Podcasts about rpgs

Ever looked at a monster stat block and thought, "That's cool… but what if it was full of wasp parasites, haunted by Victorian metaphors, and could bend reality like a jaded demigod?" Well buckle in, because Keith Ammann—monster maestro and author of Making Enemies—is back to teach us how to create RPG nightmares smarter than your party's wizard, sneakier than a rogue with reliable talent, and more layered than a Dark Souls boss. Buy Keith's Books Keith Ammann's books, including The Monsters Know What They're Doing, Live to Tell the Tale, How to Defend Your Lair, and now Making Enemies, are all available through your friendly local game store or online via your favorite bookseller. Find more at themonstersknow.com—and level up every system at your table. Get your own copy of Making Enemies and start building smarter monsters today! Support local shops first, but if they don't have it in stock? Use the affiliate link in our show notes and help us keep the show going too! Buy it here! (affiliate link) Show Notes The Monsters Know author Keith Ammann returns for his third masterclass to discuss his new book, Making Enemies. We explore everything from designing creatures with realistic biological traits, to metaphorical monsters rooted in culture, to how to mess with your most OP players using quirks and weaknesses. Keith breaks down monster creation for five game systems: D&D 5e, Pathfinder 2e, Cypher System, Call of Cthulhu, and Shadowdark—and why your eldritch beast might benefit from wasp logic or a cursed Victorian metaphor. Making Enemies (affiliate link) Keith Ammann TheMonstersKnow.com Keith's Existing Books The Monsters Know What You're Doing (affiliate link) Live to Tell the Tale (affiliate link) MOAR The Monsters Know What You're Doing (affiliate link) How to Defend Your Lair (affiliate link) RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes KEITH AMMANN STRIKES BACK (Remastered) How to Defend Your Lair with Keith Ammann MOAR The Monsters Know What They're Doing with Keith Ammann Key Takeaways Making Enemies works as both a practical toolkit and a design philosophy for creating smarter, more thematic monsters in tabletop RPGs—across multiple systems from D&D to Cypher. Keith talks about using real-world biology and evolution (think wasps, cephalopods, and parasitoids) to create monsters that defy typical humanoid/mammal tropes. It's unsettling... and that's the point. Monsters as metaphors: Your horrors can represent societal fears, personal anxieties, or moral dilemmas—but choose stories your table wants to confront and conquer, not retraumatize. Phased monsters (like Dark Souls bosses) add tactical and narrative depth—now adapted for multiple RPG systems and not just legendary D&D bosses. Weaknesses and Quirks: Make monsters memorable by letting players discover and exploit lore-backed vulnerabilities—not just AC and HP pools. Magic in Monster Design: Keith breaks down four ways monsters wield magic—spellcasting, innate magic, psionics, and reality-bending—each with different narrative implications. Listen Back: Previous Keith Ammann Episodes You can hear Keith talk more about monster decision-making, smart combat encounters, and defeating TPK machines like a pro in our earlier interviews: Masterclass #1 – The Monsters Know What They're Doing Masterclass #2 – How to Defend Your Lair Bonus – Combat Tactics, Intelligence Checks, and Mastering Boss Fights Catch up on all Keith episodes at RPGBOT.net/podcast or wherever you get your shows. 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

Hey Now Cabalists! The 2025 Secret Cabal fundraiser is live on Kickstarter now! Jump over and snag volume 2 of the zine, some Secret Cabal swag, the new Steve-Boy, and support the show while you're doing it. Today the gang dives into some of the great games they've been playing, including Atlas Lost Rise of the New Sovereigns, Slay the Spire, Leaders, Magical Athlete, Dice Miners, and feature Phoenix New Horizon from Jorge J. Barroso and Devir. Then after Tony T lays down his award-winning tabletop gaming news segment, the gang discusses the importance of player interaction in board gaming. Atlas Lost: Rise of the New Sovereigns: 00:09:26, Slay the Spire: 00:20:11, Dice Miners: 00:36:58, Leaders: 00:46:10, Magical Athlete: 00:56:03, Phoenix New Horizon Review: 01:03:23, News with Tony T: 01:38:23, Player Interaction: 02:33:07. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/. Support the Cabal on Kickstarter now! https://www.thesecretcabal.com/kickstarter

Send us a textMass Effect: Andromeda - Episode 1This Week: Prologue, First Planet, Nexus Quests, Land on EosNext Week: Eos Questing, Clear the Vault, Establish your Outpost, Head Back to NexusSupport the showContact: http://linktr.ee/squelchcast Support the show on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/Squelch or https://www.twitch.tv/dan0play Join our Discord at https://discord.gg/HwPPtX627k

Huge thanks to Roach and Everdredd, creators of "Kingdoms of the Dump" for joining us today! Wishlist Kingdoms of the Dump on Steam! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2159270/Kingdoms_of_the_Dump/HitPoint JRPG Podcast Ep 125✩ Audio Version ✩ ► https://superderekrpgs.com/hitpoint/ SOCIAL LINKS --------------------------------------------------- ✩ Derek ✩ ►Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/SuperDerekRPGs►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/superderekrpgs.com ►Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuperDerek ►Discord: https://discord.me/superderek✩ Baku ✩ ►Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/BakusanOG►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bakusanog.bsky.social ►Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/WeebSauce ►Discord: https://discord.me/ABCTimestamps: Welcome Back to Hit Point!0:00:00 Welcome Back to Hit Point!0:01:04 Intro0:01:50 Baku, how are you doing?0:03:02 Derek, how are you doing?Developer Interview0:07:15 Interview: Introduction with Roach and Everdredd for Kingdoms of the Dump0:09:05 Interview: Trailer Watch Together0:11:25 Interview: How did you come to build a JRPG in a world of trash?0:19:58 Interview: What are some of your inspirations for the game?0:23:27 Interview: How many lands are in this world?0:24:25 Interview: Can you tell me a bit about the world-building for this game?0:26:32 Interview: How do you balance the goofy ideas?0:35:07 Interview: Why is it important for you to incorporate running and jumping into this classic JRPG framework?0:43:01 Interview: What were some of the biggest hurdles for this project?0:46:09 Interview: How did you prevent burnout?0:48:18 Interview: Do you want to continue making games after this one?0:49:39 Interview: Was it challenging to find people who shared the vision for the game?0:55:00 Interview: How did you ensure that the project didn't become endless?0:58:22 Interview: How was it to put the game in the hands of strangers?1:00:38 Interview: What is the most memorable or weird piece of garbage that you've seen?1:03:22 Interview: If you could have a crossover with any other RPG, which would it be?1:06:12 Interview: What advice would you give a new indie developer?01:09:03 (AUDIO TROUBLE BEGINS) 1:10:00 Interview: How are you guys feeling as you approach the finish line for the game?1:13:13 Interview: Do you have any plans for post-launch content?1:14:11 Interview: Where can people find Kingdoms of the Dump at launch?1:15:34 Interview: Will there be an Oscar the Grouch Easter egg?1:16:14 Interview: Which game engine was this created in?1:18:20 Interview: What program did you use for the animation scenes?1:19:39 Interview: How did the guest track from Hiroki Kikuta come about?1:22:50 Interview: If a company made physical copies of your game, would you be interested?1:23:52 Interview: What is the prospect of a console release?1:25:07 Interview: Any deep-cut retro game inspirations, not necessarily RPGs?1:25:53 Interview: What are your favorite JRPGs?01:28:40 (AUDIO TROUBLE RESOLVED) 1:33:06 Interview OutroNew Games Announced1:35:29 Eternity Breaker — 20261:39:14 Never Grave: The Witch and the Curse — TBA1:42:07 Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (Remake) — Mar 12, 20261:44:22 BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW — Jan 16, 20261:47:52 Coffee Talk Tokyo — Mar 5, 20261:50:21 inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories — Apr 2026Industry News1:53:14 Gabe Cube, Steam Controller, and new VR headset announced by Valve2:29:57 Outro✩ Derek ✩ ►Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/SuperDerekRPGs►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/superderekrpgs.com ►Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuperDerek ►Discord: https://discord.me/superderek►https://twitter.com/SuperDerekRPGs✩ Baku ✩ ►Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/BakusanOG►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bakusanog.bsky.social ►Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/WeebSauce ►Discord: https://discord.me/ABC 

