Lore Sleep: Secrets of the Forgotten Realms

The Forgotten Realms are no stranger to strife and destruction, but some events will be forever remembered in history: The Sunderings, the Spellplague, and the Time of Troubles. We've briefly touched on these events in previous episodes, but tonight, it is time to look into each of them in more detail. Official art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter and @Venom_For_Free on Blu...

Of all the gods of the Dark Seldarine, only one is truly dedicated to restoring the drow to peace with the people of the surface. A being of beauty whose dance reminds her people of long-forgotten days of tranquility, the goddess Eilistraee will not rest until all her people have been saved from the evil of Lolth. Official art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter and @Venom_For...

The Forgotten Realms are no stranger to terrifying creatures and world-ending events, but one monster stands above the rest when it comes to its destructive capabilities. A creature so powerful that nearly every player who has sat at a Dungeons and Dragons table has at least heard its name, and the reputation that precedes it. Tonight, we are discussing the Tarrasque. One of the most powerful crea...

What's this? A mega episode with our very first guest?? Let's talk about ELVES baby! Join Mark and guest host Kenzie as they dive into all things Elven in the Forgotten Realms, and all the side tangents that go along with it. This episode features brand new music from Faefield Productions, and new show art from @Venom_For_Free on Bluesky. If you enjoy Kenzie's expertise and work, check...

Among the Savage Frontier of the North, there are very few bastions of safety amongst the wilds. But one of those bastions happens to be one of the greatest troves of magical knowledge in Faerûn - Silverymoon, home of the legendary Alustriel Silverhand, the Gem of the North. Official art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter, with music created by Faefield Productions. This show...

The Lords of the Nine, the rulers of the Nine Hells of Baator, are as formidable as they are legendary, and for good reason. But what if I were to tell you that there existed a devil outside their ranks, outside the Hells entirely, with the potential to destroy them all? Tonight, we discuss the enigma who is Gargauth, the Hidden Lord, the Lord Who Watches, Tenth Lord of the Nine. Official art for...

Despite the myriad of villains and horrors that exist in Dungeons and Dragons, there is only one creature that is openly called the "embodiment of evil" by those within the forgotten realms. Tonight, we explore the reason for that, as we dive into the cunning masterminds behind the many corruptions of Faerun. Art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter, with music create...

Happy New Year! While I get back on track with research after a crazy holiday season, we celebrate 1 year of Lore Sleep by revisiting my favorite episodes of 2024. Thank you all for your incredible support, and here's to even more in 2025!

One of the safest cities in Faerûn, and favored by the gods of justice and law, Elturel is one of the few to truly earn the title of "Holy City." Today, we discuss its history, their legendary Hellriders, and the culture behind this fascinating city. Art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter, with music by Faefield Productions. This podcast is written, recorded, and produced by...

How is it that two of the oldest goddesses in Toril came to be at eternal war with each other? Art fort this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter, with music by Faefield Productions. The story sections of this episode were written by Fio LeFay, see more of her work on Tumblr and AO3 @TimeForElfNonsense. This podcast is written, recorded, and produced by Mark Stiehl. You can find me on s...

Welcome to the finale of our October special! Nothing could be more fitting to end Halloween on, than the history of one of the greatest villains ever created for Dungeons and Dragons - Strahd, the first vampire, the Count of Barovia. Art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on twitter, with music by Faefield productions. This podcast is written, recorded, and produced by Mark Stiehl. You...

Terrifying creatures exist within the many planes of Dungeons and Dragons, but what do you do when you enter a little known plane of existence, and find yourself trapped there, because something has taken your place? Art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter, with music by Faefield Productions. This podcast is written, recorded, and produced by Mark Stiehl. You can find me on so...

Something feels off, but you can't remember what. Belongings that aren't yours litter the room, but you've no clue how they got there. Did you always have a party of three? Or is someone missing that no one can quite remember? On this week's October special, we explore one of the most terrifying homebrew creations in Dungeons and Dragons, the False Hydra. Art for this show was created by @NatArtis...

