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Ever wondered what beer chemistry, emo vampires, and broom mechanics have in common? Neither did we—until this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast! We're diving deep into RPG madness, from the grimy charm of Shadow Dark to the chaos of Warhammer's magic (spoiler: it's messy). Then, we tackle Symbaroum, where sweeping is serious business, and Vison, the perfect game for overachieving detectives. Horror fans, brace yourselves! It's eldritch chills with Call of Cthulhu, slapstick terror with Pulp Cthulhu, and Appalachian nightmares with Old Gods of Appalachia. Oh, and don't forget Vampire: The Masquerade, where brooding has never been so stylish. Summary Join the RPGBOT hosts as they embark on a tabletop odyssey filled with epic quests, fermented wisdom, and dice-fueled shenanigans! In this episode, they sip on the heady brew of beer chemistry before stumbling into the Old-School Renaissance of Shadow Dark—where dungeons are grim, and death is always just a dice roll away. The adventure takes a quirky turn with Symbaroum, a game where sweeping mechanics finally get their moment in the spotlight, and spirals into the arcane depths of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay's magic systems (spoiler: it's like herding chaotic cats). Mystery lovers, rejoice! They dissect Vison, an RPG that dares players to think—and maybe overthink—its clever puzzles. For horror fans, it's a double feature: Call of Cthulhu's sanity-shattering frights meet Pulp Cthulhu's lighthearted antics (think Indiana Jones with an eldritch twist). The hosts then dive fang-first into Vampire: The Masquerade and the brooding drama of World of Darkness, where players face the ultimate challenge: emo roleplay. To cap it off, the crew gets their candles snuffed out in Ten Candles and pulled into the spine-tingling Appalachian horrors of Old Gods of Appalachia. Whether you're rolling a nat 20 or a nat 1, this episode celebrates RPGs in all their weird, wonderful glory. Links Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times Achtung Cthulhu Adventures in Rokugan Alien RPG ALIEN RPG - A review ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34 All Flesh Must Be Eaten Apocalypse World Battletech Bladerunner Call of Cthulhu Candela Obscura Colostle CY_BORG Cyberpunk Red Cypher Core Rulebook Death in Space Death in Space – A review Delta Green Doctor Who RPG Doctors and Daleks FFG Star Wars Fallout RPG Forbidden Lands Genesys Core Rulebook Imperium Maledictum Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review Legend of the Five Rings Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e Marvel Multiverse RPG Masks Mork Borg Mörk Borg - A Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32 Numenera Old Gods of Appalachia Pirate Borg Pulp Cthulhu Ruins of Symbaroum Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46 Shadowdark RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne Shadowrun Symbaroum The One Ring 2e The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review The Walking Dead RPG Vaesen Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen Vampire: The Masquerade How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Werewolf: The Apocalypse SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF Episode Takeaways Game Mechanics & Themes Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay features a risky, intricate magic system and expansive character creation options. OSR games bring simplicity and nostalgia reminiscent of early D&D. SimBroom introduces corruption mechanics that shape gameplay. High-risk, high-reward gameplay boosts player engagement. RPGs offer unique themes and mechanics, expanding gameplay possibilities. Dragonbane lets players embody whimsical characters, like ducks. Shadow Dark thrives on time pressure and quick decision-making. Vison focuses on solving mysteries over combat, creating unique narratives. World of Darkness emphasizes personal horror and the burden of being a monster. Call of Cthulhu delivers cosmic horror with sanity mechanics, while Pulp Cthulhu adds action-oriented flair. Horror RPGs, like Old Gods of Appalachia and Ten Candles, use innovative mechanics to amplify tension. Dread, with its Jenga tower, brings suspense into the physical realm. Character Creation & Player Experience Brewing beer involves mastering sugar and fermentation processes. Transitioning from dungeon fantasy to darker themes in RPGs can challenge players. Vampire RPGs often introduce disempowerment and moral dilemmas, such as the dangerous Diablerie mechanic. Character survival in horror RPGs often hinges on player choices and narrative decisions. Game Selection & Exploration Selecting games often involves collaboration and even dice rolls. Exploring lesser-known RPGs enriches the gaming experience and storytelling. The RPG landscape is vast, with many innovative games to explore. Exploring different RPGs can enhance storytelling and player engagement. Resources & Community Engagement The chapter on mysteries in Vison's rulebook is a valuable resource for any TTRPG. Rubrics can help evaluate RPG mechanics and themes effectively. Community ratings and reviews play a key role in podcast growth. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games Twitter: @GravenAshes YouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateur Amateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Farewell 2025, Hello 2026 As the dice finish rolling on 2025, we want to take a moment—before the initiative tracker resets—to say thank you. This year was packed with bold experiments, deep dives, hot takes, re-releases, masterclasses, actual plays, rule arguments that absolutely mattered, and more than a few moments where we stopped mid-recording and said, "Wait… does that actually work?" Thanks to you, the listeners, it did. In 2025, RPGBOT.Podcast explored new systems, revisited old favorites, broke down mechanics piece by piece, and kept doing what we love most: helping players, GMs, and curious rules-gremlins play better games. Whether you joined us for crunchy optimization, narrative tools, indie RPG spotlights, or chaotic actual-play energy, you helped make this year something special. We also saw the community grow—more voices, more perspectives, more people pulling up a chair at the virtual table. From longtime listeners who've been with us since the early days, to folks who found us for the first time this year: you're the reason we keep hitting "record." Now, we turn the page. 2026 is already shaping up to be something big. More deep dives. More experiments. More guests. More games that surprise us. More moments where the rules bend—and sometimes break—in interesting ways. We're bringing forward everything we learned in 2025, sharpening our tools, and rolling into the new year with fresh ideas, bigger plans, and the same love for tabletop roleplaying games that started this whole thing. So whether you're listening right now with friends, alone on a late-night walk, or prepping for your next session—thank you for making RPGBOT part of your year. Here's to new campaigns. Here's to better characters. Here's to smarter GMs, braver players, and stories that stick with us long after the dice are packed away. Happy New Year. Welcome to 2026. Let's roll. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Farewell 2025, Hello 2026 As the dice finish rolling on 2025, we want to take a moment—before the initiative tracker resets—to say thank you. This year was packed with bold experiments, deep dives, hot takes, re-releases, masterclasses, actual plays, rule arguments that absolutely mattered, and more than a few moments where we stopped mid-recording and said, "Wait… does that actually work?" Thanks to you, the listeners, it did. In 2025, RPGBOT.Podcast explored new systems, revisited old favorites, broke down mechanics piece by piece, and kept doing what we love most: helping players, GMs, and curious rules-gremlins play better games. Whether you joined us for crunchy optimization, narrative tools, indie RPG spotlights, or chaotic actual-play energy, you helped make this year something special. We also saw the community grow—more voices, more perspectives, more people pulling up a chair at the virtual table. From longtime listeners who've been with us since the early days, to folks who found us for the first time this year: you're the reason we keep hitting "record." Now, we turn the page. 2026 is already shaping up to be something big. More deep dives. More experiments. More guests. More games that surprise us. More moments where the rules bend—and sometimes break—in interesting ways. We're bringing forward everything we learned in 2025, sharpening our tools, and rolling into the new year with fresh ideas, bigger plans, and the same love for tabletop roleplaying games that started this whole thing. So whether you're listening right now with friends, alone on a late-night walk, or prepping for your next session—thank you for making RPGBOT part of your year. Here's to new campaigns. Here's to better characters. Here's to smarter GMs, braver players, and stories that stick with us long after the dice are packed away. Happy New Year. Welcome to 2026. Let's roll. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
"Crunchy rules or simple vibes? Political intrigue or straight-up dungeon brawls? Survival in a dying world or low-power fantasy feels?" This remastered RPGBOT.Podcast dives into everything you love (and fear) about tabletop RPGs that aren't D&D or Pathfinder. From decision trees to help you find your perfect game match, to the storytelling magic of Powered by the Apocalypse, and the chaotic survival of Mork Borg, there's something for everyone if you're willing to look past what you already know. Tune in if you've ever wondered, "Is my game too crunchy, or am I just lazy?" Summary In this episode, the hosts take a deep dive into the diverse landscape of tabletop RPGs, offering a wealth of insights into various systems, mechanics, and themes. They introduce the concept of decision trees, a practical tool to help players identify RPGs that align with their preferences. The discussion covers the spectrum of complexity, from the intricate 'crunch' of detailed systems to the simplicity of more streamlined games. Key highlights include: The Cypher System and Genesis: An exploration of these versatile systems, focusing on their mechanics and adaptability to different genres. Powered by the Apocalypse Framework: A look at its elegant simplicity and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for narrative-driven campaigns. Legend of the Five Rings vs. Adventures in Rokugan: A comparison of political intrigue-focused gameplay with combat-centric mechanics, illustrating the range of experiences within fantasy RPGs. Mörk Borg: An examination of its dark, nihilistic themes, where traditional heroism gives way to survival in a grim and decaying world. The conversation also ventures into niche areas, such as the unique storytelling potential of solo RPGs, and highlights specific systems like Numenera, with its futuristic exploration themes, and One Ring 2E, celebrated for its low-power fantasy and rich Tolkien-inspired lore. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding a game's mechanics and setting realistic expectations to maximize the enjoyment of any RPG experience. Links Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times Achtung Cthulhu Adventures in Rokugan Alien RPG ALIEN RPG - A review ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34 All Flesh Must Be Eaten Apocalypse World Battletech Bladerunner Call of Cthulhu Candela Obscura Colostle CY_BORG Cyberpunk Red Cypher Core Rulebook Death in Space Death in Space – A review Delta Green Doctor Who RPG Doctors and Daleks FFG Star Wars Fallout RPG Forbidden Lands Genesys Core Rulebook Imperium Maledictum Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review Legend of the Five Rings Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e Marvel Multiverse RPG Masks Mork Borg Mörk Borg - A Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32 Numenera Old Gods of Appalachia Pirate Borg Pulp Cthulhu Ruins of Symbaroum Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46 Shadowdark RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne Shadowrun Symbaroum The One Ring 2e The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review The Walking Dead RPG Vaesen Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen Vampire: The Masquerade How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Werewolf: The Apocalypse SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF Takeaways Tyler's Interests Tyler loves wizards and wants to be one. Game Mechanics and Decision-Making The decision tree helps players find suitable RPGs. "Crunch" refers to the interaction with game mechanics. The Captain Crunch scale measures game complexity. Understanding game mechanics enhances the RPG experience. RPG Systems The Cypher System is easy to learn and play. Genesis is a generic system based on Fantasy Flight's Star Wars. Powered by the Apocalypse is a versatile framework. Powered by the Apocalypse games are easy to learn. Fate is complex and math-heavy. The Year Zero Engine is simple yet effective. Solo RPGs can be rewarding experiences. Character Creation and Progression Character creation in RPGs can vary significantly. Character progression in One Ring 2E requires patience and strategy. Adjusting difficulty can enhance the gameplay experience. Thematic and Genre Elements Monster Hearts is popular in the LGBT community. Legend of the Five Rings emphasizes political intrigue (combat is discouraged). Merc Borg presents a nihilistic view of RPGs. Adventures in Rokugan is more combat-focused than its predecessor. Colossal is a unique solo RPG experience. Mercord uniquely advocates for real-world arson in its gameplay. Numenera presents a science fantasy setting a billion years in the future. Players in One Ring 2E are grounded, facing impossible odds. Exploring the themes of low-power fantasy can lead to rich storytelling. Gameplay Depth The intrusion system adds depth to gameplay. The Eye of Sauron and Gandalf rune add depth to gameplay. Solo play in One Ring 2E is well-implemented and enjoyable. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games Twitter: @GravenAshes YouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateur Amateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
"Crunchy rules or simple vibes? Political intrigue or straight-up dungeon brawls? Survival in a dying world or low-power fantasy feels?" This remastered RPGBOT.Podcast dives into everything you love (and fear) about tabletop RPGs that aren't D&D or Pathfinder. From decision trees to help you find your perfect game match, to the storytelling magic of Powered by the Apocalypse, and the chaotic survival of Mork Borg, there's something for everyone if you're willing to look past what you already know. Tune in if you've ever wondered, "Is my game too crunchy, or am I just lazy?" Summary In this episode, the hosts take a deep dive into the diverse landscape of tabletop RPGs, offering a wealth of insights into various systems, mechanics, and themes. They introduce the concept of decision trees, a practical tool to help players identify RPGs that align with their preferences. The discussion covers the spectrum of complexity, from the intricate 'crunch' of detailed systems to the simplicity of more streamlined games. Key highlights include: The Cypher System and Genesis: An exploration of these versatile systems, focusing on their mechanics and adaptability to different genres. Powered by the Apocalypse Framework: A look at its elegant simplicity and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for narrative-driven campaigns. Legend of the Five Rings vs. Adventures in Rokugan: A comparison of political intrigue-focused gameplay with combat-centric mechanics, illustrating the range of experiences within fantasy RPGs. Mörk Borg: An examination of its dark, nihilistic themes, where traditional heroism gives way to survival in a grim and decaying world. The conversation also ventures into niche areas, such as the unique storytelling potential of solo RPGs, and highlights specific systems like Numenera, with its futuristic exploration themes, and One Ring 2E, celebrated for its low-power fantasy and rich Tolkien-inspired lore. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding a game's mechanics and setting realistic expectations to maximize the enjoyment of any RPG experience. Links Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times Achtung Cthulhu Adventures in Rokugan Alien RPG ALIEN RPG - A review ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34 All Flesh Must Be Eaten Apocalypse World Battletech Bladerunner Call of Cthulhu Candela Obscura Colostle CY_BORG Cyberpunk Red Cypher Core Rulebook Death in Space Death in Space – A review Delta Green Doctor Who RPG Doctors and Daleks FFG Star Wars Fallout RPG Forbidden Lands Genesys Core Rulebook Imperium Maledictum Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review Legend of the Five Rings Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e Marvel Multiverse RPG Masks Mork Borg Mörk Borg - A Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32 Numenera Old Gods of Appalachia Pirate Borg Pulp Cthulhu Ruins of Symbaroum Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46 Shadowdark RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne Shadowrun Symbaroum The One Ring 2e The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review The Walking Dead RPG Vaesen Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen Vampire: The Masquerade How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Werewolf: The Apocalypse SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF Takeaways Tyler's Interests Tyler loves wizards and wants to be one. Game Mechanics and Decision-Making The decision tree helps players find suitable RPGs. "Crunch" refers to the interaction with game mechanics. The Captain Crunch scale measures game complexity. Understanding game mechanics enhances the RPG experience. RPG Systems The Cypher System is easy to learn and play. Genesis is a generic system based on Fantasy Flight's Star Wars. Powered by the Apocalypse is a versatile framework. Powered by the Apocalypse games are easy to learn. Fate is complex and math-heavy. The Year Zero Engine is simple yet effective. Solo RPGs can be rewarding experiences. Character Creation and Progression Character creation in RPGs can vary significantly. Character progression in One Ring 2E requires patience and strategy. Adjusting difficulty can enhance the gameplay experience. Thematic and Genre Elements Monster Hearts is popular in the LGBT community. Legend of the Five Rings emphasizes political intrigue (combat is discouraged). Merc Borg presents a nihilistic view of RPGs. Adventures in Rokugan is more combat-focused than its predecessor. Colossal is a unique solo RPG experience. Mercord uniquely advocates for real-world arson in its gameplay. Numenera presents a science fantasy setting a billion years in the future. Players in One Ring 2E are grounded, facing impossible odds. Exploring the themes of low-power fantasy can lead to rich storytelling. Gameplay Depth The intrusion system adds depth to gameplay. The Eye of Sauron and Gandalf rune add depth to gameplay. Solo play in One Ring 2E is well-implemented and enjoyable. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games Twitter: @GravenAshes YouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateur Amateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