This time, we go fishing for Role Players, linking some popular aspects of RPGs to our favorite boardgames. Plus, our latest collection of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:47 - Getting Cold 01:45 - Eric at Pax Unplugged 03:47 - Games at Tom's Daughter's Wedding? 05:10 - BGG Con, Dice Tower East, West, Cruise 06:37 - Fishing for Role Players 14:58 - Stat-Heavy Games: Pathfinder ACG, Mage Knight 17:48 - Character Building: Origin Story, Elder Scrolls, Too Many Bonews, Artisans of Splendent Vale 20:12 - Story-Based Character Progression: Call to Adventure, Tales of the Arabian Nights, Near and Far 22:17 - Campaign (Descent) vs. Combat: Wrath of Ashardilon, Wander the Cult of Barnacle Bay, Massive Darkness, Monster Hunter 27:36 - Silly: Dungeon Fighter, Dungeon Quest, Cora Quest, Munchkin, Talisman 30:31 - Exploration: Mansions of Madness, Clank Catacombs 32:57 - Storytelling: Mice and Mystics, Stuffed Fables, Tainted Grail, Oathsworn, Agemonia 35:03 - Video Games: Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Skyrim, GWENT 37:38 - Improvisational Storytelling: Freelancers, Wandering Galaxy, Adventure Party, Aye Dark Overlord, Once Upon a Time 41:22 - Teasing Next Time: RPGs for Boardgamers 42:27 - Rove 46:08 - Night Soil 49:04 - Mezen 52:50 - Gingerbread House 55:37 - Severton 1:00:35 - Spot It Catan Questions? Tales of Horror? tom@dicetower.com Julie's Tales of Myth and Legend Preorder: https://gamefound.com/projects/van-ryder-games/tales-of-myth-and-legend-preorder?refcode=tMZTh1PtbUec1Vko4OGdaw

I'm pulling a Retronauts and calling this "Part One" because we barely even got around to talking about the games themselves; instead, Victor, Eric, and Nadia wax philosophical about the seemingly-universal appeal of card games, the stories that can be told with a deck of cards, and how they fit perfectly into the systems and structure of both tabletop games and video games. Maybe in Part Two we'll talk about actual specific video games. Maybe Part Two will be the upcoming Mega Man Battle Network 2 Pantheon episode! Who can say? Go and get a tarot reading and find out! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Corpse Party cancelled Octopath Traveler 0 Impressions Canadian Cooking Shows and Human Anatomy Timestamps: 6:20 Main Topic - Card-Based RPGs 26:44 - History of Decks of Cards 1:17:42 - Random Encounters 1:21:12 - The Tavern - Octopath Traveler 0 Impressions 1:30:40 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] The Valedictory Elegy (for guitar) - [Baten Kaitos Origins] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Josh Sawyer, Studio Design Director at Obsidian Entertainment. Together they discuss his thoughts on developing RPGs; what he learned from working at legendary studio Black Isle Studios; how to successfully adapt Dungeons & Dragons to video games; writing for games with dialogue stacks; parsing and implementing feedback while keeping true to your creative vision; and balancing RNG to improve player experiences. This episode is supported by  Xsolla iam8bit Episode Host: Alexa Ray Corriea Producers: Claudio Tapia and Josh Chu, The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving us a rating and review. Follow us: linktr.ee/AIAS Please consider supporting game dev students with: AIAS Foundation

The Knights of the Old Republic's characters are what make it the strongest Star Wars video game series of all time. Even though the combat model, graphics, and RPG elements are somewhat archaic, the characters, including the villains, stands the test of time. In fact, I challenge anyone in the comments to mention a better cast of characters or stronger dialogue in the genre today. When I played KOTOR for the first time in 8th grade, RPGs were an enigma to me. All I wanted to do was mainline the story, not bothering with any paths of resistance or sidequests that were too challenging. I can recall never skipping dialogue and always reading descriptions of every weapon and piece of armor I acquired. I wanted to absorb everything I could about this new Star Wars universe like Darth Nihilus devouring the Force. Now, as a seasoned ultra-chad gamer, I see how much content I left unplayed. I complete as many quests as possible, minmax my stats, and try to complete all my companions' quests as well. However, when it comes to Star Wars, the villains must stand out. This is the franchise that has the villain, after all. And although the villains in KOTOR mirror or rhyme the OT, the baddies of KOTOR 2 are clearly in a world of their own. These are monsters that you will never forget. Let's just say they would eat Sidious and Vader for lunch, but they are also tragic in their own way. I hope you'll enjoy this discussion with the Brothers Krynn, who are also huge fans of these games.

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 01:04 Sly Flourish News: Mash Up the Eight Steps, How to Cheat at RPGs, Dread Necropolis, 03:47 Sly Flourish News: New RPGs Hitting My Desk 10:17 D&D & RPG News: Fantasy Grounds Free to Play and Online Compendium 13:20 D&D & RPG News: D&D Nexus on Demiplane 17:10 Commentary: Is Locally Owned Software Important? 23:57 D&D & RPG News: Apocalypse World Burned Over AMA on Reddit 24:56 Commentary: What Is the OSR? 50:38 DM Tip: Pre-Game Rituals 57:42 Patreon Question: Generating Random Adventures 01:02:26 Patreon Question: Stranger Things D&D Box To Bring In New Players Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Mashing Up the Eight Steps When and How to Cheat when Running RPGs Fantasy Grounds Free with Online Web Viewer New D&D Nexus on Demiplane Vincent Baker AMA on Apocalypse World Burned Over Using REAL CULT TACTICS to improve your D&D group

Ever outrun a demon deer with too many teeth, watched a mine explode for reasons you definitely didn't cause, and then discovered a whistle that works like a horror movie pause button? No? Then you haven't listened to Part 3 of the Old Gods of Appalachia charity stream, where the RPGBOT crew learns the hard way that in Williams Holler, even the local wildlife deserves a GM intrusion. Support MD Anderson Your donation today could help save someone's tomorrow. The RPGBOT team streamed this series to support the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center, a world leader in cancer treatment, research, and prevention. You can continue that mission right now by visiting  https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/participants/9351. Every dollar fights for better treatments and a future free of cancer. In Part 1, Jessie and Isaiah arrived in Williams Holler and learned two things: the town is (1) deeply superstitious, and (2) definitely full of supernatural creatures. After a chilly sermon and a backyard horror encounter, the party descended into the mine for "community service." In Part 2, things got darker underground—literally and metaphorically. Armed with lanterns, folk tales, and a little moonshine, the group met Tommyknockers, broke into an ancient part of the mine, found cursed artifacts, and narrowly escaped through collapsing tunnels. Now, in Part 3, they face what's waiting above ground: hungry not-deer, orchard-bound protections, and a whole new misunderstanding about what they unleashed beneath the mountain. Let's grab our rifles, run uphill, and hope Jam's whistle can save us again. Show Notes Recorded live as part of a charity stream benefiting MD Anderson Cancer Research, this episode continues the flight for survival through Old Gods of Appalachia, using the Cypher System. As Jessie, Isaiah, and Jam escape through the woods, they're hunted by not one but two things that are not deer—abominations with antlers, claws, and too many reasons to drag trespassers back into the mountain. Episode highlights include: Clue the dog becoming the true MVP A silent whistle that scares off eldritch horrors Evidence that the orchard is protected by something older, and possibly hungrier, than anything underground Jessie's moment of terror in the creek, reminding us how trauma echoes The return of Mr. T and his legendary rifle skills Hard questions about why ancient boundaries were broken—and who (or what) wants to mend them Key Takeaways Environmental horror works best when nothing is safe – Water, dirt, light, and air all become points of tension. Player intrusions build cinematic moments – The ability to introduce surprise allies or repel enemies makes scenes feel like horror films. Animals matter – Clue the dog's ferocity creates bond and bravery, giving the party both plot and emotional stakes. The orchard hints at deeper power – Something about the trees turns horrors away, but no one knows if it's a shield or a cage. Group trauma drives the narrative – Jessie's flashback and Isaiah's guilt contextualize the horror on a personal level, not just a cosmic one. Mr. T is officially the coolest person in Williams Holler – Long rifles, gold chains, dead-eyed deer standoffs: what more do you want? Shout Out to the Old Gods and Monte Cook Games Huge thanks once again to Steve Shell, Cam Collins, and the entire DeepNerd Media team for creating Old Gods of Appalachia, and to Monte Cook Games for bringing the series to the table with the Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game. To experience this world for yourself: Listen to Old Gods of Appalachia wherever you get your podcasts Buy the RPG at montecookgames.com/old-gods-of-appalachia-rpg Bring some "not a deer" terror into your next campaign The Old Gods are whispering. Let them in—in your ears, and at your table. 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 outrun a demon deer with too many teeth, watched a mine explode for reasons you definitely didn't cause, and then discovered a whistle that works like a horror movie pause button? No? Then you haven't listened to Part 3 of the Old Gods of Appalachia charity stream, where the RPGBOT crew learns the hard way that in Williams Holler, even the local wildlife deserves a GM intrusion. Support MD Anderson Your donation today could help save someone's tomorrow. The RPGBOT team streamed this series to support the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center, a world leader in cancer treatment, research, and prevention. You can continue that mission right now by visiting  https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/participants/9351. Every dollar fights for better treatments and a future free of cancer. In Part 1, Jessie and Isaiah arrived in Williams Holler and learned two things: the town is (1) deeply superstitious, and (2) definitely full of supernatural creatures. After a chilly sermon and a backyard horror encounter, the party descended into the mine for "community service." In Part 2, things got darker underground—literally and metaphorically. Armed with lanterns, folk tales, and a little moonshine, the group met Tommyknockers, broke into an ancient part of the mine, found cursed artifacts, and narrowly escaped through collapsing tunnels. Now, in Part 3, they face what's waiting above ground: hungry not-deer, orchard-bound protections, and a whole new misunderstanding about what they unleashed beneath the mountain. Let's grab our rifles, run uphill, and hope Jam's whistle can save us again. Show Notes Recorded live as part of a charity stream benefiting MD Anderson Cancer Research, this episode continues the flight for survival through Old Gods of Appalachia, using the Cypher System. As Jessie, Isaiah, and Jam escape through the woods, they're hunted by not one but two things that are not deer—abominations with antlers, claws, and too many reasons to drag trespassers back into the mountain. Episode highlights include: Clue the dog becoming the true MVP A silent whistle that scares off eldritch horrors Evidence that the orchard is protected by something older, and possibly hungrier, than anything underground Jessie's moment of terror in the creek, reminding us how trauma echoes The return of Mr. T and his legendary rifle skills Hard questions about why ancient boundaries were broken—and who (or what) wants to mend them Key Takeaways Environmental horror works best when nothing is safe – Water, dirt, light, and air all become points of tension. Player intrusions build cinematic moments – The ability to introduce surprise allies or repel enemies makes scenes feel like horror films. Animals matter – Clue the dog's ferocity creates bond and bravery, giving the party both plot and emotional stakes. The orchard hints at deeper power – Something about the trees turns horrors away, but no one knows if it's a shield or a cage. Group trauma drives the narrative – Jessie's flashback and Isaiah's guilt contextualize the horror on a personal level, not just a cosmic one. Mr. T is officially the coolest person in Williams Holler – Long rifles, gold chains, dead-eyed deer standoffs: what more do you want? Shout Out to the Old Gods and Monte Cook Games Huge thanks once again to Steve Shell, Cam Collins, and the entire DeepNerd Media team for creating Old Gods of Appalachia, and to Monte Cook Games for bringing the series to the table with the Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game. To experience this world for yourself: Listen to Old Gods of Appalachia wherever you get your podcasts Buy the RPG at montecookgames.com/old-gods-of-appalachia-rpg Bring some "not a deer" terror into your next campaign The Old Gods are whispering. Let them in—in your ears, and at your table. 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

