzles * 37:47 Patreon Question: Dealing with Bickering Players * 41:55 Patreon Question: Evoking High Adventure in our RPGs * 45:30 Patreon Question: Pacing Games with Split Parties * 47:30 Patreon Question: What To Do With Gold * 50:53 Patreon Question: Focusing a Homebrew Campaign
Links * Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes (affiliate link) * Volo's Guide to Monsters (affiliate link) * Monsters of the Multiverse (affiliate link) * Above VTT * Above VTT Patreon Page * Campaign Builder Cities and Towns Kickstarter * Hex Flowers * Hex Flower Cookbook (affiliate link)
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00:00 Show Intro * 00:00:54 Sly Flourish News: Update to the City of Arches * 00:04:15 D&D News: Heroes of Krynn Revisited Unearthed Arcana * 00:08:25 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dungeonmorphs IV * 00:12:58 Kickstarter Spotlight: Fraternity of Ash * 00:15:40 Product Spotlight: Isle of the Dreaded Accursed * 00:18:49 Patreon Question: Building Resilient Villainous Plans * 00:23:30 Patreon Question: Points-of-Light Settings for Lazy DMs * 00:25:54 Patreon Question: Long-Ranged Combat * 00:27:42 Patreon Question: Reskin or Build a Big Bad Evil Mage From Scratch? * 00:32:06 Patreon Question: Integrating Characters of Stand-By Players * 00:34:22 Patreon Question: Managing Conflicting Factions * 00:35:47 Patreon Question: Too Many Pirate Lords! * 00:37:17 Patreon Question: Building an Apocalyptic Eberron * 00:39:27 Patreon Question: Handling a Situation Where you Crossed the Line Accidentally * 00:43:44 Patreon Question: Managing Portals in the City of Arches * 00:46:04 Patreon Question: Published Inspiration for Homebrew Campaigns * 00:47:59 Patreon Question: Handling In-World Pacing Problems * 00:50:09 Patreon Question: Surprising Players vs. Surprising Characters * 00:52:50 Patreon Question: Managing Political Intrigue the Lazy Way * 00:54:39 Patreon Question: Managing Before-Combat Attacks and Actions * 00:56:20 Patreon Question: Managing Downtime Activities * 00:57:33 Patreon Question: Rewarding and Balancing Named Spells * 00:59:09 Patreon Question: Managing Adventures Focused on a Missing Character * 01:00:31 Patreon Question: Managing Timing While Running Fall of Elturel
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Heroes of Krynn Revisited * Dungeonmorph's IV Kickstarter * Fraternity of Ash Kickstarter * Isle of the Dreaded Accursed * Building Resilient Villainous Plans
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:51 D&D News: Last Days of the Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding * 01:56 D&D News: Lots of Wizards Announcements * 02:13 D&D News: The Monstrous Compendium Volume 1 * 07:06 D&D News: Campaign Case - Creatures * 10:01 D&D News: Campaign Case - Terrain * 11:30 D&D News: D&D Starter Set - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle * 12:59 D&D News: Spelljammer Boxed Set * 16:58 D&D News: Dragonlance - Shadow of the Dragon Queen and War of Krynn * 21:14 Kickstarter Spotlight: Shadow Under Hardflint Hall * 24:46 Patreon Question: Who Do I Listen To, Watch, and Read? * 28:34 Patreon Question: On Fudging Rolls and Choosing Targets * 31:49 Patreon Question: Dealing with Familiars and Dungeon Reconnaissance * 36:06 Patreon Question: How Do we Actually Begin our Sessions? * 38:46 Patreon Question: Introducing Players to Other Game Systems * 40:32 Patreon Question: Making NPCs Distinct * 42:00 Patreon Question: How Strict to Represent Time Pressures * 44:05 Patreon Question: Should I Worry about my Evil PC? * 46:27 Patreon Question: Projecting Evil Humanoid Creatures * 48:21 Patreon Question: What Bad Habits Have I Broken? * 51:31 Patreon Question: Checklist for Homebrew Finales * 55:14 Patreon Question: Running Deadly Standoffs in D&D
Links * Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Shadow Under Hardflint Hall Kickstarter * D&D Direct – Announcement Video * Monstrous Compendium Volume 1 (WOTC) * Monstrous Compendium Volume 1 (D&D Beyond) * D&D Campaign Case: Creatures * D&D Campaign Case: Terrain * D&D Starter Set – Dragons of Stormwreck Isle * Spelljammer Boxed Set * Dragonlance – Shadow of the Dragon Queen * Bob Worldbuilder * Dungeoncraft * DM David * Alphastream.org * Mastering Dungeons * Eldritch Lorecast * The Alexandrian
Mike offers tips and thoughts for running Chapter 2 of Wild Beyond the Witchlight!
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 00:37 Four Tips for Witchlight Chapter 2 * 01:01 Tip 1: Reinforce the Theme of Whimsy and Wonder * 02:19 Tip 2: Reinforce the Characters' Goals * 04:34 Tip 3: Solidify the Chapter's Main Required Progression Key: Clapperclaw * 05:42 Tip 4: Limit Agdon Longscarf's Multi-attack * 07:48 Witchlight Runs Great On It's Own * 09:01 Injecting Dreadful Incursions from Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft * 14:29 Reinforce the Rules of Conduct * 15:46 Manage Your Upward and Downward Beats * 19:24 Make Telemy Hill Dangerous * 20:19 Fall in Love with the Soggy Court * 22:56 Lots of Options for Bavlorna and her Cottage * 25:08 Choose Where you Put the Unicorn Horn * 25:51 Add a Vendor * 27:14 Fill Out Empty Locations As Desired * 28:07 Be Careful While Leveling Slowly * 29:33 Foreshadow the League of Malevolence * 30:14 Show The Maps
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Witchlight Video Playlist
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:41 D&D News: Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding * 02:02 D&D News: WOTC Buys D&D Beyond * 08:56 D&D News: D&D Direct Announcements Coming Thursday 21 April 2022 * 10:05 Kickstarter Spotlight: Flee Mortals by MCDM * 29:30 Product Spotlight: Volo's Vetted Vendors * 33:06 Patreon Question: Seeding Future Quests Without Starting Them * 36:41 Patreon Question: Handling Augury * 39:00 Patreon Question: Manging Sources and Books for Game Prep * 41:40 Patreon Question: Handling Curses That Remove Curse Doesn't Fix * 45:15 Patreon Question: Running a Rebellion * 48:13 Patreon Question: Uncomfortable Roleplaying NPCs * 50:27 Patreon Question: Passing Complex Lore to Players * 53:06 Patreon Question: Handling Mounts in Combat * 55:03 Patreon Question: Strong Starts and Cold Opens
Links * Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Mastering Dungeons Video on D&D Beyond Acquisition * D&D Beyond Acquisition Announcement * D&D Beyond Acquisition Press Release * D&D Direct Event & Product Announcements * Flee Mortals Kickstarter * Volo's Vetted Vendors
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:10 D&D News: Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding! $100 of PDFs for $20! * 03:33 D&D News: City of Arches Update with Amazing Side-View Cutaway Map * 11:42 Product Spotlight: Kenku.fm * 18:50 Kickstarter Spotlight: Tome of Adventure Design * 26:24 Patreon Question: Fast and Slow Initiative in D&D 5e * 30:23 Patreon Question: Run Eberron in Sharn and in the Wilds * 32:33 Patreon Question: Five Elements of Storytelling in D&D * 37:01 Patreon Question: Players Running NPCs or Monsters * 39:07 Patreon Question: Tactical Combat in Theater of the Mind * 44:04 Patreon Question: Managing On-Call Players * 47:48 Patreon Question: Recovering from a Bad Game
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Sly Flourish Bundle of Holding! * Kenku.fm * Tome of Adventure Design Kickstarter * Running Combat in the Theater of the Mind * Finding and Maintaining a D&D Group * Recovering from a Bad Game
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:49 D&D News: Spelljammer Confirmed?? * 08:38 Product Spotlight: Crown of the Oathbreaker * 18:06 Commentary: Elderbrain's 2,000 Player D&D Survey * 25:04 D&D News: Patreon Q&A for April 2022 Coming Wednesday * 27:16 Patreon Question: Evolving Villain Stat Blocks * 31:29 Patreon Question: Favorite Classic D&D Encounters * 33:04 Patreon Question: Dealing with Insight Checks for Lie Detection * 36:41 Patreon Question: Making Awesome Skeletons * 41:06 Patreon Question: Helping Players Understand High Level Quests * 45:28 Patreon Question: What Makes a Good Cultist? * 47:04 Patreon Question: Mixing Ruins of the Grendleroot and Where the Machines Wait * 48:51 Patreon Question: Outlining Scenes vs. Defining Situations
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Sly Flourish Books * Crown of the Oathbreaker * Elderbrain D&D Survey * Where the Machines Wait * Outlining Scenes Video * Situation-based D&D Video
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 00:36 D&D News: Journeys through the Radiant Citadel * 15:43 Product Spotlight: Warlock Lairs - Into the Wilds * 21:09 Commentary: The Intractable Problem of Maps for In-Person Games * 43:15 Patreon Question: Tracking Secret Organizations In Your Campaign * 46:07 Patreon Question: How do You Grab Artwork? * 47:33 Patreon Question: How Are Heists Different than Dungeon Crawls? * 50:11 Patreon Question: Challenge Ratings for Custom Monsters * 52:17 Patreon Question: Running a One- or Two-Hour Adventure * 53:59 Patreon Question: How Do You Run a Dungeon? * 56:16 Patreon Question: Solidifying Choices in a Homebrew Campaign * 58:12 Patreon Question: Why Do Bosses Need Mobility?
