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Ever wondered what beer chemistry, emo vampires, and broom mechanics have in common? Neither did we—until this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast! We're diving deep into RPG madness, from the grimy charm of Shadow Dark to the chaos of Warhammer's magic (spoiler: it's messy). Then, we tackle Symbaroum, where sweeping is serious business, and Vison, the perfect game for overachieving detectives. Horror fans, brace yourselves! It's eldritch chills with Call of Cthulhu, slapstick terror with Pulp Cthulhu, and Appalachian nightmares with Old Gods of Appalachia. Oh, and don't forget Vampire: The Masquerade, where brooding has never been so stylish. Summary Join the RPGBOT hosts as they embark on a tabletop odyssey filled with epic quests, fermented wisdom, and dice-fueled shenanigans! In this episode, they sip on the heady brew of beer chemistry before stumbling into the Old-School Renaissance of Shadow Dark—where dungeons are grim, and death is always just a dice roll away. The adventure takes a quirky turn with Symbaroum, a game where sweeping mechanics finally get their moment in the spotlight, and spirals into the arcane depths of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay's magic systems (spoiler: it's like herding chaotic cats). Mystery lovers, rejoice! They dissect Vison, an RPG that dares players to think—and maybe overthink—its clever puzzles. For horror fans, it's a double feature: Call of Cthulhu's sanity-shattering frights meet Pulp Cthulhu's lighthearted antics (think Indiana Jones with an eldritch twist). The hosts then dive fang-first into Vampire: The Masquerade and the brooding drama of World of Darkness, where players face the ultimate challenge: emo roleplay. To cap it off, the crew gets their candles snuffed out in Ten Candles and pulled into the spine-tingling Appalachian horrors of Old Gods of Appalachia. Whether you're rolling a nat 20 or a nat 1, this episode celebrates RPGs in all their weird, wonderful glory. Links Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times Achtung Cthulhu Adventures in Rokugan Alien RPG ALIEN RPG - A review ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34 All Flesh Must Be Eaten Apocalypse World Battletech Bladerunner Call of Cthulhu Candela Obscura Colostle CY_BORG Cyberpunk Red Cypher Core Rulebook Death in Space Death in Space – A review Delta Green Doctor Who RPG Doctors and Daleks FFG Star Wars Fallout RPG Forbidden Lands Genesys Core Rulebook Imperium Maledictum Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review Legend of the Five Rings Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e Marvel Multiverse RPG Masks Mork Borg Mörk Borg - A Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32 Numenera Old Gods of Appalachia Pirate Borg Pulp Cthulhu Ruins of Symbaroum Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46 Shadowdark RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne Shadowrun Symbaroum The One Ring 2e The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review The Walking Dead RPG Vaesen Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen Vampire: The Masquerade How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Werewolf: The Apocalypse SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF Episode Takeaways Game Mechanics & Themes Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay features a risky, intricate magic system and expansive character creation options. OSR games bring simplicity and nostalgia reminiscent of early D&D. SimBroom introduces corruption mechanics that shape gameplay. High-risk, high-reward gameplay boosts player engagement. RPGs offer unique themes and mechanics, expanding gameplay possibilities. Dragonbane lets players embody whimsical characters, like ducks. Shadow Dark thrives on time pressure and quick decision-making. Vison focuses on solving mysteries over combat, creating unique narratives. World of Darkness emphasizes personal horror and the burden of being a monster. Call of Cthulhu delivers cosmic horror with sanity mechanics, while Pulp Cthulhu adds action-oriented flair. Horror RPGs, like Old Gods of Appalachia and Ten Candles, use innovative mechanics to amplify tension. Dread, with its Jenga tower, brings suspense into the physical realm. Character Creation & Player Experience Brewing beer involves mastering sugar and fermentation processes. Transitioning from dungeon fantasy to darker themes in RPGs can challenge players. Vampire RPGs often introduce disempowerment and moral dilemmas, such as the dangerous Diablerie mechanic. Character survival in horror RPGs often hinges on player choices and narrative decisions. Game Selection & Exploration Selecting games often involves collaboration and even dice rolls. Exploring lesser-known RPGs enriches the gaming experience and storytelling. The RPG landscape is vast, with many innovative games to explore. Exploring different RPGs can enhance storytelling and player engagement. Resources & Community Engagement The chapter on mysteries in Vison's rulebook is a valuable resource for any TTRPG. Rubrics can help evaluate RPG mechanics and themes effectively. Community ratings and reviews play a key role in podcast growth. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games Twitter: @GravenAshes YouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateur Amateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Farewell 2025, Hello 2026 As the dice finish rolling on 2025, we want to take a moment—before the initiative tracker resets—to say thank you. This year was packed with bold experiments, deep dives, hot takes, re-releases, masterclasses, actual plays, rule arguments that absolutely mattered, and more than a few moments where we stopped mid-recording and said, "Wait… does that actually work?" Thanks to you, the listeners, it did. In 2025, RPGBOT.Podcast explored new systems, revisited old favorites, broke down mechanics piece by piece, and kept doing what we love most: helping players, GMs, and curious rules-gremlins play better games. Whether you joined us for crunchy optimization, narrative tools, indie RPG spotlights, or chaotic actual-play energy, you helped make this year something special. We also saw the community grow—more voices, more perspectives, more people pulling up a chair at the virtual table. From longtime listeners who've been with us since the early days, to folks who found us for the first time this year: you're the reason we keep hitting "record." Now, we turn the page. 2026 is already shaping up to be something big. More deep dives. More experiments. More guests. More games that surprise us. More moments where the rules bend—and sometimes break—in interesting ways. We're bringing forward everything we learned in 2025, sharpening our tools, and rolling into the new year with fresh ideas, bigger plans, and the same love for tabletop roleplaying games that started this whole thing. So whether you're listening right now with friends, alone on a late-night walk, or prepping for your next session—thank you for making RPGBOT part of your year. Here's to new campaigns. Here's to better characters. Here's to smarter GMs, braver players, and stories that stick with us long after the dice are packed away. Happy New Year. Welcome to 2026. Let's roll. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Farewell 2025, Hello 2026 As the dice finish rolling on 2025, we want to take a moment—before the initiative tracker resets—to say thank you. This year was packed with bold experiments, deep dives, hot takes, re-releases, masterclasses, actual plays, rule arguments that absolutely mattered, and more than a few moments where we stopped mid-recording and said, "Wait… does that actually work?" Thanks to you, the listeners, it did. In 2025, RPGBOT.Podcast explored new systems, revisited old favorites, broke down mechanics piece by piece, and kept doing what we love most: helping players, GMs, and curious rules-gremlins play better games. Whether you joined us for crunchy optimization, narrative tools, indie RPG spotlights, or chaotic actual-play energy, you helped make this year something special. We also saw the community grow—more voices, more perspectives, more people pulling up a chair at the virtual table. From longtime listeners who've been with us since the early days, to folks who found us for the first time this year: you're the reason we keep hitting "record." Now, we turn the page. 2026 is already shaping up to be something big. More deep dives. More experiments. More guests. More games that surprise us. More moments where the rules bend—and sometimes break—in interesting ways. We're bringing forward everything we learned in 2025, sharpening our tools, and rolling into the new year with fresh ideas, bigger plans, and the same love for tabletop roleplaying games that started this whole thing. So whether you're listening right now with friends, alone on a late-night walk, or prepping for your next session—thank you for making RPGBOT part of your year. Here's to new campaigns. Here's to better characters. Here's to smarter GMs, braver players, and stories that stick with us long after the dice are packed away. Happy New Year. Welcome to 2026. Let's roll. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
✨ Parte el 2026 y DD vuelve con TODO ✨ #DragRace reinicia el reloj drag con su temporada 18, y en este primer episodio del año te contamos todos los datos del nuevo elenco de 14 reinas, junto a lo más destacado del Meet the Queens
Happy New Years from The Brunch Breakdown Podcast! On #TheMenu: Stuff (and People), we want to get rid of in 2026. Why Athletes Punching Fans should be OK. Dan's counting down to the Winter Olympics. DD's Playing Mario Kart in 2025. Wing Stop is the GOAT. And as always, Beer, Music, and A LOT MORE! See Yinz at the Table and Thank You for listening to us ALL YEAR! Check out the SOUNDS OF BRUNCH Playlist on Spotify! WATCH Full Episodes of the @BrunchBreakdown Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, & Facebook. LISTEN on AMAZON, Audible, Spotify, Apple, and Everywhere You Get Your Podcasts. FOLLOW us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and GoodPods!
