Podcasts about rpgs

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!

Send us a textDragon Age: Inquisition - Episode 5This Week:  Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts Next Week: Player's ChoiceSupport 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 cast of Carrion Company get together to discuss the show. To get in touch or discuss the show, you can find all of our social media links on our website: https://www.toatabletop.com/If you like our show and would like to support us or get access to some exclusive content, we're on Patreon - take a look at https://www.patreon.com/ToatabletopIf you can't support us on Patreon but still want to help us out, how about using our affiliate link when buying RPGs on DriveThruRPG? It doesn't cost you a penny more, and we get a small percentage of the sale, which enables us to buy books for future reviews. Every little helps! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=430686Music: Norse music by Danheim, other ambient music by Liam Stevens.Art: Harry Boddice https://www.artstation.com/pencilswordpaintsGraphic Design: Jonny Greenlees https://twitter.com/jonnygreenlees

Thank you to Square-Enix for providing me the game!Check out the website and get the game here: https://sqex.link/DQIAIIC Join Mekel Kasanova as he dives into the enchanting world of Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD 2D remake. In this spoiler-free review, Mekel explores the nostalgic charm and modern enhancements of these classic RPGs. Discover how the remakes honor the original games while introducing new features, stunning visuals, and timeless music. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this episode offers insights into why Dragon Quest remains a beloved franchise. Tune in for a journey through gaming history and a celebration of JRPG legends.KEYWORDS: Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Review,Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake,Dragon Quest,dragon quest remake,dragon quest i & ii hd-2d remake,Dragon Quest 1 Remake,Dragon Quest 2 Remake,Should you buy Dragon Quest i & II HD-2D Remake,Is Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake worth it,Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Nintendo Switch 2 Review,Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Nintendo Switch 2,Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Switch 2,Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Switch#DragonQuest #JRPG #RPG #gaming

Nothing says Dungeons & Dragons like a heated debate over baseball stats and spell slots. Before diving into Unearthed Arcana updates, the RPGBOT crew takes a wild detour through the world of snacks, sports, and sore losers. Tyler shows off his prized Seattle Sounders memorabilia, Ash relives the heartbreak of a bad inning, and Randall celebrates the Cubs like they just crit a dragon. Then, in true RPGBOT fashion, the conversation magically transforms into an analysis of the Arcane Archer subclass—because when life throws curveballs, we cast Magic Missile. Help Creators Roll a Natural 20 Hey listeners! Before we start slinging arrows and conjuring elementals, remember: your ratings and reviews are the Inspiration Points of podcasting. Whether on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, take a moment to rate, review, and share RPGBOT.Podcast. Every five-star review powers our continued quest for knowledge, chaos, and crunchy D&D rules analysis. And yes, Randall's giving away loot—because adventurers who leave reviews always find better treasure. Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT crew slides from sports talk to spellcraft in record time. After sharing their favorite baseball rivalries—including Red Sox vs. Yankees heartbreaks and the Cubs' long-awaited triumph—they pitch a new conversation: Dungeons & Dragons Unearthed Arcana updates for Arcane Archer, Tattooed Warrior, and Conjurer Wizard. The hosts analyze the Arcane Archer subclass redesign, exploring how ranged attacks now interact with spells and how the subclass feels more satisfying to play in D&D 5e. They then unpack the Tattooed Warrior—a mystical martial archetype that trades spellcasting for permanent magical ink, bringing new abilities like Beast Tattoos and Celestial Tattoos into play. Finally, they summon up the Conjurer Wizard subclass, praising the new Durable Summons and Splintered Summons mechanics that make conjuration magic both tactical and terrifying. The group discusses the ongoing struggle for martial class balance in D&D 5e, the Weapon Mastery updates coming in 2024, and the limitations of customization in tabletop RPGs compared to other systems. Despite the in-depth mechanics, the humor never fades—Tyler laments his dice luck, Ash declares summoning “a sport,” and Randall insists that snacks are the foundation of all creative builds. Key Takeaways The Arcane Archer Unearthed Arcana update finally gives martial ranged classes something to cheer about. Tattooed Warrior's redesign focuses on unique, flavorful combat options without relying on spells. Conjurer Wizard subclass updates—especially Durable Summons and Splintered Summons—enhance battlefield control and flexibility. Martial vs. spellcaster balance remains a point of debate, though Weapon Mastery in 2024 shows promise. Customization in D&D 5e is still more limited than in systems like Pathfinder 2e or Starfinder 2e. Listener reviews and engagement are vital to helping independent RPG podcasts thrive. The RPGBOT crew proves that humor, rivalry, and camaraderie make even a mechanics-heavy discussion worth the listen. “Get in the Game” Next time you're watching the big game, grab your dice bag. Draft your own fantasy team of Arcane Archers, Tattooed Warriors, and Conjurer Wizards—because the only thing better than a walk-off home run is landing a critical hit from 600 feet away. Play ball, roll initiative, and remember: no one likes a foul ball… unless it's a fireball. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Nothing says Dungeons & Dragons like a heated debate over baseball stats and spell slots. Before diving into Unearthed Arcana updates, the RPGBOT crew takes a wild detour through the world of snacks, sports, and sore losers. Tyler shows off his prized Seattle Sounders memorabilia, Ash relives the heartbreak of a bad inning, and Randall celebrates the Cubs like they just crit a dragon. Then, in true RPGBOT fashion, the conversation magically transforms into an analysis of the Arcane Archer subclass—because when life throws curveballs, we cast Magic Missile. Help Creators Roll a Natural 20 Hey listeners! Before we start slinging arrows and conjuring elementals, remember: your ratings and reviews are the Inspiration Points of podcasting. Whether on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, take a moment to rate, review, and share RPGBOT.Podcast. Every five-star review powers our continued quest for knowledge, chaos, and crunchy D&D rules analysis. And yes, Randall's giving away loot—because adventurers who leave reviews always find better treasure. Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT crew slides from sports talk to spellcraft in record time. After sharing their favorite baseball rivalries—including Red Sox vs. Yankees heartbreaks and the Cubs' long-awaited triumph—they pitch a new conversation: Dungeons & Dragons Unearthed Arcana updates for Arcane Archer, Tattooed Warrior, and Conjurer Wizard. The hosts analyze the Arcane Archer subclass redesign, exploring how ranged attacks now interact with spells and how the subclass feels more satisfying to play in D&D 5e. They then unpack the Tattooed Warrior—a mystical martial archetype that trades spellcasting for permanent magical ink, bringing new abilities like Beast Tattoos and Celestial Tattoos into play. Finally, they summon up the Conjurer Wizard subclass, praising the new Durable Summons and Splintered Summons mechanics that make conjuration magic both tactical and terrifying. The group discusses the ongoing struggle for martial class balance in D&D 5e, the Weapon Mastery updates coming in 2024, and the limitations of customization in tabletop RPGs compared to other systems. Despite the in-depth mechanics, the humor never fades—Tyler laments his dice luck, Ash declares summoning "a sport," and Randall insists that snacks are the foundation of all creative builds. Key Takeaways The Arcane Archer Unearthed Arcana update finally gives martial ranged classes something to cheer about. Tattooed Warrior's redesign focuses on unique, flavorful combat options without relying on spells. Conjurer Wizard subclass updates—especially Durable Summons and Splintered Summons—enhance battlefield control and flexibility. Martial vs. spellcaster balance remains a point of debate, though Weapon Mastery in 2024 shows promise. Customization in D&D 5e is still more limited than in systems like Pathfinder 2e or Starfinder 2e. Listener reviews and engagement are vital to helping independent RPG podcasts thrive. The RPGBOT crew proves that humor, rivalry, and camaraderie make even a mechanics-heavy discussion worth the listen. "Get in the Game" Next time you're watching the big game, grab your dice bag. Draft your own fantasy team of Arcane Archers, Tattooed Warriors, and Conjurer Wizards—because the only thing better than a walk-off home run is landing a critical hit from 600 feet away. Play ball, roll initiative, and remember: no one likes a foul ball… unless it's a fireball. 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

For some strange reason, David thought this was the year he could get over his Kinemortophobia, but alas that proved not to be the case. He and Casey discuss Resident Evil, Silent Hill F and The Nameless Game.

In this week's episode, we review The Outer Worlds 2 and preview Fantasy Maiden Wars. We also discuss newly announced Switch 2 RPGs, Fallout series updates, and more.