Adam opens up a new series that asks do books from other RPGs have anything to offer our Mage games?  Gardens of Ynn is a never-ending garden realm that can trap and confuse mages who aren't careful.  Listen in and find out if OSR adventures can translate to the World of Darkness.Mage the Podcast social media linksWebsitehttp://magethepodcast.comPatreonhttps://bit.ly/MagePatreonBlueskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/magethepodcast.bsky.socialMastodonhttps://dice.camp/@magethepodcastThreadshttps://www.threads.net/@magethepodcastDiscordhttps://discord.gg/7rsy59Zz

Hi, everybody. Our friend Christopher Rice fills in for Rodney this week. Chris works at the 2nd And Charles book store in northern Virginia. He's an avid gamer focusing on role playing games (RPGs for those in the know). We talk about different campaigns, some great collectibles that have come through the store, Batman, painting miniatures, zines, and a whole lot more. Chris is part of Black Box Games. Among other things, they put out an entertaining, informative zine called Tales From The Dungeon. Their recent 9th issue is called Deadly Dungeons. You can purchase all issues at https://blackboxgames.itch.io. Follow Chris on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fatguycomics/?igsh=YnU3bnRxYndkNnd2&utm_source=qr Thank you for listening. Connect with Meanwhile At The Podcast on social media. Don't forget to #livetweet (we're still calling it that)! Share the show, subscribe so you don't miss an episode, and rate us on your podcast apps. Those much coveted five stars are always appreciated. Stay safe out there. NOW ON BLUESKY @MeanwhileATP https://x.com/meanwhileatp https://www.meanwhileatthepodcast.libsyn.com Rodney (AKA Art Nerrd): https://x.com/artnerrd https://www.instagram.com/theartnerrd/ https://facebook.com/artnerrd https://shop.spreadshirt.com/artnerrd Kristin: https://www.facebook.com/kristing616 https://www.instagram.com/kristing616 Rich: https://x.com/doctorstaypuft

Ever had that moment when you realize your party has been talking to the same "new guy" for weeks... but no one can remember his name? Welcome to the world of the False Hydra, the D&D monster that gaslights your characters harder than a reality TV producer. Join the RPGBOT crew as they peel back the layers of this memory-munching menace and ask the big questions: how did we miss this thing, and is it too late to blame the bard? Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we unravel the mystery of the False Hydra, a terrifying and unforgettable (ironically) monster from the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Known for its eerie ability to manipulate memory and perception, the False Hydra is a favorite among Dungeon Masters looking to inject psychological horror into their campaigns. The hosts discuss how to introduce the False Hydra into your tabletop RPG campaign, explore the creature's disturbing lore, and offer practical tips for roleplaying terrifying monsters. They share advice on how to design suspenseful encounters, how to pace scenes using the False Hydra's memory-altering abilities, and how to keep your players on their toes without losing them entirely to existential dread. Whether you're building a mystery-laden campaign or just looking for fresh monsters to terrify your adventurers, this episode is packed with insights on how the False Hydra can reshape your game world, and possibly your players' trust in NPCs forever. Key Takeaways The False Hydra is a monster that alters player character memories, making it an ideal choice for mystery-themed RPG campaigns. It uniquely blends psychological horror with traditional Dungeons & Dragons encounters. Roleplaying the False Hydra well involves pacing, dramatic reveals, and managing player paranoia. The creature is a powerful tool for Dungeon Masters who want to explore unconventional storytelling structures. Adding monsters like the False Hydra can create a compelling shift in tone, altering how players interact with the game world. Tips include using background music, shifting NPC behaviors, and introducing new "facts" mid-session to keep the players guessing. Ash Ely, Gamemaster on Startplaying.games If you're ready to experience mind-bending monsters like the False Hydra in your own campaign, hire Ash Ely to run a game for you on StartPlaying.games. Ash specializes in weaving unforgettable stories and unforgettable horrors... or are they just what he wants you to remember? Book Ash Ely today and level up your tabletop experience. 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 had that moment when you realize your party has been talking to the same "new guy" for weeks... but no one can remember his name? Welcome to the world of the False Hydra, the D&D monster that gaslights your characters harder than a reality TV producer. Join the RPGBOT crew as they peel back the layers of this memory-munching menace and ask the big questions: how did we miss this thing, and is it too late to blame the bard? Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we unravel the mystery of the False Hydra, a terrifying and unforgettable (ironically) monster from the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Known for its eerie ability to manipulate memory and perception, the False Hydra is a favorite among Dungeon Masters looking to inject psychological horror into their campaigns. The hosts discuss how to introduce the False Hydra into your tabletop RPG campaign, explore the creature's disturbing lore, and offer practical tips for roleplaying terrifying monsters. They share advice on how to design suspenseful encounters, how to pace scenes using the False Hydra's memory-altering abilities, and how to keep your players on their toes without losing them entirely to existential dread. Whether you're building a mystery-laden campaign or just looking for fresh monsters to terrify your adventurers, this episode is packed with insights on how the False Hydra can reshape your game world, and possibly your players' trust in NPCs forever. Key Takeaways The False Hydra is a monster that alters player character memories, making it an ideal choice for mystery-themed RPG campaigns. It uniquely blends psychological horror with traditional Dungeons & Dragons encounters. Roleplaying the False Hydra well involves pacing, dramatic reveals, and managing player paranoia. The creature is a powerful tool for Dungeon Masters who want to explore unconventional storytelling structures. Adding monsters like the False Hydra can create a compelling shift in tone, altering how players interact with the game world. Tips include using background music, shifting NPC behaviors, and introducing new "facts" mid-session to keep the players guessing. Ash Ely, Gamemaster on Startplaying.games If you're ready to experience mind-bending monsters like the False Hydra in your own campaign, hire Ash Ely to run a game for you on StartPlaying.games. Ash specializes in weaving unforgettable stories and unforgettable horrors... or are they just what he wants you to remember? Book Ash Ely today and level up your tabletop experience. 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