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Join the Sly Flourish Patreon * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Buy the Lazy DM's Workbook * Journey through the Radient Citadel * Warlock Lairs – Into the Wilds * Large Graph Paper (affiliate link) * Lazy D&D Monster Tokens
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:38 D&D News: New Product Announcements Tuesday * 05:04 Product Spotlight: Call from the Netherdeep * 22:32 Kickstarter Spotlight: Remarkable Guilds * 27:16 DM Tip: Another Look at "Attack on a Miss" * 35:22 Patreon Question: Players Won't Interact with Quest NPCs * 40:30 Patreon Question: How to Use 3rd Party Monsters * 44:57 Patreon Question: Villainous Banter During Combat * 48:32 Patreon Question: Your Own Canon for Published Campaign Worlds * 51:27 Patreon Question: All-in Group Checks and Secret Ability Checks * 55:36 Patreon Question: Understanding Which Monster Make Sense For a Situation * 59:14 Patreon Question: Overwhelmed with Locations and NPCs in Strixhaven
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Join the Sly Flourish Patreon * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Buy the Lazy DM's Workbook * Enworld on new product announcements * Call from the Netherdeep (affiliate link) * Remarkable Guilds Kickstarter * Ability Check Toolbox
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:34 WOTC Product Spotlight: Heroes of Krynn Playtest * 00:20:07 Product Spotlight: Book of Wondrous Magic Volume 2 * 00:27:18 Product Spotlight: Free Dwarven Forge Adventures * 00:34:33 DM Tip: Attack Again on a Miss * 00:39:19 RPG Industry Tip: Lunch break Heroes on Making Money in RPGs * 00:45:59 Patreon Question: Scaling Combat for Six Players * 00:49:32 Patreon Question: Lazy Tricks for Incorporating Character Backgrounds * 00:53:39 Patreon Question: Tools for In-Person Games * 00:56:47 Patreon Question: Handing Out Magic Items * 00:59:32 Patreon Question: Best Adventure I've Ever Played In * 01:01:16 Patreon Question: Running Structured Social Encounters * 01:03:47 Patreon Question: Blades in the Dark for D&D Heists
Links * Join the Sly Flourish Patreon * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Buy the Lazy DM's Workbook * Heroes of Krynn Unearthed Arcana Playtest * Book of Wondrous Magic Volume 2 * Alphastream on YouTube * Alphastream's Blog and Newsletter * Dwarven Forge Adventures * Lunch Break Heroes on Making a Living in RPGs * Lazy D&D Combat Encounter Benchmark * Tools for In-Person Games * Invasion of the Planet of Tarrasques
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike covers the remainder of the February 2022 Sly Flourish Patreon questions!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:28 Commentary: Patreon Q&A Guidelines * 01:41 Commentary: Disclaimer...I'm Just Sharing My Experiences * 02:45 D&D News: The Lazy D&D Talk Show Topic Database * 04:04 Patreon Question: Managing Mechanics-Focused Players * 07:23 Patreon Question: Being Too Nice? * 10:47 Patreon Question: Limiting Turn Time in Combat * 13:55 Patreon Question: Druids Conjuring Giant Octopi * 17:27 Patreon Question: Projecting Deadly Threats in Numenera * 19:29 DM Tip: Limiting Polymorph by Treating Monster Sightings like Pokemon * 20:46 Patreon Question: Getting Ideas for Fantastic Locations * 22:53 Patreon Question: Managing Table Talk in Online Games * 25:47 Patreon Question: Really Big Pointcrawls? Sure! * 28:28 Patreon Question: Campaign Outlines for Lazy DMs? * 31:08 Patreon Question: Player Agency with Dominated Characters * 33:24 Patreon Question: What Program Did I Layout City of Arches In? * 34:39 Patreon Question: Appendix N for Grendleroot Games * 37:13 Patreon Question: Better System for Quest Rewards? * 38:59 Patreon Question: Upward and Downward Beats During Combat * 41:22 Patreon Question: Selecting Magic Items for Shopping Characters * 43:37 Patreon Question: Experiences Writing City of Arches * 51:42 Patreon Question: Telegraphing Deadly Situations
Links * Ginni Di on Table Talk Etiquette for Online Games * Join the Sly Flourish Patreon for the City of Arches and much more! * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Pick up Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Pick up the Lazy DM's Workbook
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:24 D&D News: City of Arches Updates * 10:06 Commentary: The Shift to Online Play * 18:08 Product Spotlight: Cult of the Hydra * 26:44 Commentary: Writing Expensive Products for the DM's Guild * 36:01 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Read the Books * 40:34 Patreon Question: Building a Dark Lord Boss Monster * 43:34 Patreon Question: Speeding Up Milestone Experience Rewards * 46:00 Patreon Question: Introducing Villains All at Once or One At a Time * 48:30 Patreon Question: Deadly Encounter Benchmark for Level 11+ * 54:01 Patreon Question: Experiences Playing Solo RPGs
Links * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Shift in Online and In Person Play * Roll 20 has 10 million users * Cult of the Hydra * Collective Experiences Running D&D Boss Monsters * Improvising Legendary Boss Monsters Video * Improvising Coleville-style Action Oriented Monsters * Lazy Encounter Benchmark * Ironsworn * Thousand Year Old Vampire * Mork Borg Feretory
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
Mike uses the Lazy DM's Companion and the City of Arches to put together a heist one-shot adventure! See the show notes for details
Links * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Check out the Lazy DM's Companion Sample Pages * Join the Sly Flourish Patreon for the City of Arches and much more! * Check out the final Notion page for the adventure * Learn more about Notion for Lazy Campaign Building * Pick up Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Pick up the Lazy DM's Workbook
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:23 City of Arches Player's Guide * 00:02:39 City of Arches Map by Chloe Bollard * 00:06:19 Obsidian Skull Patreon Adventure * 00:08:26 Lazy D&D Talk Show Topic Database * 00:13:38 Product Spotlight: Uncaged Godesses * 00:27:57 Kickstarter Preview: Old School Essentials * 00:34:57 Patreon Question: Lazy DM Steps for Sandbox Urban Adventures * 00:39:30 Patreon Question: Tips for Running One-on-One D&D Games * 00:42:16 Patreon Question: Tips for Describing Combat * 00:44:14 Patreon Question: Player Worldbuilding * 00:46:08 Patreon Question: Feats in DMG, Magic Items in PHB? * 00:48:12 Patreon Question: Random Tables for Hunt-Based Adventure * 00:51:01 Patreon Question: Character Race and WOTC Storylines * 00:54:30 Patreon Question: Favorite Non-D&D RPG * 00:55:17 Patreon Question: Lazy D&D Tips for Megadungeons * 00:57:06 Patreon Question: Re-Balancing High Level Characters * 01:00:13 Patreon Question: Filtering New Players for Online Games
Links * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Uncaged Godesses * Old School Essentials Kickstarter * A Framework for One-on-One D&D Games: Sherlock Holmes and Watson * Balancing D&D Combat for One-on-One Play * Running One-on-One D&D
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
- Injecting the Weird
- Voices in the Datasphere
- Technology Compendium: Sir Arthour’s Guide to the Numenera
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00:00 Show Start * 00:00:37 Lightning Rods - Leaning In on Powerful Character Abilities * 00:10:19 New D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle * 00:15:32 Kickstarter Spotlight: Epic Legacy - Tome of Titans 2 * 00:26:21 Product Spotlight: Home Field Advantage - Lair Actions for Most D&D Monsters * 00:37:16 Alphastream on Spellcasting Monsters * 00:51:40 Patreon Question: Using GM Intrusions from Numenera in 5e * 00:55:24 Patreon Question: Setting Up Gamestore Games for New Players * 00:57:13 Patreon Question: Faster Leveling in Witchlight * 01:00:16 Patreon Question: Overwhelmed with Lore * 01:03:02 Patreon Question: Lazy DM Tips for Drawing Maps
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Ginni Di on Leaning In on Powerful Character Abilities * Nerd Immersion on New D&D Starter Set * EnWorld on New D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle * Ray Winninger on Starter Set Price Error * Kickstarter: Epic Legacy Tome of Titans 2 * Home Field Advantage: A Compendium of Lair Actions * Alphastream: The Future "We" Want for Spellcasting Monsters * Alphastream: How WotC Already Found the Future of Spellcasting Monsters * Dyson Map Key for drawing quick battle maps * Map Fu by Chris Perkins * Map Fu SF Archive
Mike prepares to run his next session of his Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
- Injecting the Weird
- Voices in the Datasphere
- Technology Compendium: Sir Arthour’s Guide to the Numenera
- Taking the Narrative by the Tail: GM Intrusions & Special Effects
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:51 Kickstarter Spotlight: Elements of Inspiration Decks * 05:53 Product Spotlight: Dragonflight by 2C Gaming * 27:09 Sly Flourish Patreon Product: The City of Arches Guidebook * 38:55 Patreon Question: Running Sandbox Games with the Eight Steps * 42:47 Patreon Question: Going Too Far with End-of-Campaign Montages * 44:49 Patreon Question: Underused Nugget from the Eight Steps? * 46:28 Patreon Question: Good Aspects of 4e * 49:10 Patreon Question: Organizing Useful Info from RPG PDFs * 52:27 Patreon Question: Running Labyrinths in D&D * 55:22 Patreon Question: Preparing Upward and Downward Beats * 59:24 Patreon Question: Preparing Options after a Cliffhanger Battle
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Elements of Inspiration Deck Kickstarter * Dragonflight by 2C Gaming
Mike offers tips and discussion for chapter 1 of Wild Beyond the Witchlight and prepares to run chapter 2!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 01:20 Top Three Tips for running Chapter 1 of Wild Beyond the Witchlight * 11:25 Other Tips for Running Wild Beyond the Witchlight * 14:30 What Did I Do in Chapter 1 in My Game? * 23:36 Adding Dreadful Incursions - Not Good for Every Witchlight Campaign * 28:41 Thoughts about Chapter 2 * 35:13 Prepping my Next Session in Chapter 2 * 48:16 Building a Dreadful Incursion * 58:38 Finishing Up our Session Prep
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Buy Wild Beyond the Witchlight on Amazon (affiliate link) * Wild Beyond the Witchlight Notion Template * Wild Beyond the Witchlight One-Page Campaign Guide * Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planning
Mike prepares to run his session zero of his first Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
- Injecting the Weird
- Jade Colossus
WOTC's new president, Lazy DM's Companion PDF for sale, Tal'Dorei Reborn product spotlight, more on Monsters of the Multiverse monster difficulty, and February Patreon Q&A in this week's Lazy D&D Talk Show!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:35 New President of Wizards of the Coast and the Unpredictability of the Future of D&D * 07:20 Lazy DM's Companion PDF Now for General Sale! * 08:36 Tal'Dorei Reborn Product Spotlight * 25:17 Videos and Articles about Monster Difficulty in Monsters of the Multiverse * 37:57 Patreon Question: Running with One Remote Player and Three Physical Players * 41:55 Patreon Question: Running a Predator-style Adventure that Doesn't Suck * 45:55 Patreon Question: Any Further Tips on Campaign Development? Not really! * 47:51 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Use More Character Features * 50:31 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Understand Old-School Style Adventures in 5e * 53:29 Patreon Question: Building Legacy Weapons that Scale Up in Power
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * New WOTC President – Cynthia Williams * Lazy DM's Companion PDF for general sale! * Tal'Dorei Reborn
Mike discusses his Blades in the Dark finale and thoughts about the game.
- Blades in the Dark
- Blades in the Dark Cheat Sheet by Justin Alexander
- Blades in the Dark Notion Campaign Notebook
- Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planning
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares to run his session zero of his first Numenera campaign!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Companion
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Numenera Lazy DM Campaign Notebook
- Numenera Discovery
- Injecting the Weird
- Jade Colossus
Mike goes through the final 33 Patreon questions of January 2022!
Contents * 00:00:00 Show Intro * 00:01:01 Cliche Bad Guy Expositions * 00:02:49 Managing Treasure Distribution * 00:05:08 Describing Three of Five Keys In Fiction * 00:07:30 Building Quick Monsters from Scratch * 00:09:39 Incorporating Character Backstories - Not for Everyone * 00:13:46 Lazy Tips for Character Retreats * 00:17:41 Sly Flourish DM Screen? * 00:21:05 Creating Interesting Combat Encounters * 00:25:12 Adding New Characters to Descent into Avernus * 00:27:06 Making a CR 3 Vampire * 00:28:56 More Sly Flourish Streamed D&D Games? Nope, Sorry. * 00:30:29 Running One-Hour D&D Games * 00:33:33 Tracking Factions in Notion * 00:35:26 One-Page Campaign Guide for Homebrew Worlds * 00:38:49 Setup for Running Games Online * 00:41:08 Experience with Devesting Critical Hits * 00:42:05 Using Extra Encounters for WOTC Hardcover Campaigns * 00:43:33 Fog of War for Tabletop Maps * 00:46:01 Secrets and Clues for West Marches Games * 00:48:16 Managing Monsters with Debilitating Fun-Stealing Effects * 00:51:04 OGL Good for Smaller Publishers? Not sure. * 00:52:57 Running Grendleroot in Avernus * 00:54:10 Integrating Monuments * 00:55:50 Running Forgotten Realms for Knowledgable Players * 00:58:05 Running Townbuilding Scenarios * 00:59:44 Revealing Pointcrawls to Players * 01:01:59 Playing in an 11-year-old's D&D Game * 01:03:01 Running Grendleroot to 20th Level * 01:04:31 Converting Settings to Other Systems and Running Fate * 01:07:12 Speeding Up Combat * 01:09:10 High-Level Relics Too Powerful? Nope! * 01:11:03 Getting Players to Roleplay With Each Other * 01:12:26 Revealing Numenera to Unknowing Characters
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Ruins of the Grendleroot * Shawn Merwin Deep Dive on One-Hour Games * Three of Five Keys * Sly Flourish D&D Cheat Sheet * Running a West Marches Grendleroot Campaign
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:29 My friend Bryan and the Importance of D&D * 08:07 Quick Thoughts on Blades in the Dark * 09:23 Further Thoughts on D&D Beyond and Monsters of the Multiverse * 12:28 Kickstarter Spotlight: Tome of Beasts 3 by Kobold Press (Sponsored) * 17:04 Product Spotlight: Level Up 5e Monstrous Menagerie * 42:58 Patreon Q&A * 43:23 Patreon Question: 5e's Time Sinks * 48:22 Patreon Question: Do Monster Dials Prevent Character Death? * 50:27 Patreon Question: Digital 3rd Party Products Outside of PDFs? * 53:09 Patreon Question: Tips for Monster Morale * 55:18 Patreon Question: 4e Modules of Note for 5e Conversion? * 56:59 Patreon Question: Secrets, Clues, and Discoveries for Numenera
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Playing D&D Can Save Your Life * Tome of Beasts 3 Kickstarter (Sponsored) * Level Up Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie * Madness at Gardmore Abbey
Mike prepares for his Blades in the Dark game.