THIS IS THE FULL, UNABRIDGED CONVERSATION. Sean Kelley now host of the  @RPGSean  channel joins me for a natural discussion of seemingly tough topic: long-form and campaign play of cosmic horror RPGs. Drawing on experiences in our own play, using our own material, and such fantastic and lengthy campaigns as Impossible Landscapes and Masks of Nyarlathotep, we cruise through some core ideas, some foundational practices, and some notions of goal-setting, which might help alleviate some of that sense of impossibility~Relevant Links:Podcasts Mentioned in this Discussion:Gaming and BS Podcast - https://gamingandbs.com/GM Mastermind Podcast - https://gmmastermind.com/GoBag Podcast - https://www.gobagpod.com/Casting Shadows Podcast - https://castingshadowspodcast.comNerds RPG Variety Cast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4oPnUnwitpUqn9saEkFaNf?si=d135e19f4dc84e18Noteworthy Products mentioned herein:Call of Cthulhu - https://www.chaosium.com/call-of-cthulhu-rpg/Masks of NyarlathotepDelta Green - https://shop.arcdream.com/Impossible LandscapesThe Annotated King in YellowActual Play Playlists mentioned as examples:Impossible Landscapeshttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjzDW-FxA6k6oO9FbdREujogKfxkeVc68&si=4wGhQyoalNQDenBTTurn of a New Leafhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZfuKgeD5fl7Rom3q-Mj0HMXGo-XL6XuE&si=gtBBCsPHUhp26sVINotes:An abridged but helpfully annotated version of this conversation with Sean is also available on my YouTube channel. The ink to that episode is here:https://youtu.be/o55hwQ1PKH8If you would like to leave a voice message about this episode or any of the others, you can do so at the link below:https://www.speakpipe.com/castingshadowspodcast.com

Jurandir Filho, Felipe Mesquita, João Pimenta e Bruno Carvalho batem um papo as diferenças entre os RPGs japoneses (JRPGs) e os RPGs ocidentais (WRPGs). Embora compartilhem a mesma base, como evolução de personagens, grandes narrativas e escolhas estratégicas, cada lado desenvolveu sua própria identidade cultural, estética e mecânica ao longo das décadas. Os RPGs japoneses surgiram fortemente influenciados por títulos de mesa como "Dungeons & Dragons", mas rapidamente ganharam personalidade própria. São marcados por histórias lineares e cinematográficas, personagens bem definidos e um foco narrativo que coloca o jogador como espectador de uma grande saga. Jogos como "Final Fantasy", "Dragon Quest",  "Chrono Trigger" e "Persona" moldaram essa tradição, com narrativas emocionais, heróis arquetípicos e mundos fantasiosos.Já os RPGs ocidentais nasceram de uma vertente mais próxima dos jogos de mesa, prezando por liberdade de escolha e construção de personagem. O jogador não interpreta um herói pré-determinado, mas cria o seu próprio avatar e molda a história com decisões morais e éticas. Séries como "The Witcher", "The Elder Scrolls", "Fallout", "Baldur's Gate" e "Mass Effect" são exemplos emblemáticos dessa abordagem, em que o mundo reage às ações do jogador, e cada jornada é única. O foco aqui está menos em uma trama fixa e mais em imersão e agência, transformando a narrativa em algo emergente, construído dinamicamente.Nos últimos anos, entretanto, essas fronteiras vêm se misturando. Jogos como "Persona 5" adotam elementos sociais e liberdade de escolhas típicos do Ocidente, enquanto "The Witcher 3" e "Cyberpunk 2077" apresentam tramas fortes e personagens profundos, à maneira japonesa. Hoje em dia, quem faz melhor?Essa é a estreia da série Versus!====- ALURA | Estude na Alura, a maior escola de tecnologia on-line do Brasil! Acesse o nosso link e ganhe 15% de desconto na matrícula! https://alura.com.br/99vidas

Cold Open It's the end of the world as we know it—and the party's still arguing about who's carrying the rations. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we prepare for the Fall of Humanity the only way we know how: by taking notes, rolling dice, and arguing about whose apocalypse prep list includes “50 feet of rope” and whose just says “vibes.” Whether your campaign ends with zombies, eldritch gods, or a total collapse of civilization, we're here to help you face the end times like true heroes—confused, underprepared, and hilariously optimistic. The RPGBOT.net Christmast Gift Recommendation Are Coming! Fall is in the air, and that means two things: pumpkin spice and impending doom in your campaign notes. But before the frost settles and your dice freeze in place, don't forget—the annual RPGBOT.net Christmas Gift Recommendations are just around the corner. We've scoured the multiverse to find the best gifts for your favorite gamer, GM, and dice-hoarding friend, so keep an eye on RPGBOT.net for the upcoming list! Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT crew explores how to prepare for the fall of humanity in tabletop RPGs—and how to do it with style, panic, and at least one functioning flashlight. We dive into post-apocalyptic campaign design, survival mechanics, and how to create compelling worldbuilding after the apocalypse that still leaves room for hope, laughter, and player chaos. We discuss how to run post-apocalyptic campaigns in D&D, Pathfinder, or other TTRPG systems, how to integrate survival challenges and resource scarcity into storytelling, and how to design meaningful player choices in settings where civilization has completely collapsed. Expect dark humor, dramatic flair, and at least one debate about whether your cleric can purify canned beans. This episode is packed with game master advice on creating factions, managing tone in grimdark worlds, and finding emotional balance between despair and determination. We'll also talk about how to keep your players invested in a setting that's literally falling apart around them—because even after the world ends, you still need teamwork, trust, and a good initiative roll. Topics Covered: How to run post-apocalyptic campaigns in D&D or Pathfinder Preparing players for civilization collapse and survival challenges Building believable factions after the fall of humanity Integrating scarcity, resource management, and desperation into storytelling Balancing tone and tension in grimdark and survival RPGs Creating hope and emotional stakes in despair-driven worlds Using worldbuilding to reinforce narrative consequences Why the end of the world is the perfect time to make new friends (and enemies) Key Takeaways Survival is more than hit points. Post-apocalyptic storytelling shines when moral dilemmas and emotional endurance matter as much as physical survival. Factions are the new nations. The fall of humanity gives rise to new power structures, ideologies, and conflicts that define your worldbuilding. Hope matters. Even in despair-driven worlds, small acts of kindness or faith can make your campaign unforgettable. Tone is everything. Knowing when to inject humor—or withhold it—keeps players engaged and the story grounded. Scarcity drives creativity. Limiting resources forces inventive problem-solving and adds depth to gameplay. Player agency is crucial. The choices your characters make when everything is lost reveal who they truly are. And While You're Thinking About Gifts! While you're thinking about the perfect gifts for your favorite gamers, don't overlook Randall's novella Malecon—a thoughtful, evocative story about identity, reflection, and finding light in the darkness. It's the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who loves a good narrative arc—and it pairs nicely with a warm drink and the quiet hum of a dying generator. Pick up Malecon today, and remind yourself that even after the end of the world, good stories endure.

Chris McAuley writes prose novels, magazine short stories, video and tabletop games, and audio dramas. Together with Bram Stoker's Great-Grand nephew Dacre Stoker, he has created the StokerVerse franchise. He has penned the sequel to Dracula, which will be released by Scar Comics later this year. He also collaborated with Babylon 5 actress Claudia Christian to create a science fiction universe currently being fleshed out and coming along nicely as a series of games, novels, and comic books. In addition to this, Chris has worked on Doctor Who, Star Wars, and, most recently, the Terminator franchise.Accolades:Chris has earned the Reggie Bannister Award for excellence in Horror writing and is nominated for a similar science-fiction award. CMP will publish Blood & Verse – the collaboration with Jeff Oliver and Dan Verkys. This is his first foray into the world of Lovecraftian poetry.Other Credits Include:– Dracula The Return: Cult of the White Worm. This is the only official comic book sequel to Bram's Stoker's Dracula, co-written by Bram Stoker's great-grandnephew Dacre Stoker.– Dracula: Dark Reign: A video game set in the StokerVerse franchise (co-owned by Chris McAuley and Dacre Stoker). Play Jonathan Harker as he escapes Castle Dracula and beyond the pages of Bram Stoker's original novel-Star Trek: Encounters: Chris has worked with the legendary Star Trek actor Walter Koenig to craft an original story set in the Star Trek universe for Paramount's Star Trek Encounters Magazine.– Dark Legacies: A comic book series co-created with Sci-Fi legend Claudia Christian (Babylon 5). Illustrated by 2000AD / Preacher / The Boys comic book artist, the Legendary Glenn Fabry.– Doctor Who: Chris has contributed stories in recent Doctor Who annuals and anthology books. He has also written audio dramas set in Doctor Who and now writes for The Doctor Who Magazine. Current series showrunner Russell T. Davis has recently congratulated him for his work.– The Terminator: Chris has written for the official Terminator and Terminator 2 RPGs. His stories are now considered canon in the universe by the franchise owners Studio Canal. He is also currently working on another ‘top secret' Terminator project!Classic Monsters Audio Range: Chris has written several horror audios featuring classic monsters such as Dracula, The Phantom of the Opera, and the Wolfman and published by BBV, best known for their ‘Worlds of Doctor Who' range.The StokerVerse RPG: A Tabletop RPG set in the massively successful world of the StokerVerse. It's a gothic horror franchise based in Bram Stoker's universe, co-owned and created by Chris and Dacre Stoker. This was published by Nightfall Games and illustrated by 2000AD / Warhammer legendary artist Clint Langley.Three Musketeers Vs. Cthulhu: Set in the Renaissance era and featuring Lovecraft's famous monsters, this is a novel, comic book, and now Tabletop RPG series. Published by Chaosium Games – one of the largest role-playing game companies in the world – who also own the ‘Call of Cthulhu' game rangeMan O War: Working with the legendary William Shatner, this comic book adventure boldly takes readers to Mars, where a wealthy industrialist attempts to unravel a conspiracy threatening to take down the Earth's government.Along with all of this, Chris is a regular contributor to prestigious magazines and anthologies such as Lovecraftinia, Madame Grey's Book of Horror, Schlock, Doctor Who: Cosmic Masque, Phantasmagoria, Time and Space Magazine and has also edited several books in the horror and science fiction genre. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cold Open It's the end of the world as we know it—and the party's still arguing about who's carrying the rations. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we prepare for the Fall of Humanity the only way we know how: by taking notes, rolling dice, and arguing about whose apocalypse prep list includes "50 feet of rope" and whose just says "vibes." Whether your campaign ends with zombies, eldritch gods, or a total collapse of civilization, we're here to help you face the end times like true heroes—confused, underprepared, and hilariously optimistic. The RPGBOT.net Christmast Gift Recommendation Are Coming! Fall is in the air, and that means two things: pumpkin spice and impending doom in your campaign notes. But before the frost settles and your dice freeze in place, don't forget—the annual RPGBOT.net Christmas Gift Recommendations are just around the corner. We've scoured the multiverse to find the best gifts for your favorite gamer, GM, and dice-hoarding friend, so keep an eye on RPGBOT.net for the upcoming list! Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT crew explores how to prepare for the fall of humanity in tabletop RPGs—and how to do it with style, panic, and at least one functioning flashlight. We dive into post-apocalyptic campaign design, survival mechanics, and how to create compelling worldbuilding after the apocalypse that still leaves room for hope, laughter, and player chaos. We discuss how to run post-apocalyptic campaigns in D&D, Pathfinder, or other TTRPG systems, how to integrate survival challenges and resource scarcity into storytelling, and how to design meaningful player choices in settings where civilization has completely collapsed. Expect dark humor, dramatic flair, and at least one debate about whether your cleric can purify canned beans. This episode is packed with game master advice on creating factions, managing tone in grimdark worlds, and finding emotional balance between despair and determination. We'll also talk about how to keep your players invested in a setting that's literally falling apart around them—because even after the world ends, you still need teamwork, trust, and a good initiative roll. Topics Covered: How to run post-apocalyptic campaigns in D&D or Pathfinder Preparing players for civilization collapse and survival challenges Building believable factions after the fall of humanity Integrating scarcity, resource management, and desperation into storytelling Balancing tone and tension in grimdark and survival RPGs Creating hope and emotional stakes in despair-driven worlds Using worldbuilding to reinforce narrative consequences Why the end of the world is the perfect time to make new friends (and enemies) Key Takeaways Survival is more than hit points. Post-apocalyptic storytelling shines when moral dilemmas and emotional endurance matter as much as physical survival. Factions are the new nations. The fall of humanity gives rise to new power structures, ideologies, and conflicts that define your worldbuilding. Hope matters. Even in despair-driven worlds, small acts of kindness or faith can make your campaign unforgettable. Tone is everything. Knowing when to inject humor—or withhold it—keeps players engaged and the story grounded. Scarcity drives creativity. Limiting resources forces inventive problem-solving and adds depth to gameplay. Player agency is crucial. The choices your characters make when everything is lost reveal who they truly are. And While You're Thinking About Gifts! While you're thinking about the perfect gifts for your favorite gamers, don't overlook Randall's novella Malecon—a thoughtful, evocative story about identity, reflection, and finding light in the darkness. It's the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who loves a good narrative arc—and it pairs nicely with a warm drink and the quiet hum of a dying generator. Pick up Malecon today, and remind yourself that even after the end of the world, good stories endure.