In this episode, we explore how tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) can become powerful tools in your homeschool. From boosting creative writing and problem-solving skills to strengthening teamwork, communication, and critical thinking, RPGs offer far more than imaginative fun. We'll share how to choose age-appropriate systems, weave campaigns into your lessons, and support kids of all personalities, from shy storytellers to bold adventurers. Join us as we talk about bringing collaborative storytelling, character creation, and world-building into your homeschool in meaningful, educational, and joy-filled ways. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at happyhomeschoolpod@gmail.com Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Check out these resources for starting your first RPG game with your students: Instant Game Paizo Fudge RPG Rules Pathfinder Beginner Box on Amazon Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set on Amazon As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through the Amazon links in these show notes. This does not affect your price or our recommendations. The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you'd like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Rain slides down the cracked glass of the Wayne Rehabilitation Centre, where Doc Miller wakes up in a hospital bed - alive, but not whole. His memories are fractured. He can't even remember Grin.Clarence knows something's off. Something's missing.Something's wrong...PLAY THE DUST WORLD RPG NOW:We've released the epic RPG Dust world and we want your help. Dust World PBTA is RPG Empire's sci-fi western game that's simple, fast, and Powered By The Apocalypse. Are you ready? Enter The Gun-Filled Lands Of An Obliterated Civilization. Play as gunslinging anime-inspired heroes on their mission to discover the truth behind the lost civilization and its technology. GET THE GUIDE NOW:https://www.therpgempire.com/shop/p/b2ck9ai8u8d7i6j5xs48oojt742uq2Dust world RPG Podcast is an actual play Role-playing podcast like the Adventure Zone Podcast or Critical Role. The setting is a sci-fi western a few hundred years after a great war burned the earth and a virus called white horse dissolved most organic matter into dust creating the wastelands.Dust World RPG is a Powered By The Apocalypse game. Dust World is a Tabletop Role-Playing game created by Paul Parnell Copywrite 2020. The setting was created by Paul Parnell and Michael Yatskar. The game was written by Paul-Thomas Parnell and Dumaresq de Pencier.OTHER PROJECTS FROM THE RPG EMPIRE:Strangers in the Pines: A Monster Of The Week actually play roleplaying podcast inspired by things like Gravity Falls, Stranger Things, and Fringe. It takes place in a small strange town called Pine Forge nestled in the Blackwood national park in Northeast Oregon, USA, and follows, the exploits of 3 unusual high school students as they try to unravel the mysteries of the Strangers in the Pines.https://www.therpgempire.com/strangers-in-the-pinesCONNECT WITH US:Join our Discord Server to chat with us and talk all things RPGs: https://discord.gg/2jnyGv9Follow and send us DMs on Instagram: @theRPGempireJoin the Empire!

The U.S.S. Pioneer completed its five-year mission in uproarious fashion. Now meet the GM and players who pushed the limits of Star Trek Adventures storytelling to create a life-changing epic to span the ages. Get good advice on forming great bonds with your players, utilizing Discord to make for a top-notch gaming experience, and learn how a good gaming group can launch your writing career! Guest stars: Aaron Pollyea, Al Spader, Josh Allen, and Troy Mepyans. From Coworkers to Family: How the USS Pioneer Crew Created an Epic Star Trek Adventures Campaign The Star Trek Adventures RPG is celebrating its fifth year, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Star Trek. To commemorate this milestone, a recent podcast brought together the cast of the USS Pioneer, a group that just wrapped up a five-plus year campaign. This blog post delves into the secrets of their success and offers insights for other groups looking to embark on long-term Star Trek Adventures. Meet the Crew The podcast featured a stellar lineup of talent, all deeply involved in the Star Trek Adventures universe and beyond: Michael Dismuke: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures RPG, lead writer on Captain's Log RPG, and Star Trek fiction writer. Jim Johnson: Project manager and line editor for Star Trek Adventures RPG and Fallout RPG, and a fiction writer. Al Spader: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures and writer/designer for other RPGs, including Sentience RPG Once Upon. Josh Allen: Contributing writer to Star Trek the Captain's Log and a player in the Pioneer campaign. Troy Methens: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures and RPG creator for Astron 2D20 and The Good, the Bad and the Savage for Savage Worlds. Aaron Pallier: Longtime freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures, specializing in starship science/technology, and creator of Saucer Squadron. Setting the Stage: The USS Pioneer's Mission The USS Pioneer's campaign was based out of the Shackleton Expanse, venturing 13.7 million light years away to the Centaurus galaxy. Their adventures have been chronicled on Continuing Missions, with many stories adapted into novellas. Defining Moments: From Crew to Family When asked about a defining moment, the crew unanimously agreed it was their transformation from coworkers to a close-knit family. This bond transcended the game, with members supporting each other's careers, personal lives, and families. This real-life connection was then woven back into the story, enriching the narrative. Aha Moments: Character Growth and Unexpected Twists   The players shared several "aha" moments that shaped their characters and the campaign: Season Three Finale: Surviving a major arc and reuniting on the bridge. Character Evolution: One character's journey took an unexpected turn after getting lost in time, leading to unique roleplaying opportunities. Trask's Return: A poignant moment for Nalinda, the ship's counselor, who grappled with loss and the surprise reappearance of a friend. "Elevated Edict" Module: This module, written by Michael, sparked philosophical questions and internal conflict, leading to meaningful character development. The Power of Play-by-Post on Discord The USS Pioneer campaign was run online via Discord, which presented both challenges and unique advantages: Writing Format: The asynchronous nature of play-by-post allowed for thoughtful phrasing and detailed descriptions. Flexibility: Players could have others control their characters when unavailable, ensuring the story kept moving. Established Writing Guidance: The group adopted guidelines like short sentences, past-tense narration, and out-of-character discussions to maintain narrative flow and clarity. Inner Dialogue: The written format allowed players to express their characters' inner thoughts, adding depth and complexity often missed in face-to-face games. Lessons in Storytelling and Collaboration The Pioneer campaign provided valuable lessons in storytelling, collaborative writing, and improvisation: The Power of the Cutscene: Recognizing and utilizing cutscenes to create suspense and reveal off-screen events. The Importance of B Plots: Developing unconnected A and B plots to add depth and complexity to the narrative. Character Flexibility: Allowing events to shape characters organically, rather than forcing them down a predetermined path. The Value of Asides and Logs: Using logs to explain character actions and thoughts, adding layers to their personalities. The Importance of Supporting Fellow Writers: The crew emphasized the importance of supporting and uplifting other writers in the community. Gratitude and Lasting Bonds The podcast concluded with expressions of gratitude and reflections on the enduring friendships forged through the USS Pioneer campaign. The players appreciated the opportunity to grow as role-players and as people, and the shared experience created a bond that continues to this day. The Legacy of the USS Pioneer The USS Pioneer campaign stands as a testament to the power of collaborative storytelling, character-driven narratives, and the enduring appeal of Star Trek. Its legacy continues to inspire new players and writers in the Star Trek Adventures community. As Al Spader so eloquently put it, "Captain, Pioneer is all around you."

Kirk, Maddy, and Jason bring on special guest Cameron Kunzelman to talk about this year's suite of roleplaying games, from Avowed to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to The Outer Worlds 2. They also talk about Assassin's Creed's pivot to RPGs, what an RPG even is, and much more. Plus: Steam Machines!One More Thing:Kirk: Do The Right Thing (1989)Maddy: AnniversariesJason: King Sorrow (Joe Hill)LINKS:Cameron's new Assassin's Creed book: https://www.upress.umn.edu/9781517914943/everything-is-permitted/The Ranged Touch network, with a bunch of his podcasts: https://rangedtouch.comSupport Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinBuy Some Triple Click Merch!! https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/

The researchers deal with all the wreckage caused by the massive World Turtle, Denizen reveals her theories about Leviathans, Mayor Madrigal copes with his failures, and the whole crew faces a final, political problem - who ARE these Inspiravalonian Knights!?