- Blades in the Dark
- Blades in the Dark Cheat Sheet by Justin Alexander
- Blades in the Dark Notion Campaign Notebook
- Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planning
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:38 Lazy DM's Companion PDF Delivered! * 09:29 Monsters of the Multiverse on D&D Beyond on May 17th * 13:25 MotM Not Updating Previous Content on D&D Beyond * 23:26 A Look at Monsters of the Multiverse Stat Blocks * 47:56 Patreon Question: Transitions Between Scenes and Encounters * 50:47 Patreon Question: Running "World Without Heroes" Campaign * 53:35 Patreon: Using Callbacks * 56:08 Patreon Question: Problems and Benefits of D&D Canon * 59:36 Patreon Question: Bite-sized Lore and Inspiration
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preorder the Lazy DM's Companion * Monsters of the Multiverse on D&D Beyond on 17 May 2022 * Enworld on Monsters of the Multiverse not replacing existing monsters * Reddit transcript of D&D Beyond Twitch show on Monsters of the Multiverse * DDB Taking Queues from WOTC on MotM integration * Brandes Soddard's Twitter Preview of MotM * See Brandes Soddard's media files for all of his MotM previews * Level Up 5e Monstrous Menagerie (affiliate link) * A World Without Heroes: A 1st to 20th level Campaign Outline
Mike talks about his first full session of Wild Beyond the Witchlight.
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 02:10 Seven D&D Tips from Last Night's Game * 12:31 The Theme of Witchlight and the Dreadful Incursions * 16:42 The Characters in my Witchlight Campaign * 21:22 First Witchlight Session Retrospective * 45:11 Prep for my Next Session * 59:49 Listing the Cool Dreadful Domains for Dreadful Incursions
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy the Lazy DM's Companion * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Buy Wild Beyond the Witchlight on Amazon (affiliate link) * Wild Beyond the Witchlight Notion Template * Wild Beyond the Witchlight One-Page Campaign Guide * Eventyr's Complete DM's Bundle for Wild Beyond the Witchlight (affiliate link) * Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planning
Mike prepares for his Blades in the Dark game.
- Blades in the Dark
- Blades in the Dark Cheat Sheet by Justin Alexander
- Blades in the Dark Notion Campaign Notebook
- Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planning
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D! Sorry about the plosives in the recording, I was speaking too much into the mic (no need to comment =))
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:41 Lazy DMs Companion Update - All is Great! * 05:02 Thoughts about Wild Beyond the Witchlight Sesson Zero * 15:42 More on D&D Not Being Like World of Warcraft * 33:05 Patreon Questions * 33:28 Patreon Question: Revisiting Old Eliminated Prep Areas * 36:04 Patreon Question: Preparing Multiple Sessions in Advance * 38:35 Patreon Question: Handling Unexpected Character Deaths * 41:25 Patreon Question: Publishing Homebrew Campaigns * 45:14 Patreon Question: Favorite and Least Favorite Parts of 5e Seven Years In * 51:07 Patreon Question: Evaluating Published Adventures * 55:30 Patreon Question: DCs Higher than 30 and Choosing DCs based on the Characters
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preorder the Lazy DM's Companion
Mike's special mic-check episode of the Lazy D&D Talk show. Just general chatter about lots of random stuff.
Contents * 00:00:00 Show Intro * 00:01:16 What Did I Do Today? * 00:03:33 Cobra Kai * 00:05:15 Reddit on Character Race Changes * 00:13:12 Checking my Mic * 00:16:58 Predictions on the Next D&D * 00:18:47 Jim Collins's "Good to Great" and Wizards of the Coast * 00:28:07 Lots of Monster Books Coming * 00:28:50 Dangerous Destinations by Nord Games * 00:32:32 Potential Numenera Campaign Adventures * 00:45:17 Alphastream's New Patreon * 00:49:23 My Dream: An RPG Industry Talk Show * 00:52:45 Mike's Next Thing... (Join Patreon to find out!) * 00:55:35 Latest Lazy DM's Companion Preview * 01:06:54 How do you Grow Your Patreon
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preorder the Lazy DM's Companion * Good to Great * Five Stages of Decline * Dangerous Destinations Preorder Page * Alphastream's New Patreon
Mike prepares for his full Blades in the Dark game.
- Blades in the Dark Blades in the Dark Notion Campaign Notebook
- Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planning
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his session zero of Wizards of the Coast hardcover adventure Wild Beyond the Witchlight! Video contents
- 00:00 Show Intro
- 01:09 How I feel about Wild Beyond the Witchlight
- 07:41 Running a Session Zero
- 12:15 Witchlight Campaign One-Pager
- 39:26 Reading and Absorbing Wild Beyond the Witchlight
- 44:04 Adding Dreadful Incursions for Combat Options in Witchlight
- 57:13 Prepping the First Session at the Witchlight Carnival
Links * Buy Wild Beyond the Witchlight on Amazon (affiliate link) * Wild Beyond the Witchlight Notion Template * Eventyr's Complete DM's Bundle for Wild Beyond the Witchlight (affiliate link) * Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planning * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 01:24 WOTC CEO Chris Cocks Promoted to Hasbro CEO * 10:03 Kickstarter Spotlight: Limitless Heroics * 14:53 Kickstarter Spotlight: Adventurer's Guide to the Bible * 18:47 Kickstarter Spotlight: Nerdarchy's Mage Forge * 20:33 Kickstarter Preview Spotlight: Tome of Beasts 3 by Kobold Press * 22:31 Product Spotlight: What Crooked Roots * 28:04 4e Skill Challenges vs. Blades Progress Clocks * 34:52 Patreon Questions * 35:27 Patreon Question: Keeping High Levels Challenging * 41:00 Patreon Question: Sly Flourish Books on Roll 20? * 44:44 Patreon Question: When Do You Give Out the One-Page Campaign Guide? * 46:19 Patreon Question: Pre- and Post-Game Rituals * 48:34 Patreon Question: Running Complicated Political Intrigue * 51:12 This Isn't Gospel. I'm Just Sharing My Experiences * 52:05 Patreon Question: Good 5-Page Product Types? * 56:11 Patreon Question: Running RPGs for Kids? * 57:55 Patreon Question: Good Downward Beats from Hamlet's Hit Points * 59:25 Patreon Question: Scaling D&D for Three Characters
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Kickstarter: Limitless Heroics * Kickstarter: Adventurer's Guide to the Bible * Kickstarter: Mage Forge * Kickstarter: Tome of Beasts 3 * What Crooked Roots (affiliate link) * Mike on Progress Clocks * RPG Kids * No Thank You Evil * Honey Heist * Hamlet's Hit Points
Mike prepares for his first full Blades in the Dark game.
- Blades in the Dark Blades in the Dark Notion Campaign Notebook
- Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planning
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Notable 3rd party D&D products of 2021 and Patreon Questions!
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 00:12 Mastering Dungeons for D&D News * 01:14 Lazy DM Companion Art Previews * 04:44 Notable 5e Third-Party Products in 2021 * 06:02 Arcadia by MCDM * 08:54 The Book of Fiends by Robert Schwalb and Green Ronin * 10:11 Complete Kobold's Guide to Monsters by Kobold Press * 11:43 Iskandar by MT Black * 12:32 Level Up Advanced 5e by EnWorld Publishing * 14:08 Ptolus 5e by Monte Cook Games * 16:12 Scarlet Citadel by Kobold Press * 18:16 Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands by Raging Swan Press * 19:22 Southlands by Kobold Press * 20:19 Vault of Magic by Kobold Press * 21:49 Where the Machines Wait by Monte Cook Games * 24:56 Patreon Questions * 25:22 Patreon Question: Epic and Meaningful Deaths * 28:58 Patreon Question: Handling Petrification and Flight * 30:40 Chamber of Secrets - Worst Harry Potter Movie * 33:19 Patreon Question: Rolling Secret Rolls for Characters * 35:29 Patreon Question: Organizing Digital Products * 40:18 Patreon Question: Tying Hooks to Characters in Published Adventures * 42:55 Patreon Question: Separating Treasure, Traps, and Locations in Prep * 43:46 Patreon Question: Thoughts on 1st Level Adventures * 45:37 Patreon Question: Revealing Pointcrawl Maps to Players * 49:46 Patreon Question: Tying Characters to Linear Adventures * 51:31 Patreon Question: Gaslighting Players and the False Hydra * 55:05 Patreon Question: Tracking In-World Time * 57:24 Patreon Question: Go-To Reskinnable Monsters * 59:31 Patreon Question: Preparing GM Intrusions with Cypher System
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preoder the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Mastering Dungeons Podcast * Favorite 2021 3rd party D&D Products Tweet Thread * Arcadia by MCDM * The Book of Fiends by Robert Schwalb and Green Ronin * Complete Kobold Guide to Monsters * Iskandar by MT Black * Level Up Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie by EnWorld Publishing * Ptolus 5e by Monte Cook Games * Scarlet Citadel by Kobold Press * Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands by Raging Swan Press * Southlands by Kobold Press * Vault of Magic by Kobold Press * Where the Machines Wait by Monte Cook Games * Pointcrawls * Mermaid graphs * Organizing RPG Products Tweet Thread
Mike prepares for his session zero of Blades in the Dark!
- Blades in the Dark Blades in the Dark Notion Campaign Notebook
- Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planning
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
- 00:00 Show Intro
- 00:23 DM Tip: Lightning Rods in Boss Fights
- 09:04 Player Campaign Survey Results
- 17:16 1,100 Pages of Awesome 5e Third-Party Books in One Day
- 27:21 Patreon Questions
- 28:18 Patreon Question: What Lazy DM Material Do I No Longer Agree With?
- 34:14 Patreon Question: Help Struggling Players Explore
- 39:26 Patreon Question: Organizing Campaigns in Notion, OneNote, and Other Tools
- 45:35 Patreon Question: Character Options in One-Page Campaign Guides
- 48:41 Patreon Question: Game Intro Rituals
- 51:01 Patreon Question: Concluding a Campaign with Limited Time Left
- 52:47 Patreon Question: Point Crawls with Geographic Maps
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preoder the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Player Campaign Survey Results * Grim Hollow Monster Grimoire * Grim Hollow Monster Grimoire Lairs * Dungeons of Drakkenheim * Remarkable Inns * Remarkable Shops * Remarkable Cults
After finishing his Rime of the Frostmaiden campaign, Mike offers his thoughts and advice for the adventure and describes the epic conclusion to his campaign.
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 01:14 Experiences and Tips for Running Rime of the Frostmaiden * 02:07 Be ready to modify a lot of this adventure * 04:01 Cut quests liberally from chapter 1. It's far too big. * 05:46 Add quests, adventure paths, and keys to tie chapter 2 to the rest of the adventure * 07:38 Modify the timing of the Chardalyn dragon's attack to suit your story * 09:47 Add trials of Auril based on the characters' backgrounds and drives * 11:23 Tie Grimskalle and Ythryn together as requirements to end the Endless Night * 13:03 The Conclusion to Mike's Frostmaiden Campaign * 18:49 The Final Battle - Waves of Nasty Monsters and Lightning Rods! * 28:21 The Final Sacrifice * 32:03 One Year Later... * 41:06 The End of my 18th campaign in seven years * 44:45 Preview of the Witchlight campaign: Dreadful Incursions!
Links * Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden Notion Notebook * Rime of the Frostmaiden One-Page Campaign Guide * Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planning * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike prepares for his final session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 00:45 Lazy DM's Companion Art and Maps Preview * 03:53 D&D Errata and Feedback * 17:39 Kickstarter and Blockchain - Ugh. * 25:48 D&D Beyond Combat Tracker Automatically Includes Character Initiative! * 31:45 Dungeon Craft Reviews Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * 33:45 RPG Spotlight on Index Card RPG * 40:48 Patreon Questions * 41:07 Patreon Question: Filling Empty Rooms * 46:05 Patreon Question: Homebrewing Rest Mechanics * 49:28 Patreon Question: One-line 5e Monster Stat Blocks? * 51:44 Patreon Question: What's In the Lazy Player's Guide? * 53:37 Patreon Question: Adding Fate-style Aspects to D&D Games * 56:12 Patreon Question: Advice for Adventurer's League DMs?
Links * D&D Errata * Kickstarter on Blockchain * Kickstarter Announces Blockchain Future, Doubles Down After Users Say 'No Thank You' * D&D Beyond Combat Tracker Auto-Tracking Character Initiative * Dungeon Craft Ultimate Dungeon Terrain * Dungeon Craft review of Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Dungeon Craft spotlight on Index Card RPG * Index Card RPG Free Preview * Index Card Hardcover * Index Card Master Edition PDF * Index Card Essentials Deck * Lazy DM's Companion Free Preview (with Monument generators!) * Good Behaviors for D&D Players * Building a Great D&D Character
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike offers some thoughts and shares some experiences on the topic of what it takes to "make it" in the D&D and RPG industry. No magic bullets here but hopefully some useful thoughts on the topic.