"Crunchy rules or simple vibes? Political intrigue or straight-up dungeon brawls? Survival in a dying world or low-power fantasy feels?" This remastered RPGBOT.Podcast dives into everything you love (and fear) about tabletop RPGs that aren't D&D or Pathfinder. From decision trees to help you find your perfect game match, to the storytelling magic of Powered by the Apocalypse, and the chaotic survival of Mork Borg, there's something for everyone if you're willing to look past what you already know. Tune in if you've ever wondered, "Is my game too crunchy, or am I just lazy?" Summary In this episode, the hosts take a deep dive into the diverse landscape of tabletop RPGs, offering a wealth of insights into various systems, mechanics, and themes. They introduce the concept of decision trees, a practical tool to help players identify RPGs that align with their preferences. The discussion covers the spectrum of complexity, from the intricate 'crunch' of detailed systems to the simplicity of more streamlined games. Key highlights include: The Cypher System and Genesis: An exploration of these versatile systems, focusing on their mechanics and adaptability to different genres. Powered by the Apocalypse Framework: A look at its elegant simplicity and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for narrative-driven campaigns. Legend of the Five Rings vs. Adventures in Rokugan: A comparison of political intrigue-focused gameplay with combat-centric mechanics, illustrating the range of experiences within fantasy RPGs. Mörk Borg: An examination of its dark, nihilistic themes, where traditional heroism gives way to survival in a grim and decaying world. The conversation also ventures into niche areas, such as the unique storytelling potential of solo RPGs, and highlights specific systems like Numenera, with its futuristic exploration themes, and One Ring 2E, celebrated for its low-power fantasy and rich Tolkien-inspired lore. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding a game's mechanics and setting realistic expectations to maximize the enjoyment of any RPG experience. Links Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times Achtung Cthulhu Adventures in Rokugan Alien RPG ALIEN RPG - A review ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34 All Flesh Must Be Eaten Apocalypse World Battletech Bladerunner Call of Cthulhu Candela Obscura Colostle CY_BORG Cyberpunk Red Cypher Core Rulebook Death in Space Death in Space – A review Delta Green Doctor Who RPG Doctors and Daleks FFG Star Wars Fallout RPG Forbidden Lands Genesys Core Rulebook Imperium Maledictum Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review Legend of the Five Rings Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e Marvel Multiverse RPG Masks Mork Borg Mörk Borg - A Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32 Numenera Old Gods of Appalachia Pirate Borg Pulp Cthulhu Ruins of Symbaroum Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46 Shadowdark RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne Shadowrun Symbaroum The One Ring 2e The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review The Walking Dead RPG Vaesen Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen Vampire: The Masquerade How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Werewolf: The Apocalypse SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF Takeaways Tyler's Interests Tyler loves wizards and wants to be one. Game Mechanics and Decision-Making The decision tree helps players find suitable RPGs. "Crunch" refers to the interaction with game mechanics. The Captain Crunch scale measures game complexity. Understanding game mechanics enhances the RPG experience. RPG Systems The Cypher System is easy to learn and play. Genesis is a generic system based on Fantasy Flight's Star Wars. Powered by the Apocalypse is a versatile framework. Powered by the Apocalypse games are easy to learn. Fate is complex and math-heavy. The Year Zero Engine is simple yet effective. Solo RPGs can be rewarding experiences. Character Creation and Progression Character creation in RPGs can vary significantly. Character progression in One Ring 2E requires patience and strategy. Adjusting difficulty can enhance the gameplay experience. Thematic and Genre Elements Monster Hearts is popular in the LGBT community. Legend of the Five Rings emphasizes political intrigue (combat is discouraged). Merc Borg presents a nihilistic view of RPGs. Adventures in Rokugan is more combat-focused than its predecessor. Colossal is a unique solo RPG experience. Mercord uniquely advocates for real-world arson in its gameplay. Numenera presents a science fantasy setting a billion years in the future. Players in One Ring 2E are grounded, facing impossible odds. Exploring the themes of low-power fantasy can lead to rich storytelling. Gameplay Depth The intrusion system adds depth to gameplay. The Eye of Sauron and Gandalf rune add depth to gameplay. Solo play in One Ring 2E is well-implemented and enjoyable. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games Twitter: @GravenAshes YouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateur Amateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
"Crunchy rules or simple vibes? Political intrigue or straight-up dungeon brawls? Survival in a dying world or low-power fantasy feels?" This remastered RPGBOT.Podcast dives into everything you love (and fear) about tabletop RPGs that aren't D&D or Pathfinder. From decision trees to help you find your perfect game match, to the storytelling magic of Powered by the Apocalypse, and the chaotic survival of Mork Borg, there's something for everyone if you're willing to look past what you already know. Tune in if you've ever wondered, "Is my game too crunchy, or am I just lazy?" Summary In this episode, the hosts take a deep dive into the diverse landscape of tabletop RPGs, offering a wealth of insights into various systems, mechanics, and themes. They introduce the concept of decision trees, a practical tool to help players identify RPGs that align with their preferences. The discussion covers the spectrum of complexity, from the intricate 'crunch' of detailed systems to the simplicity of more streamlined games. Key highlights include: The Cypher System and Genesis: An exploration of these versatile systems, focusing on their mechanics and adaptability to different genres. Powered by the Apocalypse Framework: A look at its elegant simplicity and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for narrative-driven campaigns. Legend of the Five Rings vs. Adventures in Rokugan: A comparison of political intrigue-focused gameplay with combat-centric mechanics, illustrating the range of experiences within fantasy RPGs. Mörk Borg: An examination of its dark, nihilistic themes, where traditional heroism gives way to survival in a grim and decaying world. The conversation also ventures into niche areas, such as the unique storytelling potential of solo RPGs, and highlights specific systems like Numenera, with its futuristic exploration themes, and One Ring 2E, celebrated for its low-power fantasy and rich Tolkien-inspired lore. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding a game's mechanics and setting realistic expectations to maximize the enjoyment of any RPG experience. Links Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times Achtung Cthulhu Adventures in Rokugan Alien RPG ALIEN RPG - A review ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34 All Flesh Must Be Eaten Apocalypse World Battletech Bladerunner Call of Cthulhu Candela Obscura Colostle CY_BORG Cyberpunk Red Cypher Core Rulebook Death in Space Death in Space – A review Delta Green Doctor Who RPG Doctors and Daleks FFG Star Wars Fallout RPG Forbidden Lands Genesys Core Rulebook Imperium Maledictum Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review Legend of the Five Rings Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e Marvel Multiverse RPG Masks Mork Borg Mörk Borg - A Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32 Numenera Old Gods of Appalachia Pirate Borg Pulp Cthulhu Ruins of Symbaroum Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46 Shadowdark RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne Shadowrun Symbaroum The One Ring 2e The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review The Walking Dead RPG Vaesen Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen Vampire: The Masquerade How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Werewolf: The Apocalypse SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF Takeaways Tyler's Interests Tyler loves wizards and wants to be one. Game Mechanics and Decision-Making The decision tree helps players find suitable RPGs. "Crunch" refers to the interaction with game mechanics. The Captain Crunch scale measures game complexity. Understanding game mechanics enhances the RPG experience. RPG Systems The Cypher System is easy to learn and play. Genesis is a generic system based on Fantasy Flight's Star Wars. Powered by the Apocalypse is a versatile framework. Powered by the Apocalypse games are easy to learn. Fate is complex and math-heavy. The Year Zero Engine is simple yet effective. Solo RPGs can be rewarding experiences. Character Creation and Progression Character creation in RPGs can vary significantly. Character progression in One Ring 2E requires patience and strategy. Adjusting difficulty can enhance the gameplay experience. Thematic and Genre Elements Monster Hearts is popular in the LGBT community. Legend of the Five Rings emphasizes political intrigue (combat is discouraged). Merc Borg presents a nihilistic view of RPGs. Adventures in Rokugan is more combat-focused than its predecessor. Colossal is a unique solo RPG experience. Mercord uniquely advocates for real-world arson in its gameplay. Numenera presents a science fantasy setting a billion years in the future. Players in One Ring 2E are grounded, facing impossible odds. Exploring the themes of low-power fantasy can lead to rich storytelling. Gameplay Depth The intrusion system adds depth to gameplay. The Eye of Sauron and Gandalf rune add depth to gameplay. Solo play in One Ring 2E is well-implemented and enjoyable. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games Twitter: @GravenAshes YouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateur Amateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Please visit SSPXPodcast.com to learn more or find out how to make a one-time or recurring donation. Your generosity contributes to the Society keeping faith with the motto of its patron, St. Pius X, to “restore all things in Christ.” Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org
Please visit SSPXPodcast.com to learn more or find out how to make a one-time or recurring donation. Your generosity contributes to the Society keeping faith with the motto of its patron, St. Pius X, to “restore all things in Christ.” Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org
You survived the one-shot. No one died permanently. Only some rules were misunderstood. Now comes the most dangerous phase of any tabletop experience: questions. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew sits down after the Pathfinder 2e one-shot to answer the things every new player asks—what worked, what didn't, what we forgot, and why Pathfinder 2e somehow makes rules discussions feel productive instead of like a rules-lawyer cage match. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Perfect timing for learning, teaching, and holiday one-shots: RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e Quickstart episodes for the 2025 holiday season! These remastered episodes are ideal for new players, GMs running demos, and groups revisiting PF2e after a long break—just in time to answer all those "wait, how does that work again?" questions. MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE dScryb – Mobile Alchemy Shop (affiliate link) Pathfinder 2e Source Materials Pathfinder 2e Beginner Box (affiliate link) Pathfinder 2e Core Rulebook (affiliate link) Archives of Nethys Content from RPGBOT.Net Pathfinder 2e – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Beginner Box Guide Previous Episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E6 – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 1: Concepts and Themes RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E8 – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 2: Character Creation How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 3: Oneshot Example Play – RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E56 Kingmaker for PF2 with Paizo Creative Director James Jacobs – RPGBOT.News S3E1 Paizo's Pathfinder Society Organized Play Coordinator Alex Speidel – RPGBOT.News S2E87 Other Stuff Rise of the Runelords In Part IV of the RPGBOT.Quickstart Pathfinder 2e series, we wrap up the one-shot example play with a post-game Q&A, answering the most common questions new players and GMs have after their first Pathfinder Second Edition session. This episode focuses on reflection, clarification, and practical advice drawn directly from actual gameplay. We revisit moments from the one-shot to explain how actions, reactions, conditions, and skill usage worked in practice, clarifying rules that are often misunderstood during early PF2e play. The discussion highlights how the three-action economy rewards thoughtful decisions, how teamwork improves outcomes, and what players should prioritize learning first versus what can wait. This episode is especially helpful for groups that have just finished a Pathfinder 2e one-shot, as it bridges the gap between reading the rules and truly understanding how the system feels at the table. By addressing common mistakes and "aha" moments, we help listeners gain confidence heading into longer PF2e campaigns. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e becomes clearer after seeing the rules in action. Post-game discussion is one of the best ways to learn PF2e. The three-action economy rewards planning and flexibility. New players commonly overlook reactions, conditions, and positioning. Teamwork and coordination matter more than individual optimization. One-shots are an excellent teaching tool for Pathfinder Second Edition. Confidence grows quickly once rules questions are addressed directly. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to ask your Pathfinder 2e questions in real time? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and unlock: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions, where patrons can listen and ask questions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles, guides, and optimization content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to remastered Pathfinder 2e episodes and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, sharpen your system mastery, and join the conversation behind the screen. Become a patron today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
This is our final Quackcast for 2025. It's been a year all right… but we've done ok here at DD despite our ups and downs and the ups and downs of the rest of the planet. In other news Alexey our programmer is getting closer to sorting out the new version of DD. As part of that process I chatted to Emma Claire who is doing the visual designs for it and ended up meeting her and her hubby for lunch and coffee the other day, so that was very cool. Always a pleasure to meet more DDers! This year was a tricky one for me for sure because on Christmas eve last year my cat broke his leg and all five bones in that part of the leg were cleanly snapped through as if they had been cut with a ghostly knife that sliced the bones but didn't touch skin, muscle or tendon… after recovering from an expensive operation to repair them all with stainless steel rods, his stomach was ruptured open because of the painkillers, which necessitated emergency surgery and two weeks stay in a vet hospital which cost as much as a new car. When he finally came home he had to stay for 3 months in a small room so he couldn't jump on anything and damage his healing leg. Which meant I had to stay with him in there night and day as much as I could to keep him calm. Thankfully he's all good now! Tantz, Banes and I chat about silly place names around the world and other fun things on the cast and stuff we've done and watched over the year of 2025. Have you done anything cool in 2025, has anything big and important happened for you? Are there silly place names where you are? BTW our Patreon video this week is free for all to watch on Patreon: - https://www.patreon.com/DrunkDuck This week we have another best off from Gunwallace and this time it's Necroblivion - The raw, buzzing fuzz of distorted electric guitar over calm, almost celebratory rhythm driven music brings to mind the sounds of North African Tuareg band Tinariwen. This is quite a positive vibe and a very African sound. - Originally from Quackcast 535, 15th June 2021 Topics and shownotes Links Featured comic: Dragon Garage - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/news/2025/dec/19/featured-comic-dragon-garage/ Featured music: Necroblivion - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/Necroblivion/ - by Paneltastic, rated M. Special thanks to: Gunwallace - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/user/Gunwallace/ Tantz Aerine - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/user/Tantz_Aerine/ Kawaiidaigakusei - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/user/kawaiidaigakusei Ozoneocean - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/user/ozoneocean Banes - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/user/Banes/ VIDEO exclusive! Become a subscriber on the $5 level and up to see our weekly Patreon video and get our advertising perks! - https://www.patreon.com/DrunkDuck Even at $1 you get your name with a link on the front page and a mention in the weekend newsposts! Join us on Discord - https://discordapp.com/invite/7NpJ8GS