We were meant to play timely games, but only Nicco really understood the assignment. However, Brody REALLY enjoyed Pentiment and you may have forgotten it exists. Chris' only timely contributions this week were Sonic Rumble, Sonic Racing Crossworlds, and the first two episodes of Pluribus. Only one of those three brought him joy. Lastly, Nicco is eating crow on turn-based RPGs. The day has finally come.MORE PLACES TO FIND USCrubscribe ► https://bit.ly/CrubcastGet the show early and get exclusive content at our Patreon ► https://www.patreon.com/crubOur Crubcasts are recorded LIVE at https://www.twitch.tv/crub_official every Tuesday at 7pm Eastern, with EXCLUSIVE Pre- and Post-ShowsJoin our Discord ► https://crub.org/joinBlueSky ► https://bsky.app/profile/crub.orgCome join our Steam group ► https://steamcommunity.com/groups/crubclubPodcasts are available on Apple, Google, Spotify, and other platforms are available at ► https://crub.orgSHOW NOTESHere's some links to games we mention to save you from Googling:Toki Tori 2:https://store.steampowered.com/app/201420/Toki_Tori_2/Parcel Corps:https://store.steampowered.com/app/2015960/Parcel_Corps/TODAY'S CRUBCAST HOSTSBrody: https://www.youtube.com/@RACROXChris: https://www.youtube.com/@MykonosFanNicco: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl56kbl3tb-KiGEHT7MUGUgCHAPTERS00:00 Brody's been Pentimentin04:58 Toki Tori 2 and Parcel Corps mentioned08:30 Sonic Rumble made Chris sad, but Ichiban is in Crossworlds now17:10 Listen to Chris badly explain Pluribus21:28 Nicco admits it, some turn-based RPGS are good (Expedition 33 edition)29:43 What other games came out this year? Roberto's Garden...? ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ad Free Listening on the RPGBOT Patreon Want more episodes like this, plus early access, live recordings, or ad-free listening? Join our Patreon at patreon.com/rpgbot and help us keep the mics on (and the ghosts at bay). Every little bit helps us roll with advantage! Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives deep into Ghosts in tabletop RPGs—both as monsters and as masterful storytelling tools. From the mechanics of possession and rejuvenation to the raw narrative potential of ghost encounters, Tyler, Randall, and Ash explore how ghosts have changed across editions of Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder 2e, and what makes them so uniquely haunting at the table. The RPGBOT crew kicks things off with a hilariously chaotic session involving the Deck of Many Things—complete with birthday gifts, legendary armor, spontaneous Feywild portals, and even a Strahd ventriloquist doll that summons a sorrow sworn. From there, they dive into what exactly defines a ghost in RPGs, how it differs from related undead like poltergeists and banshees, and how various game systems handle them. The hosts break down 5e's ghost mechanics, including the often-overlooked possession rules, wisdom saves against horrifying visages, and the now-removed aging effect. They also contrast ghosts in Pathfinder 2e, touching on templates, telekinetic assaults, and rejuvenation mechanics that bring them back after destruction. Along the way, they explore how to homebrew ghost encounters, emphasizing NPC potential, unfinished business as story hooks, and the role of safety tools when handling possession and tragic backstories. Key Takeaways Ghosts are more than incorporeal monsters—they're great vehicles for storytelling and emotional stakes. Possession is a powerful narrative and mechanical tool, but requires trust, consent, and player agency. Ghost rejuvenation mechanics in PF2e make them durable story elements rather than one-and-done foes. Using ghosts as NPCs or tragic quest-givers deepens the campaign world and encourages non-combat solutions. Cosmic horror, ghostly bargains, and unfinished business can dramatically raise the stakes of your story. Try dScryb for Ghostly Flavor! Looking to bring your ghost encounters to life—or unlife? Check out dScryb.com for rich, system-neutral descriptive text and soundscapes that make every haunting feel real. Use code RPGBOT at checkout for 5% off your first subscription and unlock the narrative power of evocative boxed text. Perfect for your next possession scene or haunted house crawl! 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

Ad Free Listening on the RPGBOT Patreon Want more episodes like this, plus early access, live recordings, or ad-free listening? Join our Patreon at patreon.com/rpgbot and help us keep the mics on (and the ghosts at bay). Every little bit helps us roll with advantage! Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives deep into Ghosts in tabletop RPGs—both as monsters and as masterful storytelling tools. From the mechanics of possession and rejuvenation to the raw narrative potential of ghost encounters, Tyler, Randall, and Ash explore how ghosts have changed across editions of Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder 2e, and what makes them so uniquely haunting at the table. The RPGBOT crew kicks things off with a hilariously chaotic session involving the Deck of Many Things—complete with birthday gifts, legendary armor, spontaneous Feywild portals, and even a Strahd ventriloquist doll that summons a sorrow sworn. From there, they dive into what exactly defines a ghost in RPGs, how it differs from related undead like poltergeists and banshees, and how various game systems handle them. The hosts break down 5e's ghost mechanics, including the often-overlooked possession rules, wisdom saves against horrifying visages, and the now-removed aging effect. They also contrast ghosts in Pathfinder 2e, touching on templates, telekinetic assaults, and rejuvenation mechanics that bring them back after destruction. Along the way, they explore how to homebrew ghost encounters, emphasizing NPC potential, unfinished business as story hooks, and the role of safety tools when handling possession and tragic backstories. Key Takeaways Ghosts are more than incorporeal monsters—they're great vehicles for storytelling and emotional stakes. Possession is a powerful narrative and mechanical tool, but requires trust, consent, and player agency. Ghost rejuvenation mechanics in PF2e make them durable story elements rather than one-and-done foes. Using ghosts as NPCs or tragic quest-givers deepens the campaign world and encourages non-combat solutions. Cosmic horror, ghostly bargains, and unfinished business can dramatically raise the stakes of your story. Try dScryb for Ghostly Flavor! Looking to bring your ghost encounters to life—or unlife? Check out dScryb.com for rich, system-neutral descriptive text and soundscapes that make every haunting feel real. Use code RPGBOT at checkout for 5% off your first subscription and unlock the narrative power of evocative boxed text. Perfect for your next possession scene or haunted house crawl! 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

Greetings and salutations, noble travelers! Gather ye close and lend thine ears. Lord Bender doth regale us with tales of his grand Spelljammer campaign and the valorous exploits of his gallant Giff sailor. Thereafter, we entertain inquiries from our loyal listeners pondering such matters as what Dungeon Masters desire most from their adventurers, whether our hearts favor the grand houses of mass-market tomes or the humble artistry of indie works, and how much tomfoolery may be endured before patience wears thin. Enjoy the merriment of the hour!

Send us a textDragon Age: Inquisition - Episode 7This Week:  What Pride Had Wrought, The Final Piece, and Doom Upon All the World Next Week: Mass Effect Andromeda! Prologue, First Planet, Nexus Quests, Landing on EosSupport the showContact: http://linktr.ee/squelchcast Support the show on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/Squelch or https://www.twitch.tv/dan0play Join our Discord at https://discord.gg/HwPPtX627k

     Saul was reading "RPG Reddit" posts and came across a person who described themselves as a 5th edition D&D player.  In this post they wanted to know about games that were more "lethal" than D&D.  They mentioned that D&D was too easy to survive.      Saul mentioned it to Jolene.  Saul went into his collection and found some RPG systems that were to his mind more deadly than D&D 5th edition.   Saul realized that not all the systems were of the same genre, setting or tone.   So why were all these systems "more Deadly" than D&D.  The answers to that question was the basis for this episode.       Thank you for listening!  Website Art by Jim Foster Episode Art by Michael Shean-Jones Music by Vitne,  Song I Am Feeling Deadly, off the album Neon  used under the Creative Commons License 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Welcome to another episode of Perspective Checks where I sit down with friends and folks from the TTRPG world and discuss what they love about this wonderful hobby!   This month's episode is with Craig Hatler (a.k.a. Tezrak the Impslayer most places on the internet), a game designer and educator who came on to talk about the importance of a game's communication and resources when sitting down to learn how to play, run the game, or even for designers before it goes out. We talk about his game Shadowlight & Personae, a genre-agnostic neutral system aiming to be able to emulate any type of story, and the work he's done to improve his layout, resources, and more.   This episode bounces around a lot, but we primarily stick to the topic of "how can we, as designers or players engaging with a game, ensure that the rules and mechanics are effectively spelled out so we can just get right to the gameplay." Even as an admitted hoarder of TTRPGs, the act of sitting down to read a rulebook isn't the most exciting thing, I'd rather be reading an actual book to get ideas going, I just need the game book to explain how to do the thing.    We talk about Daggerheart's cards, pre-generated character sheets, player resource sheets, the read-along rules from For the Queen, and more to lower your game's barrier to learning!   ----more---- Join the DMs After Dark Discord channel!   I made a Ko-Fi if you feel absurdly generous and want to help cover podcast hosting costs & all the upkeep. I'm still working on whether I want to offer anything special over there or just give my extreme gratitude (maybe some stickers or something in the mail) to those who donate, but no pressure whatsoever :)   Where to Follow Rene Plays Games: LinkTree |  BlueSky | Threads | Instagram | Facebook | DMs After Dark Rene's Games: MECH | MECH Cities 2 | One Last Quest email: RenePlaysGamesPod@gmail.com   Music in the Episode (in order of appearance): Rene Plays Games Theme written & produced by Dan Pomfret | @danfrombothbands