Contents * 00:01:03 What does "Making It" Mean to You? * 00:04:30 Advice is Bullshit * 00:06:28 The Duality of Optimism and Pragmatism * 00:09:46 Practical Advice (oops) * 00:13:07 Use Lots of Platforms * 00:14:38 The Marketing Funnel * 00:21:33 The Value of Email Newsletters * 00:28:09 Getting Attention - Go Wide * 00:28:42 What About Podcasting? * 00:32:17 What About Conventions? * 00:33:59 Consistency + Visibility. Both Are Important. * 00:38:13 40% Find Me Through YouTube * 00:43:17 What Products Should One Make? * 00:54:37 RPG Writer's Workshop * 00:56:22 Where Do You Sell Your Stuff? * 01:08:37 Final Thoughts (NOT ADVICE!)
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * John Baldessari and the Three Rules for Artists * Washington Post article about the Twitch streamer * Glengarry Glen Ross Put the Coffee Down * The Marketing Funnel * Great video on the value of newsletters * Tubebuddy * Rob Schwalb's Short Adventures * Raging Swan Press * Waterdeep City Encounters * Dyson's Commercial-Usable Maps * Adventure Writers Workshop
Mike does a spotlight look at the new Wizards of the Coast hardcover D&D sourcebook and adventure, Strixhaven, a Curriculum of Chaos.
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 02:16 Digital vs. Physical. Why not both? * 04:08 A Different Kind of Sourcebook * 05:57 Magic University * 07:15 Three Facts about Strixhaven * 17:39 A Place You Want to Go * 26:42 Character Options * 44:06 School is in Session * 52:31 Mike Hates the D4. Worst Die Ever. * 56:20 Let's Look at Monsters
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike talks about all things D&D! Open up these notes for video contents and links.
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 01:33 Lazy DM's Companion Update * 04:09 Tips for High CR Monster Damage * 13:10 Product Spotlight: Southlands by Kobold Press * 37:59 DM Tip: Don't Punish Characters Taking Initiative * 42:47 Patreon Questions * 43:16 Patreon Question: Restarting an Old Campaign * 45:42 Patreon Question: Transitioning a Game to a New DM * 48:02 Patreon Question: Unconnected Fronts * 51:31 Patreon Question: What's the Problem with Twilight and Peace Clerics? * 59:16 Patreon Question: Breaking Up with a Player or Game
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preoder the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Southlands by Kobold Press
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Lazy DM Companion update, Polls on Fudging HP, Silvery Barbs and Opting-In for Non-Core books, Blades in the Dark, and Patreon Questions!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:39 Lazy DM's Companion Update * 07:55 Fudging Hit Point Polls for DMs and Players * 11:06 Silvery Barbs and Opting-In for Non-Core Books * 23:16 Blades in the Dark Spotlight * 38:32 December Patreon Questions * 39:08 Patreon Question: Too Much Hoarding of Physical Books? * 42:13 Patreon Question: Options for Zombie Characters? * 44:47 Patreon Question: Procedures for Dungeon Crawls * 47:49 Patreon Question: Balancing the Campaign Theme and Six Truths in Spiral Campaign Development * 51:43 Patreon Question: High Charisma "Face" Characters Stealing the Show in RP Scenes
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preoder the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Fudging HP Poll (Players) * Fudging HP Poll (DM) * Think DM: Why Are DMs Banning Silvery Barbs * Blades in the Dark * Blades in the Dark Player's Kit * Video on Spiral Campaign Development
Mike chats about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00:00 Show Intro * 00:01:12 Lazy DM Companion Update * 00:03:59 The Sly Flourish After-School RPG Grant * 00:06:22 D&D Beyond Usage Poll * 00:11:45 Patreon Q&A * 00:12:16 Patreon Question: Tuning Encounters Around Your Group * 00:19:30 Patreon Question: Noir-Style Adventures in Tier 2+ * 00:24:00 Patreon Question: Running Fun High-Level (Level 16+) Campaigns * 00:30:36 Patreon Question: More Stuff for Martial Characters * 00:34:11 Patreon Question: Players Hoarding Relics and Magic Items * 00:38:34 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Use High Level Spells * 00:39:54 Patreon Question: Balancing Custom Monsters * 00:45:26 Patreon Question: Completely Improvising a Session * 00:49:02 Patreon Question: Making Use of Tool Proficiencies * 00:52:55 Patreon Question: Avoiding Plot-Armor for Character-Focused Plots * 00:55:45 Patreon Question: Rewarding Magic Items While Avoiding Overpowering Characters * 01:01:53 Patreon Question: Incorporating Character Secrets * 01:05:50 Chat Question: Magic Item Identification * 01:06:40 Chat Question: Converting Older Adventures * 01:07:09 Chat Question: Fistful of Copper * 01:07:43 Chat Question: Creating Rivals * 01:08:53 Chat Question: Ideal Endings * 01:11:38 Chat Question: Recommended Books, TV Shows, Movies, and Games? * 01:13:39 Chat Question: Grendleroot with Small Parties * 01:14:00 Show Ending
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preoder the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Sly Flourish After-School RPG Program Grants * D&D Beyond Usage Poll * Lazy Encounter Benchmark
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 01:02 Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter Update * 02:30 Mastering Dungeons on Fizban's Treasury of Dragons * 08:14 Improvising Monsters With Stat Tables * 18:16 Using Different Monster Books for Different Areas * 19:52 Sharing Experiences - Not Offering Advice * 23:26 Patreon Questions * 23:42 Patreon Question: The Non-Core Books with the Biggest Impact on D&D * 27:44 Patreon Question: Running Games at a Game Store * 31:48 Patreon Question: Using Old School Essentials to Teach D&D? * 36:17 Patreon Question: Challenging both Optimized and Non-Optimized Characters * 41:52 Patreon Question: Guidelines for Alternative Systems * 45:02 Patreon Question: Thinking About Villains Early On * 47:17 Patreon Questions: Managing PC Home Bases * 48:38 Patreon Question: Managing Character Creation for New Players * 51:26 Patreon Question: Is D&D Become Less Flexible? No.
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preoder the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Mastering Dungeons on Fizban's Treasury of Dragons * Blog of Holding, Monster Manual on a Business Card * Managing Time * Old School Essentials * D&D Basic Rules * Teaching New Players D&D Video * Lord Gozumba's D&D Twitch Show * Ythryn Expanded Towers by Daniel Khan * Deep Magic by Kobold Press
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:34 Patreon Update: Sly Flourish's Uncovered Secrets Volume 1 & 2 * 02:59 Lazy DM Companion Update * 03:55 DM Prep with Obsidian.md * 13:19 Kickstarter: Expedition to the Mysterious Peaks * 15:16 Kickstarter: cy_borg * 20:05 Product Spotlight: Mork Borg Feretory * 27:18 DM Tip: Beefing Up 5e Vampires * 31:05 Using Fizban's Treasury of Dragons in Play * 34:14 Patreon Question: Setting the Mood * 39:10 Patreon Question: Planning Upward and Downward Beats * 42:42 Patreon Question: Has Character Death Become Taboo? * 50:57 Patreon Question: Satisfying Conclusions for Weak Villains
Links * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preoder the Lazy DM's Companion * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Obsidian.md * Nicole van der Hoeven's video on using Obsidian with D&D Prep * Kickstarter: Expedition to the Mysterious Peaks * Kickstarter: cy_borg * Mork Borg Feretory * Descent into Avernus: Fall of Elturel * Campfire Story Prompts During Rests in D&D
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00:44 Preorder Page for the Lazy DM's Companion * 00:03:21 Thoughts on Fizban's Treasury of Dragons * 00:12:43 WOTC's Problem with High CR Damage * 00:20:45 Kickstarter: Planegea by Atlast Games * 00:23:05 Kickstarter: Skyraiders of Abraxis by Laura and Tracy Hickman * 00:25:06 Kickstarter: Rewards and Rarities by 2C Gaming * 00:27:13 Kickstarter: Reliquaries by Dwarven Forge * 00:32:04 Transitioning to 70% Online Play * 00:35:39 Spotlight: Vault of Magic by Kobold Press * 00:44:19 Patreon Questions and Answers * 00:45:14 Patreon Question: Transitioning to Published Adventures * 00:47:46 Patreon Question: Worrying about Subverting Expectations * 00:50:37 Patreon Question: Character Deaths and New Characters * 00:53:21 Patreon Question: Keeping Track of Characters' Knowledge * 00:55:02 Patreon Question: Handling NPC to NPC Conversations * 00:56:34 Patreon Question: Adding Details to Fantastic Locations
Links * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Preoder the Lazy DM's Companion * Level Up Advanced 5e * Kickstarter: Planegea by Atlast Games * Kickstarter: Skyraiders of Abraxis by Laura and Tracy Hickman * Kickstarter: Rewards and Rarities by 2C Gaming * Kickstarter: Reliquaries by Dwarven Forge * Vault of Magic by Kobold Press
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:01:01 Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter * 00:02:14 Thoughts on Ravenloft Halloween One-Shot * 00:13:32 Fizban's Treasury of Dragons * 00:21:50 Kickstarter: Amazing Encounters and Places * 00:24:29 Kickstarter: Potbellied Kobold's Guide to Villains and Lairs * 00:25:33 Kickstarter: Planebreaker * 00:28:24 Numenera Humble Bundle * 00:30:02 Kickstarter: Book of Ebon Tides * 00:31:02 Building RPG Companies Around Kickstarter * 00:32:43 Patreon Question: Best Encounters for 1st Session * 00:36:54 Patreon Question: Ideal Sidekicks for One-on-One Games * 00:38:46 Patreon Question: Running Natural Disasters as Villains * 00:41:57 Patreon Question: Ideal Facts for the "Six Truths" when Campaign Building * 00:43:38 Patreon Question: Lazy Prep for Dungeons * 00:46:42 Patreon Question: Process for Building Boss Monsters * 00:50:58 Patreon Question: Tell Players about Monster Immunities and Legendary Resistances * 00:54:02 Patreon Question: Lazy Prep for Marathon Sessions * 00:56:22 Patreon Question: Ideal Number of Sessions for Milestone Leveling * 00:57:24 Patreon Question: Keeping the Tension in Roleplay Scenes * 00:58:26 Patreon Question: Using Lazy DM Steps for Other RPGs * 01:00:20 Patreon Question: Failing Forward on a TPK?
Links * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Lazy DM's Companion * Running a One-Shot Ravenloft Game Video * Running a One-Shot Ravenloft Game Article * Draft One-Shot Strahd Stat Block * Kickstarter: Amazing Encounters and Places * Kickstarter: Potbellied Kobold's Guide to Villains and Lairs * Kickstarter: Planebreaker by Monte Cook Games * Numenera Humble Bundle * Kickstarter: Book of Ebon Tides by Kobold Press * Running 1st Level Encounters * Tier-based Quests and Adventures * Spiral Campaign Development Video * Dan Dillion's Tweets on Tuning Bosses * Think Through the Eyes of your NPCs
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:39 Artwork from the Lazy DM's Companion * 03:22 Mike on D&D Beyond Talking Fizbans * 04:21 Call from the Netherdeep Announced * 06:23 Critical Role Season 3 * 08:10 Critical Role's Gaming Room * 10:03 How Much Better Would Your Game Be with a Million Dollar Gaming Room? * 20:15 Mastering Dungeons * 20:59 WOTC's D&D Growth Over Time * 25:01 Paizo's Union * 27:23 Level Up: Advanced 5e Kickstarter * 29:42 Raiders of the Serpent Sea Kickstarter * 31:04 Kickstarters are the Most Interesting Growth Areas of RPGs * 35:36 Patreon Questions! * 36:11 Patreon Question: Running Lighthearted Campaigns * 41:38 Which Third Party Products to Trust? * 48:24 Running Chases in D&D * 55:43 Avenues for Indy RPG Creation - Newsletters!!
Links * Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter * Mike on D&D Beyond Talking about Fizban's Treasury of Dragons * Call from the Netherdeep * Critical Role in Variety * Critical Role's Gaming Room * Hidden Brain podcast on Fear of Missing Out * Select the Right Accessories * The Best Ways to Improve your D&D Game are Free * Mastering Dungeons * D&D Growth Over Time * Level Up: Advanced 5e Kickstarter * Raiders of the Serpent Sea Kickstarter
Mike uses material from the Lazy DM's Companion to continue his preparation for a single-session D&D game!