It's October! To celebrate the spooky season, we will be releasing a brand new episode every Thursday this month, diving into some of the most terrifying creatures from within the D&D mythos. This week, be cautious how much you trust your Bag of Holding. There just might be something lurking just beyond the opening, waiting for you to reach in... Art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWe...

D&D has a number of iconic monsters, and this week we are diving into yet another one on that list. Be sure to think twice before diving into that treasure chest, it may well be the last thing you do... Art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter, with music by Faefield Productions. This podcast is written, recorded, and produced by Mark Stiehl. You can find me on social media...

The insidious nation of Thay is an incredibly dangerous place, and the mere mention of its infamous Red Wizards is enough to chill us to the bone. Join me in exploring the history and lore of one of the most dangerous countries in the Forgotten Realms. Art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter, with music by Faefield Productions. This podcast is written, recorded, and produced b...

Of the many factions of Faerun, the Harpers are amongst the oldest, and the most secretive. Working from the shadows to defeat evil at its source, and keep tabs on any entity that they deem is growing too powerful, too quickly. Mind who you spill your secrets to at the bar, as chances are they will be heard by Those Who Harp within the day. Art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twit...

Dungeons and dragons is filled with incredible monsters pulled from mythology, folklore, and the works of popular fantasy and science fiction authors. But one of the most popular monsters of all time is a genuine, original creation, wholly unique to D&D. Tonight, join me as we discuss the incredible lore and powers of the Beholder, the Eye Tyrants of the Forgotten Realms. Art for this show was...

A city struck by tragedy countless times, but never truly defeated, Neverwinter stands among the most popular cities in Dungeons and Dragons for a reason. Tonight, we dive into it's history and founding during the reign of the elves, and it's gradual rise from devastation to once again become a beacon in the savage north. Please use the poll on this episode to vote for our new community pl...

There are many legendary figures within the tales of Dungeons and Dragons, but few are as popular as Tasha. Known across the multiverse by many names, and the creator of the legendary Demonomicon of Iggwilv, Tasha is a fan favorite for a reason. Join me tonight, as we briefly step into the realm of Greyhawk to explore her origins, history, and achievements, on tonight's episode of Lore Sleep:...

Nothing is worse than believing you landed a solid hit on an enemy, only for the blow to swish through empty air as the illusion fades. Tonight, we explore the lore of one of D&D's most memorable creatures - the displacer beast. Art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on twitter, with music by Faefield productions. This podcast is written, recorded, and produced by Mark Stiehl. Y...

The drow are one of the most popular player character races in Dungeons & Dragons, and for good reason. Tonight, we dive into the most famous drow city in the Forgotten Realms, and the home to the legendary ranger, Drizzt Do'Urden. Art for this show was created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter, with music by Faefield Productions. This podcast is written, recorded, and produced by Mark Stiehl...

The Forgotten Realms are full of gods, goddesses, and divine powers that directly shape the worlds that we exist in. Tonight, we discuss one of the most influential members of the Human pantheon, some of his history, and the way that his worship works throughout the Realms. Art for the show is created by @NatArtisticWeeb on Twitter, with music by Faefield Productions. If you enjoy my voice and wor...

In the darkest depths of the Underdark, there exists an alien race of creatures straight out of a Lovecraft novel. With horrific tentacles and a hunger for brains, they plot and manipulate for The Grand Design - the ultimate goal of rebuilding their lost empire. Make yourself comfortable as we explore the origins of this alien culture, and some of the lesser known facts about their strange society...

A city that has been well loved by recent media and video games, Baldur's Gate is simultaneously beautiful and sinister. A city of vast wealth backdropped by crippling poverty, of happy families shadowed by murderous cultists. Join me as we dive into the history of this incredible city. If you enjoy my work, please feel free to check out my new website! www. MarkStiehl.com. You can also follow...