Get in touch with us!What happens when an RPG asks you to play the dead, feed on emotion, and also hand over your own inner critic to another player? We go deep on Wraith: The Oblivion, the most haunting corner of the World of Darkness, unpacking why its ideas still feel daring: fetters that tether you to the living, pathos that turns feelings into fuel, and Shadows that weaponise doubt. From first edition's glow-in-the-dark cover to the 20th Anniversary's colossal compendium, we map the rise, fall, and quiet return of a cult classic.If you'd like to purchase Wraith, it's currently available at 40% off (at time of release) on DriveThru RPGContact us at:EMAIL: roll.to.save.pod@gmail.comFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepodWEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blogHOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason DowneyBACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: davidrendamusic@gmail.com or on his web page).TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).

This week's developments in Israel and around the world show just how unstable and prophetic our times have become. The slow return of Israeli bodies from Gaza, the crumbling ceasefire with Hamas, the controversial annexation bill, and global shifts in power all point to the reality that prophecy is unfolding before our eyes.00:00 – Shalom from Monte Judah | This Week's Israel Prophecy UpdateMonte Judah opens with a summary of the week's major prophetic and geopolitical headlines from Israel and beyond.00:45 – 13 Israeli Bodies Returned from Gaza | Ongoing National MourningIsrael continues to recover victims from Gaza as families hold back-to-back funerals.02:00 – Hamas Breaks Ceasefire Again | Rocket and Sniper Attacks on IsraelHamas fires RPGs and sniper rounds at Israeli positions, ending any illusion of peace.03:30 – The Truth About the “Hudna” | Hamas' False Peace AgreementMonte explains the deceptive nature of the hudna — a false ceasefire allowing Hamas to rebuild for more war.05:15 – Israel's Mission: Disarm Hamas and Secure GazaDefense Minister Katz vows to eliminate Hamas completely to bring true peace to southern Israel.06:10 – Annexation of Judea and Samaria Passes First VoteThe Knesset narrowly approves annexation; one defiant Likud member swings the historic vote.08:00 – Trump's Peace Plan in Jeopardy | U.S. Pressure on IsraelVice President Vance and Secretary Rubio urge Netanyahu to pause annexation for regional stability.09:45 – Draft Dodgers and Torah Students Arrested | Israel's Internal DivideReligious exemptions spark national controversy as Haredi students face arrest for avoiding IDF service.12:00 – Religious Parties Lose Ground | Israelis Demand Equal ServiceThe Shas and United Torah Judaism parties face backlash as Israelis call for unity in defense.13:40 – Trump and Netanyahu Unite | Hostage Families Welcomed HomeMonte recaps Trump's visit to the Knesset and his joint efforts with Netanyahu to secure hostages' return.15:20 – U.S. Military Headquarters in Israel | CENTCOM Moves to Kiryat GatThe U.S. establishes a joint command center with Israel to oversee Gaza operations and enforce the ceasefire.17:00 – Is Israel Becoming a U.S. Protectorate? | Prophetic ImplicationsMonte explores concerns that Israel's sovereignty is being compromised — and what prophecy says about it.18:40 – King Charles Meets the Pope | A 500-Year Prophetic EventKing Charles and Pope Leo pray together in the Sistine Chapel for the first time in centuries.20:15 – Prophecy Watch: Could King Charles Be the Anti-Messiah?Monte examines biblical clues connecting the King-Pope alliance to end-time prophecy.22:10 – King Charles' Health Improves | Symbolism in the End TimesAfter a cancer diagnosis, King Charles' recovery and renewed public role draw global attention.23:00 – Pray for Israel | Stand Firm in Faith Amid Global ChaosMonte calls believers to prayer for Israel, the hostages, and all those affected by ongoing conflict.24:30 – Support Lion and Lamb Ministries | Shabbat Shalom from Monte JudahClosing remarks, ministry updates, and Monte's weekly Shabbat blessing.

Ah, we see you're awake now. Welcome... to Deathmatch Island.   This is the first episode in our new series of Deathmatch Island by Tim Denee of Old Dog Games and Evil Hat Productions.   This time Jess is taking the GM seat to run our crew of amnesiac contestants through a season of punishing, televised competition on Deathmatch Island, where they will face a series of challenges on islands ultimately leading to either victory and glory... or death. Inspired by competition shows like Survivor, fictional series like Squid Game, Running Man, and battle royale media like Hunger Games, Deathmatch Island is a game about survival, ruthless will to win, and, eventually, PvP - that's right, player versus player!   In episode 1, we meet a crew of competitors as they wake up on a small boat heading to the island and watch their first challenges unfold... ----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

The Band has a new tribe and a new home...   Welcome to... The Shadows of Davokar campaign, diving deep into the perilous wilderness of the Symbaroum universe. This dark and immersive world is filled with ancient ruins, creeping corruption, and the ever-present danger of what lurks in the shadows. The adventurers will need all their wits and strength to survive the deep forests and face the many threats that await. We can't wait to share more these new episodes with you, so stay tuned for next week's drop! Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave us a comment with your thoughts on the new campaigns and what you're most excited for. As always, your support keeps the adventures alive! The Shadows of Davokar Campaign Embark on a perilous journey into the dark and mysterious depths of Davokar! Join us as we delve into The Shadows of Davokar, an epic new campaign using Free League Publishing's Ruins of Symbaroum for 5th Edition. Set in a world of ancient ruins, creeping corruption, and untold treasures, our adventurers must navigate treacherous wilderness, unearth forgotten relics, and confront the lingering shadows of a fallen empire. This campaign blends dark fantasy storytelling with thrilling gameplay, where every choice could mean glory or doom. In addition to Ruins of Symbaroum, we'll occasionally explore Ironsworn, a narrative-driven RPG of perilous quests and personal sacrifice. Together, these games promise unforgettable adventures and riveting tales.