Back the Kickstarter!
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:29 Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter * 03:14 Fizban's Treasury of Dragons * 05:38 The dragons in the First World * 10:48 Aspect of Tiamat, Great Wyrm stat blocks, and spellcasting dragons * 18:32 Monster Design Guidelines from WOTC * 23:45 13th Age Spotlight * 43:30 Patreon Question: Tracking what happened * 46:44 Patreon Question: Putting on pressure in flexible campaigns * 51:26 Patreon Question: The 8 steps in a megadungeon * 54:29 Patreon Question: Putting puzzles into your game
Links * Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Let's Make an Adventure with the Lazy DM's Companion * Fry's Walkthrough of Fizban's Treasury of Dragons * Mastering Dungeons
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike uses material from the Lazy DM's Companion to build an adventure!
- Support the Lazy DM's Companion on Kickstarter!
- Single-Page Notion Lazy DM Adventure Template
- Dungeon of Shadow - the results of this "let's make an adventure"
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:40 Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter * 03:24 Mastering Dungeons Live on Twitch * 05:12 More New D&D Core Book Thoughts * 05:41 This is Different from Other D&D Revisions * 09:48 Thoughts on New Monster Design * 11:57 Thoughts on the Different D&D Communities * 22:28 On Fudging Hit Points * 30:43 Patreon Questions * 31:54 How do you handle the number of monsters with the lazy benchmark? * 38:21 How do you keep a 20th level party going? * 41:38 Making Your Own Encounter Tables * 45:15 Better Support for Tier 3 and 4? * 56:34 Can't Remember Spell Details? That's ok!
Links * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Lazy DMs Companion Kickstarter * 2nd Kickstarter Q&A Video * Analysis of the D&D Twitter Community (2017) * Daniel Kwan on Fudging Hit Points * 2C Gaming's Epic Legacy * 2C Gaming's Total Party Kill Bestiary Vol 1 * 2C Gaming's Total Party Kill Bestiary Vol 2
Mike goes through more questions for the Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter!
Links * Back the Kickstarter
Contents * 00:00 Start - About the Kickstarter * 02:09 Any modifications based on upcoming D&D changes? No. * 04:05 Will the Companion be useful for non-D&D games? Yes! * 05:05 Can you show the book in action? Yes! Next time. * 06:33 Will the spiral-bound Workbook be available post-Kickstarter? Yes! * 07:36 Really? No Stretch goals? Yep, no stretch goals. * 09:04 Will the PDFs come through DriveThruRPG? Yes! * 09:22 Will we get the PDFs of existing books right away? Yes! * 10:00 Will the digital versions include existing ePubs? Yes! * 10:44 Can we get the physical versions of the "Fantastic" book add-ons? Not through the Kickstarter. * 11:52 Is the Companion "Done"? No. First draft is done. * 13:02 Can we see what the books will look like? Not yet. * 13:30 Can we add audiobooks as add-ons? Unfortunately, no. * 15:00 Can I print maps for my own private use? Yes. * 15:17 Can I give away extra digital copies? Yes. * 16:02 Can we get the digital art as a download? Yes. * 17:41 Will these questions get added to the FAQ? Yes. * 18:09 Will there be a retailer pledge? No, but... * 19:16 Will the printed books be available on Amazon? Yes, eventually. * 20:19 Will Return look like Babar in hardcover? No. * 21:17 Going to any conventions this year? No. * 23:05 How different are the printed books from PoD? Nicer! * 25:03 Experiences with Off-set Printing? Too early to say. * 29:12 Plans for different languages? Not at the moment. * 31:30 How do you plan to cope with the next 21 days? It's great! * 35:48 A look at the TOC and design of the Companion * 37:03 The Lands of the Fey page and design * 42:51 Turning a 1d20 list into a 1d400 list * 45:23 Useful guidelines and generators each in a single page * 48:00 Not re-creating existing guidelines * 49:36 Monster templates * 57:57 Can I mix and match physical and PDF orders? Yes!
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike offers advice for recovering from a bad D&D game.
- YouTube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Workbook
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 01:09 Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter * 05:23 New D&D Core Books coming in 2024 * 21:04 Mordenkainen's Guide to the Monsters of the Multiverse * 31:41 WOTC Doesn't Control D&D – We do * 40:06 The Potential D&D Digital Armageddon * 51:08 Patreon Question: Oscar M. Connecting Characters in an Ongoing Campaign * 54:49 Patreon Question: Tim S. Spiral Campaigns in Cities * 57:30 Patreon Question: Pierce S on Countdown Clocks in D&D
Links * Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * D&D WOTC Future of D&D Panel Video * Comparison of Old and New Monsters from Volo's Guide
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks all about the Lazy DMs Companion and takes questions from Twitch. Join the Kickstarter here!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/slyflourish/the-lazy-dms-companion?ref=9hlew2
Show Contents
- 00:00 Intro
- 2:27 Will there be a hardcover version of the Handbook?
- 3:20 How come no stretch goals?
- 6:25 Is the hardcover of Return different?
- 8:56 Have you thought about combining the three books into one?
- 14:56 Who are the artists behind this great art?
- 16:25 How useful do you expect it to be for other systems and editions?
- 19:40 Will the shipping cost change?
- 20:20 Is the book future proof?
- 27:40 Will there be any changes to the Lazy Combat Encounter Guide?
- 31:46 What do you know about 6e?
- 32:37 Is there something you wanted in the book that didn't make it?
- 36:16 Have I started my next book? NO!
- 37:07 Ever considered WOTC-hardcover-focused guides and products?
- 39:20 Does the Lazy DM's Companion include downtime activities? No.
- 40:22 Will the book be available on Amazon? Yes. Mid to late next year after backers get theirs.
- 41:34 Do you have an "Appendix N" of inspirational resources? Yes!!
- 44:13 Have you considered adding indexes to your books? No, but I will now!
- 46:02 When do you get your stuff?
- 49:15 How is your day going?
- 52:52 Are you planning any appearances on YT/Twitch channels?
- 53:31 Would you ever consider streaming a one-shot if the campaign did crazy numbers?
- 54:59 Would you rather fight one horse-sized kobold or a hundred kobold-sized horses?
- 55:15 What is your favourite Monte Cook supplement or product?
- 55:47 How much for you to hand deliver the books?
- 56:22 Any plans on an audiobook version?
- 58:11 Have you thought of tabs for quick reference?
- 58:54 Will their be epub versions of Return and Ruins of Grendleroot in it?
- 59:36 What type of content is in the Lazy DM's Companion?
Mike talks about ways to customize your published D&D adventures.
- D&D Tips YouTube Playlist
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:24 Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter Coming Soon! * 02:34 Planebreaker Kickstarter * 04:43 Dwarven Forge Reliquaries Kickstarter * 08:02 Wild Beyond the Witchlight Thoughts * 13:11 D&D Celebration * 15:29 DM's Guild Dungeoncraft Adventures * 20:03 DM's Panel on Immersion * 24:51 New Adventurer's League Rules (They're Awesome) * 28:41 Sharon C. Are Hybrid Conventions Here to Stay? (Yes!) * 35:23 Tracking villains in published adventures * 39:18 Questions about the Kickstarter * 43:16 Running Wilderness Exploration * 46:49 Non-combat Strong Starts for Adventures * 50:22 Tips for Running NPCs and Giving Away Secrets
Links * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter * Planebreaker Kickstarter by Monte Cook Games * Dwarven Forge Reliquaries Kickstarter * D&D Celebration DMs Panel on Immersion * DM's Guild Dungeoncraft Adventures * D&D Adventurer's League * Startplaying.Games
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about how to build a campaign from the characters outwards.
- D&D Tips YouTube Playlist
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:22 Lazy DM Companion Kickstarter Notification Signup! * 03:14 Wild Beyond the Witchlight marketing in full force * 06:29 World simulation vs scaling challenges * 22:30 Pacing – potentially the main DM weakness * 36:49 Shadow of the Demon Lord spotlight * 53:11 Building NPCs for different situations * 58:30 Building fronts in the middle of a campaign
Links * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Lazy DM Companion Kickstarter Notification Signup! * Mastering Dungeons Podcast on Wild Beyond the Witchlight * Alphastream.Org: For an Epic Hero, What is the DC to Pick a Lock? * Your Best Game Ever * Improving Pacing - Sly Flourish * Timing and Pacing Adventures - Sly Flourish * Shadow of the Demon Lord Bundle * Shadow of the Demon Lord Products * Mike's quick NPC generator * Thinking Back on Fronts - Sly Flourish
Mike proposes using the ability check instead of more complicated subsystems.
- D&D Tips YouTube Playlist
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about how we can help players make informed decisions in D&D.
- Non-Focal Random Encounters on the Alexandrian
- D&D Tips YouTube Playlist
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 01:03 Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter Coming 28 September! * 05:26 New Adventures League Rules! Yay! * 15:17 Alignments on Monsters are back * 20:51 WOTC published monsters are often took weak and its not getting better * 27:39 Interesting Third Party Products * 30:56 Raging Swan's Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands * 41:40 Lazy DM Prep and Running West Marches * 46:28 Getting Games Back On Track * 49:50 Can All the Characters Roll an Ability Check?
Links * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Lazy DM's Companion Kickstarter Page! Sign up and be notified! * Adventure League Article by Chris Tulach * Jabberwock Stat Block with Alignments * Tome of Heroes * Tanares * Valda's Spire of Secrets * Delver's Guide to Beast World * Quest-o-Nomicon * Raging Swan Press at DriveThruRPG * Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands * Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands VTT Maps * Grand Experiments: West Marches
Mike talks about how we can help players make informed decisions in D&D.
- D&D Tips YouTube Playlist
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about good behaviors for players from a DM's perspective.
- D&D Tips YouTube Playlist
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks all-things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:39 Dwarven Forge with Owlbear Rodeo * 10:50 Why I Love Numenera and the Cypher System * 42:19 Post-game Disappointment * 47:39 Handling NPC to NPC Conversations * 49:08 Handling the Totally Unexpected * 52:01 Lore Continuity in Our Own Forgotten Realms
Links * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Dwarven Forge * Dwarven Forge Buyer's Guide * Owlbear Rodeo * Owlbear Rodeo Sly Flourish article * Numenera Discovery PDF * Numenera Discovery Hardcover * Numenera Starter Set * Cypher System PDF * Cypher System Hardcover
Mike makes the case for keeping average monster damage as a tool in your DM's toolbox.
- YouTube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Workbook
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike describes how to quickly an easily build legendary boss monster for your D&D game.
- D&D Tips YouTube Playlist
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:55 Kobold Fight Club Returns! * 02:12 Esper Genesis Quick Look * 14:27 Finally, Arby's Dice! * 17:12 Alexandrian on Non-Focal Random Encounters * 23:58 Taking Patreon Questions * 25:53 Patreon - Sean H on Balanced vs. Situational encounters * 36:46 Patreon - Raymond C on Deviating from Plotted Campaigns * 44:11 Patreon - Eloy C on Rolling in the Open
Links * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Kobold Fight Club * Esper Genesis Core Book (PDF) * Esper Genesis Core Book (Hardcover) * Esper Genesis Technicians Guide (PDF) * Esper Genesis Threats Database (PDF) * Esper Genesis Threats Database (Hardcover) * Esper Genesis Free Preview (players) * Esper Genesis Free Preview (GMs) * Arby's Dice (Finally) * Alexandrian on Non-Focal Random Encounters
Mike talks about the value of thinking through the eyes of our NPCs in D&D.
- Original YouTube Video
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike offers ten uses for index cards in your D&D game.
Contents * 00:00 The Value of Index Cards * 00:26 Index Cards for Initiative * 00:53 Numbered Table Tents for Initiative * 01:28 Quest Cards * 02:01 Magic Items * 02:26 Zone-based Combat * 03:44 X Card * 04:20 NPC Info for DMs or Players * 04:34 Secret Notes to Players * 04:50 Monster Customizations
Links * Original YouTube Video * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Easier Initiative Cards * Zone-based combat * Fate Condensed * Index Card RPG * X Card
Mike chats about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Show Intro * 00:32 The fall of Kobold Fight Club * 06:54 The fallacy of the adventuring day * 08:12 Don't become dependent on digital tools * 13:50 On the Lazy Encounter Benchmark * 18:33 Start with the story * 24:58 Owlbear Rodeo, scenery, and new features * 33:10 Call from the Deep Review * 46:01 Hidden Costs of DM's Guild Publishing
Links * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Mob Damage Calculator * Running Hordes the Lazy Way * Lazy Encounter Benchmark * Owlbear Rodeo V 1.10 Token Video * Forgotten Adventures tokens and scenery * Call from the Deep
Mike talks about the advantages and disadvantages of ending your D&D game right before a big battle.