You survived the one-shot. No one died permanently. Only some rules were misunderstood. Now comes the most dangerous phase of any tabletop experience: questions. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew sits down after the Pathfinder 2e one-shot to answer the things every new player asks—what worked, what didn't, what we forgot, and why Pathfinder 2e somehow makes rules discussions feel productive instead of like a rules-lawyer cage match. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Perfect timing for learning, teaching, and holiday one-shots: RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e Quickstart episodes for the 2025 holiday season! These remastered episodes are ideal for new players, GMs running demos, and groups revisiting PF2e after a long break—just in time to answer all those "wait, how does that work again?" questions. MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE dScryb – Mobile Alchemy Shop (affiliate link) Pathfinder 2e Source Materials Pathfinder 2e Beginner Box (affiliate link) Pathfinder 2e Core Rulebook (affiliate link) Archives of Nethys Content from RPGBOT.Net Pathfinder 2e – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Beginner Box Guide Previous Episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E6 – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 1: Concepts and Themes RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E8 – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 2: Character Creation How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 3: Oneshot Example Play – RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E56 Kingmaker for PF2 with Paizo Creative Director James Jacobs – RPGBOT.News S3E1 Paizo's Pathfinder Society Organized Play Coordinator Alex Speidel – RPGBOT.News S2E87 Other Stuff Rise of the Runelords In Part IV of the RPGBOT.Quickstart Pathfinder 2e series, we wrap up the one-shot example play with a post-game Q&A, answering the most common questions new players and GMs have after their first Pathfinder Second Edition session. This episode focuses on reflection, clarification, and practical advice drawn directly from actual gameplay. We revisit moments from the one-shot to explain how actions, reactions, conditions, and skill usage worked in practice, clarifying rules that are often misunderstood during early PF2e play. The discussion highlights how the three-action economy rewards thoughtful decisions, how teamwork improves outcomes, and what players should prioritize learning first versus what can wait. This episode is especially helpful for groups that have just finished a Pathfinder 2e one-shot, as it bridges the gap between reading the rules and truly understanding how the system feels at the table. By addressing common mistakes and "aha" moments, we help listeners gain confidence heading into longer PF2e campaigns. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e becomes clearer after seeing the rules in action. Post-game discussion is one of the best ways to learn PF2e. The three-action economy rewards planning and flexibility. New players commonly overlook reactions, conditions, and positioning. Teamwork and coordination matter more than individual optimization. One-shots are an excellent teaching tool for Pathfinder Second Edition. Confidence grows quickly once rules questions are addressed directly. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to ask your Pathfinder 2e questions in real time? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and unlock: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions, where patrons can listen and ask questions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles, guides, and optimization content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to remastered Pathfinder 2e episodes and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, sharpen your system mastery, and join the conversation behind the screen. Become a patron today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Every tabletop RPG player has had this thought at some point: "If I had one Wish, I could fix everything." And every Dungeon Master has had the immediate follow-up thought: "If you cast Wish, I'm fixing you." In this episode, the RPGBOT crew tackles the most powerful spell in the game—the one that can rewrite reality, end campaigns, summon divine attention, and turn a carefully planned epic into a rules argument that lasts longer than combat at level 17. Whether you're wishing for ultimate power, infinite gold, or just a snack because the barbarian is bored, we're here to explain how Wish actually works… and why your DM is already sweating. Wish is the most powerful spell in tabletop roleplaying games—and one of the most dangerous. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we break down how Wish works across Dungeons & Dragons 3.5e, D&D 5e (2014 and 2024), Pathfinder 1e, and Pathfinder 2e, including its lore, mechanics, exploits, and why so many Game Masters fear it. We explore how Wish can replicate spells, rewrite reality, override divine power, and derail entire campaigns if mishandled. The discussion covers infamous loopholes like simulacrum chains, genie-granted wishes, ritual casting in Pathfinder 2e, and why Wish is often the reason high-level campaigns fall apart. Finally, we offer practical GM advice for handling Wish without ruining your game—whether you want it as a campaign capstone, a narrative ritual, or a controlled tool of world-changing magic. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts take an in-depth look at Wish, the iconic reality-altering spell that defines high-level play in Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. Often called the most powerful spell ever printed, Wish allows characters to replicate spells, heal allies, undo actions, reshape the world, and even challenge the gods themselves—at a steep narrative and mechanical cost. The episode begins with the lore of Wish, including its emergence after the fall of Netheril and its relationship to lost 10th-level magic. The hosts then compare how Wish functions mechanically across editions, from the expensive, tightly worded versions in D&D 3.5e and Pathfinder 1e, to the flexible but risky spellcasting in D&D 5e, and finally the radically redesigned Pathfinder 2e Wish ritual, which introduces casting time, interference, ritual checks, and failure states. A major focus is why Wish is so controversial for Game Masters. The discussion covers campaign-breaking outcomes, narrative paradoxes, infamous exploits like infinite simulacrum armies, and why many tables restrict or ban the spell outright. The hosts also examine genie-granted wishes, highlighting how Pathfinder 2e adds unique wish interpretations based on genie type—ranging from diplomatic and literal to malicious and destabilizing. The episode concludes with practical GM advice on how to handle Wish responsibly: limiting it to core effects, telegraphing consequences, using rituals instead of instant casting, and reframing Wish as a dramatic story event rather than an "I win" button. Key Takeaways Wish is widely considered the most powerful spell in tabletop RPGs, capable of rewriting reality itself. Different systems handle Wish very differently, with Pathfinder 2e's ritual system offering the strongest structural safeguards. In D&D 5e, spell duplication is the safest use of Wish; creative uses risk permanent loss of the spell. Wish is a major reason many GMs avoid or limit high-level campaigns. Genie-granted wishes introduce flavorful but dangerous interpretations, especially in Pathfinder 2e. Successful use of Wish requires clear GM communication, narrative foreshadowing, and player trust. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Every tabletop RPG player has had this thought at some point: "If I had one Wish, I could fix everything." And every Dungeon Master has had the immediate follow-up thought: "If you cast Wish, I'm fixing you." In this episode, the RPGBOT crew tackles the most powerful spell in the game—the one that can rewrite reality, end campaigns, summon divine attention, and turn a carefully planned epic into a rules argument that lasts longer than combat at level 17. Whether you're wishing for ultimate power, infinite gold, or just a snack because the barbarian is bored, we're here to explain how Wish actually works… and why your DM is already sweating. Wish is the most powerful spell in tabletop roleplaying games—and one of the most dangerous. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we break down how Wish works across Dungeons & Dragons 3.5e, D&D 5e (2014 and 2024), Pathfinder 1e, and Pathfinder 2e, including its lore, mechanics, exploits, and why so many Game Masters fear it. We explore how Wish can replicate spells, rewrite reality, override divine power, and derail entire campaigns if mishandled. The discussion covers infamous loopholes like simulacrum chains, genie-granted wishes, ritual casting in Pathfinder 2e, and why Wish is often the reason high-level campaigns fall apart. Finally, we offer practical GM advice for handling Wish without ruining your game—whether you want it as a campaign capstone, a narrative ritual, or a controlled tool of world-changing magic. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts take an in-depth look at Wish, the iconic reality-altering spell that defines high-level play in Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. Often called the most powerful spell ever printed, Wish allows characters to replicate spells, heal allies, undo actions, reshape the world, and even challenge the gods themselves—at a steep narrative and mechanical cost. The episode begins with the lore of Wish, including its emergence after the fall of Netheril and its relationship to lost 10th-level magic. The hosts then compare how Wish functions mechanically across editions, from the expensive, tightly worded versions in D&D 3.5e and Pathfinder 1e, to the flexible but risky spellcasting in D&D 5e, and finally the radically redesigned Pathfinder 2e Wish ritual, which introduces casting time, interference, ritual checks, and failure states. A major focus is why Wish is so controversial for Game Masters. The discussion covers campaign-breaking outcomes, narrative paradoxes, infamous exploits like infinite simulacrum armies, and why many tables restrict or ban the spell outright. The hosts also examine genie-granted wishes, highlighting how Pathfinder 2e adds unique wish interpretations based on genie type—ranging from diplomatic and literal to malicious and destabilizing. The episode concludes with practical GM advice on how to handle Wish responsibly: limiting it to core effects, telegraphing consequences, using rituals instead of instant casting, and reframing Wish as a dramatic story event rather than an "I win" button. Key Takeaways Wish is widely considered the most powerful spell in tabletop RPGs, capable of rewriting reality itself. Different systems handle Wish very differently, with Pathfinder 2e's ritual system offering the strongest structural safeguards. In D&D 5e, spell duplication is the safest use of Wish; creative uses risk permanent loss of the spell. Wish is a major reason many GMs avoid or limit high-level campaigns. Genie-granted wishes introduce flavorful but dangerous interpretations, especially in Pathfinder 2e. Successful use of Wish requires clear GM communication, narrative foreshadowing, and player trust. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Nothing teaches a rules system faster than throwing it directly into danger. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew does exactly that by unleashing a Pathfinder 2e one-shot designed to show how the rules actually work when dice hit the table. Expect missed attacks, clever teamwork, rules "aha!" moments, and at least one situation where the three-action economy proves it is both elegant and mildly terrifying. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Just in time for holiday one-shots, convention games, and introducing curious relatives to tabletop RPGs, RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e Quickstart episodes for the 2025 holiday season! These remastered episodes are perfect for GMs running demos, players learning PF2e for the first time, and groups looking for a clean, rules-forward way to start adventuring. Show Notes In Part 3 of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we put Pathfinder Second Edition rules into action with a one-shot example play session designed specifically to teach the game through real gameplay. Instead of theory, this episode shows how Pathfinder 2e actions, reactions, skills, and combat mechanics function at the table when players are making real decisions under pressure. The episode walks listeners through initiative, movement, skill checks, and combat rounds, highlighting how the three-action economy creates meaningful tactical choices every turn. We discuss when to Strike, Step, Raise a Shield, Recall Knowledge, and use reactions—showing how Pathfinder 2e rewards teamwork and planning without bogging the game down. This example play is ideal for new players, GMs preparing a Pathfinder 2e one-shot, or anyone who wants to see how PF2e rules flow in practice. By hearing the rules applied in context, listeners gain confidence running or playing Pathfinder Second Edition at their own tables. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e is easiest to learn by seeing the rules in action. The three-action economy gives players flexibility and tactical depth. Positioning, teamwork, and smart action use matter more than raw damage. PF2e combat flows quickly once players understand actions and reactions. One-shots are an excellent way to teach Pathfinder Second Edition. Clear rules structure makes PF2e beginner-friendly when demonstrated properly. Example play bridges the gap between reading rules and playing confidently. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to see how these episodes come together before they're released? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and get: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles and optimization guides Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to remastered Pathfinder 2e episodes and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, support great tabletop content, and join us behind the screen. Become a patron today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Nothing teaches a rules system faster than throwing it directly into danger. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew does exactly that by unleashing a Pathfinder 2e one-shot designed to show how the rules actually work when dice hit the table. Expect missed attacks, clever teamwork, rules "aha!" moments, and at least one situation where the three-action economy proves it is both elegant and mildly terrifying. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Just in time for holiday one-shots, convention games, and introducing curious relatives to tabletop RPGs, RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e Quickstart episodes for the 2025 holiday season! These remastered episodes are perfect for GMs running demos, players learning PF2e for the first time, and groups looking for a clean, rules-forward way to start adventuring. Show Notes In Part 3 of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we put Pathfinder Second Edition rules into action with a one-shot example play session designed specifically to teach the game through real gameplay. Instead of theory, this episode shows how Pathfinder 2e actions, reactions, skills, and combat mechanics function at the table when players are making real decisions under pressure. The episode walks listeners through initiative, movement, skill checks, and combat rounds, highlighting how the three-action economy creates meaningful tactical choices every turn. We discuss when to Strike, Step, Raise a Shield, Recall Knowledge, and use reactions—showing how Pathfinder 2e rewards teamwork and planning without bogging the game down. This example play is ideal for new players, GMs preparing a Pathfinder 2e one-shot, or anyone who wants to see how PF2e rules flow in practice. By hearing the rules applied in context, listeners gain confidence running or playing Pathfinder Second Edition at their own tables. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e is easiest to learn by seeing the rules in action. The three-action economy gives players flexibility and tactical depth. Positioning, teamwork, and smart action use matter more than raw damage. PF2e combat flows quickly once players understand actions and reactions. One-shots are an excellent way to teach Pathfinder Second Edition. Clear rules structure makes PF2e beginner-friendly when demonstrated properly. Example play bridges the gap between reading rules and playing confidently. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to see how these episodes come together before they're released? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and get: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles and optimization guides Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to remastered Pathfinder 2e episodes and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, support great tabletop content, and join us behind the screen. Become a patron today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Character creation in Pathfinder 2e is like walking into a fantasy bakery: everything looks amazing, you want all of it, and somehow you leave with a perfectly balanced character instead of a chaotic pile of half-baked ideas. In this RPGBOT.Quickstart episode, we guide you through the PF2e character creation process step by step without analysis paralysis, spreadsheet-induced panic, or accidentally building a wizard who can't read their own spellbook. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Just in time for cozy dice rolling and awkward family game nights, RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e episodes for the 2025 holiday season! Whether you're onboarding new players, rebuilding old characters, or finally convincing your D&D group to try PF2e, our Quickstart Pathfinder 2e series is coming back to help you start strong and play smart. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we break down Pathfinder Second Edition character creation from start to finish, helping new and returning players understand how PF2e builds characters that are flexible, balanced, and deeply customizable. We walk through the full process: ancestry, background, class, ability boosts, skills, feats, and proficiencies, and explain how each choice shapes your character's role in the party. The discussion focuses on how Pathfinder 2e character creation differs from other tabletop RPG systems, emphasizing player choice at every stage without overwhelming complexity. We explain how ability scores are generated, why feats matter at level one, and how proficiency tiers influence long-term character growth. Whether you're building a frontline fighter, a cunning rogue, or a spellcaster with a carefully tuned spell list, this episode gives you the tools to make informed, confident decisions. If you're new to Pathfinder Second Edition or helping others get started, this episode serves as a clear, approachable character creation guide that sets you up for success before the first initiative roll. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e character creation is modular, flexible, and highly balanced. Ancestry, background, and class all provide meaningful mechanical benefits. Ability boosts replace traditional rolling, ensuring fair and effective characters. Feats at level one define character identity early in the game. Proficiency tiers shape how characters grow over time. PF2e supports strong character concepts without trap choices. A solid character foundation makes learning Pathfinder 2e much easier. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to go deeper into Pathfinder 2e and beyond? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and unlock: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles and content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to new episodes, remastered series, and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, sharpen your character builds, and help us keep making the tabletop content you love. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Character creation in Pathfinder 2e is like walking into a fantasy bakery: everything looks amazing, you want all of it, and somehow you leave with a perfectly balanced character instead of a chaotic pile of half-baked ideas. In this RPGBOT.Quickstart episode, we guide you through the PF2e character creation process step by step without analysis paralysis, spreadsheet-induced panic, or accidentally building a wizard who can't read their own spellbook. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Just in time for cozy dice rolling and awkward family game nights, RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e episodes for the 2025 holiday season! Whether you're onboarding new players, rebuilding old characters, or finally convincing your D&D group to try PF2e, our Quickstart Pathfinder 2e series is coming back to help you start strong and play smart. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we break down Pathfinder Second Edition character creation from start to finish, helping new and returning players understand how PF2e builds characters that are flexible, balanced, and deeply customizable. We walk through the full process: ancestry, background, class, ability boosts, skills, feats, and proficiencies, and explain how each choice shapes your character's role in the party. The discussion focuses on how Pathfinder 2e character creation differs from other tabletop RPG systems, emphasizing player choice at every stage without overwhelming complexity. We explain how ability scores are generated, why feats matter at level one, and how proficiency tiers influence long-term character growth. Whether you're building a frontline fighter, a cunning rogue, or a spellcaster with a carefully tuned spell list, this episode gives you the tools to make informed, confident decisions. If you're new to Pathfinder Second Edition or helping others get started, this episode serves as a clear, approachable character creation guide that sets you up for success before the first initiative roll. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e character creation is modular, flexible, and highly balanced. Ancestry, background, and class all provide meaningful mechanical benefits. Ability boosts replace traditional rolling, ensuring fair and effective characters. Feats at level one define character identity early in the game. Proficiency tiers shape how characters grow over time. PF2e supports strong character concepts without trap choices. A solid character foundation makes learning Pathfinder 2e much easier. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to go deeper into Pathfinder 2e and beyond? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and unlock: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles and content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to new episodes, remastered series, and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, sharpen your character builds, and help us keep making the tabletop content you love. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Send us a textIt's true! We're not afraid to say it! DD's back to talk with Katy about the challenges of raising teenagers. From bad attitudes to having "the talk," they're digging into what makes teens so difficult - and what also makes them fun! Keep up with us on social media!Instagram - @cadenlaneTikTok - @cadenlanebabyFacebook - @cadenlaneCheck out our mom blog:imthatmom.comAnd our store:CadenLane.com
Ever wondered how many actions it takes to brew a cup of coffee in Pathfinder 2e? The RPGBOT crew did, and we're pretty sure we provoked an opportunity attack from the espresso machine. In this RPGBOT.Quickstart episode, we bravely tackle Pathfinder Second Edition, learn how to read a character sheet without summoning a demon, and maybe, just maybe, figure out what the heck a "reaction" actually is. Holiday Announcement – Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Big News! RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder Second Edition episodes during the 2025 holiday season! Whether you're brand-new to PF2e, teaching friends, or planning a holiday gaming binge, our remastered Quickstart series will help you jump right into battles, skill checks, and glorious crits! Show Notes In this introductory episode of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we take new players step-by-step into the rules and systems of Pathfinder Second Edition, focusing on what makes the game unique, approachable, and extremely rewarding even at level one. We explore the fundamental differences from other tabletop RPG systems, including the three-action economy, proficiency tiers, skills and training, and how to read your character sheet without consulting a wizard or cleric. Whether you're a brand-new player or transitioning from Dungeons & Dragons, our Pathfinder Second Edition beginner rules breakdown explains character creation, basic mechanics, and how to confidently walk into your first PF2e session without rolling a natural 1 on understanding the rules. We also look at how PF2e combat flows, what kinds of strategies matter, and how actions and reactions drive tactical gameplay. If you're curious about Pathfinder Second Edition, wanting a quickstart guide, or simply preparing your group for a brand-new campaign, this episode has the foundational tips you need to begin adventuring right away. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e uses a three-action economy, giving players tactical freedom. Proficiency matters—trained, expert, master, legendary all influence your rolls. Pathfinder 2e emphasizes tactical positioning and deliberate decision-making. Character creation focuses on choosing an ancestry, background, and class to determine strengths and abilities. Combat relies heavily on actions, reactions, and movement, making every turn meaningful. Pathfinder 2e is ideal for players seeking rich choices and balanced gameplay. The system is easy to learn with the right quickstart guidance—like this episode! Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want even more Pathfinder goodness? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and get: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free versions of RPGBOT.net content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to upcoming episodes and special PF2e content Support RPGBOT. Support great tabletop content. Become a patron today and join us behind the GM screen! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever wondered how many actions it takes to brew a cup of coffee in Pathfinder 2e? The RPGBOT crew did, and we're pretty sure we provoked an opportunity attack from the espresso machine. In this RPGBOT.Quickstart episode, we bravely tackle Pathfinder Second Edition, learn how to read a character sheet without summoning a demon, and maybe, just maybe, figure out what the heck a "reaction" actually is. Holiday Announcement – Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Big News! RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder Second Edition episodes during the 2025 holiday season! Whether you're brand-new to PF2e, teaching friends, or planning a holiday gaming binge, our remastered Quickstart series will help you jump right into battles, skill checks, and glorious crits! Show Notes In this introductory episode of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we take new players step-by-step into the rules and systems of Pathfinder Second Edition, focusing on what makes the game unique, approachable, and extremely rewarding even at level one. We explore the fundamental differences from other tabletop RPG systems, including the three-action economy, proficiency tiers, skills and training, and how to read your character sheet without consulting a wizard or cleric. Whether you're a brand-new player or transitioning from Dungeons & Dragons, our Pathfinder Second Edition beginner rules breakdown explains character creation, basic mechanics, and how to confidently walk into your first PF2e session without rolling a natural 1 on understanding the rules. We also look at how PF2e combat flows, what kinds of strategies matter, and how actions and reactions drive tactical gameplay. If you're curious about Pathfinder Second Edition, wanting a quickstart guide, or simply preparing your group for a brand-new campaign, this episode has the foundational tips you need to begin adventuring right away. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e uses a three-action economy, giving players tactical freedom. Proficiency matters—trained, expert, master, legendary all influence your rolls. Pathfinder 2e emphasizes tactical positioning and deliberate decision-making. Character creation focuses on choosing an ancestry, background, and class to determine strengths and abilities. Combat relies heavily on actions, reactions, and movement, making every turn meaningful. Pathfinder 2e is ideal for players seeking rich choices and balanced gameplay. The system is easy to learn with the right quickstart guidance—like this episode! Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want even more Pathfinder goodness? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and get: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free versions of RPGBOT.net content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to upcoming episodes and special PF2e content Support RPGBOT. Support great tabletop content. Become a patron today and join us behind the GM screen! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever wished you could travel back in time, wield 10th-level spells, and tell ancient archmages that "no seriously, this is definitely going to end badly"? Well congratulations, this episode is for you! Today we explore Netheril's majestic flying cities, magical decadence, and the absolute worst urban-planning decision ever: putting time portals in extremely obvious places. Grab your arcane seatbelts; gravity is optional. RPGBOT Video Reviews on YouTube Heads-up, adventurers! RPGBOT review episodes may soon begin appearing in full video on YouTube. If you've ever wanted to see our horrified facial expressions while discussing Netheril's magical OSHA violations—this might be your moment. More information coming soon! Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive deep into Netheril's Fall, the newest official supplement set during the height (and imminent collapse) of the ancient Netherese Empire. The cast explores Netheril's lore, the rise of magical elitism, the role of 10th-level spells, and the unique position this supplement occupies as mainly a Dungeon Master resource rather than a player-option book. The crew also discusses the magical decadence of flying cities, the oppressive social structure of the High Netherese vs Low Netherese, and introduces magical anomalies that shape how DMs can run Netheril-era adventures. Meanwhile, Tyler, Randall, and Ash debate the biggest question: Should Netheril EVER be saved? Or is this empire truly doomed? Finally, the hosts explore the controversial time-gate mechanics that enable PCs to visit this legendary era. Is this an exciting campaign hook, or a plot hole the size of a mythallar? (Spoiler: opinions are strong.) Key Takeaways Netheril's Fall provides primarily DM-focused content, not player options The supplement covers flying cities, magical aristocracy, and Netherese history Time-travel mechanics are interesting—but potentially world-breaking for campaigns Magical anomalies and arcane hazards add unique adventure hooks Adventures include encounters in both floating cities and ground-level Nethereese settlements Strong lore content connects directly to Forgotten Realms history, Baldur's Gate 3, and classic D&D themes The supplement works best if treated as a mini-campaign or one-shot instead of long-term setting Join the RPGBOT Patreon Want even more deep-dive analysis, lore breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes discussions like this one? Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Patrons can attend RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions live, get ad-free content on RPGBOT.net, and listen to ad-free recordings of every RPGBOT.Podcast episode. Support the show and help us keep producing content that levels up your tabletop experience. Join at: Patreon.com/RPGBOT Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever wished you could travel back in time, wield 10th-level spells, and tell ancient archmages that "no seriously, this is definitely going to end badly"? Well congratulations, this episode is for you! Today we explore Netheril's majestic flying cities, magical decadence, and the absolute worst urban-planning decision ever: putting time portals in extremely obvious places. Grab your arcane seatbelts; gravity is optional. RPGBOT Video Reviews on YouTube Heads-up, adventurers! RPGBOT review episodes may soon begin appearing in full video on YouTube. If you've ever wanted to see our horrified facial expressions while discussing Netheril's magical OSHA violations—this might be your moment. More information coming soon! Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive deep into Netheril's Fall, the newest official supplement set during the height (and imminent collapse) of the ancient Netherese Empire. The cast explores Netheril's lore, the rise of magical elitism, the role of 10th-level spells, and the unique position this supplement occupies as mainly a Dungeon Master resource rather than a player-option book. The crew also discusses the magical decadence of flying cities, the oppressive social structure of the High Netherese vs Low Netherese, and introduces magical anomalies that shape how DMs can run Netheril-era adventures. Meanwhile, Tyler, Randall, and Ash debate the biggest question: Should Netheril EVER be saved? Or is this empire truly doomed? Finally, the hosts explore the controversial time-gate mechanics that enable PCs to visit this legendary era. Is this an exciting campaign hook, or a plot hole the size of a mythallar? (Spoiler: opinions are strong.) Key Takeaways Netheril's Fall provides primarily DM-focused content, not player options The supplement covers flying cities, magical aristocracy, and Netherese history Time-travel mechanics are interesting—but potentially world-breaking for campaigns Magical anomalies and arcane hazards add unique adventure hooks Adventures include encounters in both floating cities and ground-level Nethereese settlements Strong lore content connects directly to Forgotten Realms history, Baldur's Gate 3, and classic D&D themes The supplement works best if treated as a mini-campaign or one-shot instead of long-term setting Join the RPGBOT Patreon Want even more deep-dive analysis, lore breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes discussions like this one? Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Patrons can attend RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions live, get ad-free content on RPGBOT.net, and listen to ad-free recordings of every RPGBOT.Podcast episode. Support the show and help us keep producing content that levels up your tabletop experience. Join at: Patreon.com/RPGBOT Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Matt and Rob talk about the first of two big chonky books about playing D&D in the Forgotten Realms! We've got subclasses, spells, feats, factions, you name it, it's here! Follow Dungeon Master of None on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/dmofnone.bsky.social Join our Patreon for bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/DungeonMasterOfNone Join the DMofNone Discord!