You survived the one-shot. No one died permanently. Only some rules were misunderstood. Now comes the most dangerous phase of any tabletop experience: questions. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew sits down after the Pathfinder 2e one-shot to answer the things every new player asks—what worked, what didn't, what we forgot, and why Pathfinder 2e somehow makes rules discussions feel productive instead of like a rules-lawyer cage match. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Perfect timing for learning, teaching, and holiday one-shots: RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e Quickstart episodes for the 2025 holiday season! These remastered episodes are ideal for new players, GMs running demos, and groups revisiting PF2e after a long break—just in time to answer all those "wait, how does that work again?" questions. MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE dScryb – Mobile Alchemy Shop (affiliate link) Pathfinder 2e Source Materials Pathfinder 2e Beginner Box (affiliate link) Pathfinder 2e Core Rulebook (affiliate link) Archives of Nethys Content from RPGBOT.Net Pathfinder 2e – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Beginner Box Guide Previous Episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E6 – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 1: Concepts and Themes RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E8 – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 2: Character Creation How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 3: Oneshot Example Play – RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E56 Kingmaker for PF2 with Paizo Creative Director James Jacobs – RPGBOT.News S3E1 Paizo's Pathfinder Society Organized Play Coordinator Alex Speidel – RPGBOT.News S2E87 Other Stuff Rise of the Runelords In Part IV of the RPGBOT.Quickstart Pathfinder 2e series, we wrap up the one-shot example play with a post-game Q&A, answering the most common questions new players and GMs have after their first Pathfinder Second Edition session. This episode focuses on reflection, clarification, and practical advice drawn directly from actual gameplay. We revisit moments from the one-shot to explain how actions, reactions, conditions, and skill usage worked in practice, clarifying rules that are often misunderstood during early PF2e play. The discussion highlights how the three-action economy rewards thoughtful decisions, how teamwork improves outcomes, and what players should prioritize learning first versus what can wait. This episode is especially helpful for groups that have just finished a Pathfinder 2e one-shot, as it bridges the gap between reading the rules and truly understanding how the system feels at the table. By addressing common mistakes and "aha" moments, we help listeners gain confidence heading into longer PF2e campaigns. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e becomes clearer after seeing the rules in action. Post-game discussion is one of the best ways to learn PF2e. The three-action economy rewards planning and flexibility. New players commonly overlook reactions, conditions, and positioning. Teamwork and coordination matter more than individual optimization. One-shots are an excellent teaching tool for Pathfinder Second Edition. Confidence grows quickly once rules questions are addressed directly. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to ask your Pathfinder 2e questions in real time? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and unlock: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions, where patrons can listen and ask questions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles, guides, and optimization content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to remastered Pathfinder 2e episodes and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, sharpen your system mastery, and join the conversation behind the screen. Become a patron today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
You survived the one-shot. No one died permanently. Only some rules were misunderstood. Now comes the most dangerous phase of any tabletop experience: questions. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew sits down after the Pathfinder 2e one-shot to answer the things every new player asks—what worked, what didn't, what we forgot, and why Pathfinder 2e somehow makes rules discussions feel productive instead of like a rules-lawyer cage match. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Perfect timing for learning, teaching, and holiday one-shots: RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e Quickstart episodes for the 2025 holiday season! These remastered episodes are ideal for new players, GMs running demos, and groups revisiting PF2e after a long break—just in time to answer all those "wait, how does that work again?" questions. MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE dScryb – Mobile Alchemy Shop (affiliate link) Pathfinder 2e Source Materials Pathfinder 2e Beginner Box (affiliate link) Pathfinder 2e Core Rulebook (affiliate link) Archives of Nethys Content from RPGBOT.Net Pathfinder 2e – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Beginner Box Guide Previous Episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E6 – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 1: Concepts and Themes RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E8 – How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 2: Character Creation How to Play Pathfinder 2e – Part 3: Oneshot Example Play – RPGBOT.Quickstart S3E56 Kingmaker for PF2 with Paizo Creative Director James Jacobs – RPGBOT.News S3E1 Paizo's Pathfinder Society Organized Play Coordinator Alex Speidel – RPGBOT.News S2E87 Other Stuff Rise of the Runelords In Part IV of the RPGBOT.Quickstart Pathfinder 2e series, we wrap up the one-shot example play with a post-game Q&A, answering the most common questions new players and GMs have after their first Pathfinder Second Edition session. This episode focuses on reflection, clarification, and practical advice drawn directly from actual gameplay. We revisit moments from the one-shot to explain how actions, reactions, conditions, and skill usage worked in practice, clarifying rules that are often misunderstood during early PF2e play. The discussion highlights how the three-action economy rewards thoughtful decisions, how teamwork improves outcomes, and what players should prioritize learning first versus what can wait. This episode is especially helpful for groups that have just finished a Pathfinder 2e one-shot, as it bridges the gap between reading the rules and truly understanding how the system feels at the table. By addressing common mistakes and "aha" moments, we help listeners gain confidence heading into longer PF2e campaigns. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e becomes clearer after seeing the rules in action. Post-game discussion is one of the best ways to learn PF2e. The three-action economy rewards planning and flexibility. New players commonly overlook reactions, conditions, and positioning. Teamwork and coordination matter more than individual optimization. One-shots are an excellent teaching tool for Pathfinder Second Edition. Confidence grows quickly once rules questions are addressed directly. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to ask your Pathfinder 2e questions in real time? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and unlock: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions, where patrons can listen and ask questions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles, guides, and optimization content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to remastered Pathfinder 2e episodes and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, sharpen your system mastery, and join the conversation behind the screen. Become a patron today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Every tabletop RPG player has had this thought at some point: "If I had one Wish, I could fix everything." And every Dungeon Master has had the immediate follow-up thought: "If you cast Wish, I'm fixing you." In this episode, the RPGBOT crew tackles the most powerful spell in the game—the one that can rewrite reality, end campaigns, summon divine attention, and turn a carefully planned epic into a rules argument that lasts longer than combat at level 17. Whether you're wishing for ultimate power, infinite gold, or just a snack because the barbarian is bored, we're here to explain how Wish actually works… and why your DM is already sweating. Wish is the most powerful spell in tabletop roleplaying games—and one of the most dangerous. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we break down how Wish works across Dungeons & Dragons 3.5e, D&D 5e (2014 and 2024), Pathfinder 1e, and Pathfinder 2e, including its lore, mechanics, exploits, and why so many Game Masters fear it. We explore how Wish can replicate spells, rewrite reality, override divine power, and derail entire campaigns if mishandled. The discussion covers infamous loopholes like simulacrum chains, genie-granted wishes, ritual casting in Pathfinder 2e, and why Wish is often the reason high-level campaigns fall apart. Finally, we offer practical GM advice for handling Wish without ruining your game—whether you want it as a campaign capstone, a narrative ritual, or a controlled tool of world-changing magic. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts take an in-depth look at Wish, the iconic reality-altering spell that defines high-level play in Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. Often called the most powerful spell ever printed, Wish allows characters to replicate spells, heal allies, undo actions, reshape the world, and even challenge the gods themselves—at a steep narrative and mechanical cost. The episode begins with the lore of Wish, including its emergence after the fall of Netheril and its relationship to lost 10th-level magic. The hosts then compare how Wish functions mechanically across editions, from the expensive, tightly worded versions in D&D 3.5e and Pathfinder 1e, to the flexible but risky spellcasting in D&D 5e, and finally the radically redesigned Pathfinder 2e Wish ritual, which introduces casting time, interference, ritual checks, and failure states. A major focus is why Wish is so controversial for Game Masters. The discussion covers campaign-breaking outcomes, narrative paradoxes, infamous exploits like infinite simulacrum armies, and why many tables restrict or ban the spell outright. The hosts also examine genie-granted wishes, highlighting how Pathfinder 2e adds unique wish interpretations based on genie type—ranging from diplomatic and literal to malicious and destabilizing. The episode concludes with practical GM advice on how to handle Wish responsibly: limiting it to core effects, telegraphing consequences, using rituals instead of instant casting, and reframing Wish as a dramatic story event rather than an "I win" button. Key Takeaways Wish is widely considered the most powerful spell in tabletop RPGs, capable of rewriting reality itself. Different systems handle Wish very differently, with Pathfinder 2e's ritual system offering the strongest structural safeguards. In D&D 5e, spell duplication is the safest use of Wish; creative uses risk permanent loss of the spell. Wish is a major reason many GMs avoid or limit high-level campaigns. Genie-granted wishes introduce flavorful but dangerous interpretations, especially in Pathfinder 2e. Successful use of Wish requires clear GM communication, narrative foreshadowing, and player trust. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Every tabletop RPG player has had this thought at some point: "If I had one Wish, I could fix everything." And every Dungeon Master has had the immediate follow-up thought: "If you cast Wish, I'm fixing you." In this episode, the RPGBOT crew tackles the most powerful spell in the game—the one that can rewrite reality, end campaigns, summon divine attention, and turn a carefully planned epic into a rules argument that lasts longer than combat at level 17. Whether you're wishing for ultimate power, infinite gold, or just a snack because the barbarian is bored, we're here to explain how Wish actually works… and why your DM is already sweating. Wish is the most powerful spell in tabletop roleplaying games—and one of the most dangerous. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we break down how Wish works across Dungeons & Dragons 3.5e, D&D 5e (2014 and 2024), Pathfinder 1e, and Pathfinder 2e, including its lore, mechanics, exploits, and why so many Game Masters fear it. We explore how Wish can replicate spells, rewrite reality, override divine power, and derail entire campaigns if mishandled. The discussion covers infamous loopholes like simulacrum chains, genie-granted wishes, ritual casting in Pathfinder 2e, and why Wish is often the reason high-level campaigns fall apart. Finally, we offer practical GM advice for handling Wish without ruining your game—whether you want it as a campaign capstone, a narrative ritual, or a controlled tool of world-changing magic. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts take an in-depth look at Wish, the iconic reality-altering spell that defines high-level play in Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. Often called the most powerful spell ever printed, Wish allows characters to replicate spells, heal allies, undo actions, reshape the world, and even challenge the gods themselves—at a steep narrative and mechanical cost. The episode begins with the lore of Wish, including its emergence after the fall of Netheril and its relationship to lost 10th-level magic. The hosts then compare how Wish functions mechanically across editions, from the expensive, tightly worded versions in D&D 3.5e and Pathfinder 1e, to the flexible but risky spellcasting in D&D 5e, and finally the radically redesigned Pathfinder 2e Wish ritual, which introduces casting time, interference, ritual checks, and failure states. A major focus is why Wish is so controversial for Game Masters. The discussion covers campaign-breaking outcomes, narrative paradoxes, infamous exploits like infinite simulacrum armies, and why many tables restrict or ban the spell outright. The hosts also examine genie-granted wishes, highlighting how Pathfinder 2e adds unique wish interpretations based on genie type—ranging from diplomatic and literal to malicious and destabilizing. The episode concludes with practical GM advice on how to handle Wish responsibly: limiting it to core effects, telegraphing consequences, using rituals instead of instant casting, and reframing Wish as a dramatic story event rather than an "I win" button. Key Takeaways Wish is widely considered the most powerful spell in tabletop RPGs, capable of rewriting reality itself. Different systems handle Wish very differently, with Pathfinder 2e's ritual system offering the strongest structural safeguards. In D&D 5e, spell duplication is the safest use of Wish; creative uses risk permanent loss of the spell. Wish is a major reason many GMs avoid or limit high-level campaigns. Genie-granted wishes introduce flavorful but dangerous interpretations, especially in Pathfinder 2e. Successful use of Wish requires clear GM communication, narrative foreshadowing, and player trust. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Nothing teaches a rules system faster than throwing it directly into danger. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew does exactly that by unleashing a Pathfinder 2e one-shot designed to show how the rules actually work when dice hit the table. Expect missed attacks, clever teamwork, rules "aha!" moments, and at least one situation where the three-action economy proves it is both elegant and mildly terrifying. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Just in time for holiday one-shots, convention games, and introducing curious relatives to tabletop RPGs, RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e Quickstart episodes for the 2025 holiday season! These remastered episodes are perfect for GMs running demos, players learning PF2e for the first time, and groups looking for a clean, rules-forward way to start adventuring. Show Notes In Part 3 of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we put Pathfinder Second Edition rules into action with a one-shot example play session designed specifically to teach the game through real gameplay. Instead of theory, this episode shows how Pathfinder 2e actions, reactions, skills, and combat mechanics function at the table when players are making real decisions under pressure. The episode walks listeners through initiative, movement, skill checks, and combat rounds, highlighting how the three-action economy creates meaningful tactical choices every turn. We discuss when to Strike, Step, Raise a Shield, Recall Knowledge, and use reactions—showing how Pathfinder 2e rewards teamwork and planning without bogging the game down. This example play is ideal for new players, GMs preparing a Pathfinder 2e one-shot, or anyone who wants to see how PF2e rules flow in practice. By hearing the rules applied in context, listeners gain confidence running or playing Pathfinder Second Edition at their own tables. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e is easiest to learn by seeing the rules in action. The three-action economy gives players flexibility and tactical depth. Positioning, teamwork, and smart action use matter more than raw damage. PF2e combat flows quickly once players understand actions and reactions. One-shots are an excellent way to teach Pathfinder Second Edition. Clear rules structure makes PF2e beginner-friendly when demonstrated properly. Example play bridges the gap between reading rules and playing confidently. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to see how these episodes come together before they're released? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and get: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles and optimization guides Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to remastered Pathfinder 2e episodes and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, support great tabletop content, and join us behind the screen. Become a patron today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Nothing teaches a rules system faster than throwing it directly into danger. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew does exactly that by unleashing a Pathfinder 2e one-shot designed to show how the rules actually work when dice hit the table. Expect missed attacks, clever teamwork, rules "aha!" moments, and at least one situation where the three-action economy proves it is both elegant and mildly terrifying. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Just in time for holiday one-shots, convention games, and introducing curious relatives to tabletop RPGs, RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e Quickstart episodes for the 2025 holiday season! These remastered episodes are perfect for GMs running demos, players learning PF2e for the first time, and groups looking for a clean, rules-forward way to start adventuring. Show Notes In Part 3 of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we put Pathfinder Second Edition rules into action with a one-shot example play session designed specifically to teach the game through real gameplay. Instead of theory, this episode shows how Pathfinder 2e actions, reactions, skills, and combat mechanics function at the table when players are making real decisions under pressure. The episode walks listeners through initiative, movement, skill checks, and combat rounds, highlighting how the three-action economy creates meaningful tactical choices every turn. We discuss when to Strike, Step, Raise a Shield, Recall Knowledge, and use reactions—showing how Pathfinder 2e rewards teamwork and planning without bogging the game down. This example play is ideal for new players, GMs preparing a Pathfinder 2e one-shot, or anyone who wants to see how PF2e rules flow in practice. By hearing the rules applied in context, listeners gain confidence running or playing Pathfinder Second Edition at their own tables. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e is easiest to learn by seeing the rules in action. The three-action economy gives players flexibility and tactical depth. Positioning, teamwork, and smart action use matter more than raw damage. PF2e combat flows quickly once players understand actions and reactions. One-shots are an excellent way to teach Pathfinder Second Edition. Clear rules structure makes PF2e beginner-friendly when demonstrated properly. Example play bridges the gap between reading rules and playing confidently. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to see how these episodes come together before they're released? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and get: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles and optimization guides Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to remastered Pathfinder 2e episodes and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, support great tabletop content, and join us behind the screen. Become a patron today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Character creation in Pathfinder 2e is like walking into a fantasy bakery: everything looks amazing, you want all of it, and somehow you leave with a perfectly balanced character instead of a chaotic pile of half-baked ideas. In this RPGBOT.Quickstart episode, we guide you through the PF2e character creation process step by step without analysis paralysis, spreadsheet-induced panic, or accidentally building a wizard who can't read their own spellbook. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Just in time for cozy dice rolling and awkward family game nights, RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e episodes for the 2025 holiday season! Whether you're onboarding new players, rebuilding old characters, or finally convincing your D&D group to try PF2e, our Quickstart Pathfinder 2e series is coming back to help you start strong and play smart. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we break down Pathfinder Second Edition character creation from start to finish, helping new and returning players understand how PF2e builds characters that are flexible, balanced, and deeply customizable. We walk through the full process: ancestry, background, class, ability boosts, skills, feats, and proficiencies, and explain how each choice shapes your character's role in the party. The discussion focuses on how Pathfinder 2e character creation differs from other tabletop RPG systems, emphasizing player choice at every stage without overwhelming complexity. We explain how ability scores are generated, why feats matter at level one, and how proficiency tiers influence long-term character growth. Whether you're building a frontline fighter, a cunning rogue, or a spellcaster with a carefully tuned spell list, this episode gives you the tools to make informed, confident decisions. If you're new to Pathfinder Second Edition or helping others get started, this episode serves as a clear, approachable character creation guide that sets you up for success before the first initiative roll. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e character creation is modular, flexible, and highly balanced. Ancestry, background, and class all provide meaningful mechanical benefits. Ability boosts replace traditional rolling, ensuring fair and effective characters. Feats at level one define character identity early in the game. Proficiency tiers shape how characters grow over time. PF2e supports strong character concepts without trap choices. A solid character foundation makes learning Pathfinder 2e much easier. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to go deeper into Pathfinder 2e and beyond? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and unlock: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles and content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to new episodes, remastered series, and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, sharpen your character builds, and help us keep making the tabletop content you love. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Character creation in Pathfinder 2e is like walking into a fantasy bakery: everything looks amazing, you want all of it, and somehow you leave with a perfectly balanced character instead of a chaotic pile of half-baked ideas. In this RPGBOT.Quickstart episode, we guide you through the PF2e character creation process step by step without analysis paralysis, spreadsheet-induced panic, or accidentally building a wizard who can't read their own spellbook. Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Just in time for cozy dice rolling and awkward family game nights, RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder 2e episodes for the 2025 holiday season! Whether you're onboarding new players, rebuilding old characters, or finally convincing your D&D group to try PF2e, our Quickstart Pathfinder 2e series is coming back to help you start strong and play smart. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we break down Pathfinder Second Edition character creation from start to finish, helping new and returning players understand how PF2e builds characters that are flexible, balanced, and deeply customizable. We walk through the full process: ancestry, background, class, ability boosts, skills, feats, and proficiencies, and explain how each choice shapes your character's role in the party. The discussion focuses on how Pathfinder 2e character creation differs from other tabletop RPG systems, emphasizing player choice at every stage without overwhelming complexity. We explain how ability scores are generated, why feats matter at level one, and how proficiency tiers influence long-term character growth. Whether you're building a frontline fighter, a cunning rogue, or a spellcaster with a carefully tuned spell list, this episode gives you the tools to make informed, confident decisions. If you're new to Pathfinder Second Edition or helping others get started, this episode serves as a clear, approachable character creation guide that sets you up for success before the first initiative roll. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e character creation is modular, flexible, and highly balanced. Ancestry, background, and class all provide meaningful mechanical benefits. Ability boosts replace traditional rolling, ensuring fair and effective characters. Feats at level one define character identity early in the game. Proficiency tiers shape how characters grow over time. PF2e supports strong character concepts without trap choices. A solid character foundation makes learning Pathfinder 2e much easier. Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want to go deeper into Pathfinder 2e and beyond? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and unlock: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free RPGBOT.net articles and content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to new episodes, remastered series, and exclusive discussions Support RPGBOT, sharpen your character builds, and help us keep making the tabletop content you love. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever wondered how many actions it takes to brew a cup of coffee in Pathfinder 2e? The RPGBOT crew did, and we're pretty sure we provoked an opportunity attack from the espresso machine. In this RPGBOT.Quickstart episode, we bravely tackle Pathfinder Second Edition, learn how to read a character sheet without summoning a demon, and maybe, just maybe, figure out what the heck a "reaction" actually is. Holiday Announcement – Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Big News! RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder Second Edition episodes during the 2025 holiday season! Whether you're brand-new to PF2e, teaching friends, or planning a holiday gaming binge, our remastered Quickstart series will help you jump right into battles, skill checks, and glorious crits! Show Notes In this introductory episode of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we take new players step-by-step into the rules and systems of Pathfinder Second Edition, focusing on what makes the game unique, approachable, and extremely rewarding even at level one. We explore the fundamental differences from other tabletop RPG systems, including the three-action economy, proficiency tiers, skills and training, and how to read your character sheet without consulting a wizard or cleric. Whether you're a brand-new player or transitioning from Dungeons & Dragons, our Pathfinder Second Edition beginner rules breakdown explains character creation, basic mechanics, and how to confidently walk into your first PF2e session without rolling a natural 1 on understanding the rules. We also look at how PF2e combat flows, what kinds of strategies matter, and how actions and reactions drive tactical gameplay. If you're curious about Pathfinder Second Edition, wanting a quickstart guide, or simply preparing your group for a brand-new campaign, this episode has the foundational tips you need to begin adventuring right away. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e uses a three-action economy, giving players tactical freedom. Proficiency matters—trained, expert, master, legendary all influence your rolls. Pathfinder 2e emphasizes tactical positioning and deliberate decision-making. Character creation focuses on choosing an ancestry, background, and class to determine strengths and abilities. Combat relies heavily on actions, reactions, and movement, making every turn meaningful. Pathfinder 2e is ideal for players seeking rich choices and balanced gameplay. The system is easy to learn with the right quickstart guidance—like this episode! Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want even more Pathfinder goodness? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and get: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free versions of RPGBOT.net content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to upcoming episodes and special PF2e content Support RPGBOT. Support great tabletop content. Become a patron today and join us behind the GM screen! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever wondered how many actions it takes to brew a cup of coffee in Pathfinder 2e? The RPGBOT crew did, and we're pretty sure we provoked an opportunity attack from the espresso machine. In this RPGBOT.Quickstart episode, we bravely tackle Pathfinder Second Edition, learn how to read a character sheet without summoning a demon, and maybe, just maybe, figure out what the heck a "reaction" actually is. Holiday Announcement – Pathfinder 2e Re-Releases! Big News! RPGBOT is re-releasing our Pathfinder Second Edition episodes during the 2025 holiday season! Whether you're brand-new to PF2e, teaching friends, or planning a holiday gaming binge, our remastered Quickstart series will help you jump right into battles, skill checks, and glorious crits! Show Notes In this introductory episode of the RPGBOT.Quickstart series, we take new players step-by-step into the rules and systems of Pathfinder Second Edition, focusing on what makes the game unique, approachable, and extremely rewarding even at level one. We explore the fundamental differences from other tabletop RPG systems, including the three-action economy, proficiency tiers, skills and training, and how to read your character sheet without consulting a wizard or cleric. Whether you're a brand-new player or transitioning from Dungeons & Dragons, our Pathfinder Second Edition beginner rules breakdown explains character creation, basic mechanics, and how to confidently walk into your first PF2e session without rolling a natural 1 on understanding the rules. We also look at how PF2e combat flows, what kinds of strategies matter, and how actions and reactions drive tactical gameplay. If you're curious about Pathfinder Second Edition, wanting a quickstart guide, or simply preparing your group for a brand-new campaign, this episode has the foundational tips you need to begin adventuring right away. Key Takeaways Pathfinder 2e uses a three-action economy, giving players tactical freedom. Proficiency matters—trained, expert, master, legendary all influence your rolls. Pathfinder 2e emphasizes tactical positioning and deliberate decision-making. Character creation focuses on choosing an ancestry, background, and class to determine strengths and abilities. Combat relies heavily on actions, reactions, and movement, making every turn meaningful. Pathfinder 2e is ideal for players seeking rich choices and balanced gameplay. The system is easy to learn with the right quickstart guidance—like this episode! Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Want even more Pathfinder goodness? Join the RPGBOT Patreon and get: Access to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions Ad-free versions of RPGBOT.net content Ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Early access to upcoming episodes and special PF2e content Support RPGBOT. Support great tabletop content. Become a patron today and join us behind the GM screen! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever wished you could travel back in time, wield 10th-level spells, and tell ancient archmages that "no seriously, this is definitely going to end badly"? Well congratulations, this episode is for you! Today we explore Netheril's majestic flying cities, magical decadence, and the absolute worst urban-planning decision ever: putting time portals in extremely obvious places. Grab your arcane seatbelts; gravity is optional. RPGBOT Video Reviews on YouTube Heads-up, adventurers! RPGBOT review episodes may soon begin appearing in full video on YouTube. If you've ever wanted to see our horrified facial expressions while discussing Netheril's magical OSHA violations—this might be your moment. More information coming soon! Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive deep into Netheril's Fall, the newest official supplement set during the height (and imminent collapse) of the ancient Netherese Empire. The cast explores Netheril's lore, the rise of magical elitism, the role of 10th-level spells, and the unique position this supplement occupies as mainly a Dungeon Master resource rather than a player-option book. The crew also discusses the magical decadence of flying cities, the oppressive social structure of the High Netherese vs Low Netherese, and introduces magical anomalies that shape how DMs can run Netheril-era adventures. Meanwhile, Tyler, Randall, and Ash debate the biggest question: Should Netheril EVER be saved? Or is this empire truly doomed? Finally, the hosts explore the controversial time-gate mechanics that enable PCs to visit this legendary era. Is this an exciting campaign hook, or a plot hole the size of a mythallar? (Spoiler: opinions are strong.) Key Takeaways Netheril's Fall provides primarily DM-focused content, not player options The supplement covers flying cities, magical aristocracy, and Netherese history Time-travel mechanics are interesting—but potentially world-breaking for campaigns Magical anomalies and arcane hazards add unique adventure hooks Adventures include encounters in both floating cities and ground-level Nethereese settlements Strong lore content connects directly to Forgotten Realms history, Baldur's Gate 3, and classic D&D themes The supplement works best if treated as a mini-campaign or one-shot instead of long-term setting Join the RPGBOT Patreon Want even more deep-dive analysis, lore breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes discussions like this one? Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Patrons can attend RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions live, get ad-free content on RPGBOT.net, and listen to ad-free recordings of every RPGBOT.Podcast episode. Support the show and help us keep producing content that levels up your tabletop experience. Join at: Patreon.com/RPGBOT Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever wished you could travel back in time, wield 10th-level spells, and tell ancient archmages that "no seriously, this is definitely going to end badly"? Well congratulations, this episode is for you! Today we explore Netheril's majestic flying cities, magical decadence, and the absolute worst urban-planning decision ever: putting time portals in extremely obvious places. Grab your arcane seatbelts; gravity is optional. RPGBOT Video Reviews on YouTube Heads-up, adventurers! RPGBOT review episodes may soon begin appearing in full video on YouTube. If you've ever wanted to see our horrified facial expressions while discussing Netheril's magical OSHA violations—this might be your moment. More information coming soon! Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive deep into Netheril's Fall, the newest official supplement set during the height (and imminent collapse) of the ancient Netherese Empire. The cast explores Netheril's lore, the rise of magical elitism, the role of 10th-level spells, and the unique position this supplement occupies as mainly a Dungeon Master resource rather than a player-option book. The crew also discusses the magical decadence of flying cities, the oppressive social structure of the High Netherese vs Low Netherese, and introduces magical anomalies that shape how DMs can run Netheril-era adventures. Meanwhile, Tyler, Randall, and Ash debate the biggest question: Should Netheril EVER be saved? Or is this empire truly doomed? Finally, the hosts explore the controversial time-gate mechanics that enable PCs to visit this legendary era. Is this an exciting campaign hook, or a plot hole the size of a mythallar? (Spoiler: opinions are strong.) Key Takeaways Netheril's Fall provides primarily DM-focused content, not player options The supplement covers flying cities, magical aristocracy, and Netherese history Time-travel mechanics are interesting—but potentially world-breaking for campaigns Magical anomalies and arcane hazards add unique adventure hooks Adventures include encounters in both floating cities and ground-level Nethereese settlements Strong lore content connects directly to Forgotten Realms history, Baldur's Gate 3, and classic D&D themes The supplement works best if treated as a mini-campaign or one-shot instead of long-term setting Join the RPGBOT Patreon Want even more deep-dive analysis, lore breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes discussions like this one? Join the RPGBOT Patreon! Patrons can attend RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions live, get ad-free content on RPGBOT.net, and listen to ad-free recordings of every RPGBOT.Podcast episode. Support the show and help us keep producing content that levels up your tabletop experience. Join at: Patreon.com/RPGBOT Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Baldur's Gate 3 romance options escaped into your tabletop rules? Today, we dive into Astarion's Book of Hungers, where vampires are sexy, feats are thirsty, and WotC's DLC pricing… is definitely giving "gaslight, gatekeep, vampire spawn." The team reviews the digital-only D&D supplement Astarion's Book of Hungers, a Baldur's Gate-themed 32-page add-on focused on vampires, Dhampir characters, feats, and mini-adventures, tied to Faerûn but clearly intended as DLC-style tabletop content. Highlights Dhampir species updated, but weakened from 2014 (loss of Deathless Nature, bite now unarmed strike). New backgrounds tied to vampire themes (Devotee, Survivor, Carouser) with strong roleplay hooks. Feat quality varies from flavorful to "why is this here" (looking at you, Bomber). Epic boons are thematically fun but situational. Bestiary mostly devils + vampire variants (Infernalist, Wardens). Two adventures, but they're basically the same fight twice set in Rat's Run Tavern. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew reviews Astarion's Book of Hungers, the digital-only supplement featuring the updated Dhampir species, vampire-flavored feats, new backgrounds, devil monsters, and two short adventures centered around the Rat's Run Tavern in Baldur's Gate. The hosts analyze the design changes, compare Dhampir options between the 2014 and 2024 rules, evaluate feat quality, and critique the DLC-like release strategy. They share lore details about Astarion, his abusive sire Kassador, and how Baldur's Gate 3 influenced this supplement's tone and art direction. Listeners get practical advice on when the rules matter, when the flavor shines, and whether this $15 digital release actually delivers value, or whether players are better off saving their money for bigger releases. Key Takeaways Dhampir changes are mechanical changes; same flavor, less abusable. New feats range from fun to unoptimized; several needed Unearthed Arcana playtesting. Bestiary is small but flavorful with devil-focused lore. Adventures feel duplicated and minimal. The value proposition feels overpriced for what's delivered. Strong warnings that this sets an unwelcome D&D DLC precedent. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you enjoy episodes like this, join the RPGBOT Patreon, where you can: Listen to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions live Get ad-free RPGBOT.net content Listen to ad-free episodes of the podcast And be part of every critical fail, hot take, and vampire thirst moment (purely for research purposes, of course). Join the RPGBOT Patreon and support deep-dive TTRPG analysis with zero commercials interrupting your build planning. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Baldur's Gate 3 romance options escaped into your tabletop rules? Today, we dive into Astarion's Book of Hungers, where vampires are sexy, feats are thirsty, and WotC's DLC pricing… is definitely giving "gaslight, gatekeep, vampire spawn." The team reviews the digital-only D&D supplement Astarion's Book of Hungers, a Baldur's Gate-themed 32-page add-on focused on vampires, Dhampir characters, feats, and mini-adventures, tied to Faerûn but clearly intended as DLC-style tabletop content. Highlights Dhampir species updated, but weakened from 2014 (loss of Deathless Nature, bite now unarmed strike). New backgrounds tied to vampire themes (Devotee, Survivor, Carouser) with strong roleplay hooks. Feat quality varies from flavorful to "why is this here" (looking at you, Bomber). Epic boons are thematically fun but situational. Bestiary mostly devils + vampire variants (Infernalist, Wardens). Two adventures, but they're basically the same fight twice set in Rat's Run Tavern. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew reviews Astarion's Book of Hungers, the digital-only supplement featuring the updated Dhampir species, vampire-flavored feats, new backgrounds, devil monsters, and two short adventures centered around the Rat's Run Tavern in Baldur's Gate. The hosts analyze the design changes, compare Dhampir options between the 2014 and 2024 rules, evaluate feat quality, and critique the DLC-like release strategy. They share lore details about Astarion, his abusive sire Kassador, and how Baldur's Gate 3 influenced this supplement's tone and art direction. Listeners get practical advice on when the rules matter, when the flavor shines, and whether this $15 digital release actually delivers value, or whether players are better off saving their money for bigger releases. Key Takeaways Dhampir changes are mechanical changes; same flavor, less abusable. New feats range from fun to unoptimized; several needed Unearthed Arcana playtesting. Bestiary is small but flavorful with devil-focused lore. Adventures feel duplicated and minimal. The value proposition feels overpriced for what's delivered. Strong warnings that this sets an unwelcome D&D DLC precedent. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you enjoy episodes like this, join the RPGBOT Patreon, where you can: Listen to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions live Get ad-free RPGBOT.net content Listen to ad-free episodes of the podcast And be part of every critical fail, hot take, and vampire thirst moment (purely for research purposes, of course). Join the RPGBOT Patreon and support deep-dive TTRPG analysis with zero commercials interrupting your build planning. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Picture this: you've just rolled up to the dungeon entrance, everyone looks heroic… and then the rogue vanishes before initiative even begins. Classic. In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, we get delightfully sneaky about how to build the perfect scoundrel from level 1 through 10 without needing a 20-page backstory explaining why you stole the wizard's lunch (again). Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team takes a dagger-sharp dive into how to build and optimize a Dungeons & Dragons Rogue from the earliest levels through level 10. We unpack class features, subclass decisions, damage expectations, ability score priorities, and the irresistible allure of Sneak Attack. Whether you're a stealthy assassin, a charming thief, or just someone who really, really likes stabbing things once per round, but really hard, this episode will give you the tools you need to play a rogue that's both effective and memorable. We cover stealth fundamentals, combat math, common pitfalls, party synergy, and which subclass choices help you maximize your strengths (or make up for weaknesses). Whether you're planning to pick locks, disable traps, or carry the entire narrative while the rest of the table fails Perception checks, we've got you. HANDBOOKS FROM RPGBOT.net Rogue 5e: DnD 5th Edition Class Guide Rogue Subclass Breakdown Rogue Races Breakdown RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Fighters! Unleashing Your Inner Warrior - RPGBOT.Podcast Key Takeaways Sneak Attack scales fast; plan your combat actions around enabling it every turn Rogues are defined by mobility and positioning: staying alive is step one to doing anything cool Expertise dramatically changes your skill roles—choose skills that matter beyond combat Subclass choice shapes your playstyle: Assassin, Thief, Arcane Trickster—each has unique tactical benefits Rogues thrive with teamwork; make friends with the party members who keep enemies occupied Cunning Action is one of the most powerful class features in early game combat Ability Score priorities are typically Dexterity first, Constitution second, then flavor to taste Your role isn't "hit things constantly", it's "hit things when it hurts most, steal the scene, and disappear" Liven up your winter with Startplaying.Games Winter nights are long and cold, so warm them up by playing a game on StartPlaying.Games! Whether you want to try a new system, learn to play a rogue, or find a great GM in your time zone, StartPlaying.Games can match you with real people and great adventures. Find your next table today and sneak into a campaign before anyone notices you were missing! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Picture this: you've just rolled up to the dungeon entrance, everyone looks heroic… and then the rogue vanishes before initiative even begins. Classic. In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, we get delightfully sneaky about how to build the perfect scoundrel from level 1 through 10 without needing a 20-page backstory explaining why you stole the wizard's lunch (again). Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team takes a dagger-sharp dive into how to build and optimize a Dungeons & Dragons Rogue from the earliest levels through level 10. We unpack class features, subclass decisions, damage expectations, ability score priorities, and the irresistible allure of Sneak Attack. Whether you're a stealthy assassin, a charming thief, or just someone who really, really likes stabbing things once per round, but really hard, this episode will give you the tools you need to play a rogue that's both effective and memorable. We cover stealth fundamentals, combat math, common pitfalls, party synergy, and which subclass choices help you maximize your strengths (or make up for weaknesses). Whether you're planning to pick locks, disable traps, or carry the entire narrative while the rest of the table fails Perception checks, we've got you. HANDBOOKS FROM RPGBOT.net Rogue 5e: DnD 5th Edition Class Guide Rogue Subclass Breakdown Rogue Races Breakdown RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Fighters! Unleashing Your Inner Warrior - RPGBOT.Podcast Key Takeaways Sneak Attack scales fast; plan your combat actions around enabling it every turn Rogues are defined by mobility and positioning: staying alive is step one to doing anything cool Expertise dramatically changes your skill roles—choose skills that matter beyond combat Subclass choice shapes your playstyle: Assassin, Thief, Arcane Trickster—each has unique tactical benefits Rogues thrive with teamwork; make friends with the party members who keep enemies occupied Cunning Action is one of the most powerful class features in early game combat Ability Score priorities are typically Dexterity first, Constitution second, then flavor to taste Your role isn't "hit things constantly", it's "hit things when it hurts most, steal the scene, and disappear" Liven up your winter with Startplaying.Games Winter nights are long and cold, so warm them up by playing a game on StartPlaying.Games! Whether you want to try a new system, learn to play a rogue, or find a great GM in your time zone, StartPlaying.Games can match you with real people and great adventures. Find your next table today and sneak into a campaign before anyone notices you were missing! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