- Original YouTube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about battling back the voice in our head that tells us we aren't ready to run our D&D game.
- Original YouTube Video
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike chats about all things D&D!
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:29 YouTube Videos of D&D Beyond Appearances * 10:24 Would I Still Do This if D&D Were 10% as Popular? * 20:14 Kobold Press Tome of Heroes * 23:18 Vorpal Board for Broadcasting Physical Tabletop RPGs Online * 31:53 Thoughts on Streaming D&D Games * 39:17 Frostmaiden Grievances and Accolades
Links * D&D Talk Show YouTube Playlist * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Mike on D&D Beyond Talking about the Lazy Dungeon Master * Mike on D&D Beyond Talking about Encounter Building * Kobold Press Tome of Heroes Kickstarter * Vorpal Board for Broadcasting Physical Tabletops Online * Mike and Enrique Play D&D One on One * Frostmaiden Grievances and Accolades
Mike discusses the balance between realism and fun in our D&D games.
- YouTube video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about the value of reinforcing a cooperative character motivation to smooth out inter-party conflicts in your D&D game.
- Original YouTube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike discusses the latest D&D news and tips for lazy dungeon masters!
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:31 Mike's Appearances * 00:53 D&D Beyond Appearance * 01:46 Mike with Matt Coleville and James Introcaso talking D&D and Arcadia 6 * 02:25 Why Am I Called Sly Flourish? * 03:20 New Uncovered Secrets and Adventure Generators: Gods, Lost Kingdoms, Legendary Villains * 22:13 Scarlet Citadel by Kobold Press * 32:02 Tome of Beasts 2 by Kobold Press * 33:59 Avatar Last Airbender Kickstarter * 38:08 No More UA in D&D Beyond * 43:46 My OK D&D game, Give Players Things to Do * 51:20 13th Age and 5e
Links * Original YouTube Video * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Mike on the D&D Beyond Stream * Mike on MCDM talking about Arcadia 6 * MCDM Patreon * Scarlet Citadel by Kobold Press * Tome of Beasts 2 * Avatar Last Airbender Kickstarter * D&D Beyond on Not Including Unearthed Arcana Content * 13th Age * 13th Age Bundle on Humble Bundle (tremendous deal)
Mike extols the virtues of taking a walk while pondering your D&D game.
- YouTube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Workbook
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Feel like darkvision is overpowered? Mike talks about the combination of rules that makes darkvision not as good as many DMs think.
- Original YouTube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about the latest D&D news and topics. Click "SHOW MORE" for links and details.
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:18 Kickstarter Date for Lazy DM's Companion * 04:06 Chris Perkins on Canon * 09:59 Grim Accord in Arcadia 6 * 14:34 Chris Spivey on Independent RPG Struggles * 22:42 Christian Zuech: Encounters in Barovia * 30:29 Elven Tower * 34:46 Patreon and Kickstarter For Most Interesting RPG Content * 36:56 Dungeoncraft Videos * 46:30 Paid DMing. I'm all for it!
Links * Original YouTube Video * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Chris Perkinson D&D Canon * Mastering Dungeons on D&D Canon * Arcadia 6 with the Grim Accord * MCDM Patreon * Chris Spivey from Darker Hue Studios Tweet * Harlem Unbound * Christian Zuech Products on the DM's Guild * Encounters in Barovia * Elven Tower Patreon * Elven Tower Products on DriveThruRPG * Faith For Fools * Dungeoncraft Channel * Ultimate RPG Terrain * Dungeoncraft on Proficiency Dice and Background Proficiency
Mike discusses the value of using "knives" as a DM in your D&D game. How do you wield the fiction that players bring to the table responsibly and effectively to let your stories expand ever outward.
- YouTube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Worldbuilding for Lazy Dungeon Masters Pax Unplugged Panel 2021
Mike discusses D&D news!
Podcast Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:37 New Tal'Dorai sourcebook * 07:32 My Evil Adventuring Group in Arcadia Issues 6! * 10:04 MCDM's New Monster Manual * 16:47 Details of Fizban's Treasury of Dragons * 19:05 Crawford on Streaming's Influence on WOTC Production * 32:51 Printable Heroes Patreon * 41:41 Tabletop Audio Patreon * 45:23 You Get to Decide What's Canon
Links * Original YouTube Video * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn * MCDM Patreon for Arcadia * Matt Coleville and James Introcaso on the MCDM Monster Book * Details on Fizban's Treasury of Dragons * Crawford on Streaming Influence on D&D * Printable Heroes * Printable Heroes Patreon * Tabletop Audio * Tabletop Audio Patreon * D&D Spinoffs Aren't Canon
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Frostmaiden YouTube Video Playlist
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike discusses the importance of understanding how to facilitate decisions in D&D.
- Original YouTube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D! Click Show More for notes and links.
Table of Contents
- 00:00 Intro
- 02:13 Wild Beyond the Witchlight
- 04:16 Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
- 08:44 Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos
- 13:53 Running D&D In Person Again
- 18:39 Dread Metrol: Into the Mists by Keith Baker
- 34:18 The Dogs of War Adventure Generator with Dread Metrol
- 36:59 Iskandar City Sourcebook by MT Black
- 45:29 Miniatures, too expensive for new DMs?
- 54:14 Sad WOTC didn't make Planescape? Buy the Old One
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Join Sly Flourish's Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Nerdarchy on Wild Beyond the Witchlight * Nerdarchy on Fizban's Treasury of Dragons * Nerdarchy on Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos * Dread Metrol: Into the Mists * Iskandar City Sourcebook * Wizkids Witchlight Miniature Collectors Pack * Spelljammer on the DM's Guild
Mike talks about the value of running small battles in the Theater of the Mind.
- YouTube Video
- Sly Flourish's Guide to to Narrative "Theater of the Mind" Combat in the 5th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Buy the Lazy DM's Workbook
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- YouTube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike offers options and tips for handling rests in D&D. Click "Show More" for notes and links.
- Original YouTube Video
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike chats about all things D&D!
- 00:00 Show Start
- 00:44 D&D and Magic the Gathering
- 08:07 Playing MtG again
- 16:37 Reviewing Patreons Next Week
- 18:54 Knife to Know You by Doryen Chin
- 24:25 Mork Borg
- 36:46 Downtime in D&D
- 48:07 Getting back to playing in person
Links * Original YouTube video * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * In Scarlet Flames D&D MtG Adventure * The Hidden Page D&D MtG Adventure * Knife to Know You by Doryen Chin * Mork Borg * Running Downtime in D&D
Mike talks about the best, and cheapest, ways to improve your D&D game. The best tools to improve your D&D game are free.
- Original YouTube video
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- YouTube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike describes how to use Lu Quade's "Stars and Wishes" to get great feedback from your players on your D&D game.
- Original YouTube Video
- Stars and Wishes by Lu Quade
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about all things D&D!
- 00:00 Video Intro
- 00:13 TSR (3) and the Ernie Gygax Situation
- 05:46 Gender Identity Thoughts from an Old Cis White Dude
- 12:14 How Important is D&D Voicework Poll
- 16:41 Why I Review Third Party Products
- 18:27 Empire of the Ghouls by Kobold press
- 27:56 Where the Machines Wait
- 34:17 MtG D&D Adventures and Pregen Characters
- 38:05 Making Cheap D&D Tokens from MtG Cards
- 40:44 Rolling for Monster Horde Damage
- 46:37 Matt Colville making his own RPG? Level up 5e RPG
- 49:21 Dungeons of Drakkenheim
Links * YouTube Video * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Enworld on TSR (3) and Ernie Gygax * Morrus's Unofficial Podcast on Ernie Gygax * How Important is DM Voicework poll on Twitter * Empire of the Ghouls PDF * Empire of the Ghouls Hardcover * Where the Machines Wait PDF * Where the Machines Wait softcover * In Scarlet Flames free D&D MtG Crossover Adventure * D&D MtG Planeswalker Character Sheets * Lazy Monster Tokens * Level Up, Advanced 5e * Dungeons of Drakkenheim Kickstarter
Mike uses the Adventure Generators from the Sly Flourish Patreon to build an adventure from scratch for his Saturday D&D game. Part 2 of 2.
- Zoho Annotator
- Dysonlogos Maps
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike offers a tip for thinking up secrets and clues by considering the types of secrets the characters may discover and how they might discover them.
Types of secrets * Character secrets * NPC secrets * Story secrets * Villainous secrets * Location secrets * Historical secrets * Theological secrets
Ways to discover them * Character background * NPCs (friendly or hostile) * Books, journals, notes, and scolls * Items * Frescos and mosaics * dreams and portents * sentient magic items
Links * Original YouTube video * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- YouTube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike offers a tip to get players to think more about monsters in the story of your D&D game by asking them to define interesting physical characteristics of monsters.
- Original YouTube Video
- A Troll Named Handbag: Player-Driven Monster Identification
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Another episode of the Lazy D&D Talk show. Topics include how to steer damage away from the boss, the Mercer effect, yam-shaped adventures design, and reviews of Grymmworld and the Oath of the Frozen King.
Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:36 Finding a D&D group * 05:07 How did my Keep of the Black Gate game go? * 07:05 Player tip: Always have a ranged attack * 08:36 DM Tip: Redirect damage away from the boss * 13:30 The Mercer Effect * 24:21 Grymmworld by Grant Ellis and Ryan Servis * 33:40 Oath of the Frozen King by Absolute Tabletop * 40:32 Too many quests in chapter 1 of Frostmaiden * 43:49 Yam-shaped adventure design
Links * Original YouTube Video * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Finding and Maintaining a D&D Group * Dungeoncraft on the Mercer Effect * Grymmworld * Oath of the Frozen King
Mike uses the Adventure Generators from the Sly Flourish Patreon to build an adventure from scratch for his Saturday D&D game. Part 1 of 2.
- Zoho Annotator
- Dysonlogos Maps
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
What makes a good D&D map and where can a lazy DM easily find them?
- Original Youtube version
- Dyson Logos Maps
- The Alexandrian: Jaquaying the Dungeon
- Lazy DM's Workbook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original YouTube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks about the value of heralds who announce villains far and wide.
- Original YouTube video
- How to Create Pay-Per-View Worthy Adventures or "How to Stop Worrying and Start DMing Like Vince McMahon"
- Building Villains like Pro-Wrestlers
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike chats about all things D&D!
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Show Contents * 00:00 Intro * 00:17 Tricks for the D&D Encounter Builder * 12:35 Mork Borg * 17:41 Old School Essentials * 24:40 Runehammer Games's 5e Hardcore Mode * 32:14 2C Gamings Total Party Kill Bestiary 2 * 37:42 Nord's Dreaded Accursed * 40:19 Increasing the Deadly Encounter Benchmark at level 11+ * 46:09 Returning to our one-on-one D&D game
Links * D&D Beyond Initiative Parser to Discord Text * Mork Borg * Old School Essentials * 5e Hardcore Mode * Total Party Kill Bestiary 2 * Dreaded Accursed
Mike discusses how to prepare for your game in about 15 minutes.
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original YouTube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike offers two tools for better D&D 5e encounter building.
- Original YouTube Video
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
The lost recording of the Worldbuilding for the Lazy Dungeon Master panel at Pax Unplugged, December 2019, hosted by James Haeck with Makenzie De Armas, Mike Shea, Morrigan Robbins, and Renee Rhodes.
James Haeck @jamesjhaeck
Makenzie De Armas makenzielaneda
Mike Shea @slyflourish
Morrigan Robbins @MorriLoremother
Renee Rhodes @raedeanner
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike chats about D&D!
Show Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 00:52 Translations Pushing Back 6e Predictions * 5:00 Reviews of Third Party Books * 07:22 Arcana of the Ancients * 12:07 Ptolus * 15:07 Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands * 18:04 Ironsworn * 20:56 Adventures of the Potbellied Kobold' * 23:51 Mike's Appendix N (what's yours??) * 37:25 Mike's Take on Stress Effects * 58:15 Player vs. Player and Player vs. DM Consent * 1:10:20 Rant about Adventurer's League
Links * Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter * Support Sly Flourish on Patreon * Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master * Arcana of the Ancients * Ptolus * Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands * Ironsworn * Adventures of the Potbellied Kobold
Mike talks about the importance of being nice to 1st level characters and offers three tips to make their lives a little easier.