On this episode, Richard talk about AdHoc Studio's Dispatch!Links to Stuff & Things:https://riksheare.wordpress.com/2025/12/14/dispatch-campaign-frame-for-daggerheart/https://foundryborne.online/https://www.daggerheart.com/daggerhearts-first-expansion-hope-fear-for-players-and-gms/https://www.daggerheart.com/downloads/https://www.daggerheart.com/thevoid/Welcome to True Strike, a podcast for tabletop nerds.Each Tuesday, listen in while two friends discuss their completely unwarranted opinions about all things tabletop. Topics vary each week from D&D and Daggerheart, to whatever TTRPG or board game they happen to be playing!Hosts: Richard Cullen/Tyler WortheySong by: WILDJOE1
We bid farewell to 2025 with a Dragonlance take on a D&D classic and a slimy underground menace! If you're enjoying the show, why not consider supporting it on Patreon? You'll get access to lots of new bonus content, including my other podcast, Patron Deities! Thanks to Ray Otus for our thumbnail image. The intro music is a clip from "Into Battle" by Maarten Schellekens, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Baldur's Gate 3 romance options escaped into your tabletop rules? Today, we dive into Astarion's Book of Hungers, where vampires are sexy, feats are thirsty, and WotC's DLC pricing… is definitely giving "gaslight, gatekeep, vampire spawn." The team reviews the digital-only D&D supplement Astarion's Book of Hungers, a Baldur's Gate-themed 32-page add-on focused on vampires, Dhampir characters, feats, and mini-adventures, tied to Faerûn but clearly intended as DLC-style tabletop content. Highlights Dhampir species updated, but weakened from 2014 (loss of Deathless Nature, bite now unarmed strike). New backgrounds tied to vampire themes (Devotee, Survivor, Carouser) with strong roleplay hooks. Feat quality varies from flavorful to "why is this here" (looking at you, Bomber). Epic boons are thematically fun but situational. Bestiary mostly devils + vampire variants (Infernalist, Wardens). Two adventures, but they're basically the same fight twice set in Rat's Run Tavern. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew reviews Astarion's Book of Hungers, the digital-only supplement featuring the updated Dhampir species, vampire-flavored feats, new backgrounds, devil monsters, and two short adventures centered around the Rat's Run Tavern in Baldur's Gate. The hosts analyze the design changes, compare Dhampir options between the 2014 and 2024 rules, evaluate feat quality, and critique the DLC-like release strategy. They share lore details about Astarion, his abusive sire Kassador, and how Baldur's Gate 3 influenced this supplement's tone and art direction. Listeners get practical advice on when the rules matter, when the flavor shines, and whether this $15 digital release actually delivers value, or whether players are better off saving their money for bigger releases. Key Takeaways Dhampir changes are mechanical changes; same flavor, less abusable. New feats range from fun to unoptimized; several needed Unearthed Arcana playtesting. Bestiary is small but flavorful with devil-focused lore. Adventures feel duplicated and minimal. The value proposition feels overpriced for what's delivered. Strong warnings that this sets an unwelcome D&D DLC precedent. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you enjoy episodes like this, join the RPGBOT Patreon, where you can: Listen to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions live Get ad-free RPGBOT.net content Listen to ad-free episodes of the podcast And be part of every critical fail, hot take, and vampire thirst moment (purely for research purposes, of course). Join the RPGBOT Patreon and support deep-dive TTRPG analysis with zero commercials interrupting your build planning. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Baldur's Gate 3 romance options escaped into your tabletop rules? Today, we dive into Astarion's Book of Hungers, where vampires are sexy, feats are thirsty, and WotC's DLC pricing… is definitely giving "gaslight, gatekeep, vampire spawn." The team reviews the digital-only D&D supplement Astarion's Book of Hungers, a Baldur's Gate-themed 32-page add-on focused on vampires, Dhampir characters, feats, and mini-adventures, tied to Faerûn but clearly intended as DLC-style tabletop content. Highlights Dhampir species updated, but weakened from 2014 (loss of Deathless Nature, bite now unarmed strike). New backgrounds tied to vampire themes (Devotee, Survivor, Carouser) with strong roleplay hooks. Feat quality varies from flavorful to "why is this here" (looking at you, Bomber). Epic boons are thematically fun but situational. Bestiary mostly devils + vampire variants (Infernalist, Wardens). Two adventures, but they're basically the same fight twice set in Rat's Run Tavern. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew reviews Astarion's Book of Hungers, the digital-only supplement featuring the updated Dhampir species, vampire-flavored feats, new backgrounds, devil monsters, and two short adventures centered around the Rat's Run Tavern in Baldur's Gate. The hosts analyze the design changes, compare Dhampir options between the 2014 and 2024 rules, evaluate feat quality, and critique the DLC-like release strategy. They share lore details about Astarion, his abusive sire Kassador, and how Baldur's Gate 3 influenced this supplement's tone and art direction. Listeners get practical advice on when the rules matter, when the flavor shines, and whether this $15 digital release actually delivers value, or whether players are better off saving their money for bigger releases. Key Takeaways Dhampir changes are mechanical changes; same flavor, less abusable. New feats range from fun to unoptimized; several needed Unearthed Arcana playtesting. Bestiary is small but flavorful with devil-focused lore. Adventures feel duplicated and minimal. The value proposition feels overpriced for what's delivered. Strong warnings that this sets an unwelcome D&D DLC precedent. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you enjoy episodes like this, join the RPGBOT Patreon, where you can: Listen to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions live Get ad-free RPGBOT.net content Listen to ad-free episodes of the podcast And be part of every critical fail, hot take, and vampire thirst moment (purely for research purposes, of course). Join the RPGBOT Patreon and support deep-dive TTRPG analysis with zero commercials interrupting your build planning. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Picture this: you've just rolled up to the dungeon entrance, everyone looks heroic… and then the rogue vanishes before initiative even begins. Classic. In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, we get delightfully sneaky about how to build the perfect scoundrel from level 1 through 10 without needing a 20-page backstory explaining why you stole the wizard's lunch (again). Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team takes a dagger-sharp dive into how to build and optimize a Dungeons & Dragons Rogue from the earliest levels through level 10. We unpack class features, subclass decisions, damage expectations, ability score priorities, and the irresistible allure of Sneak Attack. Whether you're a stealthy assassin, a charming thief, or just someone who really, really likes stabbing things once per round, but really hard, this episode will give you the tools you need to play a rogue that's both effective and memorable. We cover stealth fundamentals, combat math, common pitfalls, party synergy, and which subclass choices help you maximize your strengths (or make up for weaknesses). Whether you're planning to pick locks, disable traps, or carry the entire narrative while the rest of the table fails Perception checks, we've got you. HANDBOOKS FROM RPGBOT.net Rogue 5e: DnD 5th Edition Class Guide Rogue Subclass Breakdown Rogue Races Breakdown RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Fighters! Unleashing Your Inner Warrior - RPGBOT.Podcast Key Takeaways Sneak Attack scales fast; plan your combat actions around enabling it every turn Rogues are defined by mobility and positioning: staying alive is step one to doing anything cool Expertise dramatically changes your skill roles—choose skills that matter beyond combat Subclass choice shapes your playstyle: Assassin, Thief, Arcane Trickster—each has unique tactical benefits Rogues thrive with teamwork; make friends with the party members who keep enemies occupied Cunning Action is one of the most powerful class features in early game combat Ability Score priorities are typically Dexterity first, Constitution second, then flavor to taste Your role isn't "hit things constantly", it's "hit things when it hurts most, steal the scene, and disappear" Liven up your winter with Startplaying.Games Winter nights are long and cold, so warm them up by playing a game on StartPlaying.Games! Whether you want to try a new system, learn to play a rogue, or find a great GM in your time zone, StartPlaying.Games can match you with real people and great adventures. Find your next table today and sneak into a campaign before anyone notices you were missing! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Picture this: you've just rolled up to the dungeon entrance, everyone looks heroic… and then the rogue vanishes before initiative even begins. Classic. In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, we get delightfully sneaky about how to build the perfect scoundrel from level 1 through 10 without needing a 20-page backstory explaining why you stole the wizard's lunch (again). Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team takes a dagger-sharp dive into how to build and optimize a Dungeons & Dragons Rogue from the earliest levels through level 10. We unpack class features, subclass decisions, damage expectations, ability score priorities, and the irresistible allure of Sneak Attack. Whether you're a stealthy assassin, a charming thief, or just someone who really, really likes stabbing things once per round, but really hard, this episode will give you the tools you need to play a rogue that's both effective and memorable. We cover stealth fundamentals, combat math, common pitfalls, party synergy, and which subclass choices help you maximize your strengths (or make up for weaknesses). Whether you're planning to pick locks, disable traps, or carry the entire narrative while the rest of the table fails Perception checks, we've got you. HANDBOOKS FROM RPGBOT.net Rogue 5e: DnD 5th Edition Class Guide Rogue Subclass Breakdown Rogue Races Breakdown RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Fighters! Unleashing Your Inner Warrior - RPGBOT.Podcast Key Takeaways Sneak Attack scales fast; plan your combat actions around enabling it every turn Rogues are defined by mobility and positioning: staying alive is step one to doing anything cool Expertise dramatically changes your skill roles—choose skills that matter beyond combat Subclass choice shapes your playstyle: Assassin, Thief, Arcane Trickster—each has unique tactical benefits Rogues thrive with teamwork; make friends with the party members who keep enemies occupied Cunning Action is one of the most powerful class features in early game combat Ability Score priorities are typically Dexterity first, Constitution second, then flavor to taste Your role isn't "hit things constantly", it's "hit things when it hurts most, steal the scene, and disappear" Liven up your winter with Startplaying.Games Winter nights are long and cold, so warm them up by playing a game on StartPlaying.Games! Whether you want to try a new system, learn to play a rogue, or find a great GM in your time zone, StartPlaying.Games can match you with real people and great adventures. Find your next table today and sneak into a campaign before anyone notices you were missing! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
DownloadWelcome to LOTC Presents episode 458 DD 77. This week the show starts with Ian Irza and GregaMortis reviewing Dario Argento's Door Into Darkness on Black Glove Mysteries. Door Into Darkness was a made for Italian TV series. We hope you will enjoy the discussion of this series. Lastly, the Twisted Temptress and GregaMortis are joined by Tammy Maguire to breakdown in full SPOILER fashion, season 4 of Stranger Things. This was lots of fun going episode to episode. We want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays as Christmas is right around the corner. Thank You to all of you for your continued support and love. Grab those favorite snacks and beverages as you journey with us through the Land Of The Creeps.HELP KEEP HORROR ALIVE!!LINKS FOR DOUBLE DOUBLEGregaMortisFacebookTwitterLand Of The Creeps Group PageLand Of The Creeps Fan PageJay Of The Dead's New Horror Movie PodcastYoutubeInstagramEmailLetterboxdTwisted Temptress LinkLetterboxdIAN IRZA LINKSBLOG SITEFACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAMLETTERBOXDLOTC Hotline Number1-804-569-56821-804-569-LOTCLOTC Intro is provided by Andy Ussery, Below are links to his social mediaEmail:FacebookTwitterLespecial FacebookLespecial Website
Join us for Episode 63 of Season 2 of Modified Roll! With a newly cleaned estate and some time to relax, Twilight begins making herself at home, until she gets a message from Selune... But that about? Find out in Episode 63 of season 2 of Modified Roll! Do you want some new dice or awesome D&D accessories? Then head on over to DnDice and get 10% off all purchases! Or use the following code at checkout: "ModifedRoll" In need of a drink? Head over to our sponsor Arcanist Rum where you can use the code "ModifiedRoll" to get 15% off and free shipping! Don't forget to check out Always Ready to Roll for all your professional GM requirements! Thank you to our wonderful guests, Emily Bates, Jess Jewell and Sophie Horton And don't forget to check out all our new awesome merch! iTunes // Stitcher // Podbean // Spotify Thank you as well to @LixxieB for our wonderful logo and to Jeff for our wonderful Season 2 Character Art! And thank you to Michael Ghelfi Studios for allowing us to use their music and SFX in our episodes! Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to the 80s. We love our listeners! When we started this podcast six years ago, we didn't know what to expect. We were just hoping there were at least a few 80s music fans who would find our page and give us a chance. Since then we've discovered there are Welcome to the Boomtown fans in all 50 states (and Washington DC) and at least 134 countries. So, in appreciation of our listeners around the world we've once again, turned this episode over to you. Thanks to everyone who sent us a request. We couldn't include them all in this episode, so look for Part III in the future.A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As always, thanks to the people who helped us put this together: Alan (for all our artwork), DJ Phil B (for the technical stuff) and David Baerwald and David Ricketts, also known as David + David, for their amazing album which inspired the title of our podcast.Please tell all your friends about us and follow this page so you know when new podcasts are available. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads, and X.Songs chosen by our listeners. Track listing coming soon.Listen, enjoy, share, follow, and thanks for keeping 80s music alive!BB & DD
This week week on 12/18 and 12/20, respectively, we celebrate The BIG 4-0's of Steven Spielberg's THE COLOR PURPLE and Wolfgang Petersen's ENEMY MINE; and Ron celebrates his Big 4-7, so we take a look at one of his all-time favorite films - and it just so happens he and Peter were able to see it on the big screen for the first time in 37 years this past weekend - the greatest buddy cop movie of all-time: LETHAL WEAPON. We also talk KILL BILL: THE WHOLE BLOODY AFAIR and Kiefer Sutherland's Christmas romcom TINSEL TOWN, and VARSITY BLUES. PLus, THREE seperate box office challenges!NEXT WEEK: It's our big season finale as we bring 1985 to a close, wishing a happy BIG 4-0 (DD) to THE HOWELING II: YOUR SISTER IS A WEREWOLF (no shit, that's the title), and so we'll look at the original HOWELING (1981) as well; plus our annual year-end BEST & WORST LISTS. Join us as we bid adieu to 1985!