What happens when Dungeons & Dragons decides to give psionics another shot? The RPGBOT.Podcast dives headfirst into the Unearthed Arcana Psion Update—an experiment in psychic power, spell mechanics, and a whole lot of questionable design choices. From the disappointing Life Inversion Field to the glorious chaos of Psychic Scream, the crew breaks down what works, what doesn't, and what might just melt your brain. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Want to listen live as the RPGBOT.Podcast records new Masterclass episodes with tabletop legends like Keith Amman? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and get behind-the-scenes access to discussions, early content drops, and the chance to ask questions during live tapings. Patreon supporters help shape the future of RPGBOT's deep dives into D&D, Pathfinder, and other TTRPG systems. Show Notes In this second half of the RPGBOT.Podcast review of Wizards of the Coast's Unearthed Arcana Psion Update, the hosts dissect the expanded spell list and the mechanics that define the psionic experience. The conversation begins with casual banter—complete with birthday wishes for Randall's mom—before diving deep into D&D's psychic frontier. Each spell gets the RPGBOT treatment, with careful attention to balance, design, and playability. The hosts critique heavy hitters like Abidalzim's Horrid Wilting, explore new mechanics in Bleeding Darkness and Ectoplasmic Trail, and question whether Ego Whip deserves a spot in anyone's spellbook. They also highlight bright spots like Enemies Abound and Intellect Fortress, praising their clarity and efficiency. The discussion doesn't shy away from tough critiques—Life Inversion Field and Life Siphon both fall flat, while the nerf to Mental Prison earns collective groans. Yet, redemption arrives in the form of Psionic Blast and Psychic Scream, which the hosts hail as excellent examples of balanced, high-impact design. Along the way, they examine how intelligence saving throws affect game balance, the evolution of psionics in D&D 5e, and the potential for homebrew fixes. Whether you're a dungeon master looking to integrate psionics or a player hunting for the next big spell combo, this episode offers insight, humor, and deep-cut analysis that only RPGBOT can deliver. Key Takeaways Abidalzim's Horrid Wilting remains underwhelming, suffering from outdated mechanics. Bleeding Darkness and Ectoplasmic Trail raise confusion about their effects and visuals. Ego Whip is compared to Silvery Barbs but feels weaker in execution. Enemies Abound and Intellect Fortress stand out as clear, effective designs. Life Inversion Field and Life Siphon fail to live up to their thematic potential. Mental Prison has been toned down, losing much of its utility. Psionic Blast and Psychic Scream emerge as the strongest new spells. Rolotham's Psychic Lance remains a problematic favorite for DMs. Healing spells in combat continue to suffer from low efficiency. Intelligence saving throws risk skewing spell balance toward niche builds. Telekinetic Crush introduces a new dynamic for psychic damage dealers. The hosts explore spell synergy and suggest tweaks to improve design consistency across psionic abilities. Buy Keith Amman's New Book! Before you wrap your mind around psionics, grab something that's guaranteed to sharpen your tactical instincts—Keith Amman's new book, Making Enemies. It's the perfect gift for DMs, tacticians, and anyone who loves the art of monster strategy. Order it now and surprise your gamer friends this Christmas with the best tool a Game Master can have. 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

On this week's episode of The RPG Cave, Garret and Ryan talk about a few upcoming sci-fi based RPGs and ask the question, are they back? Also, Ryan talks about why they haven't played RPGs from this year while Garret talks about his things. ★ LINKS ★► Get Exclusive Perks on our Patreon: https://patreon.com/carpoolgaming► Join our amazing Discord community: https://discord.gg/eBKUyABg8U► Get your Carpool Gaming merch: https://carpoolgaming.com/► Check us out on Twitch: https://twitch.tv/carpoolgaminglive► Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/carpoolgaming► Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/carpoolgaming.com★ ULTIMATE PRODUCERS ★Brendan Myers AKA The_WinterGamerJohnathan Brown: https://linktr.ee/pme.jib★ PLATINUM PRODUCERS ★BennySmokin_JoeThe CaptainTim Paullin★ GOLD MEMBERS ★Adam KAnnaAwesomeDave1337Brad MooreBrian ReeseCecily CarrozzaDan & LumaDannohhEmily O'KelleyHambone JonnyJon32LauraLigerWoods330Mr GigglesOldMrFrumpPeje EPSteven KellerTechMike

What happens when Dungeons & Dragons decides to give psionics another shot? The RPGBOT.Podcast dives headfirst into the Unearthed Arcana Psion Update: an experiment in psychic power, spell mechanics, and a whole lot of questionable design choices. From the disappointing Life Inversion Field to the glorious chaos of Psychic Scream, the crew breaks down what works, what doesn't, and what might just melt your brain. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Want to listen live as the RPGBOT.Podcast records new Masterclass episodes with tabletop legends like Keith Amman? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and get behind-the-scenes access to discussions, early content drops, and the chance to ask questions during live tapings. Patreon supporters help shape the future of RPGBOT's deep dives into D&D, Pathfinder, and other TTRPG systems. Show Notes In this second half of the RPGBOT.Podcast review of Wizards of the Coast's Unearthed Arcana Psion Update, the hosts dissect the expanded spell list and the mechanics that define the psionic experience. The conversation begins with casual banter (complete with birthday wishes for Randall's mom) before diving deep into D&D's psychic frontier. Each spell gets the RPGBOT treatment, with careful attention to balance, design, and playability. The hosts critique heavy hitters like Abidalzim's Horrid Wilting, explore new mechanics in Bleeding Darkness and Ectoplasmic Trail, and question whether Ego Whip deserves a spot in anyone's spellbook. They also highlight bright spots like Enemies Abound and Intellect Fortress, praising their clarity and efficiency. The discussion doesn't shy away from tough critiques: Life Inversion Field and Life Siphon both fall flat, while the nerf to Mental Prison earns collective groans. Yet, redemption arrives in the form of Psionic Blast and Psychic Scream, which the hosts hail as excellent examples of balanced, high-impact design. Along the way, they examine how intelligence saving throws affect game balance, the evolution of psionics in D&D 5e, and the potential for homebrew fixes. Whether you're a dungeon master looking to integrate psionics or a player hunting for the next big spell combo, this episode offers insight, humor, and deep-cut analysis that only RPGBOT can deliver. Key Takeaways Abidalzim's Horrid Wilting remains underwhelming, suffering from outdated mechanics. Bleeding Darkness and Ectoplasmic Trail raise confusion about their effects and visuals. Ego Whip is compared to Silvery Barbs but feels weaker in execution. Enemies Abound and Intellect Fortress stand out as clear, effective designs. Life Inversion Field and Life Siphon fail to live up to their thematic potential. Mental Prison has been toned down, losing much of its utility. Psionic Blast and Psychic Scream emerge as the strongest new spells. Rolotham's Psychic Lance remains a problematic favorite for DMs. Healing spells in combat continue to suffer from low efficiency. Intelligence saving throws risk skewing spell balance toward niche builds. Telekinetic Crush introduces a new dynamic for psychic damage dealers. The hosts explore spell synergy and suggest tweaks to improve design consistency across psionic abilities. Buy Keith Amman's New Book! Before you wrap your mind around psionics, grab something that's guaranteed to sharpen your tactical instincts—Keith Amman's new book, Making Enemies. It's the perfect gift for DMs, tacticians, and anyone who loves the art of monster strategy. Order it now and surprise your gamer friends this Christmas with the best tool a Game Master can have. 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 Ye Gods of War! After a long and silent campaign upon the ashes of hiatus, the Filthy Casuals return to the field to speak of sacred miniatures and the art of battle! Jamie discusses his grand campaign of WWII miniatures, Mike confesses his love of G.I. Joe, and together they revel in the primal glory of painting apes wielding instruments of death. But soon, the vox crackles with the true call to arms - Adeptus Titanicus! AC reveals the saga of his three-year endeavor, Bender delivers the lore-rites of the God-Engines, and together we debate the might, majesty, and madness of this massively complex, ruinously expensive, and gloriously indulgent game of Titan warfare. For the Machine God, for the Omnissiah, - the Filthy Casuals march once more!

Send us a textDragon Age: Inquisition - Episode 4This Week: Here Lies the Abyss, Crestwood QuestingNext Week: Wicked Eyes and Wicked HeartsSupport 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

As the group approach a new town, they are surprised to see a Grey Warden running a refugee camp - clearly there is much to do here!   This is our first streamed non-DnD TTRPG campaign, watch our games at https://www.twitch.tv/penancerpg or catch up on YouTube Horror, co-op & puzzle games are played most days with more co-op games weekly. Learn more at Penancerpg.com Support us on Ko fi and Patreon Come talk with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram Visit our Teespring store Listen on Google Play, Libsyn, Stitcher, Youtube, Podchaser, Podcast Addict Affiliates: @DnDiceUK 10% @GemhammerGaming 20% Use “Penancerpg” at checkout for % off your order at DnDice.co.uk & https://shop.gemhammer.com?ref:penancerpg

Industry is taking a nap right now, but Baku and I wanted to hang out anyway. Come hang out with us and chat RPGs.HitPoint JRPG Podcast Ep 123✩ 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/ABCChapters:0:00:00 Welcome Back to HitPoint!0:01:10 Intro0:04:09 Clair Obscur Sold 5 Million Copies0:12:14 Suikoden Anime Details0:15:17 Kingdoms of the Dump Release Date Announced (Nov 19)0:18:40 Derek's Indie Console update0:31:28 Pokémon stuff0:45:56 Trading Card Games / Collectibles0:50:36 Gacha1:07:13 More Pokémon (Gardevoir & Vaporeon)1:31:08 Digimon1:32:55 Indie Games1:34:55 Consoles & Derek's Indie Console1:40:57 Defining Art1:42:00 How Can We Send Derek to Ireland?1:46:00 Derek's $100 Console1:50:01 Baku on Silent Hill ƒ1:53:32 Games Are Too Long Now2:00:50 Derek's Side-Quest: Searching for a Car2:06:29 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 

When you stare too long into the darkness, sometimes the darkness stares back—and then asks about your dice pool. In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team sits down to answer your burning questions about Hunter: The Reckoning, exploring the mechanics, the danger system, and how desperation turns ordinary people into extraordinary survivors in the World of Darkness. Listen to More “How to Play” Episodes If you're enjoying our dive into Hunter: The Reckoning, don't forget that the RPGBOT.Podcast has a full library of “How to Play” episodes. From character creation deep dives to storytelling techniques, our series covers everything you need to master the rules and refine your table craft across dozens of RPG systems. Check them out wherever you get your podcasts or at RPGBOT.net. In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team returns to the streets of the World of Darkness to tackle your questions about Hunter: The Reckoning 5th Edition. We explore the tension-filled systems that make this RPG shine—how desperation and danger drive character decisions, how touchstones shape humanity, and how advancement challenges players to think beyond combat. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or a new recruit in the Vigil, this conversation breaks down how to make every session more immersive, terrifying, and narratively rich. From balancing narrative structure and GM adaptability to handling willpower, character death, and supernatural threats, the hosts share insights from their own gameplay experiences. The discussion emphasizes how the game rewards creative problem-solving, highlights the cost of recklessness, and reminds us that survival in the World of Darkness is never guaranteed—but the story is always worth telling. Key Takeaways Comfort and Familiarity: Players familiar with World of Darkness mechanics will find Hunter: The Reckoning intuitive and adaptable. Character Creation Depth: Builds are diverse, allowing players to create unique characters tied to strong personal motivations. Strategic Gameplay: The system encourages planning, investigation, and social maneuvering over brute force. Desperation and Danger: These twin systems heighten tension, push risk-taking, and shape the tone of each session. Touchstones Matter: These connections to humanity define character motivation and are key to long-term survival. Advancement and Pacing: Growth is deliberate, rewarding sustained engagement and narrative reflection. Narrative Engagement: Player investment in the story directly affects the tone and momentum of play. Recklessness as a Theme: The system tempts players toward dangerous choices, reinforcing the tone of moral decay and survival. Party Synergy: Character variety encourages complementary roles and interdependent strategies. Storytelling is Core: The emotional and thematic narrative remains the heart of any World of Darkness game. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you want to listen live as we record episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast—complete with unfiltered insights, in-jokes, and behind-the-scenes discussion—join the RPGBOT.Patreon. Patrons can tune in every Sunday and Tuesday to hear episodes as they're recorded, interact with the hosts, and become part of the creative process. Support the show, help us grow, and experience the RPGBOT.Podcast in real time. 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

When you stare too long into the darkness, sometimes the darkness stares back—and then asks about your dice pool. In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team sits down to answer your burning questions about Hunter: The Reckoning, exploring the mechanics, the danger system, and how desperation turns ordinary people into extraordinary survivors in the World of Darkness. Listen to More "How to Play" Episodes If you're enjoying our dive into Hunter: The Reckoning, don't forget that the RPGBOT.Podcast has a full library of "How to Play" episodes. From character creation deep dives to storytelling techniques, our series covers everything you need to master the rules and refine your table craft across dozens of RPG systems. Check them out wherever you get your podcasts or at RPGBOT.net. In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team returns to the streets of the World of Darkness to tackle your questions about Hunter: The Reckoning 5th Edition. We explore the tension-filled systems that make this RPG shine—how desperation and danger drive character decisions, how touchstones shape humanity, and how advancement challenges players to think beyond combat. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or a new recruit in the Vigil, this conversation breaks down how to make every session more immersive, terrifying, and narratively rich. From balancing narrative structure and GM adaptability to handling willpower, character death, and supernatural threats, the hosts share insights from their own gameplay experiences. The discussion emphasizes how the game rewards creative problem-solving, highlights the cost of recklessness, and reminds us that survival in the World of Darkness is never guaranteed—but the story is always worth telling. Key Takeaways Comfort and Familiarity: Players familiar with World of Darkness mechanics will find Hunter: The Reckoning intuitive and adaptable. Character Creation Depth: Builds are diverse, allowing players to create unique characters tied to strong personal motivations. Strategic Gameplay: The system encourages planning, investigation, and social maneuvering over brute force. Desperation and Danger: These twin systems heighten tension, push risk-taking, and shape the tone of each session. Touchstones Matter: These connections to humanity define character motivation and are key to long-term survival. Advancement and Pacing: Growth is deliberate, rewarding sustained engagement and narrative reflection. Narrative Engagement: Player investment in the story directly affects the tone and momentum of play. Recklessness as a Theme: The system tempts players toward dangerous choices, reinforcing the tone of moral decay and survival. Party Synergy: Character variety encourages complementary roles and interdependent strategies. Storytelling is Core: The emotional and thematic narrative remains the heart of any World of Darkness game. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you want to listen live as we record episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast—complete with unfiltered insights, in-jokes, and behind-the-scenes discussion—join the RPGBOT.Patreon. Patrons can tune in every Sunday and Tuesday to hear episodes as they're recorded, interact with the hosts, and become part of the creative process. Support the show, help us grow, and experience the RPGBOT.Podcast in real time. 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 of r/rpghorrorstories we go undercover to catch a couple of creepy neckbeards. It's sad that it had to come to this... There was a point where children could play tabletop RPGs without needing to worry about constant online threats, but I suppose those days are long gone. So we'll bring these RPG Horror Story living monsters the most effective kind of justice... Street justice! Put the boots to that neckbeard. Hard style! It doesn't matter what your background is, you always need to treat people like people and not use them simply to get off. RPG Neckbeards seem to learn this lesson particularly slow and it really does make my blood boil... So we must bring it to light so others don't suffer alone. For your fill of RPG horror stories we've got you covered with the freshest roleplay from niceguys, and neckbeards happening on reddit. Stick with ReddX for your daily dose of cringe with a side-dish of relatability. You might even feel good for dessert... But who can say? #reddit #neckbeard #dungeonsanddragons Join me on Discord dude: https://discord.gg/fmfCdmP One-time PayPal donation: https://www.paypal.me/daytondo... Support this channel on Patreon: http://patreon.com/daytondoes Stalk me on the Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/daytond... Visit me over on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReddX... Check out my other channel: https://www.youtube.com/dayton... Have you ever met a neckbeard or a nice guy? They are frustrating to deal with, but luckily you aren't alone! These r/rpghorrorstories from Reddit are among the top posts of all time and include some of the funniest Reddit stories ever posted on the neckbeard stories subreddit! CritCrab RPG Horror Stories have all kinds of funny neckbeards in them, but especially the nice guy. And the weeaboo. There is a wide spectrum of neckbeards, and this is but a small slice of it. Listening to ReddX's RPG Horror stories playlist is a great experience! These neckbeard stories Top Posts of All Time from Reddit are made for you to enjoy any time you feel like it, so be sure to save my rSlash neckbeard stories playlist to your favorites! While there are many rslash channels that read r/neckbeard stories and r/rpghorrorstories from reddit, each channel has their own way of performing them. Some of the top rSlash entitled parents channels I recommend checking out are the original rSlash, Redditor, fresh, r/Bumfries, VoiceyHere, Mr Reddit, Storytime, Crit Crab, and Darkfluff. These Reddit story channels inspired me to start my own Reddit story channel, with a focus on Entitled Parents stories and at times going into the r/pettyrevenge and r/choosingbeggars subreddit as well. Because most of my audience prefers neckbeard stories of Reddit, I tend to just stick with reading the r/neckbeardstories Top Posts of All Time. But I also enjoy getting up close and personal with neckbeards and weeaboos from time to time in r/rpghorrorstories! Subscribe to ReddX for the freshest daily Reddit content. I post relatable readings of Reddit posts and Reddit stories every single day! Journey with me as I relate these amazing Reddit stories to my personal life journey. I'm greatly inspired by the top reddit posts of all time videos and reddit stories on YouTube which is why I started doing them myself. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channe... Discord: https://discord.gg/Sju7YckUWu Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/daytondo... PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/daytondo... Patreon: http://patreon.com/daytondoes Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/daytond... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReddX... Merch: https://reddx-shop.fourthwall....

You know that moment when your players say, “We want to be the bad guys”? Yeah, this is the episode where we let them. Pull up your black cloaks, pour a glass of something red (preferably not from the paladin), and join us as we wander into the mists of the Domains of Dread—where even your dice fear to roll. Spooktober Returns! It's Spooktober on the RPGBOT.Podcast, and the shadows are thick with story hooks! Whether you're brewing up your own Ravenloft horror campaign or just love watching your players question their morality, we've got the perfect tricks and treats for your tabletop this season. Catch all Spooktober episodes wherever you listen to podcasts, and be sure to leave us a review—if you dare. Show Notes In this chilling episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts descend into the Domains of Dread, exploring what it takes to create a Dungeons & Dragons campaign centered on irredeemably evil characters. From the tortured moors of Ravenloft to homebrewed horror realms, they discuss how to balance story tension, sustain player engagement, and manage moral complexity in games that venture beyond good and evil. Topics include: Campaign Design for Evil Characters – Building motivation and narrative cohesion for villainous parties without descending into chaos. Moral Ambiguity in RPGs – Turning “evil” from caricature into compelling character arcs. The Art of Gothic Horror – Using atmosphere, pacing, and dread to make fear part of the gameplay loop. Domains of Dread in 5e – Exploring Ravenloft, the Darklords, and what makes each domain a reflection of its master's sin. Fear and Power Dynamics – Leveraging fear mechanics and temptation systems to reinforce the campaign's tone. Session Zero for Evil Campaigns – Establishing safety tools and boundaries before diving into depravity. The discussion blends humor, horror, and hard-earned DM wisdom—making this an essential listen for anyone who's ever wondered what would happen if their party actually joined Strahd's HR department. Key Takeaways Evil Doesn't Mean Chaotic – The most compelling villains have goals, loyalties, and internal logic; chaos for chaos' sake burns out fast. Atmosphere Is a Mechanic – In horror RPGs, tone-setting is as crucial as initiative rolls. Lighting, music, and description carry mechanical weight. Safety Tools Are Sacred – Lines and veils aren't optional—they're essential in games exploring darkness and corruption. The World Reflects the Villains – Domains of Dread are metaphors in motion; the land mirrors its Darklord's sins and failures. Power Has a Cost – The higher your characters climb, the closer they draw to their own damnation. Let Players Build the Horror – Player backstories, vices, and obsessions fuel the dread better than any monster stat block. Evil Campaigns Need Boundaries – Trust, tone, and transparency keep the horror immersive, not harmful. Visit the Domains of the Living If this episode sent a chill down your spine (and it should have), then do something warm: visit RPGBOT.net for guides, tools, and advice to make your next horror campaign unforgettable. And when you're done weaving nightmares, tell your friends about the RPGBOT.Podcast—because nothing spreads fear like word of mouth. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

This is an OctOSR-adjacent episode. Thanks go out to BJ Boyd, the Arcane Alienist, for being a guest on this episode to help frame and execute a discussion on the nature of memory and some key ways that can affect our play and understanding of RPGs. You can find BJ's podcast at the link below:The Arcane AlienistFor more RPG investigations, visit the Casting Shadows blogWatch Annotated Actual Plays, RPG discussions and debates, product overviews, and practical tips for playing and running RPGs on YouTubeLeave a voice message for the podcast via SpeakpipeLINKS relevant to this episode:Things Gamers Say...Things Gamers Imagine...On the Caller in Early RPGsAn interesting and relevant link suggested by Jason Connerley of the Nerds RPG Variety Cast comes from SpectreVision Radio:Episode 6: Dungeons & Dragons, or the Reality of Illusions

You know that moment when your players say, "We want to be the bad guys"? Yeah, this is the episode where we let them. Pull up your black cloaks, pour a glass of something red (preferably not from the paladin), and join us as we wander into the mists of the Domains of Dread—where even your dice fear to roll. Spooktober Returns! It's Spooktober on the RPGBOT.Podcast, and the shadows are thick with story hooks! Whether you're brewing up your own Ravenloft horror campaign or just love watching your players question their morality, we've got the perfect tricks and treats for your tabletop this season. Catch all Spooktober episodes wherever you listen to podcasts, and be sure to leave us a review—if you dare. Show Notes In this chilling episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts descend into the Domains of Dread, exploring what it takes to create a Dungeons & Dragons campaign centered on irredeemably evil characters. From the tortured moors of Ravenloft to homebrewed horror realms, they discuss how to balance story tension, sustain player engagement, and manage moral complexity in games that venture beyond good and evil. Topics include: Campaign Design for Evil Characters – Building motivation and narrative cohesion for villainous parties without descending into chaos. Moral Ambiguity in RPGs – Turning "evil" from caricature into compelling character arcs. The Art of Gothic Horror – Using atmosphere, pacing, and dread to make fear part of the gameplay loop. Domains of Dread in 5e – Exploring Ravenloft, the Darklords, and what makes each domain a reflection of its master's sin. Fear and Power Dynamics – Leveraging fear mechanics and temptation systems to reinforce the campaign's tone. Session Zero for Evil Campaigns – Establishing safety tools and boundaries before diving into depravity. The discussion blends humor, horror, and hard-earned DM wisdom—making this an essential listen for anyone who's ever wondered what would happen if their party actually joined Strahd's HR department. Key Takeaways Evil Doesn't Mean Chaotic – The most compelling villains have goals, loyalties, and internal logic; chaos for chaos' sake burns out fast. Atmosphere Is a Mechanic – In horror RPGs, tone-setting is as crucial as initiative rolls. Lighting, music, and description carry mechanical weight. Safety Tools Are Sacred – Lines and veils aren't optional—they're essential in games exploring darkness and corruption. The World Reflects the Villains – Domains of Dread are metaphors in motion; the land mirrors its Darklord's sins and failures. Power Has a Cost – The higher your characters climb, the closer they draw to their own damnation. Let Players Build the Horror – Player backstories, vices, and obsessions fuel the dread better than any monster stat block. Evil Campaigns Need Boundaries – Trust, tone, and transparency keep the horror immersive, not harmful. Visit the Domains of the Living If this episode sent a chill down your spine (and it should have), then do something warm: visit RPGBOT.net for guides, tools, and advice to make your next horror campaign unforgettable. And when you're done weaving nightmares, tell your friends about the RPGBOT.Podcast—because nothing spreads fear like word of mouth. 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

Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Analytic⁠Join The Normandy For Additional Bonus Audio And Visual Content For All Things Nme+! Join Here: ⁠https://ow.ly/msoH50WCu0K⁠Dive into the electrifying world of Pokémon with Analytic Dreamz as he delivers a raw, unfiltered reaction to the just-dropped Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Launch Trailer. Fresh off its worldwide release on October 16, 2025, this next-gen evolution of the beloved RPG series transports trainers back to the neon-drenched streets of Lumiose City from Pokémon X and Y, now reimagined with groundbreaking real-time mechanics that blend catching, battling, and Mega Evolving into seamless, heart-pounding action.Analytic Dreamz breaks down the trailer's stunning visuals powered by the Nintendo Switch 2's enhanced hardware—think vibrant urban exploration where Pokémon roam freely alongside humans by day, transforming into intense Z-A Royale battle zones at night. From choosing your starter among Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile to uncovering the chaos caused by a mysterious Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon, he explores how this title pushes the boundaries of the franchise with strategic depth, including bonus card challenges to climb from Rank Z to A.Whether you're a die-hard Pokémon veteran debating if this surpasses Legends: Arceus or a newcomer hyped for the Switch 2 bundle, Analytic Dreamz's insightful takes on gameplay innovations, Mega Evolution revamps—like the quirky new Mega Dragonite—and upgrade pack perks for original Switch owners make this segment essential listening. Discover why Pokémon Legends: Z-A is hailed as a stellar step forward in creature-collecting adventures, packed with wild zone encounters and competitive edges that redefine Pokémon RPGs.Join Analytic Dreamz for honest breakdowns on Nintendo's latest powerhouse, perfect for fans searching Pokémon Legends Z-A trailer reactions, Nintendo Switch 2 games, and real-time Pokémon battles. Stream now and level up your gaming knowledge—available on all major podcast platforms. Don't miss this timely dive into Kalos' futuristic revival!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/analytic-dreamz-notorious-mass-effect/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Doc's still a squid monster for now... His tentacles are melting back into arms, and yes… he's naked again. Now Clarence has a new problem: he's trapped inside this deathtrap with the Otaku, and the engines are about to fail mid-race. Can he fix them before they both become track paste?Meanwhile, Honey Comb prepares to pounce - in full dragon form. He's not just powerful… he's an immortal.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!

Down a Patrick, things get saucy when Matt and Art discuss getting horny... for RPGs. What it means, how it happens, and what makes it unique (among other things). The inadvertent double entendres come fast and heavy. Join us on our Discord: https://discord.gg/tQGJVsrnNpFollow us on Blue Sky and X @BlackLodgeRPG and on Mastadon @ BLTNRecorded on 10/8/25Intro Theme: Dances and Dames by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)In session music provided by Tabletop RPG Music: www.patreon.com/tabletoprpgmusic00:00:00 Intro00:01:22 Trivia00:04:48 Start of Topic

It's getting near to the spooky time of year and, as is our tradition, Hannah and myself have been watching horror movies, a few that we saw recently have made us think about running a tavern siege in RPGs, we discuss it in this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reddicediaries.substack.com

It's getting near to the spooky time of year and, as is our tradition, Hannah and myself have been watching horror movies, a few that we saw recently have made us think about running a tavern siege in RPGs, we discuss it in this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reddicediaries.substack.com