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike discusses the importance of managing time in your D&D game.
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Recently recovered from the deepest depths of the ancient Sly Flourish libraries, I bring you my interview with Paige Leitman in which we discuss D&D Adventurer's League, our favorite conventions, and all sorts of fun topics.
Video Contents 00:00 We love Winter Fantasy! What We've enjoyed. 03:07 Who's Paige Leitman? 06:07 Paige's there new tips for current DMs 07:15 Use an X Card (see the link below) 08:44 Cater to your audience and ask them what they want 09:01 Read your published adventures 11:00 What's changed in 2 years? AL moving towards story. 16:56 How are the changes being accepted? 19:20 What people think of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist 21:17 Other trends from the 5e Facebook: greater diversity and inclusion. 22:30 Interesting homebrew is popping up. 23:20 The impact of D&D Beyond 26:30 Navigating the curve between tactical and story 31:58 Play a different game
- X Card
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike chats about all things D&D including the new D&D book leaks and other stuff!
Video Contents * 00:00 Show Start * 03:15 New D&D Books Leaked * 03:49 Wild Beyond the Witchlight * 04:50 Curriculum of Chaos * 05:50 How to Enjoy D&D + MtG Books More * 12:51 The Problem Challenging Players * 38:16 Critical Role and the 20th Level Complexity D&D Game
Links * EnWorld on the new D&D books: The Wild Beyond the Witchlight and Curriculum of Chaos * Using Ravnica in Eberron * Alphastream on the Trouble Challenging Players * Choose Monsters Based on the Story * Lazy Encounter Benchmark * The Dials of Monster Difficulty * Paths for DM Expertise
Mike offers three simple quest models you can keep in your toolkit when preparing your D&D games.
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike does an in-depth review of Van Richten's Guide to Everything. In short, it's awesome.
- Original YouTube Video
- Buy Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Video Contents * 00:00 Video start * 00:58 I Highly Recommend This Book * 03:09 Are "Ravenloft" and "Domains of Dread" the same thing? (Yes) * 04:25 Great Player Guidance I Wish Was in the PHB * 06:14 Lineages (they're awesome) * 10:09 Building Domains of Dread (Meh) * 14:27 Genres of Horror (I loved this section) * 17:53 Domains of Dread (110+ pages of awesome) * 24:47 Travelers in the Mist (didn't dig in too much) * 30:04 Haunted Traps (What the hell is a haunt bonus?) * 30:39 Survivors (0 level characters???) * 34:47 The House of Lament Adventure (Awesome) * 36:01 Monster Traits and What-Not * 38:12 Monster Stat Blocks * 46:49 Concluding thoughts
Mike talks about the value in understanding that secrets and clues serve you.
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike discusses and ranks nearly all the hardcover WOTC-published D&D adventures.
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Guide to Published D&D Adventures
Video Contents * 00:00 Beginning * 03:52 Lost Mine of Phandelver * 06:17 Dragon of Icespire Peak * 08:47 Curse of Strahd * 12:10 Ghosts of Saltmarsh * 16:05 Tomb of Annihilation * 22:23 Storm King's Thunder * 26:15 Tyranny of Dragons (Hoard of the Dragon Queen and Rise of Tiamat) * 29:52 Waterdeep Dragon Heist * 33:32 Out of the Abyss * 36:07 Rime of the Frostmaiden * 42:01 Princes of the Apocalypse * 44:13 I've enjoyed ALL of these adventures * 45:25 Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus * 48:04 Even rough adventures can be great fun
Amazon Associate Links for these adventures... * D&D Starter Set: Lost Mine of Phandelver * D&D Essentials Kit: Dragon of Icespire Peak * Curse of Strahd * Ghosts of Saltmarsh * Tomb of Annihilation * Cellar of Death for Tomb of Annihilation * Storm King's Thunder * Tyranny of Dragons * Waterdeep Dragon Heist * Out of the Abyss * Rime of the Frostmaiden * Princes of the Apocalypse * Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus * Fall of Elturel
Mike talks about the value of running simple D&D adventures.
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike argues for the value of published RPG material even when running our own homebrew adventures and campaigns.
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike chat's about D&D!
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Video Contents * 00:00 Intro * 01:21 Scaling Adventures & Dials of Monster Difficulty * 03:54 All the ways to subscribe to Sly Flourish! * 06:01 Beefing up an ogre * 11:10 "Roles" in 4e and 5e * 13:05 Why Minions, Normal, Elite, and Solo roles don't work for 5e * 17:32 Monsters Know What They're Doing is awesome * 21:03 Initial thoughts on Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft * 42:59 Thoughts on 6e from a indie publisher's point of view
Links * Dials of Monster Difficulty * Monster's Know What They're Doing * DM Deep Dive with Keith Amman * Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft * Ancestry & Culture: An Alternative to Race in 5e * Raging Swan Press Patreon * Raging Swan Press DriveThruRPG * Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike discusses the value of running more easy battles in our D&D games to maintain the oscillation of upward and downward beats.
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike chats about general D&D topics and ponders how to handle chapters 2 and beyond in Rime of the Frostmaiden.
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Ptolus by Monte Cook
- Frostmaiden Chapters 2+ Thoughts Notion Notebook
Video Contents
- 00:00 Beginning
- 00:30 Become a Patreon: https://patreon.com/slyflourish
- 02:34 Ptolus by Monte Cook Games
- 11:27 Van Richten's Guide and overly positive early reviews
- 16:50 New Adventures c Can we see more optimistic adventures?
- 24:39 Are WOTC hardback adventures all about marketing?
- 34:50 How do we steal from published adventures for our own game?
- 44:05 Embrace third-party D&D publishers
- 51:34 New Sly Flourish three-minute tip videos
- 56:52 Mire's End – A Patreon-exclusive adventure location coming soon
- 58:54 Increasing Patreon subscription for new patrons?
- 1:05:13 Frostmaiden: Auril's Endless Night
- 1:13:21 Auril as a "Front"
- 1:16:40 Frostmaiden as a Three-Act Story
- 1:21:00 Sub-quests and hooks for Chapter 2
Another short episode in which Mike talks about the importance of focusing on your next D&D game.
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike offers three tips to draw players into the fiction of your D&D game in three minutes.
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike offers three quick tips for getting started running Rime of the Frostmaiden.
- Original Youtube Video
- Sam Dillon's Creed of Auril
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Podcast Contents
- 00:00 Intro
- 00:27 Tip 1: Apply the Right Character Motivation
- 01:33 Tip 2: Start in Bryn Shander
- 02:42 Tip 3: Add the Cult of Auril
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike talks with Celeste Conowitch of 2C Gaming about her upcoming Venture Maidens campaign sourcebook currently live on Kickstarter!
- Venture Maidens Kickstarter
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike offers guidelines for running huge hordes of monsters in D&D and looks at a number of alternative approaches.
- Show notes
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Podcast Contents
- 00:00 Intro
- 00:41 Mike's recommended horde system
- 05:03 Why we care about horde guidelines
- 05:58 Mike's criteria for good horde guidelines
- 06:54 Horde guidelines from the Dungeon Master's Guide (Chap 8, Pg 250)
- 08:26 4e D&D style minions
- 09:38 Single-stat-block hordes
- 10:36 5e Hardcore Mode's horde guidelines
- 12:09 13th Age mook rules
- 13:25 Mike's recommended horde guidelines review
- 15:53 Problems with Mike's horde guidelines
- 18:14 The importance of horde guidelines for D&D
Mike chats with Teos Abadia about D&D skill challenges!
- Original Youtube Video
- Mastering Dungeons
- Alphastream.org
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike gives a short talk about ability checks, failing forward, and succeeding with a cost.
- Show notes
- Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Podcast Contents:
- 00:00 Intro
- 00:38 The core mechanic of D&D
- 01:35 You don't need an ability check for easy stuff
- 02:02 Easy steps to choose a DC
- 03:04 DCs don't change based on the character's abilities
- 03:52 The power of improvising ability checks
- 04:32 Ability checks in complicated situations
- 07:08 Understand the in-world situation instead of focusing on mechanics
- 09:09 Asking for a check without a DC to see if they succeed at a cost
- 10:45 The improvisational power of ability checks, succeeding at a cost, and failing forward
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike describes a robust D&D adventure or campaign quest model that offers a lot of flexibility and prevents quests from being thwarted with the capture or removal of a single key.
- Read the Show Notes
- Watch the Original Youtube Video
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
- Join Sly Flourish's Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike offers tips and tricks to maintain a good pace in your D&D game; one of the most important traits a DM can practice.
Show Notes
Books and Articles
- Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master Chapter 24
- Hamlet’s Hit Points by Robin Laws
- Your Best Game Ever by Monte Cook Games
- Kobold Guide to Plots and Campaigns by Kobold Press
- Timing and Pacing Adventures on Sly Flourish
- Improving Pacing on Sly Flourish
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Rime of the Frostmaiden One-Page Campaign Guide
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike talks about the importance of being on the players' side when we run our D&D games.
Youtube video version
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
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- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Core principles
- Working with the players, not against them.
- You're not a competitor.
- The DM is an antenna to another world. We're the vehicle for storytelling.
- We're not the baddies. We're not our villains. We're not on the opposite side of the chess board.
- We're fans of the characters (Thanks Dungeon World!)
- The players understand about half of what's going on.
- The characters understand far more than the players do.
- The characters are smart and skilled in their roles. They have knowledge the characters do not.
- Fun doesn't mean just upward beats, it means risk and reward, upward and downward beats. Hard situations and hard meaningful decisions.
The DM's Job
- Build the situation around the story, not around the characters.
- Clarify that situation to the players. We're their eyes and ears.
- Help them meet their intent.
- Let the dice complicate things. They are the cold-hearted arbiter of the results of the situation.
- Balance acting true to the situation with the fun of the game; leaning towards fun and away from things that are not fun.
- The world and the story puts the characters in hard situations. The DM helps the characters make informed choices to navigate those situations.
Examples
- Warn them when they're walking into a potentially deadly situation.
- Assume characters that aren't involved in investigating a trap aren't putting themselves at risk.
- Let characters move that extra five feet if they can't quite get up to a monster.
- Ask the characters to make a group stealth check even if they don't ask for it if it makes sense that they'd be sneaking.
- Use characters passive scores to locate secret doors.
- Ask "are you sure" when they're doing something that clearly won't work or is clearly dangerous.
- Let players roll back spells cast if their character would know that it clearly wouldn't have worked. "A 1st level sleep spell won't be powerful enough to put them to sleep."
- Ask for the players intent and help them reach it.
- Offer deals: "You can make a DC 16 Intelligence (Arcana) check to channel energy from the unstable arcane node. On a success, enemies will have disadvantage on their saving throws against your spell. Fail and you'll take 2d10 force damage."
- Remind the players about advantageous terrain.
- Give players hints and clues about puzzles their characters would clearly understand.
- Remind players of things their characters would likely remember.
- Use skill checks and the characters' backgrounds go offer clues and tips.
- In complicated situations, offer strategic recommendations the players may not recognize.
- Remind players of impending dangers: "You have two rounds left before the orcish hoard falls upon you".
- Remind the players about items their characters possess that they may have forgotten.
- Offer suggestions for spell uses players might not remember or consider.
- Give characters inspiration or advantage when they take risky moves that move the story forward.
- Offer alternatives: "You can charge the first one and attack or you can ready your attack for the first one to charge up to you and stay close to your protecting paladin."
- Clarify impossibilities: "Hard as you might try, this door is beyond your capability to break down.
Work With Your Players
- D&D is a cooperative game and we're part of that cooperative.
- We have to know when to let bad things happen.
- Build trust with the players. Don't violate it. Be on their side. Avoid "gotcha"s.
- The world is cruel, you are not.
Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Rime of the Frostmaiden One-Page Campaign Guide
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike discusses tips for running awesome D&D combat.
Original Youtube Video
Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Podcast Contents
- 00:00 Intro
- 00:18 Run with four players.
- 00:57 Run lower level games. Level 3 is the sweet spot.
- 01:38 Use static monster damage.
- 02:15 Run theater of the mind combat for small battles.
- 03:02 Inject the story and fiction into large battles.
- 04:49 Draw characters in off-turn with skill checks and info.
- 05:36 Use abstract maps – break out of the grid.
- 08:04 Ask for intent.
- 09:13 Have alternative goals - Add a Combat Out.
- 11:04 Don't say "Let's Call it Right Here".
- 11:53 Adjusting the dials (HP, Damage, Number of Monsters, Number of Attacks).
- 13:11 Offer Cinematic Advantage
- 15:10 Randomly select targets
- 16:06 Make boss fights interesting
Relevant articles
- Guide to Theater of the Mind Combat
- The Abstract Battlemap
- Replacing Flanking with Cinematic Advantage
- Collected Experiences Running Boss Fights
Mike talks with Ryan Servis of 2C Gaming about the role of the DM and debating objectivity versus a bias towards the characters in our D&D games.
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
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Mike prepares for his latest session of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Rime of the Frostmaiden One-Page Campaign Guide
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
This week Mike prepares for his session zero of Icewind Dale, Rime of the Frostmaiden!
- Original Youtube Video
- Notion Frostmaiden Campaign Notebook
- Rime of the Frostmaiden One-Page Campaign Guide
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
Mike's final thoughts on his homebrew Eberron campaign. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
Eberron Campaign Notebook
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
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Mike talks about safety tools in D&D including the X-card, lines and veils, script change, and others.
Youtube version of this discussion
Resources
- Safety tool reference by Tomer Gurantz
- Campaign Safety & Consent Checklist
- Consent in Gaming
- Digital RPG Consent Checklist
- Optional Rule Safety Consent RPG Checklist
- Script Change
- Script Change Printable
- Spelltheory on Safety Tools
- The X card
- TTRPG Safety Toolkit Resources
- TTRPG Safety Toolkit
Video Contents
00:00 What are safety tools?
01:05 Why use safety tools?
03:01 The X-Card
03:39 Lines and Veils
08:11 Script Change
09:13 The Door is Open
10:20 Why do I suddenly care?
13:48 A Safety Tool Stack (rating, lines & veils, "pause")
16:27 Recognizing full-consent decisions versus majority rule
17:49 DMs using "Pause for a Second"
19:18 More on why we want safety tools
23:08 The Awesome Value of free tools
Mike talks with Dave Chalker about the various combat styles we can bring to D&D including gridded combat, abstract maps, and theater of the mind.
This is a rebroadcast of the show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
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Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
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In this somewhat-raw discussion with Mike Shea (@slyflourish) and Enrique Bertran (@NewbieDM) we talk about our experiences with the 4th edition of Dungeons & Dragons!
Youtube Version of the Chat
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
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Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
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Mike covers tips and tricks for running chapter 3 from Descent into Avernus.
Original Youtube Video
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Video Contents
- 00:00 Intro
- 00:25 Mike's Top Tips for Descent into Avernus
- 08:14 Chapter 4 Discussion
- 18:50 Chapter 5 Discussion
- 27:52 Overall Thoughts on Descent into Avernus
- 33:18 Do I recommend it? Maybe?
- 36:08 Useful Descent into Avernus Supplements
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
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Mike chats about D&D in this long open episode on a range of topics.
Youtube Version
Video contents00:00 Beginning01:00 Support Sly Florish on Patreon01:20 Sly Flourish Newsletter03:05 Tiny thoughts on Tasha's – proficiency bonus for limited options04:57 Pointcrawls24:45 Thoughts on Five-Room Dungeons, Lazy Dungeons, Jaquaying the Dungeon34:09 The hard parts of D&D, Sly Flourish's Uncovered Secrets50:03 Fantastic Lairs update and Art Preview58:31 How does 5e hold up after 6 years?1:23:25 On traps. 1:25:36 Favorite Kobold Press book: Midgard Worldbook 1:29:55 Random tables and factions for DM inspiration1:36:08 Rime of the Frostmaiden Thoughts1:47:24 When things click. Thoughts on group improvisation in D&D games.1:51:51 Playing D&D Online, comparing various VTTs1:58:55 Running Owlbear Rodeo2:09:28 Lazy Monster Generation
Sly Flourish Patreonhttp://patreon.com/slyflourish
Sly Flourish Newsletterhttps://slyflourish.com/subscribe/
Jaquaying the Dungeon on Alexandrianhttps://thealexandrian.net/wordpress/...
Jaquaying Checklist
- Multiple entrances Two+ paths through Loops Level connections Secret paths Divided levels Nested dungeons * Dead ends
Articles on Point Crawls
http://detectmagic.blogspot.com/2014/...http://hillcantons.blogspot.com/2014/...http://spriggans-den.com/2016/08/15/w...https://diyanddragons.blogspot.com/20...https://thealexandrian.net/wordpress/...https://thealexandrian.net/wordpress/...https://www.tribality.com/2019/10/15/...
On Trapshttps://slyflourish.com/flow_of_trap_...
Midgard Worldbookhttps://koboldpress.com/kpstore/produ...
Random Eberron Factionshttps://slyflourish.com/1d100_eberron...
Random Forgotten Realms Factionshttps://slyflourish.com/1d100_forgott...
Foundry VTT:http://foundryvtt.com
Owlbear Rodeo:https://www.owlbear.rodeo
Notion.so Lazy D&D Prep template:https://www.notion.so/Lazy-Campaign-T...
Using Notion.so for Lazy D&D Campaign Planninghttps://slyflourish.com/lazy_dnd_with...
Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master http://slyflourish.com/returnofthelaz...
Buy Fantastic Adventures: Ruins of the Grendleroothttps://slyflourish.com/grendleroot/
Support us on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/slyflourish
Buy the Lazy DM's Workbook http://slyflourish.com/lazydmsworkbook/
Sly Flourish Discord Channelhttps://discord.gg/C7bSuqZ
Mike covers tips and tricks for running chapter 3 from Descent into Avernus.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
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Table of Contents
00:00 Start00:34 Mike's #1 Recommendation for Descent into Avernus01:22 Run Fall of Elturel02:05 James Introcaso's Top Tips for Chapter 305:58 Alternative Takes on Descent into Avernus08:33 The Themes of Descent into Avernus10:05 On Soul Coins. Use Demon Ichor as well.12:07 All Roads lead to the Bleeding Citadel13:00 Build Your Own Path through Avernus13:21 The Path of the Hellriders19:41 Alternative Paths: Tiamat and Gargauth22:11 Dropping in the Hellwasp Nest23:11 Filling Out the Crypt of the Hellriders23:37 The Wandering Emporium. Players Hate Contracts!26:15 Traveling Through Avernus28:28 Descent into Avernus as a Toolbox28:51 Chapter 1 as a Stand Alone Aventure Sans Avernus
Further Reading
- Fall of Elturel
- Abyssal Incursion
- Descent into Avernus Alexandrian Remix
- Eventyr: Running Avernus as a Sandbox
- Powerscore's Guide to Avernus
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
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Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
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Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
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Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
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Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
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Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
Original Youtube Video
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
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Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
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Mike describes how to best run the lich; the most difficult of D&D monsters.
This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
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- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike discusses prepping and running his Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus games. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike discusses prepping and running his Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus games. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - concludes a one-on-one D&D game with Enrique Bertran - aka NewbieDM! It’s the Dragon of Icespire Peak in podcast form!
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - continues a one-on-one D&D game with Enrique Bertran - aka NewbieDM! It’s the Dragon of Icespire Peak in podcast form!
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - continues a one-on-one D&D game with Enrique Bertran - aka NewbieDM! It’s the Dragon of Icespire Peak in podcast form!
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - talks to Lauren Urban about online gaming, and making the best use of D&D Beyond.
Mike discusses prepping and running his Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus games. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - continues a one-on-one D&D game with Enrique Bertran - aka NewbieDM! It’s the Dragon of Icespire Peak in podcast form!
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - continues a one-on-one D&D game with Enrique Bertran - aka NewbieDM! It’s the Dragon of Icespire Peak in podcast form!
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - continues a one-on-one D&D game with Enrique Bertran - aka NewbieDM! It’s the Dragon of Icespire Peak in podcast form!
Mike discusses prepping and running his Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus games. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - continues a one-on-one D&D game with Enrique Bertran - aka NewbieDM! It’s the Dragon of Icespire Peak in podcast form!
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike describes how to run D&D games over Discord. This is a largely visual episode so please forgive the poor podcast format for this show.
This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - continues a one-on-one D&D game with Enrique Bertran - aka NewbieDM! It’s the Dragon of Icespire Peak in podcast form!
Mike discusses prepping and running his Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus games. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike's latest episode of Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero. This is a rebroadcast of Mike’s Lazy DM Prep show broadcast live on Twitch and reposted to YouTube and here in podcast form.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
-
Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - runs a one-on-one D&D game with Enrique Bertran - aka NewbieDM! It’s the Dragon of Icespire Peak in podcast form!
The first episode of Mike's Lazy DM Prep for his homebrew Eberron game in which he prepares for a session zero.
This episode is brought to you ad-free by the patrons of Sly Flourish.
- Support Sly Flourish on Patreon
- Buy Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
- Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - chats with Professional GM and writer The GM Tim to discuss professional game mastering.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - chats with D&Duet blogger and D&D designer Beth Ball to discuss one of the recent popular ways to play Dungeons & Dragons - one-on-one!
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - sits down with Keith Ammann to discuss how monsters could behave based on their stat blocks and lore!
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - sits down with Dr. Megan Connell to discuss how to move on from a bad game or session of an RPG.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - sits down with D&D Designer and writer Teos Abadia to discuss level appropriate adventures, from starting levels to end-game!
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by David Christ, creator and owner of Baldman Games, to discuss how to run an organized play company and the process and thought that goes into the logistics of organizing so many dungeon masters.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - chats with writer and game designer Wolfgang Baur of Kobold Press to discuss Worldbuilding.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - chats with writer and game designer James Haeck to discuss running Dungeons & Dragons set in cities.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - chats with Dungeon World creator and DM extraordinaire Adam Koebel about narrative storytelling and its influence on 5th Edition D&D.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - meets with Lysa Chen to discuss the Adventurers League, the official organized play campaign for Dungeons & Dragons!
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by Dungeons & Dragons Lead Rules Designer Jeremy Crawford to discuss monster design for D&D 5E, along with answering your questions!
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by Dragon Con organizer and Adventurer's League Veteran Paige Leitman to discuss what lessons in-person RPS sessions can learn from streaming shows, and vice versa.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by the "D&D Bad Boy" Grant Ellis to discuss RPG streaming and the state of the industry today.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by Sharon Dudley to discuss accessibility in Dungeons & Dragons games.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by fellow DSPN Podcast host Enrique Bertran - aka Newbie DM - to discuss everything miniatures!
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - talks to Emily Dresner about financial economics in Dungeons & Dragons.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by Teos Abadia, an experienced DM and adventure writer, to discuss Encounter Building in D&D 5E.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined Wizards of the Coast writer and Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition lead designer Mike Mearls! They discuss 5E and how things have been going since the game's launch in 2014.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined Dwarven Forge Guru and artist Stefan Pokorny to discuss how to best use 3D Terrain in your Dungeons & Dragons game
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by game designer and Ennie winning Podcaster Robin D. Laws to discuss Story Beats in RPGs.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by James Introcaso to talk about Virtual Table Tops and how they're affecting RPGs in the modern age.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by Matthew Mercer, noted voice actor and Dungeon Master for the Dungeons & Dragons series Critical Role and Force Grey: Giant Hunters!
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - is joined by Tom Lommel, the Dungeon Bastard, to discuss improvisation in Dungeons & Dragons, both as a DM and as a player.
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - discusses Dungeons & Dragons and Full-Time DM'ing on Twitch with Will from EncounterRP!
Mike Shea - aka Sly Flourish - discusses the storied history of Dungeons and Dragons and its several editions with D&D scholar David Hartlage (DM David).
Mike Shea - aka SlyFlourish - is joined by adventure writer and long-time Dungeon Master Shawn Merwin, to discuss how to run the most effective 1 hour adventure.
Mike Shea - aka Slyflourish - discusses organized and convention play, and how it differs from home games. Joining him Teos Abadia, an experienced DM with thousands of hours running organized play games.
Watch more episodes live at https://www.twitch.tv/dontsplitthepodcast
Welcome to the DM's Deep Dive with Mike Shea, a monthly podcast where veteran Dungeon Master Mike Shea - known as Slyflourish to many - sits down with a friend and fellow DM to have an in-depth discussion on a specific topic. This month he is joined by Enrique Bertran, aka NewbieDM, to discuss tips and advice for new DMs in this digital era. For more info on this show, visit www,dontsplitthepodcastnetwork.com