In just one week, both officially and unofficially, Sony may have signaled that they, too, are looking towards the future with the PlayStation 6, and they've done so by fully unlocking Cloud Streaming on the PlayStation Portal as well. Is the PlayStation Portal now the best value in all of gaming? Plus, could Sony truly be exploring Cross-Buy with their PC Games? Or even introducing a PlayStation PC Storefront? Sean and Marc discuss what this could mean for PS6. We are also doing a special segment this week discussing the 10 Games That Define Us. How many RPGs are going to show up on Sean's list? Will Marc have a Sonic game on his? And which Resident Evil is Randy going to choose? Definitely worth checking out for sure.Plus, Rockstar has delayed Grand Theft Auto VI until November 19, 2025, a report from Bloomberg also alleges Rockstar may have fired over 30 employees for union busting. Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch 1 keep hitting milestones, more game delays, more layoffs, Overcooked getting a reality show, and a whole lot more!You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/nktlDOGc5_QListen as a podcast and give us a review on these platforms... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44LAmazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTWPodchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/ Check out other W2M Network Shows Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/yCAUV4Ox-rMRadulich in Broadcasting's Predator: Badlands Review: https://youtube.com/live/2roAR9ocYKYRadulich in Broadcasting's Gen V Season 2 Review: https://youtube.com/live/552VrxkBB04Follow on X (Twitter), Blue Sky, Instagram & TikTokSean on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/W2MSeanSean on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/w2msean.bsky.socialSean on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sgarmer05Sean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgarmer05/Marc on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HumanityPlagueFollow Us on all W2M Network Social Media Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/w2mnetworkFollow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/w2mnetworkFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w2mnetwork/Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W2MNetwork

Writer Kieron Gillen joins the podcast to talk about his current Image comics The Power Fantasy and Die: Loaded and everything that's going into them. Gillen discusses FOC vs. release, Die's longevity as an idea, staying in love with comics, the emotional side of the commercial part of the job, how he thinks of his comics, the direction of Die: Loaded, why Die returned, the approach to its story, Stephanie Hans' impact, comic RPGs, how The Power Fantasy has compared to expectations, where it is, activating your audience, promoting the work, surprises in the series, and more.

Adam Orth chats with Jeff Gardiner from Something Wicked Games. Together they discuss his long history in the world of RPG development including titles in the Elder Scrolls and Fallout series; the trials and tribulations associated with starting your own studio; the perilous state of the games industry from funding to consolidation; and the lessons he learned in leading teams from some of the brightest minds in gaming. This episode is sponsored by: Xsolla Episode Host: Adam Orth Producers: Claudio Tapia and Josh Chu, The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving us a rating and review. Support the show and get all of our episodes early/ad-free: https://bit.ly/4kU34Lt Follow us: linktr.ee/AIAS Please consider supporting game dev students with: AIAS Foundation

Have you ever gotten up for a full day's work in a haunted coal mine and thought, "Boy, I really hope that bird in a cage doesn't stop singing and doom us all"? No? Then you clearly weren't with the RPGBOT crew in Part 2 of our Old Gods of Appalachia charity stream—where coal dust has claws, headlamps are your best friend, and it turns out you can get shot-in-the-foot vibes without ever firing a gun. Buckle up, y'all. Things are getting deep, dark, and very dusty. Support MD Anderson Cancer Research Before we go further, remember: this campaign was part of a live charity event supporting MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the top cancer hospitals in the world. Their mission is simple but critical: end cancer for patients everywhere through advanced research, treatment, and compassionate care. You can still make a difference. Donate today at https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/participants/9351 — every dollar helps bring hope, healing, and lifesaving treatment to real people in the fight for their lives. Previously, on the RPGBOT charity stream: Jessie and Isaiah arrived in Williams Holler—an Appalachian company town where coal mine doom meets fire-eyed-almost-deer and fatal sermons about salvation through suffering. After a run-in with a not-deer and a meet-and-greet with Mister T and his questionable Applejack theology, our heroes found themselves deep in the mines for mandatory community service, hammering rocks for redemption. Episode 2 picks up right where we left off: with moonshiner chaos, clumsy pickaxe injuries, Tommyknocker rituals, and a collapsing mine shaft that proves this town is as deadly belowground as it is above. In this episode of the RPGBOT Podcast, the gang digs deeper into Old Gods of Appalachia—both narratively and literally—as they're sent into the bowels of the Williams Holler coal mine to "earn their keep" under the watchful eye of foreman Josh CC. Join Jessie and Isaiah as they: Learn about Tommyknockers—ghostly Appalachian mine spirits who love pennies and hate eye contact. Perform citation-needed rituals involving canaries, fish bits, and whispered thanks. Fail basic pickaxe maneuvers (looking at you, Isaiah) and experience the dark gift of GM intrusions, brought to you by generous donors. Discover strange, ancient artifacts deep underground—hint: they might belong to the town's ominous apple orchard daughter. Encounter a creature that definitely isn't a dog made of coal and bad vibes. Try desperately to outrun physics, collapse, and tiny angry men with stone axes through lightless tunnels. All while raising money for MD Anderson Cancer Research, whose work helps real people—unlike some podcast characters we could name. Key Takeaways Horror is better underground: Claustrophobic tunnels, unstable lanterns, and monster-dust dogs? That's premium Appalachian fear. Cypher System shines in survival tension: Speed and might rolls build both narrative and actual sweat. Tommyknockers are the coal miner's cryptid: They warn you with knocks—if you leave them snacks and don't embarrass them. GM intrusions are extra spicy during charity games: The more you donate, the more you make the players quietly panic. Jessie can shoot, quip, and pull people out of holes: The perfect outlaw protagonist energy. This mine is getting worse by the minute: Strange artifacts, broken elevators, dead canaries? It's all very "maybe we leave now." Basket of weird fruit: The orchard, Mr. T, and a thing calling itself "the green" are part of a cosmic tug-of-war that's barely begun. Thank You to the Old Gods and Monte Cook A huge thank-you to Steve Shell, Cam Collins, and the DeepNerd Media team for creating the masterwork that is Old Gods of Appalachia. Their audio drama is the gold standard of Appalachian horror storytelling—and the Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game, built on Monte Cook Games' Cypher System, brings that dread to your table with terrifying finesse. Want to experience this world for yourself? Listen to Old Gods of Appalachia wherever you get your podcasts Buy the RPG at montecookgames.com/old-gods-of-appalachia-rpg Bring some "not a deer" terror into your next campaign Let the Old Gods whisper you home. 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

Welcome to our One Hundred and Fifty Second episode!Our podcast is dedicated to all things board games, RPGs, CGs and more.Pour your favourite beverage, pull up a comfy chair 'cuz we are ready to roll.In this week's episode, we talk about Heroclix and some other stuff. -----Jocelyn and Kim are doing board game day and we want to hear from you of what we should play! Take a look at Kim's board game collection and send us 5 games you think we should play (at least with 4 players). -----Until next time, on a Double Double ‘n Dice!--------------The following music was used for this media project:Music: Lobby Time by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/29284/Music: 24/7 Online Radio Lofi Music, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12714-247-online-radio-lofi-musicLicense: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)Send us a textContact us: tripledpodcast@dm-north.comCheck us out on www.dm-north.comSupport us at ko-fi.com/dmnorthtvJoin the dmNorthTV DiscordNeed a dice bag? Contact Jocelyn and/or visit JoceStitch Etsy store

It's time for a podcast about a podcast!Yes, we're talking about Star Trek: Khan, the official Star Trek podcast.What happened between Space Seed and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan? Dr Rosalind Lear wants to know and brings some familiar faces to Ceti Alpha V to dig up some old recordings. Does she want to humanise this space tyrant or exonerate Kirk for his actions?Flashbacks, being stranded in a hostile wilderness, Naveen Andrews… Is this Lost? Kind of. At least, it's enough for Charlie and Miles to talk about Lost a lot, as well as serialised fiction and the plot of the first three episodes of Star Trek: Khan.01:41 What Non-Star Trek Thing We've Been Enjoying: 11:33 What is Star Trek: KHAAAAAN!?26:45 Kind of a recapTalking points include: Lost in Space, Journey into Space, Lessons in Magic and Disaster, Charles Dickens, freelancer rates in RPGs, Tales of the City, serialised prose, we should not be so impressed that we finished a book (Miles) and a video game (Charlie), Hades, fiction podcasts, Welcome to Night Vale, Silt Verses, Wolf 359 (non-Star Trek), Are You Afraid of the Dark Universe, Lost, Alan Sepinwall “The Revolution was Televised”, Mo Ryan “Burn It Down”, Spaceballs, Khan quoting Milton (always), manifest destiny, Alien: Earth, what kind of 90's nerd Khan would have been. Oh, and occasionally Star Trek.Casual Trek is by Charlie Etheridge-Nunn and Miles Reid-LobattoMusic by Alfred Etheridge-NunnCasual Trek is a part of the Nerd & Tie Networkhttps://ko-fi.com/casualtrekMiles' blog: http://www.mareidlobatto.wordpress.com Charlie's blog: http://www.fakedtales.com