About this EpisodeThis episode is a little different from the usual Think Like a Game Designer conversation. Instead of a freeform discussion, I came prepared with a curated list of questions to guide the conversation, giving us a structured look into Jordan's creative process, his philosophies on innovation, and the lessons he's learned over decades of building worlds. The result is a fast-paced, insight-packed episode that feels like sitting in on a masterclass in game design.About Jordan WeismanJordan Weisman is a legendary figure in interactive entertainment, whose career spans tabletop games, video games, theme parks, and beyond. As the creator of Battletech, Shadowrun, and Crimson Skies, and the founder of iconic companies like FASA and WizKids, Jordan has shaped generations of players and creators alike. His work is defined by boundless curiosity, fearless experimentation, and a lifelong commitment to collaborative storytelling.In this episode, Jordan and I explore what it means to think small, fail boldly, and keep learning no matter how much success you've had. We discuss how curiosity drives innovation, why emotional courage is more important than financial risk, and how respect—for yourself, your team, and your audience—is at the heart of great creative work. Whether you're just starting your design journey or looking to rekindle your passion after decades in the industry, Jordan's insights offer a masterclass in staying creative for life.Think Like A Game Designer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Justin's QuestionsWhat's something that you're passionate about outside of your career, and what do you love about it? (00:01:33)* During the pandemic, he rediscovered model building and diorama crafting, a childhood hobby that brings him therapeutic joy.* He enjoys it because it's tangible, visual storytelling where you can actually see progress, a much different process than game design, which often feels abstract or slow.What do you love about that kind of model building and creating? (00:04:05)* It aligns with Jordan's love of world-building and storytelling when creating small, detailed scenes that tell a story visually.* It's satisfying because each session produces visible progress, reinforcing creativity and immersion.What is advice that you would give to someone that's just starting out in your industry? (00:04:06)* Think small. Beginners often aim for massive projects like the ones they admire.* Start with something you can finish using your own limited resources.* Completion and execution teach more than ideas ever will.* Focus on learning through doing, not imagining.Now let's flip to the other side of the equation: what do you see as an important lesson that industry veterans need to learn? Or put another way, what advice do you think your older self might give to you? (00:06:30) * Avoid hubris. Experience can blind you. Everything you know might be wrong.* Listen to young minds. Youth brings creativity because it hasn't learned what's supposedly impossible.* Over time, past failures make people too cautious; veterans must keep their beginner's mindset.* Innovation demands courage to look foolish publicly; fear of embarrassment kills creativity.* Stay humble, keep experimenting, and reassess old assumptions regularly.Are there any practices or rituals or ways that you try to keep yourself in that beginner's mind? How can one get the advantages of experience and minimize the disadvantages? (00:08:09)* You must be willing to “go face first into the mud.”* As he said in the previous question, public embarrassment is the price of innovation.* Surround yourself with young thinkers, question assumptions, and resist dismissing ideas based on past failures.* Always check whether past lessons still apply, because markets and contexts change. Jordan gives an example of a failed company born from his overconfidence, where he didn't re-research the market because he assumed he already knew it.What do you consider the most important skills to cultivate for your profession, and how do you cultivate these skills? (00:15:13)* Endless curiosity: Study adjacent fields like comics, fiction, tech—anything that feeds creative cross-pollination.* Build a box: Instead of “thinking outside the box,” define constraints clearly to evaluate ideas. For example: He designed Mage Knight by creating a checklist of problems (ease of entry, low cost, retailer needs) and solving within that “box.”* He values self-education: when he didn't know toy manufacturing, he paid a small company to teach him the process.So let's get to the areas where the industry or you have been dead wrong. What common advice do you hear about your industry that is dead? (00:24:26)* “Nothing is ever dead.” Genres, mechanics, and IPs always come back (vinyl, RPGs, etc.) * When people say something's over, it's actually ready for reinvention.* He used to believe in-person collaboration was essential, but remote work proved him wrong.* He often misjudged products (like thinking Funko Pops would flop).* Absorb wisdom but not edicts.* Success and failure are cyclical, making timing and humility matter more than certainty.What books, articles, or learning resources have had the biggest impact on you? And if there are any key takeaways that stuck with you that come to mind? (00:30:53)* Mentions Reed Hastings' book (Netflix culture) and Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull (Pixar). The value here is the small-team principles and leadership lessons, though he's skeptical of the “find five geniuses” model.* His biggest lessons came from mentors, not books: Mark Miller (creator of Traveller): taught him kindness and professionalism. His father, Mort Weissman: joined FASA, ran the business side, and kept it alive.* He emphasizes mentorship, respect, and kindness as lasting business principles.What is the right way to find a partner? (00:33:14)* Finding a partner is like finding a life mate: talk about goals, work habits, expectations.* Negotiate the “prenup” early, meaning you should decide how you'll split if things go wrong.* Avoid the naive approach he took (asking friends at the table).What about systems, software, and tools that have had a big impact on your workflow?(00:38:18)* Internal tool: his “box” process for evaluating ideas.* Software: Slack (no internal email, all communication centralized), Google Docs (collaboration), ClickUp/Jira (task tracking).* Avoid “Not Invented Here” syndrome: don't build tools you can buy.* Focus on your core innovation; outsource or use existing solutions for everything else.* Reuse mechanics unless your innovation demands new ones.* Let your team choose tools bottom-up instead of enforcing top-down.What's your favorite project, and what lessons did you learn from it? (00:45:46)* His favorite is always the one he's working on now, but emotionally, Shadowrun and Crimson Skies stand out. Shadowrun came from trying to differentiate from Cyberpunk and combining fantasy with cyberpunk via the Mayan calendar. Crimson Skies was born from personal burnout after his wife pushed him to rediscover his passion. It led to reinvention and eventually Microsoft's acquisition of his company.* His lesson here is that passion and reinvention are crucial; listen to loved ones and know when to move on from stale success.You can find the previous episode with Jordan below: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

RPGs x John 3:16-17Your daily crossover of faith and fandom! Experience daily Biblical encouragement from nerdy Christian podcasters, bloggers, and content creators. Join the Nerd of Godcast community at www.NOGSquad.com

Somewhere between the high deserts of New Mexico and the psychic wastelands of Unearthed Arcana, the RPGBOT crew discovered two great truths: Albuquerque has better tacos than Los Angeles, and psionics might finally make sense in Dungeons & Dragons. We know some of you thought the Psion episode was lost forever (vanished into the Astral Plane or eaten by a mind flayer), but good news! The missing RPGBOT.Podcast episode on the Psion Unearthed Arcana has been recovered and is now live on your favorite podcatcher. Catch up and join the conversation before your DM rewrites the subclass again. Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team takes a psychic deep dive into the latest Unearthed Arcana update to the Psion class for Dungeons & Dragons. Between discussions of New Mexico's high desert climate, Albuquerque's local cuisine, and Taos skiing, the crew explores how psionics, multiclassing, and new subclass mechanics are reshaping D&D's design space. Listeners will hear insights on how Wizards of the Coast reworked the Scion (now Psion) class, making psionic energy and subclass features more flexible and accessible. From the Metamorph's Fleshweaver feature to the Psychonetic's telekinesis and the Telepath's support abilities, the team analyzes gameplay impact, balance, and flavor. The discussion also touches on the rebalancing of level 20 features, improvements to psionic spellcasting, and how multiclassing interacts with hit dice mechanics. As always, the hosts bring humor, personal stories, and some surprising local insight from their rediscovery of Albuquerque's food culture—because apparently, “better tacos” is a universal truth worth multiclassing for. Key Takeaways Unearthed Arcana brings a refined Psion to D&D, improving class balance, subclass diversity, and psionic flavor. Psionic energy mechanics now scale smoothly across levels and subclass paths. The Metamorph subclass gains major survivability boosts with its Fleshweaver feature. The Psychonetic subclass emphasizes mobility, telekinesis, and damage versatility. The Telepath subclass leans into party support, battlefield control, and communication. Level 20 features expand psionic dice and late-game impact without overwhelming balance. Multiclassing with Psion no longer punishes hit dice mechanics, making hybrid builds more viable. New Mexico's food culture, from Albuquerque green chile to Taos tacos, inspires reflection on community and quality—much like balanced game design. Listener engagement continues to be key: reviews and ratings help keep RPGBOT's brainwaves strong. Wizards of the Coast's open development process hints at more innovative subclasses and psionic expansions ahead. Visit the Land of Enchantment If this episode left your mind buzzing like a psychic storm, channel that energy into a trip to the beautiful state of New Mexico. Explore the ski slopes of Taos, savor Albuquerque's legendary tacos, and discover why the Land of Enchantment is the perfect place to rest, recharge, and maybe even roll a few dice under the desert stars. We invite the State of New Mexico to sponsor the RPGBOT.Podcast and help us share the Land of Enchantment's stunning landscapes, vibrant food culture, and adventurous spirit with tabletop gamers around the world. 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

Good evening, worms, and welcome to the annual Halloween celebration! Tonight, the pitiful gang dares to summon Wolfman Steve and me, The Gatekeeper! They shall present the games they've played, including Mansions of Madness, Storyfold Wildwoods, The Stifling Dark, Nyctophobia and deliver a feature review of that wretched classic, Betrayal at House on the Hill! Then, the mortal known as Tony T will drag forth the Tabletop Gaming News, followed by a rousing discussion about role-playing and storytelling in board games. Now… sit still, keep silent and let the horror begin! Mansions of Madness: 00:05:53, Storyfold Wildwoods: 00:13:10, The Stifling Dark: 00:27:20, Nyctophobia: 00:39:17, Betrayal at House on the Hill Review: 00:52:46, News with Tony T: 01:26:53, Role-playing and Storytelling: 02:38:07. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/.

* We're still getting new listeners!* Sidebar about "jumping into the middle"* Continued sidebar about James Gunn's Superman* Mailbag!* Email from Eli: Ideas and inspiration for seaborne adventures?* Sidebar about campaign theme: Scavenger Hunt* Email from Scott: Recommended reading order for Earthdawn novels?* Email from Tim: Highland trolls outside Twilight Peaks?* Forgot to mention trolls from Kaer Otosk in southeast Barsaive* Email from Magic Octopus: Authors of Blades?* Our experience with running any of the adventures?* Another Email from Scott: More about Blades* Timing of learning about the curse?* What if they decide to discard the titular Blades because they're cursed?* Email from Patrick: Why weave a thread to the cursed Blades?* Sidebar about Josh's love of putting PCs he is playing in difficult situations.* Email from Robert: Callback to episode 51 and making game "less corny"* Attribute values and whether they make an actual difference in play.* Different ways to offer options and make mechanical choices "matter" in RPGs.* Some game design philosophy and examining assumptionsFind and Follow:Email: edsgpodcast@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EDSGPodcastFind and follow Josh: https://linktr.ee/LoreMerchantGet product information, developer blogs, and more at www.fasagames.comFASA Games on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fasagamesincOfficial Earthdawn Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/officialearthdawnFASA Games Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/uuVwS9uEarthdawn West Marches: https://discord.gg/hhHDtXW

Allison and Kurt talk about how non-player characters in role playing games often fall flat and give tips for bringing NPCs to life with depth and humor that'll have your players feeling all the feels.  Get NPC ideas from @sidekqpodcast with the link or on your favorite podcast app! Peep the character art for Hippopotamus the Flumph Wizard: Sombrisa Art (@sombrisa) | Cara Welcome to Area of Effect, a podcast from the creators of The Kids Table, where we discuss how tabletop RPGs benefit kids and answer your questions about playing TTRPGs with the kids at your table!  About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs levels up kids' critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence. That's why we create our kid-inclusive D&D show, tips for playing with kids, and campaigns to bring the adventures home! Our Kids' Adventures:  Our Website Support Our Work:  Patreon Follow Us: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook #dungeonsanddragons #actualplay #familyfriendly

The researchers finally get some answers - along with a heaping helping of SERIOUS problems!

Send us a textDragon Age: Inquisition - Episode 3This Week: In Your Heart Shall Burn, Welcome to Skyhold, Inquisition Trappings, Sit in Judgement, Training for the Inquisitor, Acquire the ArcanistNext Week: Here Lies the Abyss, Crestwood QuestingSupport 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

In this episode I discuss running D&D and other RPGs at high level. It's often not as fun as we think it'll be, especially for the GM. A lot of the issues with high level play and advancement are baked into the games, but sometimes we as GMs make the situation even worse through our approach. I talk about some ways to handle powerful PCs as a GM—what to do and what not to do. I also share things I've learned running Blood of the Avatars and other high-level campaigns. Hopefully you can learn from some of my mistakes in your next high-level game.Check out my sci-fi novel, Critical Balance.Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out LoudCall the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391).If you're a new listener, and you'd like to go back to the beginning, here's a link to Episode 1.If you're interested in worldbuilding and/or my D&D campaign setting of Primordia, check out the first worldbuilding episode. You can go to this page to see all the episodes that discuss worldbuilding.Check out my latest D&D supplement, Adventurers of Primordia.

In this episode of Epic Realms, author and game writer Brandon Crilly joins us to talk about his journey from teaching to writing and how those two paths have always intertwined. We dive into Brandon's early years, discovering tabletop roleplaying in college, and how his goals as a writer eventually led him into the world of RPGs through the Ed Greenwood Group. He shares how his background in education shapes his storytelling, his approach to creative writing, and the way he connects with both students and readers. We also discuss his TEDx Talk on tabletop roleplaying, gaming groups, and learning, exploring how fantasy and games can inspire youth in powerful ways. And of course, we talk about his novels Catalyst and Castoff, the Aspects of Aelda duology, and the creative process behind his short fiction, long-form storytelling, and RPG design work. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about imagination, teaching, and storytelling across worlds. https://brandoncrilly.com/ Castoff Pre-Order https://www.atthisarts.com/product/castoff/  

Vampires are so last year.Call your local Hex Maniac because Victor, Nadia, and Eric are holding a seance to determine the best spectres, phantoms, ghasts, and frights across the history of RPGs. It's time to talk ghosts!From the cutest to the cultists, from friendly to frightening, it's all ghosts all the time. Just don't mess around with a ouija board while listening to this episode. Or if you do, don't tell Eric. 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: Sharlayan Dropouts News TRUE Encounter With REAL GHOSTS!! Unfortunate news for Heart Machine Timestamps: 11:12 Main Topic - The Best Ghosts in RPGs 1:20:28 - Random Encounters 1:29:20 - The Future of Sharlayan Dropouts 1:34:08 - 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] Lavender Town - [Pokemon Let's Go] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nothing says “modern monster hunting” like breaking into a corporate lab armed with sarcasm, trauma, and a tranquilizer dart you don't fully understand. In this Actual Play of Hunter the Reckoning, our would-be heroes confront the horrors of both the supernatural and the bureaucratic. There's teamwork, betrayal, and just enough humor to make you wonder if laughter really is the best armor in a tabletop role-playing game where everything wants to eat you. Like and Subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast If you're enjoying our blend of monster hunting, chaotic teamwork, and tabletop RPG storytelling, do us a favor—like, subscribe, and follow the RPGBOT.Podcast wherever you listen. Every click helps us keep rolling dice, surviving combat, and making bad choices sound professional. Show Notes In this thrilling conclusion to the Hunter the Reckoning Actual Play podcast, the crew faces their most intense challenge yet—a monster hunt gone wrong that tests their wits, courage, and questionable decision-making skills. The episode opens with personal updates and a recap of previous adventures, then dives into an investigation filled with corporate malfeasance, supernatural horror, and moral dilemmas. As the hunters pursue Monster X, they wrestle with trust, deception, and the consequences of violence in a world where every action has a reaction. From improvised weapons to tactical combat, and from suspenseful narrative beats to moments of dark humor, this Actual Play showcases the evolving character relationships, emotional storytelling, and fast-paced action that define modern tabletop RPGs. If you've ever wondered how trauma, teamwork, and truth collide in a high-stakes role-playing game, this episode delivers. Expect monster mayhem, quick thinking under pressure, and the occasional heartfelt confession—followed immediately by poor tactical decisions. Key Takeaways Character Backstories Matter: Personal history shapes every decision—and every regret—in role-playing games. Humor Balances Horror: Even in supernatural horror RPGs, a well-timed joke can relieve the tension (or make it worse). Teamwork Saves Lives: Coordination, trust, and a bit of luck turn chaos into survival. Improvised Weapons Are Underrated: Sometimes the best weapon is whatever's in reach. Player Choices Shape the Narrative: Every moral decision, every risk, every mistake—builds the story's emotional weight. Technology Meets Terror: Social media and digital tools add realism and danger to modern storytelling. Violence Has Consequences: Whether emotional or physical, every blow leaves a mark. Quick Thinking Matters: Split-second reactions can mean the difference between success and tragedy. Moral Dilemmas Deepen the Story: The best RPGs force players to choose between what's right and what's necessary. Every Action Has a Reaction: In the chaos of monster hunting, nothing happens in isolation. Support Ash's West Marches Campaign If you loved the suspense, teamwork, and character-driven storytelling in this episode, you'll absolutely want to join Ash Ely's West Marches game on StartPlaying.Games. Experience improvised combat, moral choices, and emotional roleplay in an ongoing world run by one of RPGBOT's own Game Masters. Bring your courage, your dice, and your best broom—just in case. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Episode 2 of this year's Backlog Month features a game very different from last week's. Backlog month this year is RPG heavy and one of those RPGs we are looking at is Live A Live. Live A Live is an RPG from Square Enix that originally released back in 1994 for the Super Famicom but was later given a remake and published world wide in 2023. Joining to chat about the may lives experienced in this game is the Twitch streamer Happy Bear! Happy and I had a great conversation about our experiences with this game, why the battle system is pretty awesome, why the end of the game probably sucks and also the logisitics of farting in imperial China. Follow Happy on Bluesky! https://bsky.app/profile/happybearcares.bsky.social Check out Happy's Twitch channel! https://www.twitch.tv/happybearcares Shout-out Song: Live-ALive Composer: Yoko Shimomura Album: Liva A Live OST https://www.zophar.net/music/nintendo-snes-spc/live-a-live End Song: MEGALOMANIA (Techno Remix) Artist: Michael Solski Album: N/A https://michaelsolski.bandcamp.com/track/live-a-live-megalomania-techno-remix Get Still Loading Podcast merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/still-loading-podcast Check out the Bit by Bit Foundation! https://www.bitbybitfoundation.org/ Support the Podcast! https://www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod

Greetings, travelers! Gather close, for the Lords convene to recount the end of AC's mighty Planescape saga. Yet as one tale closes, another dawns, Jesko's long-awaited Dark Sun campaign rises upon the horizon! The fellowship then answers a listener's query on what board games stir their adventuring hearts, before delving into a most curious matter indeed: the use of artificial intelligences in the realm of tabletop role-playing. Attend well, and enjoy the discourse, my friends!