There's a mystical moment in every adventurer's life when you stare deeply into your character sheet, question every subclass you've ever loved, and think: "Is this really better… or did they just rename it again?" Welcome to the UA 2025 Subclass Update—where barbarians downgrade, fighters glow-up, monks chug things, and paladins summon skeletons with the enthusiasm of a dad discovering Bluetooth for the first time. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team dives into the Unearthed Arcana 2025 Subclasses Update, a grab bag of returning classics and rebalanced favorites from the 2014 rules. Some subclasses got fresh polish; others… got "updates." Randall, Ash, and Tyler walk through each major subclass, offering analysis, jokes, and a metric ton of sandwich discourse. Covered Subclasses: Path of the Spiritual Guardian Barbarian – Once the iconic barb tank, now notably nerfed. The new "choose-your-effect" system softens its once-reliable battlefield control. Result: "Meh, but fixable." Path of the Storm Herald Barbarian – A clear upgrade with better scaling, damage options, and flexible aura selection. A quiet winner in this UA. Cavalier Fighter – Surprisingly buffed. Constant marking, battlefield lockdown, and double reactions at high level. The table unanimously loves the glow-up. Warrior of Intoxication Monk – Formerly Drunken Master. New Mystic Brews add fun, flavor, and chaos—but the name flops harder than spilled ale. The team unanimously prefers "Warrior of Libations." Oathbreaker Paladin – Now with better necromancy tools and improvements to Aura of Hate. Gains Conjure Undead to avoid relying on friendly necromancers. Not perfect, but more self-sufficient. Key Takeaways Spiritual Guardian took a noticeable hit, losing its fully reliable taunt-and-protect combo in favor of weaker pick-one options. Storm Herald received meaningful boosts, including scalable aura damage and flexible environment selection. Cavalier emerges as one of the strongest defenders in the UA thanks to unlimited marking and battlefield control. Warrior of Intoxication has fun ideas but clunky execution, suffering from naming issues and overly slow brew mechanics. Oathbreaker finally feels like a playable subclass on its own, thanks to Conjure Undead and improved aura integration. Overall: a mixed bag, but with more wins than losses—and lots of potential polish before the final books. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Love episodes like this? Want to shape them as they happen? Join the RPGBOT Patreon to: Listen LIVE to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions every week Access the entire RPGBOT.net catalog completely ad-free Enjoy ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Get early access to special projects, interviews, and deep-dive episodes Support the show, support the work, and help us keep producing the most detailed and ridiculous tabletop content on the internet. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati Time Stamps 1) 14:46.015 2) 30:59.032 3) 46:08.023
There's a mystical moment in every adventurer's life when you stare deeply into your character sheet, question every subclass you've ever loved, and think: "Is this really better… or did they just rename it again?" Welcome to the UA 2025 Subclass Update—where barbarians downgrade, fighters glow-up, monks chug things, and paladins summon skeletons with the enthusiasm of a dad discovering Bluetooth for the first time. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team dives into the Unearthed Arcana 2025 Subclasses Update, a grab bag of returning classics and rebalanced favorites from the 2014 rules. Some subclasses got fresh polish; others… got "updates." Randall, Ash, and Tyler walk through each major subclass, offering analysis, jokes, and a metric ton of sandwich discourse. Covered Subclasses: Path of the Spiritual Guardian Barbarian – Once the iconic barb tank, now notably nerfed. The new "choose-your-effect" system softens its once-reliable battlefield control. Result: "Meh, but fixable." Path of the Storm Herald Barbarian – A clear upgrade with better scaling, damage options, and flexible aura selection. A quiet winner in this UA. Cavalier Fighter – Surprisingly buffed. Constant marking, battlefield lockdown, and double reactions at high level. The table unanimously loves the glow-up. Warrior of Intoxication Monk – Formerly Drunken Master. New Mystic Brews add fun, flavor, and chaos—but the name flops harder than spilled ale. The team unanimously prefers "Warrior of Libations." Oathbreaker Paladin – Now with better necromancy tools and improvements to Aura of Hate. Gains Conjure Undead to avoid relying on friendly necromancers. Not perfect, but more self-sufficient. Key Takeaways Spiritual Guardian took a noticeable hit, losing its fully reliable taunt-and-protect combo in favor of weaker pick-one options. Storm Herald received meaningful boosts, including scalable aura damage and flexible environment selection. Cavalier emerges as one of the strongest defenders in the UA thanks to unlimited marking and battlefield control. Warrior of Intoxication has fun ideas but clunky execution, suffering from naming issues and overly slow brew mechanics. Oathbreaker finally feels like a playable subclass on its own, thanks to Conjure Undead and improved aura integration. Overall: a mixed bag, but with more wins than losses—and lots of potential polish before the final books. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Love episodes like this? Want to shape them as they happen? Join the RPGBOT Patreon to: Listen LIVE to RPGBOT.Podcast recording sessions every week Access the entire RPGBOT.net catalog completely ad-free Enjoy ad-free recordings of the RPGBOT.Podcast Get early access to special projects, interviews, and deep-dive episodes Support the show, support the work, and help us keep producing the most detailed and ridiculous tabletop content on the internet. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati Time Stamps 1) 14:46.015 2) 30:59.032 3) 46:08.023
If you've ever wondered what happens when a D&D podcast accidentally becomes a Food Network special—complete with French Dips, Hot Wet Beef, Cubanos, Reubens, and enough sandwich-based emotional damage to fuel an entire barbarian subclass—this episode is for you. Before they even touch the book, the RPGBOT crew debates regional sandwiches with the same energy most people reserve for BBEGs. Then they finally tackle Part 3 of Heroes of Faerûn, where Barbarian ghosts get nerfed, Storm Heralds get swole, Cavaliers insist on riding horses in a system designed to kill horses, Monks get drunker than ever, and Oathbreakers get… surprisingly reasonable? Strap in. Bring snacks. Maybe bring a sandwich. Preferably not hot, wet, or beefy. Big news, adventurers—RPGBOT review videos may soon begin appearing in full on YouTube! That means the entire sandwich argument, every Futurama impression, every "did they REALLY rename Drunken Master to Warrior of Intoxication?" moment, all captured in glorious HD. Keep an eye on the RPGBOT YouTube channel—your long-form chaos may soon have a new home. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives into Part 3 of their comprehensive review of Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn, focusing on the D&D 2024 subclass updates for Barbarians, Fighters, Monks, and Paladins. The discussion opens with a riotous tangent about regional food, French Dip heresy, and the metaphysics of "hot wet beef"—a tonal masterpiece worthy of an entire episode on its own. Once they pivot into the book itself, the hosts begin analyzing the Path of the Spiritual Guardian, Storm Herald Barbarian, Cavalier Fighter, Warrior of Intoxication Monk, and Oathbreaker Paladin, comparing their 2014 designs to their 2024 updates. Barbarian: Path of the Spiritual Guardian The hosts dig into the mechanical overhaul of Spiritual Protectors, explaining how the powerful 2014 taunt effect has been split into selectable options—Distract, Protect, or bonus damage—resulting in a strict nerf despite added flexibility. The new capstone, Vengeful Spirits, grants extra attacks on high rolls, though the table questions whether the feature fits the subclass thematically. Barbarian: Path of the Storm Herald In contrast, the Storm Herald Barbarian receives across-the-board improvements. With damage scaling tied to Rage bonus, updated terrain options, and the ability to change environments every time they Rage, Storm Herald becomes far more flavorful and versatile than its 2014 version. Tundra's new ability to subtract damage rolls from enemies is highlighted as both weird and delightful. Fighter: Cavalier The Cavalier Fighter, historically tied to a mounted combat fantasy unsupported by the 5e ruleset, receives meaningful buffs. Unwavering Mark no longer has limited uses, Ferocious Charger gains a more dynamic battlefield role, and Vigilant Defender continues to shine with additional reactions. Despite no changes to the horse-related problem ("area effects still delete horses instantly"), the subclass gets promoted to "very playable." Monk: Warrior of Intoxication One of the most dramatically redesigned subclasses, the former Drunken Master is now the Warrior of Intoxication, centered around Mystic Brew, a full brewing system that allows monks to craft beverages like Cinnamon Dragon or Heavenly Spirit. The team debates the new mechanics, including potential abuse cases involving long rests and stacked brews, while applauding the creativity. The name, however, receives… near-universal disdain. Paladin: Oathbreaker The final subclass, the Oathbreaker Paladin, cleans up many mechanical issues from 2014. Control Undead becomes the more thematic Conjure Undead, Aura of Hate integrates more cleanly with Aura of Protection, and new spell options sharpen its identity. The crew notes that the subclass finally stands independently, without requiring a friendly necromancer to function. Throughout the episode, the hosts blend detailed mechanics analysis, design philosophy commentary, subclass balance comparisons, and their signature brand of comedy—including Futurama impressions, regional sandwich wars, and multiple live hot takes. Key Takeaways Path of the Spiritual Guardian Major redesign resulted in a strict mechanical nerf, splitting the 2014 taunt into weaker modular effects. Vengeful Spirits introduces extra attacks but feels thematically disconnected. Needs another design pass. Path of the Storm Herald Substantial quality-of-life upgrades, including Rage-based terrain switching and improved scaling. Desert, Sea, and Tundra each gain flavorful new mechanics. Considered one of the biggest winners of the 2024 subclass update. Cavalier Fighter Unwavering Mark and Ferocious Charger receive meaningful buffs. Still has the same "horse fragility" problem, but the subclass is otherwise extremely strong. Gains crowd-control and tanking tools that outperform Sentinel. Warrior of Intoxication One of the most overhauled subclasses in Heroes of Faerûn. Mystic Brew adds flavorful utility but suffers from action-economy bottlenecks. Multiple "default pick" beverages suggest it still needs tuning. Creative, fun, thematically wild—but the name is universally mocked. Oathbreaker Paladin Improved spell list, more thematic undead support, and better integration with core auras. Conjure Undead makes the subclass self-sufficient. Stronger and more coherent than the 2014 version. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you've been enjoying our deep-dive breakdowns of Heroes of Faerûn, laughing through our subclass hot takes, or nodding solemnly during our very serious sandwich discourse, then you're exactly the kind of hero who belongs in the RPGBOT Patreon community. And here's the thing—if you'd already been a Patreon subscriber, you could have asked Keith Ammann your own questions live during our most recent Masterclass. Our patrons get real-time access not only to incredible guests like Keith, but also to Tyler, Randall, and Ash, asking questions, shaping discussions, and becoming part of the show as it happens. You also get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and a seat at the virtual table for future live recordings. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today, and next time you won't just listen—you'll be part of the conversation. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives into Part 2 of their comprehensive review of Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn, focusing on the D&D 2024 subclass updates for Barbarians, Fighters, Monks, and Paladins. The discussion opens with a riotous tangent about regional food, French Dip heresy, and the metaphysics of "hot wet beef", a tonal masterpiece worthy of an entire episode on its own. Once they pivot into the book itself, the hosts begin analyzing the Path of the Spiritual Guardian, Storm Herald Barbarian, Cavalier Fighter, Warrior of Intoxication Monk, and Oathbreaker Paladin, comparing their 2014 designs to their 2024 updates. Barbarian: Path of the Spiritual Guardian The hosts dig into the mechanical overhaul of Spiritual Protectors, explaining how the powerful 2014 taunt effect has been split into selectable options (Distract, Protect, or bonus damage) resulting in a strict nerf despite added flexibility. The new capstone, Vengeful Spirits, grants extra attacks on high rolls, though the table questions whether the feature fits the subclass thematically. Barbarian: Path of the Storm Herald In contrast, the Storm Herald Barbarian receives across-the-board improvements. With damage scaling tied to Rage bonus, updated terrain options, and the ability to change environments every time they Rage, Storm Herald becomes far more flavorful and versatile than its 2014 version. Tundra's new ability to subtract damage rolls from enemies is highlighted as both weird and delightful. Fighter: Cavalier The Cavalier Fighter, historically tied to a mounted combat fantasy unsupported by the 5e ruleset, receives meaningful buffs. Unwavering Mark no longer has limited uses, Ferocious Charger gains a more dynamic battlefield role, and Vigilant Defender continues to shine with additional reactions. Despite no changes to the horse-related problem ("area effects still delete horses instantly"), the subclass gets promoted to "very playable." Monk: Warrior of Intoxication One of the most dramatically redesigned subclasses, the former Drunken Master is now the Warrior of Intoxication, centered around Mystic Brew, a full brewing system that allows monks to craft beverages like Cinnamon Dragon or Heavenly Spirit. The team debates the new mechanics, including potential abuse cases involving long rests and stacked brews, while applauding the creativity. The name, however, receives… near-universal disdain. Paladin: Oathbreaker The final subclass, the Oathbreaker Paladin, cleans up many mechanical issues from 2014. Control Undead becomes the more thematic Conjure Undead, Aura of Hate integrates more cleanly with Aura of Protection, and new spell options sharpen its identity. The crew notes that the subclass finally stands independently, without requiring a friendly necromancer to function. Throughout the episode, the hosts blend detailed mechanics analysis, design philosophy commentary, subclass balance comparisons, and their signature brand of comedy, including Futurama impressions, regional sandwich wars, and multiple live hot takes. Key Takeaways Path of the Spiritual Guardian Major redesign resulted in a strict mechanical nerf, splitting the 2014 taunt into weaker modular effects. Vengeful Spirits introduces extra attacks but feels thematically disconnected. Needs another design pass. Path of the Storm Herald Substantial quality-of-life upgrades, including Rage-based terrain switching and improved scaling. Desert, Sea, and Tundra each gain flavorful new mechanics. Considered one of the biggest winners of the 2024 subclass update. Cavalier Fighter Unwavering Mark and Ferocious Charger receive meaningful buffs. Still has the same "horse fragility" problem, but the subclass is otherwise extremely strong. Gains crowd-control and tanking tools that outperform Sentinel. Warrior of Intoxication One of the most overhauled subclasses in Heroes of Faerûn. Mystic Brew adds flavorful utility but suffers from action-economy bottlenecks. Multiple "default pick" beverages suggest it still needs tuning. Creative, fun, thematically wild, but the name is universally mocked. Oathbreaker Paladin Improved spell list, more thematic undead support, and better integration with core auras. Conjure Undead makes the subclass self-sufficient. Stronger and more coherent than the 2014 version. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you've been enjoying our deep-dive breakdowns of Heroes of Faerûn, laughing through our subclass hot takes, or nodding solemnly during our very serious sandwich discourse, then you're exactly the kind of hero who belongs in the RPGBOT Patreon community. And here's the thing—if you'd already been a Patreon subscriber, you could have asked Keith Ammann your own questions live during our most recent Masterclass. Our patrons get real-time access not only to incredible guests like Keith, but also to Tyler, Randall, and Ash, asking questions, shaping discussions, and becoming part of the show as it happens. You also get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and a seat at the virtual table for future live recordings. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today, and next time you won't just listen—you'll be part of the conversation. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever watched your players stare at a clue for 25 minutes, slowly realizing they're not unraveling a mystery, you're watching them invent a brand-new conspiracy theory? In today's remastered episode, we dive into the magical art of mystery design: how to build suspense, reveal secrets, and gently nudge players away from wildly incorrect guesses like "the butler did it" when you absolutely, definitely did not even put a butler in this campaign. Show Notes In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, the crew digs deep into the craft of creating and running tabletop RPG mysteries: from puzzle-heavy one-shots to sprawling, campaign-defining enigmas. We break down how mystery structure changes the way players interact with the world, how clues can guide without railroading, and why your players always suspect the guy with the most ominous accent (even when he's just a blacksmith). We walk through best practices for investigation adventures in systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Pathfinder 2e, and other TTRPGs that thrive on intrigue. You'll learn how to balance player agency with narrative direction, how to keep mysteries from stalling, and how to use secrets, lies, and misdirection to build an unforgettable experience. We also cover the common pitfalls: clue scatter, dead-end thinking, mystery over-engineering, and the infamous "GM explains the entire plot because nobody figured it out." Plus, we share our favorite tools, techniques, and design frameworks for ensuring your mysteries feel clever rather than confusing. If you've ever wanted to run a mystery adventure that has players gasping instead of groaning, theorizing instead of floundering, and celebrating instead of crying over red herrings—this episode is your blueprint for success. Key Takeaways Designing Effective Mysteries Structure mysteries around clear goals, accessible clues, and multiple pathways to solve the problem. Use redundancy in clue placement—no single point of failure. Think in terms of "information flow," not "plot." Building Engaging Clues Clues should connect characters, locations, motives, and secrets. Make clues tactile (objects), social (NPC testimony), and environmental (scene details). Each clue should move the investigation forward, even if only slightly. Keeping Players Engaged Allow players to propose theories—even absurd ones—and gently redirect when needed. Encourage table talk, but not paralysis. Let players feel smart by validating partial insights, even if they're not perfect. Managing Mystery Mechanics Investigation checks should reveal information, not gatekeep it. Provide clues through multiple skills: Perception, Investigation, Society, Arcana, etc. Remember: failure shouldn't stop the mystery, only add texture. Building Tension and Payoff Pace reveals to maintain suspense. Use NPCs, factions, and motives as engines for twists. Craft an ending that feels earned, surprising but inevitable. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Don't require players to think exactly like you. Don't hide vital information behind a single roll. Don't write an ending before understanding how the players will approach the mystery. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever watched your players stare at a clue for 25 minutes, slowly realizing they're not unraveling a mystery, you're watching them invent a brand-new conspiracy theory? In today's remastered episode, we dive into the magical art of mystery design: how to build suspense, reveal secrets, and gently nudge players away from wildly incorrect guesses like "the butler did it" when you absolutely, definitely did not even put a butler in this campaign. Show Notes In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, the crew digs deep into the craft of creating and running tabletop RPG mysteries: from puzzle-heavy one-shots to sprawling, campaign-defining enigmas. We break down how mystery structure changes the way players interact with the world, how clues can guide without railroading, and why your players always suspect the guy with the most ominous accent (even when he's just a blacksmith). We walk through best practices for investigation adventures in systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Pathfinder 2e, and other TTRPGs that thrive on intrigue. You'll learn how to balance player agency with narrative direction, how to keep mysteries from stalling, and how to use secrets, lies, and misdirection to build an unforgettable experience. We also cover the common pitfalls: clue scatter, dead-end thinking, mystery over-engineering, and the infamous "GM explains the entire plot because nobody figured it out." Plus, we share our favorite tools, techniques, and design frameworks for ensuring your mysteries feel clever rather than confusing. If you've ever wanted to run a mystery adventure that has players gasping instead of groaning, theorizing instead of floundering, and celebrating instead of crying over red herrings—this episode is your blueprint for success. Key Takeaways Designing Effective Mysteries Structure mysteries around clear goals, accessible clues, and multiple pathways to solve the problem. Use redundancy in clue placement—no single point of failure. Think in terms of "information flow," not "plot." Building Engaging Clues Clues should connect characters, locations, motives, and secrets. Make clues tactile (objects), social (NPC testimony), and environmental (scene details). Each clue should move the investigation forward, even if only slightly. Keeping Players Engaged Allow players to propose theories—even absurd ones—and gently redirect when needed. Encourage table talk, but not paralysis. Let players feel smart by validating partial insights, even if they're not perfect. Managing Mystery Mechanics Investigation checks should reveal information, not gatekeep it. Provide clues through multiple skills: Perception, Investigation, Society, Arcana, etc. Remember: failure shouldn't stop the mystery, only add texture. Building Tension and Payoff Pace reveals to maintain suspense. Use NPCs, factions, and motives as engines for twists. Craft an ending that feels earned, surprising but inevitable. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Don't require players to think exactly like you. Don't hide vital information behind a single roll. Don't write an ending before understanding how the players will approach the mystery. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
If you've ever wondered what happens when three grown adults argue passionately about grammar, moonbeams, seagulls, and the metaphysics of Strahd's horse, all before actually starting the podcast, this episode is for you. Join us as we journey into Heroes of Faerûn, where the subclasses are shiny, the Rangers are frosty, and the Fighters are apparently running a full unionized workplace. Grab your bag of rats (don't ask), center your Moonbeam, and enjoy the chaos. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew continues their deep-dive review of Dungeons & Dragons Heroes of Faerûn, the first major D&D 2024 splatbook offering new character options, subclasses, spells, epic boons, and setting lore. Building off Part 1's work, the hosts, Randall James, Tyler Kamstra, and Ash Ely, dig into the subclass content of the book with their usual combination of mechanical rigor, Shakespearean comedy, and at least one argument about whether it's a hero or an hero. The team analyzes each of the eight new Heroes of Faerûn subclasses, comparing their final published versions to the Unearthed Arcana playtests and to classic 2014 analogues: College of the Moon Bard blends druidic flavor with support-focused magic, teleportation, and weirdly effective Moonbeam healing loops involving birds and french fries. Knowledge Domain Cleric, updated from 2014, remains a powerhouse of divination, foresight, and skill mastery—Tyler's official religion. Banneret Fighter, once the Purple Dragon Knight, is reborn as a charismatic battlefield commander who turns every Second Wind and Action Surge into a team-wide buff. "This is our subclass, comrade." Oath of Noble Genies Paladin channels elemental smites, shifting resistances, and the magic of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water into a versatile new oath. Winterwalker Ranger arrives as a chilly striker specializing in cold damage, Hunter's Mark synergies, and making Frostraven Conservationists everywhere cry. Additional discussion previews the Sign of the Three Rogue, Spellfire Sorcery Sorcerer, and Bladesinger Wizard, with the team offering insights into where each subclass sits within the new 2024 design philosophy. Along the way, the hosts recount a dramatic Curse of Strahd in-game betrayal, debate 1990s kids' TV fever dreams, and reveal how a basket of fries can become an infinite healing engine. It's a glorious mess. It's D&D. It's RPGBOT. Materials References in This Episode Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerun (affiliate link) Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) Key Takeaways General Heroes of Faerûn is the first true D&D 2024 character-option splatbook, in the tradition of Xanathar's and Tasha's, packed with subclasses, feats, spells, and lore. The majority of subclasses saw significant nerfs from Unearthed Arcana, reinforcing WotC's new balance philosophy. College of the Moon Bard A hybrid support bard borrowing from druidic themes. Strong teleport-invisibility support, limited offensive tools, and a wild Moonbeam healing mechanic ripe for table shenanigans. Knowledge Domain Cleric A faithful update of the 2014 version. Expertise in two knowledge skills, powerful divination tools, short-rest spell economy, and endgame foresight. One of the strongest "planning" subclasses in D&D 2024. Banneret Fighter A complete reimagining of the Purple Dragon Knight, now an excellent party leader and tactical commander. Shares Second Wind healing, grants team-wide advantages, and enables coordinated movement and attacks through Action Surge. Simple to play, powerful in groups, great for new players wanting high impact. Oath of Noble Genies Paladin The "elements paladin," using Elemental Smites for flavorful battlefield control. Highly flexible and accessible, though spell list may feel inconsistent. Winterwalker Ranger Cold-focused striker with explosive damage potential toned down from UA. Hunter's Mark dependency remains but gains flavorful ice-themed tools. Solid, straightforward, and thematically cohesive. Overall Subclass diversity in Heroes of Faerûn sets a strong precedent for future 2024 design. Party-support subclasses (Banneret, Moon Bard) shine particularly bright. This book positions itself as the real launch point for 2024 character customization. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you love deep-dive subclass analysis, mechanical breakdowns, and the occasional moonbeam-powered seagull disaster, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you helped make this show possible. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today and help us keep creating the content you love. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
If you've ever wondered what happens when three grown adults argue passionately about grammar, moonbeams, seagulls, and the metaphysics of Strahd's horse, all before actually starting the podcast, this episode is for you. Join us as we journey into Heroes of Faerûn, where the subclasses are shiny, the Rangers are frosty, and the Fighters are apparently running a full unionized workplace. Grab your bag of rats (don't ask), center your Moonbeam, and enjoy the chaos. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew continues their deep-dive review of Dungeons & Dragons Heroes of Faerûn, the first major D&D 2024 splatbook offering new character options, subclasses, spells, epic boons, and setting lore. Building off Part 1's work, the hosts, Randall James, Tyler Kamstra, and Ash Ely, dig into the subclass content of the book with their usual combination of mechanical rigor, Shakespearean comedy, and at least one argument about whether it's a hero or an hero. The team analyzes each of the eight new Heroes of Faerûn subclasses, comparing their final published versions to the Unearthed Arcana playtests and to classic 2014 analogues: College of the Moon Bard blends druidic flavor with support-focused magic, teleportation, and weirdly effective Moonbeam healing loops involving birds and french fries. Knowledge Domain Cleric, updated from 2014, remains a powerhouse of divination, foresight, and skill mastery—Tyler's official religion. Banneret Fighter, once the Purple Dragon Knight, is reborn as a charismatic battlefield commander who turns every Second Wind and Action Surge into a team-wide buff. "This is our subclass, comrade." Oath of Noble Genies Paladin channels elemental smites, shifting resistances, and the magic of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water into a versatile new oath. Winterwalker Ranger arrives as a chilly striker specializing in cold damage, Hunter's Mark synergies, and making Frostraven Conservationists everywhere cry. Additional discussion previews the Sign of the Three Rogue, Spellfire Sorcery Sorcerer, and Bladesinger Wizard, with the team offering insights into where each subclass sits within the new 2024 design philosophy. Along the way, the hosts recount a dramatic Curse of Strahd in-game betrayal, debate 1990s kids' TV fever dreams, and reveal how a basket of fries can become an infinite healing engine. It's a glorious mess. It's D&D. It's RPGBOT. Materials References in This Episode Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerun (affiliate link) Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) Key Takeaways General Heroes of Faerûn is the first true D&D 2024 character-option splatbook, in the tradition of Xanathar's and Tasha's, packed with subclasses, feats, spells, and lore. The majority of subclasses saw significant nerfs from Unearthed Arcana, reinforcing WotC's new balance philosophy. College of the Moon Bard A hybrid support bard borrowing from druidic themes. Strong teleport-invisibility support, limited offensive tools, and a wild Moonbeam healing mechanic ripe for table shenanigans. Knowledge Domain Cleric A faithful update of the 2014 version. Expertise in two knowledge skills, powerful divination tools, short-rest spell economy, and endgame foresight. One of the strongest "planning" subclasses in D&D 2024. Banneret Fighter A complete reimagining of the Purple Dragon Knight, now an excellent party leader and tactical commander. Shares Second Wind healing, grants team-wide advantages, and enables coordinated movement and attacks through Action Surge. Simple to play, powerful in groups, great for new players wanting high impact. Oath of Noble Genies Paladin The "elements paladin," using Elemental Smites for flavorful battlefield control. Highly flexible and accessible, though spell list may feel inconsistent. Winterwalker Ranger Cold-focused striker with explosive damage potential toned down from UA. Hunter's Mark dependency remains but gains flavorful ice-themed tools. Solid, straightforward, and thematically cohesive. Overall Subclass diversity in Heroes of Faerûn sets a strong precedent for future 2024 design. Party-support subclasses (Banneret, Moon Bard) shine particularly bright. This book positions itself as the real launch point for 2024 character customization. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you love deep-dive subclass analysis, mechanical breakdowns, and the occasional moonbeam-powered seagull disaster, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you helped make this show possible. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today and help us keep creating the content you love. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
What do you get when you mix 40 years of Dungeons & Dragons lore, a 288-page setting book, and three podcasters who can't agree on how to pronounce "Myth Drannor"? Chaos. Pure, lore-filled, map-crossing, Elminster-cheese-eating chaos. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew dives headlong into Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn, a sourcebook that's equal parts nostalgia trip and travel brochure for DMs who think "Sword Coast" is just too mainstream. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, hosts Tyler Kamstra, Randall James, and Ash Ely crack open the 288-page Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn sourcebook from Wizards of the Coast, exploring what's new, what's reimagined, and what's just plain weird in the most iconic D&D setting of all time. Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) The crew discusses how the book merges setting material and short adventures, offering 51 one-shots that span the breadth of Faerûn, from the frozen wastes of Icewind Dale to the desert empires of Calimshan, and even the Fey-touched Moonshae Isles. Along the way, they highlight new DM tools, renown systems, and bastion support, while poking fun at typos, timeline contradictions, and the ever-mysterious fate of Karlach from Baldur's Gate 3. The review covers: How Adventures in Faerûn expands beyond the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide to become a true campaign-scale setting book. 51 new adventures—mini-campaigns that span levels 1–13 across multiple regions. Deep dives into the Dalelands, Icewind Dale, Calimshan, and the Moonshae Isles, with highlights on lore, adventure hooks, and design philosophy. The new renown and bastion systems, adapted for Faerûn's cultures and factions. Smart mechanical updates for survival horror (Icewind Dale) and environmental challenges (Calim Desert lightning storms). A surprising technological twist in Calimshan, where "mechanical wonders" push the setting toward Eberron-style magitech. Philosophical debates on epic vs. heroic fantasy, timeline sanity, and whether the word "wonk" is, in fact, a real word. Key Takeaways A True Return to the Realms: Adventures in Faerûn successfully modernizes the Forgotten Realms setting for the 2024 ruleset while honoring 40+ years of D&D lore. Massive Replay Value: With 51 one-shot adventures and regional micro-campaigns, this book can sustain countless play sessions. DM-Friendly Design: The addition of DM Toolboxes, renown tables, and bastion options helps DMs run localized adventures or full-scale journeys across the continent. Lore for Every Taste: Whether you love the snowy peril of Icewind Dale, the sizzling intrigue of Calimshan, or the mythic eco-fantasy of the Moonshae Isles, there's a region tailored to your campaign style. Respectful Revisions: The update smartly removes dated elements (like Calimshan's old slavery lore) and replaces them with creative world-building and inclusive modernization. New Adventuring Philosophies: Players are encouraged to embrace "main character energy"—epic fantasy with unique character backstories tied to Faerûn's iconic legacy. Tyler Still Can't Spell: The first typo in the book arrives in the opening sentence—and the RPGBOT crew finds that deeply relatable. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you enjoy deep dives into tabletop worlds, expert analysis of D&D mechanics, and chaotic lore debates about elves, cheese, and lightning sand—support the show on Patreon.com/RPGBOT. Members get ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes discussions, and early access to new RPGBOT.Reviews. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
What do you get when you mix 40 years of Dungeons & Dragons lore, a 288-page setting book, and three podcasters who can't agree on how to pronounce "Myth Drannor"? Chaos. Pure, lore-filled, map-crossing, Elminster-cheese-eating chaos. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew dives headlong into Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn, a sourcebook that's equal parts nostalgia trip and travel brochure for DMs who think "Sword Coast" is just too mainstream. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, hosts Tyler Kamstra, Randall James, and Ash Ely crack open the 288-page Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn sourcebook from Wizards of the Coast, exploring what's new, what's reimagined, and what's just plain weird in the most iconic D&D setting of all time. Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) The crew discusses how the book merges setting material and short adventures, offering 51 one-shots that span the breadth of Faerûn, from the frozen wastes of Icewind Dale to the desert empires of Calimshan, and even the Fey-touched Moonshae Isles. Along the way, they highlight new DM tools, renown systems, and bastion support, while poking fun at typos, timeline contradictions, and the ever-mysterious fate of Karlach from Baldur's Gate 3. The review covers: How Adventures in Faerûn expands beyond the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide to become a true campaign-scale setting book. 51 new adventures—mini-campaigns that span levels 1–13 across multiple regions. Deep dives into the Dalelands, Icewind Dale, Calimshan, and the Moonshae Isles, with highlights on lore, adventure hooks, and design philosophy. The new renown and bastion systems, adapted for Faerûn's cultures and factions. Smart mechanical updates for survival horror (Icewind Dale) and environmental challenges (Calim Desert lightning storms). A surprising technological twist in Calimshan, where "mechanical wonders" push the setting toward Eberron-style magitech. Philosophical debates on epic vs. heroic fantasy, timeline sanity, and whether the word "wonk" is, in fact, a real word. Key Takeaways A True Return to the Realms: Adventures in Faerûn successfully modernizes the Forgotten Realms setting for the 2024 ruleset while honoring 40+ years of D&D lore. Massive Replay Value: With 51 one-shot adventures and regional micro-campaigns, this book can sustain countless play sessions. DM-Friendly Design: The addition of DM Toolboxes, renown tables, and bastion options helps DMs run localized adventures or full-scale journeys across the continent. Lore for Every Taste: Whether you love the snowy peril of Icewind Dale, the sizzling intrigue of Calimshan, or the mythic eco-fantasy of the Moonshae Isles, there's a region tailored to your campaign style. Respectful Revisions: The update smartly removes dated elements (like Calimshan's old slavery lore) and replaces them with creative world-building and inclusive modernization. New Adventuring Philosophies: Players are encouraged to embrace "main character energy"—epic fantasy with unique character backstories tied to Faerûn's iconic legacy. Tyler Still Can't Spell: The first typo in the book arrives in the opening sentence—and the RPGBOT crew finds that deeply relatable. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you enjoy deep dives into tabletop worlds, expert analysis of D&D mechanics, and chaotic lore debates about elves, cheese, and lightning sand—support the show on Patreon.com/RPGBOT. Members get ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes discussions, and early access to new RPGBOT.Reviews. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
You ever look at your sword, then at the wizard's spellbook, and think "wait a minute, why does their magic missile hit harder than my greatsword?" Well, friends, today we fix that. We're diving deep into the art of the Fighter: the tank, the tactician, the unsung hero of every adventuring party. Sharpen your blades, tighten your greaves, and prepare to discover why hitting things really, truly is an art form. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives head-first into one of tabletop RPGs' most versatile and beloved classes: the Fighter. From mastering combat maneuvers to optimizing subclasses like Champion, Battlemaster, and Eldritch Knight, Tyler, Randall, and Ash break down what makes Fighters the cornerstone of Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder 2e alike. They cover how to build effective martial characters, balance offense vs. defense, and add flavor to roleplay beyond just swinging a sword. Whether you're a new player building your first character or a veteran min-maxer chasing the perfect attack roll, this episode will help you unleash your inner warrior and make every round of combat feel legendary. Key Takeaways Fighters are deceptively complex — easy to start, endlessly deep to master. Subclass choice defines flavor and playstyle, from the straightforward Champion to the tactical Battlemaster or arcane Eldritch Knight. Action economy is king — Fighters excel at leveraging extra attacks and bonus actions effectively. Feat selection matters — learn when to go Great Weapon Master, Sharpshooter, or Dual Wielder. Roleplay opportunities abound — even "simple" Fighters can have rich motivations and heroic depth. Pathfinder 2e Fighters get strong defensive options and customizable feats that reward strategic planning. Optimization tip: balance Strength/Dexterity investment with survivability; raw numbers aren't everything. Team synergy makes Fighters shine—working with spellcasters and support characters amplifies their battlefield control. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Love what you hear? Support the show and level up your RPGBOT experience by joining us on Patreon.com/RPGBOT! Get ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes discussions, and exclusive access to live recordings with Tyler, Randall, and Ash—plus bonus content for the truly dedicated tacticians out there. Your support helps us keep bringing you the best in tabletop gaming advice, optimization guides, and chaotic banter every week. So grab your dice, polish your armor, and join the RPGBOT adventuring party today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
You ever look at your sword, then at the wizard's spellbook, and think "wait a minute, why does their magic missile hit harder than my greatsword?" Well, friends, today we fix that. We're diving deep into the art of the Fighter: the tank, the tactician, the unsung hero of every adventuring party. Sharpen your blades, tighten your greaves, and prepare to discover why hitting things really, truly is an art form. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives head-first into one of tabletop RPGs' most versatile and beloved classes: the Fighter. From mastering combat maneuvers to optimizing subclasses like Champion, Battlemaster, and Eldritch Knight, Tyler, Randall, and Ash break down what makes Fighters the cornerstone of Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder 2e alike. They cover how to build effective martial characters, balance offense vs. defense, and add flavor to roleplay beyond just swinging a sword. Whether you're a new player building your first character or a veteran min-maxer chasing the perfect attack roll, this episode will help you unleash your inner warrior and make every round of combat feel legendary. Key Takeaways Fighters are deceptively complex — easy to start, endlessly deep to master. Subclass choice defines flavor and playstyle, from the straightforward Champion to the tactical Battlemaster or arcane Eldritch Knight. Action economy is king — Fighters excel at leveraging extra attacks and bonus actions effectively. Feat selection matters — learn when to go Great Weapon Master, Sharpshooter, or Dual Wielder. Roleplay opportunities abound — even "simple" Fighters can have rich motivations and heroic depth. Pathfinder 2e Fighters get strong defensive options and customizable feats that reward strategic planning. Optimization tip: balance Strength/Dexterity investment with survivability; raw numbers aren't everything. Team synergy makes Fighters shine—working with spellcasters and support characters amplifies their battlefield control. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Love what you hear? Support the show and level up your RPGBOT experience by joining us on Patreon.com/RPGBOT! Get ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes discussions, and exclusive access to live recordings with Tyler, Randall, and Ash—plus bonus content for the truly dedicated tacticians out there. Your support helps us keep bringing you the best in tabletop gaming advice, optimization guides, and chaotic banter every week. So grab your dice, polish your armor, and join the RPGBOT adventuring party today! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
You know that moment when your fighter drops their sword, pulls a crossbow, reloads, drinks a potion, and still has the audacity to say "I attack"? Yeah, this episode's for you. The RPGBOT crew tackles the ancient art of drawing a weapon, a rule so universally ignored that half your table just gasped realizing it has rules. Join Tyler, Randall, and Ash as they descend into the action-economy abyss to figure out when, how, and why your adventurer is technically unarmed. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Want to listen ad-free, catch live recordings, and watch Ash slowly lose his sanity as Randall invents new ways to break Pathfinder 2e? Join the RPGBOT Patreon today. You'll support our work and unlock behind-the-scenes chaos, exclusive Q&A sessions, and bonus content for game masters and players alike. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, Tyler Kamstra leads Randall James and Ash Ely on an unexpectedly deep exploration of the rules and philosophy of drawing a weapon across Dungeons & Dragons 3.5e, Pathfinder 1e, Pathfinder 2e (Remaster), and D&D 5e. The crew debates whether drawing weapons adds realism, tension, or just unnecessary math to the game. Along the way, they uncover the shocking truth that Pathfinder 2e's remaster quietly changed the Interact action, making it possible to swap items in one action without littering the battlefield with dropped swords. They also revisit old edition quirks like Base Attack Bonus (BAB), Quick Draw feats, reload mechanics, ammunition management, and why 3.5e thought wizards might ever draw a dagger. Expect jokes about pizza, plantains, Foundry VTT sponsorships, and Randall's insistence that pork rinds are the amateur cracklins of the RPG world. Whether you're a Pathfinder purist, a D&D veteran, or just someone who's ever forgotten to "draw your weapon before you attack," this episode delivers insight, laughter, and the occasional existential crisis over action economy. Key Takeaways Drawing a Weapon Actually Matters: In Pathfinder 2e Remaster, the Interact action now lets you swap items — finally freeing players from the "drop your sword" meta. D&D 3.5e Was Simulating Pain: Early editions punished level-1 characters for daring to pull out a sword. D&D 5e Basically Shrugged: The free item interaction rule was so buried and incomplete that nobody ever enforced it. Quick Draw Remains King: In both 3.5 and PF2e, Quick Draw feats remain the ultimate tool for GISH builds and thrown-weapon enjoyers. Foundry VTT Is the True Hero: Foundry automatically handles elevation, distance, and now even angular math — proving that maybe software can love you back. Balance Through Action Economy: PF2e's strict weapon-draw and reload rules balance martial and spellcasting characters, preventing martial supremacy in early rounds. Ash Is Mad About the Remaster: Discovering the "swap" rule mid-episode triggers a live existential meltdown. Randall Still Thinks Pizza is a Weapon: …and may be right. Read More on RPGBOT.net If you want to optimize your characters, master the Pathfinder 2e remaster, or finally understand why the action economy hates you, head over to RPGBOT.net. You'll find detailed guides on character optimization, mechanics deep dives, and edition-spanning analysis — all written by the same nerds who argued for 30 minutes about whether a Totino's pizza counts as a magical item. 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
You know that moment when your fighter drops their sword, pulls a crossbow, reloads, drinks a potion, and still has the audacity to say "I attack"? Yeah, this episode's for you. The RPGBOT crew tackles the ancient art of drawing a weapon, a rule so universally ignored that half your table just gasped realizing it has rules. Join Tyler, Randall, and Ash as they descend into the action-economy abyss to figure out when, how, and why your adventurer is technically unarmed. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Want to listen ad-free, catch live recordings, and watch Ash slowly lose his sanity as Randall invents new ways to break Pathfinder 2e? Join the RPGBOT Patreon today. You'll support our work and unlock behind-the-scenes chaos, exclusive Q&A sessions, and bonus content for game masters and players alike. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, Tyler Kamstra leads Randall James and Ash Ely on an unexpectedly deep exploration of the rules and philosophy of drawing a weapon across Dungeons & Dragons 3.5e, Pathfinder 1e, Pathfinder 2e (Remaster), and D&D 5e. The crew debates whether drawing weapons adds realism, tension, or just unnecessary math to the game. Along the way, they uncover the shocking truth that Pathfinder 2e's remaster quietly changed the Interact action, making it possible to swap items in one action without littering the battlefield with dropped swords. They also revisit old edition quirks like Base Attack Bonus (BAB), Quick Draw feats, reload mechanics, ammunition management, and why 3.5e thought wizards might ever draw a dagger. Expect jokes about pizza, plantains, Foundry VTT sponsorships, and Randall's insistence that pork rinds are the amateur cracklins of the RPG world. Whether you're a Pathfinder purist, a D&D veteran, or just someone who's ever forgotten to "draw your weapon before you attack," this episode delivers insight, laughter, and the occasional existential crisis over action economy. Key Takeaways Drawing a Weapon Actually Matters: In Pathfinder 2e Remaster, the Interact action now lets you swap items — finally freeing players from the "drop your sword" meta. D&D 3.5e Was Simulating Pain: Early editions punished level-1 characters for daring to pull out a sword. D&D 5e Basically Shrugged: The free item interaction rule was so buried and incomplete that nobody ever enforced it. Quick Draw Remains King: In both 3.5 and PF2e, Quick Draw feats remain the ultimate tool for GISH builds and thrown-weapon enjoyers. Foundry VTT Is the True Hero: Foundry automatically handles elevation, distance, and now even angular math — proving that maybe software can love you back. Balance Through Action Economy: PF2e's strict weapon-draw and reload rules balance martial and spellcasting characters, preventing martial supremacy in early rounds. Ash Is Mad About the Remaster: Discovering the "swap" rule mid-episode triggers a live existential meltdown. Randall Still Thinks Pizza is a Weapon: …and may be right. Read More on RPGBOT.net If you want to optimize your characters, master the Pathfinder 2e remaster, or finally understand why the action economy hates you, head over to RPGBOT.net. You'll find detailed guides on character optimization, mechanics deep dives, and edition-spanning analysis — all written by the same nerds who argued for 30 minutes about whether a Totino's pizza counts as a magical item. 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
Somewhere in the galaxy, a radioactive dragon just wants a hug. Unfortunately, it kills everyone it touches. Welcome to Starfinder 2e, where your best friends are undead, your space pirates have tricorn hats, and your digital ghosts won't log off. The RPGBOT crew dives into Paizo's new Alien Core, exploring the weirdest monsters, creepiest factions, and why Paradox 17 knows you're listening right now. Play Paizo Games with Ash Ely Want to explore the horrors of Paradox 17 or negotiate with an Abyssium dragon who just wants a friend? Book a game with Ash Ely on StartPlaying.games and experience Starfinder 2e, Pathfinder 2e, or your favorite tabletop RPGs with a professional GM who knows every monster in the book, probably because they created a few. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, hosts Randall James, Tyler Kamstra, and Ash Ely dive into Starfinder 2e's Alien Core, the first major bestiary of Paizo's new edition. They unpack factions, dragons, and otherworldly horrors, comparing it to Pathfinder 2e's Monster Core while exploring how easily these creatures can jump between systems. Materials References in This Episode Starfinder 2e Alien Core (affiliate link) RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Starfinder Galaxy Guide Starfinder GM Core Starfinder Player Core Key Takeaways Alien Core is Starfinder 2e's Monster Manual, but weirder, smarter, and full of story inspiration. Factions like the Corpse Fleet and Dominion of the Black make excellent recurring villains. The new dragons embody four magical traditions and range from tragic to terrifying. Undead get a sci-fi twist—digital ghosts, irradiated zombies, and vacuum-frozen nightmares. Paradox 17 is pure cosmic horror genius, perfect for high-level campaigns. Even Pathfinder GMs should buy Alien Core—the compatibility is seamless, and the storytelling potential immense. Paizo proves again why they're the gold standard for deep, mechanically rich monster design. Read More at RPGBOT.net Want to optimize your next Starfinder or Pathfinder character? Check out RPGBOT.net for in-depth guides, optimization breakdowns, and articles on game mechanics, build theory, and storytelling tools for every TTRPG player or GM. 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
Somewhere in the galaxy, a radioactive dragon just wants a hug. Unfortunately, it kills everyone it touches. Welcome to Starfinder 2e, where your best friends are undead, your space pirates have tricorn hats, and your digital ghosts won't log off. The RPGBOT crew dives into Paizo's new Alien Core, exploring the weirdest monsters, creepiest factions, and why Paradox 17 knows you're listening right now. Play Paizo Games with Ash Ely Want to explore the horrors of Paradox 17 or negotiate with an Abyssium dragon who just wants a friend? Book a game with Ash Ely on StartPlaying.games and experience Starfinder 2e, Pathfinder 2e, or your favorite tabletop RPGs with a professional GM who knows every monster in the book, probably because they created a few. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, hosts Randall James, Tyler Kamstra, and Ash Ely dive into Starfinder 2e's Alien Core, the first major bestiary of Paizo's new edition. They unpack factions, dragons, and otherworldly horrors, comparing it to Pathfinder 2e's Monster Core while exploring how easily these creatures can jump between systems. Materials References in This Episode Starfinder 2e Alien Core (affiliate link) RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Starfinder Galaxy Guide Starfinder GM Core Starfinder Player Core Key Takeaways Alien Core is Starfinder 2e's Monster Manual, but weirder, smarter, and full of story inspiration. Factions like the Corpse Fleet and Dominion of the Black make excellent recurring villains. The new dragons embody four magical traditions and range from tragic to terrifying. Undead get a sci-fi twist—digital ghosts, irradiated zombies, and vacuum-frozen nightmares. Paradox 17 is pure cosmic horror genius, perfect for high-level campaigns. Even Pathfinder GMs should buy Alien Core—the compatibility is seamless, and the storytelling potential immense. Paizo proves again why they're the gold standard for deep, mechanically rich monster design. Read More at RPGBOT.net Want to optimize your next Starfinder or Pathfinder character? Check out RPGBOT.net for in-depth guides, optimization breakdowns, and articles on game mechanics, build theory, and storytelling tools for every TTRPG player or GM. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever chased a glowing orb through three dungeons, only to find out it's just... a really fancy paperweight? Congratulations, you've met a MacGuffin! This week, the RPGBOT crew dissects the mysterious art of the object that drives your players forward, whether it's the One Ring, the Orb of Shiny Plot Device, or the legendary Sandwich of Ultimate Power. Grab your notes, your dice, and your vague sense of purpose, because we're going beyond the plot twist. Randall James' Melancon Before you roll for insight, roll on over to Amazon and grab Randall James' novella Melancon—a hauntingly beautiful story that pairs perfectly with a rainy game night and a cup of something strong. Support an indie author, dive into a darkly poetic world, and show Randall some love. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, Tyler, Randall, and Ash dive deep into the narrative tool that keeps players moving: the MacGuffin. Whether it's a cursed relic, a kidnapped noble, or a mysterious prophecy, MacGuffins are storytelling fuel for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters across systems like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder 2e. The hosts unpack what makes a good MacGuffin (and what makes a lazy one), explore how player agency and motivation interact with narrative devices, and share practical tips for integrating MacGuffins into campaigns without making them feel hollow or forced. Expect examples from movies, famous campaigns, and some spicy opinions on whether The Deck of Many Things is secretly the best—or worst—MacGuffin ever written. Key Takeaways A MacGuffin isn't the story—it's the spark. It gets the party moving, but your players should define what it means. Player motivation matters. Tie your MacGuffin to personal stakes or relationships to avoid "fetch quest fatigue." Use narrative misdirection wisely. A twist should feel earned, not like a reroll on your own plot. Every system benefits from good pacing. Pathfinder 2e, D&D 5e, or your favorite indie TTRPG—MacGuffins can unify a campaign arc when used thoughtfully. Don't overcomplicate it. Sometimes, the shiny rock is just a shiny rock… until the players make it legendary. Support Indie Creators This holiday season, put your gold pieces where your heart is: support independent tabletop roleplaying game creators. Buy a zine, back a small Kickstarter, gift a module, or leave a review for your favorite indie game. Every little gesture helps the storytellers who keep our tables full of wonder, chaos, and laughter. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever chased a glowing orb through three dungeons, only to find out it's just... a really fancy paperweight? Congratulations, you've met a MacGuffin! This week, the RPGBOT crew dissects the mysterious art of the object that drives your players forward, whether it's the One Ring, the Orb of Shiny Plot Device, or the legendary Sandwich of Ultimate Power. Grab your notes, your dice, and your vague sense of purpose, because we're going beyond the plot twist. Randall James' Melancon Before you roll for insight, roll on over to Amazon and grab Randall James' novella Melancon—a hauntingly beautiful story that pairs perfectly with a rainy game night and a cup of something strong. Support an indie author, dive into a darkly poetic world, and show Randall some love. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, Tyler, Randall, and Ash dive deep into the narrative tool that keeps players moving: the MacGuffin. Whether it's a cursed relic, a kidnapped noble, or a mysterious prophecy, MacGuffins are storytelling fuel for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters across systems like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder 2e. The hosts unpack what makes a good MacGuffin (and what makes a lazy one), explore how player agency and motivation interact with narrative devices, and share practical tips for integrating MacGuffins into campaigns without making them feel hollow or forced. Expect examples from movies, famous campaigns, and some spicy opinions on whether The Deck of Many Things is secretly the best—or worst—MacGuffin ever written. Key Takeaways A MacGuffin isn't the story—it's the spark. It gets the party moving, but your players should define what it means. Player motivation matters. Tie your MacGuffin to personal stakes or relationships to avoid "fetch quest fatigue." Use narrative misdirection wisely. A twist should feel earned, not like a reroll on your own plot. Every system benefits from good pacing. Pathfinder 2e, D&D 5e, or your favorite indie TTRPG—MacGuffins can unify a campaign arc when used thoughtfully. Don't overcomplicate it. Sometimes, the shiny rock is just a shiny rock… until the players make it legendary. Support Indie Creators This holiday season, put your gold pieces where your heart is: support independent tabletop roleplaying game creators. Buy a zine, back a small Kickstarter, gift a module, or leave a review for your favorite indie game. Every little gesture helps the storytellers who keep our tables full of wonder, chaos, and laughter. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever had a game session so draining that even your dice lose levels? In this episode, the RPGBOT crew resurrects one of D&D's most dreaded mechanics: energy drain, and the undead horrors that made it famous. From the White Box to Pathfinder 2e, Tyler, Randall, and Ash relive decades of pain, permanent debuffs, and emotional damage, all in the name of understanding why we're so glad energy drain is (mostly) dead. Grab your holy symbol, chug a potion, and prepare for a nostalgic necrotic nosedive. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you want to keep your creative energy undrained, support the RPGBOT.Podcast on Patreon. Patrons get ad-free episodes, early access to our Masterclass recordings, and exclusive bonus content from Tyler, Randall, and Ash. Join us today at patreon.com/rpgbot — and help keep our hit points (and our humor) at full strength. Show Notes The RPGBOT crew takes a dark, funny journey through the history of energy drain — one of tabletop RPGs' most punishing and misunderstood mechanics. Starting with OD&D's dreaded Wight, they trace how "losing levels" evolved across editions — from instant death in AD&D to hit point maximum reduction in D&D 5e and drained conditions in Pathfinder 2e. Along the way, Ash shares stories from her Ravenloft campaign, Tyler explains why undead needed to be terrifying, and Randall asks the eternal question: "Did anyone actually have fun with this rule?" Covered Topics: How energy drain first appeared in the OD&D White Box The connection between Wights, vampires, and permanent level loss Why AD&D and 3.5 made energy drain one of the most hated mechanics ever Pathfinder 1e and the dawn of "negative levels" D&D 5e's kinder, gentler approach — max HP reduction instead of level loss Pathfinder 2e's drained and doomed conditions, and how they replace energy drain The evolution of innervation and life drain spells How modern systems preserve undead flavor without destroying players' progress A philosophical question: Should tabletop games hurt this much? Plus: a tangent about Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and how much punishment is too much Mentioned Creatures & Mechanics: Wight, Vampire Spawn, Shadow, Ghoul, Varghoul Innervation / Enervation spell Negative levels, Hit Point Maximum reduction, Drained condition Resurrection penalties in 3.5e and Pathfinder 1e Afflictions, Fortitude saves, and Constitution death spirals Key Takeaways Energy drain began as a brutally punishing mechanic — losing levels in OD&D and AD&D could erase hours of play progress instantly. Pathfinder 1e softened the blow with temporary negative levels, while still terrifying players with math-heavy penalties. 5e and PF2 modernized the concept into simpler, narratively cleaner effects like HP maximum reduction or the drained condition. Undead identity survived — even as the math got easier, the flavor of losing your vitality to a vampire or wight remained iconic. Players prefer tension over punishment. Modern systems preserve danger without making players rage-quit. Energy drain mechanics reflect evolving design philosophy — from simulationist suffering to storytelling sustainability. DM takeaway: Make undead scary through story and tension, not through math that kills fun. How to Play Holidays This Christmas season, while you're recovering from your own levels of exhaustion, the RPGBOT.Podcast is re-releasing our "How to Play" Series for Pathfinder 2e — perfect for new players and GMs ready to explore the system over the holiday break. And if your friends are just starting out in Dungeons & Dragons, introduce them to the Remastered Series of How to Play Dungeons & Dragons from RPGBOT.Podcast. Whether you're new to Pathfinder, new to D&D, or just want to survive another undead encounter, these episodes are your ultimate player's guide. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever had a game session so draining that even your dice lose levels? In this episode, the RPGBOT crew resurrects one of D&D's most dreaded mechanics: energy drain, and the undead horrors that made it famous. From the White Box to Pathfinder 2e, Tyler, Randall, and Ash relive decades of pain, permanent debuffs, and emotional damage, all in the name of understanding why we're so glad energy drain is (mostly) dead. Grab your holy symbol, chug a potion, and prepare for a nostalgic necrotic nosedive. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you want to keep your creative energy undrained, support the RPGBOT.Podcast on Patreon. Patrons get ad-free episodes, early access to our Masterclass recordings, and exclusive bonus content from Tyler, Randall, and Ash. Join us today at patreon.com/rpgbot — and help keep our hit points (and our humor) at full strength. Show Notes The RPGBOT crew takes a dark, funny journey through the history of energy drain — one of tabletop RPGs' most punishing and misunderstood mechanics. Starting with OD&D's dreaded Wight, they trace how "losing levels" evolved across editions — from instant death in AD&D to hit point maximum reduction in D&D 5e and drained conditions in Pathfinder 2e. Along the way, Ash shares stories from her Ravenloft campaign, Tyler explains why undead needed to be terrifying, and Randall asks the eternal question: "Did anyone actually have fun with this rule?" Covered Topics: How energy drain first appeared in the OD&D White Box The connection between Wights, vampires, and permanent level loss Why AD&D and 3.5 made energy drain one of the most hated mechanics ever Pathfinder 1e and the dawn of "negative levels" D&D 5e's kinder, gentler approach — max HP reduction instead of level loss Pathfinder 2e's drained and doomed conditions, and how they replace energy drain The evolution of innervation and life drain spells How modern systems preserve undead flavor without destroying players' progress A philosophical question: Should tabletop games hurt this much? Plus: a tangent about Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and how much punishment is too much Mentioned Creatures & Mechanics: Wight, Vampire Spawn, Shadow, Ghoul, Varghoul Innervation / Enervation spell Negative levels, Hit Point Maximum reduction, Drained condition Resurrection penalties in 3.5e and Pathfinder 1e Afflictions, Fortitude saves, and Constitution death spirals Key Takeaways Energy drain began as a brutally punishing mechanic — losing levels in OD&D and AD&D could erase hours of play progress instantly. Pathfinder 1e softened the blow with temporary negative levels, while still terrifying players with math-heavy penalties. 5e and PF2 modernized the concept into simpler, narratively cleaner effects like HP maximum reduction or the drained condition. Undead identity survived — even as the math got easier, the flavor of losing your vitality to a vampire or wight remained iconic. Players prefer tension over punishment. Modern systems preserve danger without making players rage-quit. Energy drain mechanics reflect evolving design philosophy — from simulationist suffering to storytelling sustainability. DM takeaway: Make undead scary through story and tension, not through math that kills fun. How to Play Holidays This Christmas season, while you're recovering from your own levels of exhaustion, the RPGBOT.Podcast is re-releasing our "How to Play" Series for Pathfinder 2e — perfect for new players and GMs ready to explore the system over the holiday break. And if your friends are just starting out in Dungeons & Dragons, introduce them to the Remastered Series of How to Play Dungeons & Dragons from RPGBOT.Podcast. Whether you're new to Pathfinder, new to D&D, or just want to survive another undead encounter, these episodes are your ultimate player's guide. 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
Elliot and Brian are joined by Devon Chulick, founder and CEO of StartPlaying, the largest online platform for players to find TTRPGs and Professional GMs. We discuss how the platform is allowing GMs to make a living in tabletop roleplaying games, how StartPlaying can help expand the hobby and introduce new games, and the power of community created through play.Talk of the Table is hosted by Elliot Davis and Brian Flaherty.Links:StartPlaying.comStartplayingDevon Devon Recommends:ShadowdarkDispatchOur Links:Support TotT on PatreonMany Sided NewsletterMany Sided Media DiscordCredits:Edited by Elliot DavisProduced by Many Sided MediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Ever accidentally make a deal with the devil in a three-piece suit, get hit in the face with canned soup, and still manage to save an Appalachian town from a coal-eating mountain? The RPGBOT crew did, and somehow, it's not even the weirdest part of their charity stream. Grab your molasses taffy, kiss your dynamite goodbye, and prepare for the most chaotic train robbery–slash–exorcism this side of the Blue Ridge. It's the Old Gods of Appalachia finale, and nobody's walking away clean. