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Preparing the next session of my Patron DnD campaign, Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.HUGE SPOILERS! No players allowed!Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlChat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson
After finding an entire army nearby, the town of Vogler receives distressing news from an armored messenger.Welcome to Patron DnD, where Platinum-level patrons and I get together to play Dungeons & Dragons via Discord and Roll20. Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen is published by Wizards of the Coast, and set in the world of Krynn. We are using the updated 2024 5e rules.Recap available on RogueWatson.comStarring:Cere, level 3 dwarf Cleric of the Light DomainElyas, level 3 human Diviner WizardKorl, level 3 dwarf Bard College of DancePy, level 3 gnome Ranger HunterRickard, level 3 human Fighter/WizardMusic by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Chat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson
Ever wondered what happens when your cleric starts a cult, your paladin questions their god, and your podcast host thinks he is one? Tune in and find out. In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew dives deep into the divine—and the deranged—as they tackle the topic of religion in tabletop RPGs. From the celestial bureaucracy of the Forgotten Realms to Pathfinder's heavily codified pantheon, the hosts examine how religion shapes settings, drives character motivation, and complicates moral choices. The discussion explores the roles of deities, demigods, and divine casters, while also indulging in some theological tomfoolery—particularly Randall's growing obsession with founding his own religion (again). The team debates the practicality of divine mandates, the game balance implications of cleric subclasses, and the power fantasy baked into faith-based character classes. The conversation also touches on real-world mythology, the narrative utility of gods behaving badly, and the delicate balance between satire, reverence, and good storytelling. They offer advice for players looking to roleplay pious characters, and for GMs aiming to weave religion into their campaigns without derailing the plot—or sparking a holy war at the table. Heroforge (affiliate link) RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes RPGBOT.Podcast Episode 6 – The Tarrasque Keith Baker on Eberron – RPGBOT.Masterclass S3E3 Fate of the Norns – RPGBOT.News S3E33 Uncaged Goddesses – RPGBOT.News S2E85 Content from RPGBOT.net DnD 5e – New Multiclass Build Handbook: Bugbear-y Me In Damage Other Stuff Call of Cthulhu DragonLance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (affiliate link) Eberron Forgotten Realms Key Topics Covered What is religion in RPGs, really? A look at how deities and religious systems function mechanically, thematically, and narratively in TTRPGs. Clerics, paladins, and divine magic users Breaking down how divine spellcasting differs from arcane, and why worship matters when you're trying to resurrect someone. Pantheon building for GMs Advice on how to craft believable deities, religious orders, and mythologies without creating a 500-page cosmology document. Pathfinder vs. D&D: Theological Smackdown Comparing how each system handles religion, from domain mechanics to deity portfolios. Randall's "cult" update A recurring segment where Randall outlines the tenets of his latest personal religion, now featuring more bureaucracy and glowing robes. Real-world inspiration Drawing from world mythologies—Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and more—to inform homebrew pantheons and religious conflict. How to roleplay faith without being a jerk The dos and don'ts of playing religious characters respectfully and effectively, whether they're humble missionaries or fire-and-brimstone zealots. Religion as a plot device Using divine conflict, prophecy, and religious institutions to drive compelling story arcs and moral dilemmas. Key Takeaways Religion in RPGs should serve the story, not dominate it unless you're running a full-on holy crusade campaign (in which case, go nuts). Clerics and paladins aren't just healbots and smite machines—their connection to a divine force can be a powerful roleplay and plot development tool. Pathfinder 2E provides more mechanical granularity for divine casters, including strict deity rules, domains, and edicts, while D&D 5E often leaves more interpretive space. Don't be afraid to create your own gods—as long as the players buy in, custom pantheons can be more meaningful than official lore. Faith can be funny, dramatic, or both—as Randall proves, religion doesn't always have to be serious to be significant. Avoid real-world controversy by keeping fantasy religion grounded in the game world, and respecting your table's comfort levels. NPC clergy can serve as guides, foils, or villains—well-developed religious characters can offer a moral compass or a righteous threat. Religious conflict can enhance drama—whether it's interfaith strife, fallen paladins, or rogue prophets with too much divine backing. Closing Thoughts Divine intervention is just another storytelling tool—sometimes it's literal lightning bolts, and sometimes it's a quiet moment of purpose for your character. Use it well, and you'll find that gods can add more than just healing spells to your game. 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 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
Preparing the next session of my Patron DnD campaign, Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.HUGE SPOILERS! No players allowed!Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlChat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson
Our heroes must survive the battle of High Hill before investigating the shocking attack.Welcome to Patron DnD, where Platinum-level patrons and I get together to play Dungeons & Dragons via Discord and Roll20. Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen is published by Wizards of the Coast, and set in the world of Krynn. We are using the updated 2024 5e rules.Recap available on RogueWatson.comStarring:Cere, level 2 dwarf clericEllowyn, level 2 kender bardKazra, level 2 human fighterKorl, level 2 dwarf bardPy, level 2 gnome rangerMusic by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Chat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson
Preparing the next session of my Patron DnD campaign, Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.HUGE SPOILERS! No players allowed!Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlChat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson
Our new heroes meet in the quaint fishing village of Vogler, where they meet knight Becklin, Mayor Raven, noble Bakaris, and others while attending Ispin's funeral and the Kingfisher Festival.Welcome to Patron DnD, where Platinum-level patrons and I get together to play Dungeons & Dragons via Discord and Roll20. Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen is published by Wizards of the Coast, and set in the world of Krynn. We are using the updated 2024 5e rules.Recap available on RogueWatson.comStarring:Ellowyn, level 2 kender bardElyas, level 2 human wizardKazra, level 2 human fighterKorl, level 2 dwarf bardPy, level 2 gnome rangerMusic by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Chat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson
Preparing the next session of my Patron DnD campaign, Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.HUGE SPOILERS! No players allowed!Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlChat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson
Episode 42 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 42 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 42 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
We introduce our new characters, and experience the three different preludes that lead into the campaign.Welcome to Patron DnD, where Platinum-level patrons and I get together to play Dungeons & Dragons via Discord and Roll20. Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen is published by Wizards of the Coast, and set in the world of Krynn. We are using the updated 2024 5e rules.Introducing:Bherg, level 2 human barbarianCere, level 2 dwarf clericDargal, level 2 human barbarianEllowyn, level 2 kender bardElyas, level 2 human wizardKazra, level 2 human fighterKorl, level 2 dwarf bardPy, level 2 gnome rangerRickard, level 2 human wizardChat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson
Episode 41 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 41 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 41 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 40 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 40 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 40 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 39 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 39 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 39 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 38 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 38 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 38 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 37 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 37 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 37 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 36 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 36 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 36 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 35 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 35 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 35 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 34 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 34 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 34 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 33 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 33 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 33 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 32 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 32 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 32 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
The Ghosts of Harrenhal: A Song of Ice and Fire Podcast (ASOIAF)
Send us a textQuentyn Martell is thwarted in his efforts to get from Volantis to Meereen to woo his future wife Daenerys Targaryen. Simon and Mackelly consider opening our first branch of our Essosi travel agency.Chapter Review:Quentyn Martell tries to find passage from Volantis to Slaver's Bay. But despite the abundance of ships, nobody wants to take him. The autumn brings storms to the southern seas, and with the Dragon Queen upending the normal order of things, there's little prospect for trade with any of the cities in Slaver's Bay.He and his friend Gerris Drinkwater return to their lodgings, taking in the sites of Volantis. It's the largest of the free cities, sitting at the mouth of the mighty Rhoyne river. They consider their options: go home - Quentyn couldn't stand to return a failure, risk a journey with an untrustworthy captain, or go by land - the option favored by their final companion Archibald Yronwood. However, the length of the journey by land and the hazardous reputation of the road gives them pause.Outside their inn they're propositioned by recruiters for the Windblown - sellswords headed to Yunkai to fight Astapor. But this gives Gerris an idea…Characters/Places/Names/Events:Quentyn Martell - Eldest son, and second child of Prince Doran Martell of Dorne.Gerris Drinkwater - Quentyn's companion.Archibald Yronwood - The Big Man - final member of the trio.Volantis - City on the south coast of Essos at the mouth of the Rhoyne.Rhoyne - Great river of Essos.Triarch - Three rulers of Volantis, elected by landowners. Only those with the blood of Old Valyria can stand. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Episode 31 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 31 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 31 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 30 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 29 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 28 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Episode 27 of our Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.