Go deep into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles history with this episode of Turtle Tracks Podcast! This time, host Brian VanHooker chats with the guys at Palladium Books to talk all about the Redux Edition RPG of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Transdimensional Adventures." Well before there were any TMNT toys, the first company to license the TMNT was Palladium Books, making six books of RPGs starting in 1985. Now, after a wildly succesful kickstarter in 2023, Palladium is rereleasing ALL of its TMNT books in two beautiful full-color volumes coming later this month (Nov, 2025) and currently available for pre-order. The books feature all the original art by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird plus new work by Freddie E. Williams II, Ciro Nieli and Sophie Campbell. Pre-Order here: https://palladiumbooks.com/shop/category/modern/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-other-strangeness/ Sound engineering by Ian Williams. Follow TURTLE TRACKS PODCAST on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turtle_tracks_podcast/

Have you ever gotten up for a full day's work in a haunted coal mine and thought, "Boy, I really hope that bird in a cage doesn't stop singing and doom us all"? No? Then you clearly weren't with the RPGBOT crew in Part 2 of our Old Gods of Appalachia charity stream—where coal dust has claws, headlamps are your best friend, and it turns out you can get shot-in-the-foot vibes without ever firing a gun. Buckle up, y'all. Things are getting deep, dark, and very dusty. Support MD Anderson Cancer Research Before we go further, remember: this campaign was part of a live charity event supporting MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the top cancer hospitals in the world. Their mission is simple but critical: end cancer for patients everywhere through advanced research, treatment, and compassionate care. You can still make a difference. Donate today at https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/participants/9351 — every dollar helps bring hope, healing, and lifesaving treatment to real people in the fight for their lives. Previously, on the RPGBOT charity stream: Jessie and Isaiah arrived in Williams Holler—an Appalachian company town where coal mine doom meets fire-eyed-almost-deer and fatal sermons about salvation through suffering. After a run-in with a not-deer and a meet-and-greet with Mister T and his questionable Applejack theology, our heroes found themselves deep in the mines for mandatory community service, hammering rocks for redemption. Episode 2 picks up right where we left off: with moonshiner chaos, clumsy pickaxe injuries, Tommyknocker rituals, and a collapsing mine shaft that proves this town is as deadly belowground as it is above. In this episode of the RPGBOT Podcast, the gang digs deeper into Old Gods of Appalachia—both narratively and literally—as they're sent into the bowels of the Williams Holler coal mine to "earn their keep" under the watchful eye of foreman Josh CC. Join Jessie and Isaiah as they: Learn about Tommyknockers—ghostly Appalachian mine spirits who love pennies and hate eye contact. Perform citation-needed rituals involving canaries, fish bits, and whispered thanks. Fail basic pickaxe maneuvers (looking at you, Isaiah) and experience the dark gift of GM intrusions, brought to you by generous donors. Discover strange, ancient artifacts deep underground—hint: they might belong to the town's ominous apple orchard daughter. Encounter a creature that definitely isn't a dog made of coal and bad vibes. Try desperately to outrun physics, collapse, and tiny angry men with stone axes through lightless tunnels. All while raising money for MD Anderson Cancer Research, whose work helps real people—unlike some podcast characters we could name. Key Takeaways Horror is better underground: Claustrophobic tunnels, unstable lanterns, and monster-dust dogs? That's premium Appalachian fear. Cypher System shines in survival tension: Speed and might rolls build both narrative and actual sweat. Tommyknockers are the coal miner's cryptid: They warn you with knocks—if you leave them snacks and don't embarrass them. GM intrusions are extra spicy during charity games: The more you donate, the more you make the players quietly panic. Jessie can shoot, quip, and pull people out of holes: The perfect outlaw protagonist energy. This mine is getting worse by the minute: Strange artifacts, broken elevators, dead canaries? It's all very "maybe we leave now." Basket of weird fruit: The orchard, Mr. T, and a thing calling itself "the green" are part of a cosmic tug-of-war that's barely begun. Thank You to the Old Gods and Monte Cook A huge thank-you to Steve Shell, Cam Collins, and the DeepNerd Media team for creating the masterwork that is Old Gods of Appalachia. Their audio drama is the gold standard of Appalachian horror storytelling—and the Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game, built on Monte Cook Games' Cypher System, brings that dread to your table with terrifying finesse. Want to experience this world for yourself? Listen to Old Gods of Appalachia wherever you get your podcasts Buy the RPG at montecookgames.com/old-gods-of-appalachia-rpg Bring some "not a deer" terror into your next campaign Let the Old Gods whisper you home. 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

Audio EXP details the £2 million Alan McCullough comic auction, new RPGs like Twilight Sword, and the launch of manga platform Sweet Shop and rival Neon Ichiban. About Audio EXP Audio EXP is Geek Native's podcast. Each week, there's some favourite or exciting geeky news, conventions, interviews, and thought pieces. The average length of the podcast is around 10 minutes. You will find a transcript of this week's podcast and links to the stories mentioned here: https://www.geeknative.com/213911/audio-exp-podcast-308-gremlin-disobience/

The contestants bury Bateman and explore the island further, meeting other contestants and challenges on the way. Some breaking and entering leads to a revelation as to who's running the game.   We hope you enjoy episode two of our new series of Deathmatch Island by Tim Denee of Old Dog Games and Evil Hat Productions.   ----more---- Join the DMs After Dark Discord channel!   In case you haven't heard, our Redbubble has incredible RuneQuest art by Katrin Dirim available as shirts, stickers, pillows, and more, so check out all our new DMs After Dark merch!!   If you enjoy our streams, podcasts (plural! have you checked out the Rene Plays Games podcast?), or just our general nerdiness, please consider giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app of choice! Like, follow, and subscribe to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so you can comment & chat with us about all things RPGs.   And, as always, come hang out and catch our live streams on our Twitch or catch up on our YouTube.   Music in the Episode (in order of appearance): DMs After Dark Theme written & produced by Dan Pomfret | @danfrombothbands

Ever wondered what happens when you cross a high-fantasy campaign setting, a Louisiana bayou, and a magical eel with moonshine for blood? The RPGBOT crew found out the hard way when they sat down with Drew Foulke, the founder of Norse Foundry and Hexed Publishing, to talk about his new system-agnostic roleplaying world: Titanskeep. It's a world where gods and titans feud like divorced parents with cosmic custody issues, and adventurers are just trying to survive long enough to figure out whether the lich-titan is actually the good guy. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Want to hear episodes like this ad-free and before anyone else? Join the RPGBOT Patreon today. Get early access to recordings, bonus discussions, and the chance to listen live as Tyler, Randall, and Ash interview RPG creators like Drew Foulke, Keith Baker, and more. Your support helps keep the dice rolling (and the Billy Eels wiggling). Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, hosts Randall James, Tyler Kamstra, and Ash Ely sit down with Drew Foulke, founder of Norse Foundry and Hexed Publishing, to explore the upcoming Titanskeep campaign setting — a high-fantasy, system-agnostic world designed for Dungeons & Dragons (5e/2024), Pathfinder 2e, and beyond. Titanskeep, set in the living world of Kalidor, pits gods against titans in a divine power struggle that reshapes the world's fate. Players can join guilds, align with deities, or swear loyalty to mighty titans — and every choice changes the ongoing narrative. Built to support convention-based raid events, local game store play, and ongoing modular releases, Titanskeep promises a living campaign ecosystem that evolves through player decisions. Drew discusses Hexed Publishing's approach to system-agnostic design, collaboration with industry legends like Ed Greenwood, Keith Baker, B. Dave Walters, and Deven Rue, and his goal of producing a constantly supported RPG world rather than a one-and-done campaign book. Tyler shares his own experience designing monsters for the Houdan region, a New Orleans-meets-Venice bayou crawling with illusion-magic, giant bugs, and the now-legendary Billy Eel — complete with random mutations and "moonshine in its veins." Throughout the conversation, the hosts and Drew dive into: The challenge of creating a 5e and Pathfinder 2e compatible RPG setting. The use of guild systems, living world events, and player-driven raids. The design philosophy of Norse Foundry: making dice and props that players actually use. The plan for Titanskeep's Kickstarter (October 2026), free Patreon content, and playtesting rewards. The future of Hexed Publishing, from Gazetteers to modular adventure paths, and how community playtesting shapes their development. Key Takeaways System-Agnostic Design: Titanskeep bridges 5e, 2024 D&D, and Pathfinder 2e, with future support for systems like Daggerheart, Savage Worlds, and Fate. High Fantasy, Low Tech: Magic drives Titanskeep's world; technology exists only where titans allow it. Living World Structure: Players influence world events through guilds, deities, and Titan allegiance — shaping global outcomes. Convention Integration: The setting includes a raid-style convention system, where multiple tables impact shared encounters and titanic battles. Collaborative Worldbuilding: Drew enlisted industry veterans like Ed Greenwood, Keith Baker, B. Dave Walters, Jay Foster, Deven Rue, and Crystal Sully. Player Rewards: Free adventures, Patreon-exclusive ancestries, and physical props (like keys, pins, and holy symbols) connect the digital world to your table. The Billy Eel Legacy: A chaotic creature from the Houdan region, proof that player imagination and worldbuilding can get delightfully weird. Ongoing Support: Titanskeep isn't a single book — it's a long-term evolving campaign world with modules, Gazetteers, and live play updates. Community-Driven Playtesting: Players providing feedback can win $50 Norse Foundry gift cards. Kickstarter 2026: The official launch of Titanskeep will include free metal D20s for backers from the Patreon or newsletter list. Explore Titanskeep & Norse Foundry Ready to step into a world where gods and titans wage endless war — and you might just become one? Visit Titanskeep.com and join the Patreon at patreon.com/HextRPG for free playtest content, ancestries, and adventures. Check out Norse Foundry for premium metal dice, RPG accessories, and updates on upcoming Titanskeep Kickstarter 2026 releases. Support the creators, roll some legendary dice, and remember — if your eel starts sweating moonshine, maybe it's time to roll for Constitution. 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

Hey Now Cabalists! Welcome to another jam-packed episode of The Cabal! Today we talk about our brand-new gaming haunt — Franklin Street Social. Then we dive into some games we've been playing, including Galactic Cruise, XCOM, Claustrophobia 1643, Sweet Lands, Magical Athlete, and Chicken! Then Don and Jamie give you a feature review of Tabriz, designed by Randy Flynn. After Tony T hooks you up with the greatest damn news segment in the history of news segments, the gang takes on a bunch of listener questions with topics including narrating your turn, board game movies, and when table talk starts to look like cheating. Galactic Cruise: 00:10:51, XCOM: 00:19:51, Claustrophobia 1643: 00:29:36, Sweet Lands: 00:37:44, Magical Athlete and Chicken: 00:47:59 Tabriz Review: 01:01:26, News with Tony T: 01:28:53, Short Topic Extravaganza: 02:27:04. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/.

I was heading towards Quelaag's Domain but had to pass through Foul Rift to get there... and I gotta say, I think this is the kind of place I could very easily call "home."Matt Horton's video essay and interview about coin flipping games on Flow StateDiscussed: A new November segment, Foul Rift, clowns, Powerline, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Pokémon Hearth, Pokémon Heart & Soul, Pokémon Yume, Pokémon Odyssey, Pokémon, Tales of Xillia Remastered, and games we're excited for!Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:36) - Enjoying Fall (03:20) - New Jersey update (04:41) - Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake | Some are calling it "The Goofy Movie of RPGs" (24:24) - Tidings from Guangzhou Clubbers to Colin! (26:10) - Four video games (26:48) - Pokémon Hearth | Four video games (33:18) - Pokémon Heart and Soul | Four video games (35:30) - Pokémon Yume | Four video games (38:56) - Pokémon Odyssey | Four video games (59:10) - The Ayn Thor | Not a promise (01:03:42) - Break (01:03:43) - Tales of Xillia Remastered | One last game (01:29:33) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:J-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMichael WAndrewthis_JUSTINRyan O14.3 billion yearsBrendan KMegan BSecretAgentKoalaNoah OArcturusAndrew WhepaheChase ALoveDiesNick QChris MRBKaren HAdam FScott HAlexander SMatt HMurrayDavid PJason KMicah OKamrin HAndrew DKyle SPhilip N ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Send us a textI thought about editing Deano out of this episode, but honestly, I think it's better with him in it. Dragon Age: Inquisition - Episode 6This Week: Player's Choice Next Week: What Pride Had Wrought, The Final Piece, and Doom Upon All the WorldSupport the showContact: http://linktr.ee/squelchcast Support the show on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/Squelch or https://www.twitch.tv/dan0play Join our Discord at https://discord.gg/HwPPtX627k

The newly arrived Cainites to Budapest have met, and new bonds are beginning to form. Having rescued the sister of the Prince of Belgrade from her slavers, now the group heads deeper into the city to meet their Sires in the market square. Content Warnings: Threats of violence; discussions of slavery; implied abuse; inhumanity; historical assumptions and stereotyping; language;CastStoryteller: Lex LopezAlexios: Tim DavisCatrinel: Rebecca SteigelfestRoland de Roncevaux: Rob MuirheadSadhbh: Erika WebbZorion de Iruña: Garrett GabbeyRecordingRebecca SteigelfestEditingRob MuirheadMusicDon't Look Back - Instrumental Version, by DaniHaDani and Maya BelsitzmanArtLogo: Rob MuirheadCharacter Art: Jay Steel, BlueSkyKo-Fi: ko-fi.com/pathofnightYouTube: YouTube.com/@pathofnightFacebook: Facebook.com/PathofNightPodcastTwitter: @PathofNightPodBluesky: pathofnight.bsky.socialEmail: pathofnightpodcast@gmail.com

What if your TTRPG character suddenly told you they were more than you ever imagined—and what if your RPG's combat and social rules were holding you back? Matty returns to the podcast and things get spicy fast as we dive into the evolving craft of tabletop RPGs. From character-changing playlists to Vampire: The Masquerade's approach to social mechanics—and the eternal question of how much combat a game really needs—we explore creativity, game design, and the hidden rules shaping our favorite TTRPGs. The conversation spans everything from Rifts Chaos Earth, session-zero hype for Vampire, simplifying combat, rethinking social encounters, and how certain games accidentally teach players the wrong expectations. Got a creative question? Send it to jauntymantis@gmail.com or leave your comments in this webszone!

Mark remains in the iron grip of tactical RPGs, and so we revisit Vandal Hearts along with critical darling Keeper. What We're Playing 01:16 Mark: Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, 2025) 11:36 Caitlin: Sworn (Windwalk Games, 2025) 16:35 GOOF: Vagrant Story (Konami, 1996) 36:33 Feature Game: Keeper (Double Fine, 2025) SHOUT 48:14 Mark: MENACE (Overhype Studios) 49:12 Caitlin: Pokémon Pokopia (Omega Force) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textBrice returns to the show, joining Ty and Troy as they recap a busy stretch of events  — GameholeCon, Dragon Fall, and Dragon Days.There is also a video version of the podcast: https://youtu.be/6XzKdmqrb1wOur theme music is by *FADEBACK*Playin' and Slayin' is proud to be a member of the Goonhammer Media Network. Find more podcasts like this one at https://media.goonhammer.com/

Adam Orth chats with Brenda and John Romero of Romero Games. Together they discuss their lives together in and outside of games; the challenges of working on early hardware and tool development; designing some of the most popular and influential action games of all time; using games to challenge viewpoints on difficult subject matters; and what we can do better in education to prepare the next generation of game developers. This episode is sponsored by: Xsolla Episode Host: Adam Orth Producers: Claudio Tapia and Josh Chu, The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving us a rating and review. Support the show and get all of our episodes early/ad-free: https://bit.ly/4kU34Lt Follow us: linktr.ee/AIAS Please consider supporting game dev students with: AIAS Foundation

The RPGBOT crew descends into the haunted hollers of Appalachia—where faith, fire, and coal run deep, and the locals don't much care for outsiders asking questions. Between GM intrusions, cursed deer, and whiskey-soaked theology, our heroes quickly learn that in Old Gods of Appalachia, salvation's a dangerous business. Welcome to the mines, y'all—hope you brought your holy water and your lucky charm. Support the MD Anderson Cancer Center If you're looking to make a meaningful impact today, please consider donating to MD Anderson. Your gift supports cutting-edge cancer research, world-class patient care, and education & prevention efforts — all part of their mission to "Make Cancer History®." MD Anderson Cancer Center MD Anderson treats patients from around the globe, advances new therapies through clinical trials, and drives programs that prevent cancer before it starts.

The return of The GROGNARD files, we talk about stuff we are playing The post Arion Games and other RPGs (with Graham Bottley) first appeared on The GROGNARD Files.

Greetings Cabalists and happy Halloween! Tonight the Mysteries of the Unknown dares to uncover The Van Meter Visitor! Was it a monster from another world? A beast born of science gone mad? Or something far more terrifying… lurking in the skies above small-town America?! Join Tony, Don, Steve, Bender, and Jamie as they descend into the chilling depths of High Strangeness! So bolt your doors… dim the lights… and pour yourself a brimming cup of courage - for tonight, you'll hear the unbelievable true tale of American Horror! The Van Meter Visitor 00:32:22

The crew springs into action to save the people of Shell Island, the skreegulls of the rookery, and help the massive World Turtle land safely - all by the skin of their teeth!