There's a mystical moment in every adventurer's life when you stare deeply into your character sheet, question every subclass you've ever loved, and think: "Is this really better… or did they just rename it again?" Welcome to the UA 2025 Subclass Update—where barbarians downgrade, fighters glow-up, monks chug things, and paladins summon skeletons with the enthusiasm of a dad discovering Bluetooth for the first time. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team dives into the Unearthed Arcana 2025 Subclasses Update, a grab bag of returning classics and rebalanced favorites from the 2014 rules. Some subclasses got fresh polish; others… got "updates." Randall, Ash, and Tyler walk through each major subclass, offering analysis, jokes, and a metric ton of sandwich discourse. Covered Subclasses: Path of the Spiritual Guardian Barbarian – Once the iconic barb tank, now notably nerfed. The new "choose-your-effect" system softens its once-reliable battlefield control. Result: "Meh, but fixable." Path of the Storm Herald Barbarian – A clear upgrade with better scaling, damage options, and flexible aura selection. A quiet winner in this UA. Cavalier Fighter – Surprisingly buffed. Constant marking, battlefield lockdown, and double reactions at high level. The table unanimously loves the glow-up. Warrior of Intoxication Monk – Formerly Drunken Master. New Mystic Brews add fun, flavor, and chaos—but the name flops harder than spilled ale. The team unanimously prefers "Warrior of Libations." Oathbreaker Paladin – Now with better necromancy tools and improvements to Aura of Hate. Gains Conjure Undead to avoid relying on friendly necromancers. Not perfect, but more self-sufficient. Key Takeaways Spiritual Guardian took a noticeable hit, losing its fully reliable taunt-and-protect combo in favor of weaker pick-one options. Storm Herald received meaningful boosts, including scalable aura damage and flexible environment selection. Cavalier emerges as one of the strongest defenders in the UA thanks to unlimited marking and battlefield control. Warrior of Intoxication has fun ideas but clunky execution, suffering from naming issues and overly slow brew mechanics. Oathbreaker finally feels like a playable subclass on its own, thanks to Conjure Undead and improved aura integration. Overall: a mixed bag, but with more wins than losses—and lots of potential polish before the final books. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Love episodes like this? Want to shape them as they happen? Join the RPGBOT Patreon to: Listen LIVE to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions every week Access the entire RPGBOT.net catalog completely ad-free Enjoy ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Get early access to special projects, interviews, and deep-dive episodes Support the show, support the work, and help us keep producing the most detailed and ridiculous tabletop content on the internet. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati Time Stamps 1) 14:46.015 2) 30:59.032 3) 46:08.023
There's a mystical moment in every adventurer's life when you stare deeply into your character sheet, question every subclass you've ever loved, and think: "Is this really better… or did they just rename it again?" Welcome to the UA 2025 Subclass Update—where barbarians downgrade, fighters glow-up, monks chug things, and paladins summon skeletons with the enthusiasm of a dad discovering Bluetooth for the first time. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team dives into the Unearthed Arcana 2025 Subclasses Update, a grab bag of returning classics and rebalanced favorites from the 2014 rules. Some subclasses got fresh polish; others… got "updates." Randall, Ash, and Tyler walk through each major subclass, offering analysis, jokes, and a metric ton of sandwich discourse. Covered Subclasses: Path of the Spiritual Guardian Barbarian – Once the iconic barb tank, now notably nerfed. The new "choose-your-effect" system softens its once-reliable battlefield control. Result: "Meh, but fixable." Path of the Storm Herald Barbarian – A clear upgrade with better scaling, damage options, and flexible aura selection. A quiet winner in this UA. Cavalier Fighter – Surprisingly buffed. Constant marking, battlefield lockdown, and double reactions at high level. The table unanimously loves the glow-up. Warrior of Intoxication Monk – Formerly Drunken Master. New Mystic Brews add fun, flavor, and chaos—but the name flops harder than spilled ale. The team unanimously prefers "Warrior of Libations." Oathbreaker Paladin – Now with better necromancy tools and improvements to Aura of Hate. Gains Conjure Undead to avoid relying on friendly necromancers. Not perfect, but more self-sufficient. Key Takeaways Spiritual Guardian took a noticeable hit, losing its fully reliable taunt-and-protect combo in favor of weaker pick-one options. Storm Herald received meaningful boosts, including scalable aura damage and flexible environment selection. Cavalier emerges as one of the strongest defenders in the UA thanks to unlimited marking and battlefield control. Warrior of Intoxication has fun ideas but clunky execution, suffering from naming issues and overly slow brew mechanics. Oathbreaker finally feels like a playable subclass on its own, thanks to Conjure Undead and improved aura integration. Overall: a mixed bag, but with more wins than losses—and lots of potential polish before the final books. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Love episodes like this? Want to shape them as they happen? Join the RPGBOT Patreon to: Listen LIVE to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions every week Access the entire RPGBOT.net catalog completely ad-free Enjoy ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Get early access to special projects, interviews, and deep-dive episodes Support the show, support the work, and help us keep producing the most detailed and ridiculous tabletop content on the internet. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati Time Stamps 1) 14:46.015 2) 30:59.032 3) 46:08.023
Vi spelar spelet När Då DÅ? Med Erik Moberg
In this conclusion of our Obojima adventure, our Dungeons & Dragons heroes search the witch's workshop for the misdelivered letter. All the while, the pixies Teena and Mina are up to no good; attempting to misdirect our heroes in their search and setting a Venus Fly Rat free from its cage, which promptly attacked the pint-sized adventuring party. How will our heroes get out of this one? Join The Kids Table cast as we play through "The Curious World Within"; the first adventure from "Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass". Obojima is a Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli & The Legend of Zelda. Posted with permission of 1985 Games. "Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass" can be found at https://obojima.com or added to your DnD Beyond collection at https://marketplace.dndbeyond.com/category/DBRVOJLXV. About The Kids Table: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs levels up kids' critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence. That's why we create our kid-inclusive D&D show, tips for playing with kids, and campaigns to bring the adventures home! More From The Kids Table: Kids' Adventures: Our Website Support Our Work: Patreon Follow Us: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Background music by Monument Studios (30% off: KIDSTABLE) Story Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:17 Recap of Parts 1 & 2 1:05 Venus Fly Rat Attack! 12:58 Potion Puzzle 15:31 Retrieving the Letter 17:43 Reuniting with Lomi 20:22 Bonus Scene! #dndactualplay #studioghibli #obojima #familygames #kidsplayinggames
Welcome, friends and adventures, to the The Die As Cast Podcast! Our Dungeon Master, Kevin Cork, takes our party through Kobold Press' post-apocalyptic Wasted West in the world of Midgard. Join in the tale of Gideon Sweets (Griffin Cork), Maeve Maldorava (Madeline Hunter Smith), Ilexyldean (Emma Brager) and Xisk (Diego Stredel).In this episode, our party loses a member. Gideon looks for a beer pong table, Maeve up and leaves, Ilex creates beautiful poetry, and Xisk gets incredible answers from his god.Join the Die As Cast Community!FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thedieascastTWITTER: https://twitter.com/TheDieAsCastWEBSITE: https://www.dieascast.com/JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/K59Bke958RKOBOLD PRESS: https://koboldpress.com/MAPS AND MELODIES (AKA THE BOY KING OF IDAHO): https://www.patreon.com/mapsandmelodiesM&M Songs Used in this Episode:The Astral ExpressSunriseForest TroublesExploring The DepthsWistful WanderersFOLLOW GRIFFIN ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TWITTER: https://twitter.com/GriffinCorkINSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/griffincork/BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/griffincork.bsky.socialFOLLOW DIEGO ON SOCIAL MEDIA:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/diegostredel/FOLLOW MADELINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TWITTER: https://twitter.com/madelinehsmithINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/madelinehuntersmith/FOLLOW EMMA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cinderemmab/FOLLOW KEVIN ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TWITTER: https://twitter.com/kevincorkINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kevincork/MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@fundpirate@toot.community
Exhausted and exposed on the ancient Dragon Road, Raylan, Rebecca, and Philos encounter Outlanders who attack without warning or negotiation. When three pike-wielding men emerge from the granite shadows, Philos transforms from silent guardian into devastating war machine, revealing his mount is no simple draft horse but a trained warhorse built for brutal combat. The violent clash shatters any illusion of safe passage through the Plains, forcing the trio to confront a harsh reality: not everyone respects the thieves guild seal, and the road ahead may demand blood rather than words.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-thieves-guild--6141933/support.Some secrets are worth dying for. Some are worth killing for.----CREDITS ✍️ Writer: Jake Kerr
That's a wrap on season 1! Dice Stage Right was performed for a live audience at a local theater in Idaho! Seven episodes total starting with this our introduction episode. If you're interested in DM notes and extra photos from the events check out https://www.patreon.com/jorphdanDice Stage Right stars Matthew Melton, Evencio Bahena, Heather Lyon, and Hannah Jane Austin! Dungeon Master Jorphdan and ‘Wizard on the Soundboard' Alexander Kirk!Our characters are Level 4, and we're playing D&D 2024!Catch it here, or on YouTube! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jorphdan.substack.com
If you've ever wondered what happens when a D&D podcast accidentally becomes a Food Network special—complete with French Dips, Hot Wet Beef, Cubanos, Reubens, and enough sandwich-based emotional damage to fuel an entire barbarian subclass—this episode is for you. Before they even touch the book, the RPGBOT crew debates regional sandwiches with the same energy most people reserve for BBEGs. Then they finally tackle Part 3 of Heroes of Faerûn, where Barbarian ghosts get nerfed, Storm Heralds get swole, Cavaliers insist on riding horses in a system designed to kill horses, Monks get drunker than ever, and Oathbreakers get… surprisingly reasonable? Strap in. Bring snacks. Maybe bring a sandwich. Preferably not hot, wet, or beefy. Big news, adventurers—RPGBOT review videos may soon begin appearing in full on YouTube! That means the entire sandwich argument, every Futurama impression, every "did they REALLY rename Drunken Master to Warrior of Intoxication?" moment, all captured in glorious HD. Keep an eye on the RPGBOT YouTube channel—your long-form chaos may soon have a new home. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives into Part 3 of their comprehensive review of Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn, focusing on the D&D 2024 subclass updates for Barbarians, Fighters, Monks, and Paladins. The discussion opens with a riotous tangent about regional food, French Dip heresy, and the metaphysics of "hot wet beef"—a tonal masterpiece worthy of an entire episode on its own. Once they pivot into the book itself, the hosts begin analyzing the Path of the Spiritual Guardian, Storm Herald Barbarian, Cavalier Fighter, Warrior of Intoxication Monk, and Oathbreaker Paladin, comparing their 2014 designs to their 2024 updates. Barbarian: Path of the Spiritual Guardian The hosts dig into the mechanical overhaul of Spiritual Protectors, explaining how the powerful 2014 taunt effect has been split into selectable options—Distract, Protect, or bonus damage—resulting in a strict nerf despite added flexibility. The new capstone, Vengeful Spirits, grants extra attacks on high rolls, though the table questions whether the feature fits the subclass thematically. Barbarian: Path of the Storm Herald In contrast, the Storm Herald Barbarian receives across-the-board improvements. With damage scaling tied to Rage bonus, updated terrain options, and the ability to change environments every time they Rage, Storm Herald becomes far more flavorful and versatile than its 2014 version. Tundra's new ability to subtract damage rolls from enemies is highlighted as both weird and delightful. Fighter: Cavalier The Cavalier Fighter, historically tied to a mounted combat fantasy unsupported by the 5e ruleset, receives meaningful buffs. Unwavering Mark no longer has limited uses, Ferocious Charger gains a more dynamic battlefield role, and Vigilant Defender continues to shine with additional reactions. Despite no changes to the horse-related problem ("area effects still delete horses instantly"), the subclass gets promoted to "very playable." Monk: Warrior of Intoxication One of the most dramatically redesigned subclasses, the former Drunken Master is now the Warrior of Intoxication, centered around Mystic Brew, a full brewing system that allows monks to craft beverages like Cinnamon Dragon or Heavenly Spirit. The team debates the new mechanics, including potential abuse cases involving long rests and stacked brews, while applauding the creativity. The name, however, receives… near-universal disdain. Paladin: Oathbreaker The final subclass, the Oathbreaker Paladin, cleans up many mechanical issues from 2014. Control Undead becomes the more thematic Conjure Undead, Aura of Hate integrates more cleanly with Aura of Protection, and new spell options sharpen its identity. The crew notes that the subclass finally stands independently, without requiring a friendly necromancer to function. Throughout the episode, the hosts blend detailed mechanics analysis, design philosophy commentary, subclass balance comparisons, and their signature brand of comedy—including Futurama impressions, regional sandwich wars, and multiple live hot takes. Key Takeaways Path of the Spiritual Guardian Major redesign resulted in a strict mechanical nerf, splitting the 2014 taunt into weaker modular effects. Vengeful Spirits introduces extra attacks but feels thematically disconnected. Needs another design pass. Path of the Storm Herald Substantial quality-of-life upgrades, including Rage-based terrain switching and improved scaling. Desert, Sea, and Tundra each gain flavorful new mechanics. Considered one of the biggest winners of the 2024 subclass update. Cavalier Fighter Unwavering Mark and Ferocious Charger receive meaningful buffs. Still has the same "horse fragility" problem, but the subclass is otherwise extremely strong. Gains crowd-control and tanking tools that outperform Sentinel. Warrior of Intoxication One of the most overhauled subclasses in Heroes of Faerûn. Mystic Brew adds flavorful utility but suffers from action-economy bottlenecks. Multiple "default pick" beverages suggest it still needs tuning. Creative, fun, thematically wild—but the name is universally mocked. Oathbreaker Paladin Improved spell list, more thematic undead support, and better integration with core auras. Conjure Undead makes the subclass self-sufficient. Stronger and more coherent than the 2014 version. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you've been enjoying our deep-dive breakdowns of Heroes of Faerûn, laughing through our subclass hot takes, or nodding solemnly during our very serious sandwich discourse, then you're exactly the kind of hero who belongs in the RPGBOT Patreon community. And here's the thing—if you'd already been a Patreon subscriber, you could have asked Keith Ammann your own questions live during our most recent Masterclass. Our patrons get real-time access not only to incredible guests like Keith, but also to Tyler, Randall, and Ash, asking questions, shaping discussions, and becoming part of the show as it happens. You also get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and a seat at the virtual table for future live recordings. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today, and next time you won't just listen—you'll be part of the conversation. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever watched your players stare at a clue for 25 minutes, slowly realizing they're not unraveling a mystery, you're watching them invent a brand-new conspiracy theory? In today's remastered episode, we dive into the magical art of mystery design: how to build suspense, reveal secrets, and gently nudge players away from wildly incorrect guesses like "the butler did it" when you absolutely, definitely did not even put a butler in this campaign. Show Notes In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, the crew digs deep into the craft of creating and running tabletop RPG mysteries: from puzzle-heavy one-shots to sprawling, campaign-defining enigmas. We break down how mystery structure changes the way players interact with the world, how clues can guide without railroading, and why your players always suspect the guy with the most ominous accent (even when he's just a blacksmith). We walk through best practices for investigation adventures in systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Pathfinder 2e, and other TTRPGs that thrive on intrigue. You'll learn how to balance player agency with narrative direction, how to keep mysteries from stalling, and how to use secrets, lies, and misdirection to build an unforgettable experience. We also cover the common pitfalls: clue scatter, dead-end thinking, mystery over-engineering, and the infamous "GM explains the entire plot because nobody figured it out." Plus, we share our favorite tools, techniques, and design frameworks for ensuring your mysteries feel clever rather than confusing. If you've ever wanted to run a mystery adventure that has players gasping instead of groaning, theorizing instead of floundering, and celebrating instead of crying over red herrings—this episode is your blueprint for success. Key Takeaways Designing Effective Mysteries Structure mysteries around clear goals, accessible clues, and multiple pathways to solve the problem. Use redundancy in clue placement—no single point of failure. Think in terms of "information flow," not "plot." Building Engaging Clues Clues should connect characters, locations, motives, and secrets. Make clues tactile (objects), social (NPC testimony), and environmental (scene details). Each clue should move the investigation forward, even if only slightly. Keeping Players Engaged Allow players to propose theories—even absurd ones—and gently redirect when needed. Encourage table talk, but not paralysis. Let players feel smart by validating partial insights, even if they're not perfect. Managing Mystery Mechanics Investigation checks should reveal information, not gatekeep it. Provide clues through multiple skills: Perception, Investigation, Society, Arcana, etc. Remember: failure shouldn't stop the mystery, only add texture. Building Tension and Payoff Pace reveals to maintain suspense. Use NPCs, factions, and motives as engines for twists. Craft an ending that feels earned, surprising but inevitable. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Don't require players to think exactly like you. Don't hide vital information behind a single roll. Don't write an ending before understanding how the players will approach the mystery. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
If you've ever wondered what happens when three grown adults argue passionately about grammar, moonbeams, seagulls, and the metaphysics of Strahd's horse, all before actually starting the podcast, this episode is for you. Join us as we journey into Heroes of Faerûn, where the subclasses are shiny, the Rangers are frosty, and the Fighters are apparently running a full unionized workplace. Grab your bag of rats (don't ask), center your Moonbeam, and enjoy the chaos. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew continues their deep-dive review of Dungeons & Dragons Heroes of Faerûn, the first major D&D 2024 splatbook offering new character options, subclasses, spells, epic boons, and setting lore. Building off Part 1's work, the hosts, Randall James, Tyler Kamstra, and Ash Ely, dig into the subclass content of the book with their usual combination of mechanical rigor, Shakespearean comedy, and at least one argument about whether it's a hero or an hero. The team analyzes each of the eight new Heroes of Faerûn subclasses, comparing their final published versions to the Unearthed Arcana playtests and to classic 2014 analogues: College of the Moon Bard blends druidic flavor with support-focused magic, teleportation, and weirdly effective Moonbeam healing loops involving birds and french fries. Knowledge Domain Cleric, updated from 2014, remains a powerhouse of divination, foresight, and skill mastery—Tyler's official religion. Banneret Fighter, once the Purple Dragon Knight, is reborn as a charismatic battlefield commander who turns every Second Wind and Action Surge into a team-wide buff. "This is our subclass, comrade." Oath of Noble Genies Paladin channels elemental smites, shifting resistances, and the magic of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water into a versatile new oath. Winterwalker Ranger arrives as a chilly striker specializing in cold damage, Hunter's Mark synergies, and making Frostraven Conservationists everywhere cry. Additional discussion previews the Sign of the Three Rogue, Spellfire Sorcery Sorcerer, and Bladesinger Wizard, with the team offering insights into where each subclass sits within the new 2024 design philosophy. Along the way, the hosts recount a dramatic Curse of Strahd in-game betrayal, debate 1990s kids' TV fever dreams, and reveal how a basket of fries can become an infinite healing engine. It's a glorious mess. It's D&D. It's RPGBOT. Materials References in This Episode Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerun (affiliate link) Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) Key Takeaways General Heroes of Faerûn is the first true D&D 2024 character-option splatbook, in the tradition of Xanathar's and Tasha's, packed with subclasses, feats, spells, and lore. The majority of subclasses saw significant nerfs from Unearthed Arcana, reinforcing WotC's new balance philosophy. College of the Moon Bard A hybrid support bard borrowing from druidic themes. Strong teleport-invisibility support, limited offensive tools, and a wild Moonbeam healing mechanic ripe for table shenanigans. Knowledge Domain Cleric A faithful update of the 2014 version. Expertise in two knowledge skills, powerful divination tools, short-rest spell economy, and endgame foresight. One of the strongest "planning" subclasses in D&D 2024. Banneret Fighter A complete reimagining of the Purple Dragon Knight, now an excellent party leader and tactical commander. Shares Second Wind healing, grants team-wide advantages, and enables coordinated movement and attacks through Action Surge. Simple to play, powerful in groups, great for new players wanting high impact. Oath of Noble Genies Paladin The "elements paladin," using Elemental Smites for flavorful battlefield control. Highly flexible and accessible, though spell list may feel inconsistent. Winterwalker Ranger Cold-focused striker with explosive damage potential toned down from UA. Hunter's Mark dependency remains but gains flavorful ice-themed tools. Solid, straightforward, and thematically cohesive. Overall Subclass diversity in Heroes of Faerûn sets a strong precedent for future 2024 design. Party-support subclasses (Banneret, Moon Bard) shine particularly bright. This book positions itself as the real launch point for 2024 character customization. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you love deep-dive subclass analysis, mechanical breakdowns, and the occasional moonbeam-powered seagull disaster, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you helped make this show possible. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today and help us keep creating the content you love. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Episode 89 - Murdock and Marvel: 2015 Part 2 2015 was a turning point for the American comic industry in a number of ways, and seems to be a satisfying place to wrap up our look at over 50 years of American comic books. This year is in many ways a fulcrum that links the insular comics world that I grew up in with the fast-moving media-entwined and politically-charged environment of recent times. This is part 2 of the podcast. that will feature the year in Daredevil, the Spotlight story and the Takeaway for 2015. The Year in Daredevil Appearances: Daredevil v4 #10-18, She-Hulk #10, Superior Iron Man #1-2, Marvel Free Previews Scret Wars #1, Deadpool #45, Night Nurse #1, Secret Wars Journal #5, All-New, All-Different Point One #1 Writer: Mark Waid (#10-18) Pencils: Chris Samnee (#10-18) Inks: Chris Samnee (#10-18) We kick off the year with the big Purple Man arc that rolled over from 2014. Kilgrave is having a full-on existential crisis—he wants genuine affection for once—so he rounds up his five kids, each of whom has a piece of his mind-control powers. But teaming them up backfires spectacularly: the kids turn on him and literally toss him into the street… where he gets smoked by a train. Classic family bonding. With dad out of the picture, the kids go wild—stealing a cop car, causing mayhem—until Daredevil shows up to contain them. But these kids aren't like Kilgrave alone; together they're a psychic wrecking ball and Matt ends up curled under a bridge in a full panic response. Kilgrave, very much alive, shows up to beat him senseless… until one magic word—“fear”—snaps Matt back into fight mode. Still, Kilgrave and the kids slip away. After regrouping with Kirsten, Daredevil tracks the whole purple family to a mall arcade (which is honestly a perfect place for a mind-control clan). With some strategic help from police, Matt gets the kids separated so their powers weaken, and everyone—including Kilgrave—gets taken into custody. And the issue closes with a surprisingly tender moment of Matt finally letting Kirsten in—on every level. Meanwhile, there's a running side plot: Kirsten's father offers Matt eight million dollars for a Daredevil autobiography. So throughout the year we see Matt and his ghostwriter Foggy chipping away at the book. Next up: the Stunt-Master saga. A new, young, daredevil wannabe is stealing the identity of the original Stunt-Master and pulling off death-defying stunts all over San Francisco. The original, George Smith, wants to sue and goes to Matt—but legally, he doesn't really have a case. When the new Stunt-Master publicly challenges Daredevil to join his next big stunt on the Golden Gate Bridge, Matt refuses… until he hears that Smith has apparently committed suicide. Daredevil accepts the challenge and instantly realizes something is off. He discovers that the rider at the stunt is actually Smith himself—and that the “new” Stunt-Master's whole trick is murdering stand-ins to survive his stunts. Matt gives chase in a wild car/motorcycle sequence, only for Kirsten to be the one who cracks the final twist: Smith faked the suicide and played everyone. His goal wasn't fame—it was immortality as the world's greatest “death cheater.” Then we get a really fun twist: Kirsten gets her own arch-nemesis. Matt's worried that their relationship is putting her in danger… and then she's kidnapped. Except it's not one of Matt's villains—it's the Lilac Killer, a serial killer Kirsten has been investigating. She's thrilled, shouting, “I have my own arch-foe!” while Daredevil rescues her. It's great. In Issue #14, the Matt/Daredevil identity line really starts blurring. Matt's now showing up in court in a full red suit with a giant DD belt buckle, handing out Daredevil business cards—subtlety is dead. He's asked to investigate a “bird-man predator,” which sends him into a team-up with Jubula Pride, the Owl's daughter. They eventually discover the Owl himself has been kidnapped and wired into a massive surveillance system run by the Shroud, who is spiraling emotionally and spying on everyone through any electronic device. Daredevil and Jubula try taking the Shroud down but get overwhelmed. When they go to the deputy mayor for help, things get worse—Jubula gets mistaken for a child kidnapper because of events going all the way back to Issue #1. So now the cops are after both of them, and Jubula drops the bomb: there's only one person who can help… Wilson Fisk. Then we get an out-of-order Issue 15.1—a couple of standalone stories from Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, and Marc Guggenheim—but we'll save that one for this week's spotlight. Back to the main story: Matt meets with Kingpin and asks for protection for himself and his friends from the Shroud. Fisk loves every second of this and demands payment. Matt gives him the wildest offer possible: “I offer you the death of Matt Murdock. Interested?” Meanwhile, Foggy and Kirsten are ambushed and kidnapped by Ikari—the hyper-sensed assassin from Volume 3—now working for Fisk. And Kingpin has also secretly captured Julia Carpenter, the woman the Shroud is obsessed with. Jubula tracks Julia to the airport and tries to hand her over to the Shroud as a bargaining chip for her father, but Daredevil crashes the meeting, Julia refuses to go, and everything explodes. Matt returns to Fisk to negotiate but finds Ikari holding Foggy, Kirsten, and Julia hostage. Fisk wants to ditch their original terms and just watch Ikari kill Daredevil. The fight spills across San Francisco until the Shroud intervenes and kills Ikari—realizing Fisk has Julia. He proposes a truce with Matt to save the people they love. In the big finale, Daredevil disguises himself as Ikari to infiltrate Fisk's stronghold. The ruse works… for about 30 seconds. Foggy starts fighting a guard, chaos erupts, and Fisk realizes Ikari is dead. But just then the Shroud broadcasts Fisk's secret business dealings to the world—mirroring what he once did to Matt—and police storm the building. In the chaos, Daredevil gets the hostages free and escapes. The dust settles: Julia Carpenter takes down the Shroud with a poisoned kiss. The deputy mayor rescinds the arrest warrant and helps clean up Matt's legal fallout. And Foggy and Matt share a grounded heart-to-heart about what it means for Matt to be “living in the light”. This Week's Spotlight: Daredevil Volume 4, Issue 15.1 July 2015 Recap Why We Picked This Story Daredevil Rapid Fire Questions The Takeaway Its always dangerous when your hero is happy. Questions or comments We'd love to hear from you! Email us at questions@comicsovertime.com or find us on Twitter @comicsoftime. ------------------ THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING CREATORS AND RESOURCES Music: Our theme music is by the very talented Lesfm. You can find more about them and their music at https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/. The Grand Comics Database: Dan uses custom queries against a downloadable copy of the GCD to construct his publisher, title and creator charts. Comichron: Our source for comic book sales data. Marvel Year By Year: A Visual History DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_based_on_English-language_comics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Marvel_Comics_superhero_debuts https://comicbookreadingorders.com/marvel/event-timeline/ https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards/past-recipients/past-recipients-1990s/
On The Brunch Breakdown Menu this week: DD's Hates “Elf on the Shelf” Crumbl Cookies vs. Penn State Football. Sports Bars in Nordstrom? Dan can't wait to wear Hearing Aids! Should you Tip your Sanitation Workers? Plus, New Beer, New Music, and more! Thank You for listening to another Delicious Episode! Check out the SOUNDS OF BRUNCH Playlist on Spotify! WATCH Full Episodes of the @BrunchBreakdown Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, & Facebook. LISTEN on AMAZON, Audible, Spotify, Apple, and Everywhere You Get Your Podcasts. FOLLOW us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and GoodPods!
In this episode of the RPG series, host David Heron speaks with Mike Mearls , a key figure behind Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. They dive into what makes both D&D and Magic: The Gathering compelling at their core, how designers can take their first steps into TTRPG creation, and the role online discussion plays—both positive and problematic—in shaping the hobby. Mike also shares his current design approaches, thoughts on accessibility for players of all backgrounds, and how to encourage strong GMs and engaged players. A packed conversation filled with insight for designers and longtime D&D fans alike.
Dice Stage Right was performed for a live audience at a local theater in Idaho! Seven episodes total starting with this our introduction episode. If you're interested in DM notes and extra photos from the events check out https://www.patreon.com/jorphdanDice Stage Right stars Matthew Melton, Evencio Bahena, Heather Lyon, and Hannah Jane Austin! Dungeon Master Jorphdan and ‘Wizard on the Soundboard' Alexander Kirk!Our characters are Level 4, and we're playing D&D 2024!Catch it here, or on YouTube! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jorphdan.substack.com
What do you get when you mix 40 years of Dungeons & Dragons lore, a 288-page setting book, and three podcasters who can't agree on how to pronounce "Myth Drannor"? Chaos. Pure, lore-filled, map-crossing, Elminster-cheese-eating chaos. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew dives headlong into Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn, a sourcebook that's equal parts nostalgia trip and travel brochure for DMs who think "Sword Coast" is just too mainstream. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, hosts Tyler Kamstra, Randall James, and Ash Ely crack open the 288-page Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn sourcebook from Wizards of the Coast, exploring what's new, what's reimagined, and what's just plain weird in the most iconic D&D setting of all time. Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) The crew discusses how the book merges setting material and short adventures, offering 51 one-shots that span the breadth of Faerûn, from the frozen wastes of Icewind Dale to the desert empires of Calimshan, and even the Fey-touched Moonshae Isles. Along the way, they highlight new DM tools, renown systems, and bastion support, while poking fun at typos, timeline contradictions, and the ever-mysterious fate of Karlach from Baldur's Gate 3. The review covers: How Adventures in Faerûn expands beyond the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide to become a true campaign-scale setting book. 51 new adventures—mini-campaigns that span levels 1–13 across multiple regions. Deep dives into the Dalelands, Icewind Dale, Calimshan, and the Moonshae Isles, with highlights on lore, adventure hooks, and design philosophy. The new renown and bastion systems, adapted for Faerûn's cultures and factions. Smart mechanical updates for survival horror (Icewind Dale) and environmental challenges (Calim Desert lightning storms). A surprising technological twist in Calimshan, where "mechanical wonders" push the setting toward Eberron-style magitech. Philosophical debates on epic vs. heroic fantasy, timeline sanity, and whether the word "wonk" is, in fact, a real word. Key Takeaways A True Return to the Realms: Adventures in Faerûn successfully modernizes the Forgotten Realms setting for the 2024 ruleset while honoring 40+ years of D&D lore. Massive Replay Value: With 51 one-shot adventures and regional micro-campaigns, this book can sustain countless play sessions. DM-Friendly Design: The addition of DM Toolboxes, renown tables, and bastion options helps DMs run localized adventures or full-scale journeys across the continent. Lore for Every Taste: Whether you love the snowy peril of Icewind Dale, the sizzling intrigue of Calimshan, or the mythic eco-fantasy of the Moonshae Isles, there's a region tailored to your campaign style. Respectful Revisions: The update smartly removes dated elements (like Calimshan's old slavery lore) and replaces them with creative world-building and inclusive modernization. New Adventuring Philosophies: Players are encouraged to embrace "main character energy"—epic fantasy with unique character backstories tied to Faerûn's iconic legacy. Tyler Still Can't Spell: The first typo in the book arrives in the opening sentence—and the RPGBOT crew finds that deeply relatable. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you enjoy deep dives into tabletop worlds, expert analysis of D&D mechanics, and chaotic lore debates about elves, cheese, and lightning sand—support the show on Patreon.com/RPGBOT. Members get ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes discussions, and early access to new RPGBOT.Reviews. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Send us a textToday, DD is joining us to talk all about delayed gratification! How do you teach little ones to wait? Patience, consistency, and keeping your promises are the three things Katy and DD think are most important! Keep up with us on social media!Instagram - @cadenlaneTikTok - @cadenlanebabyFacebook - @cadenlaneCheck out our mom blog:imthatmom.comAnd our store:CadenLane.com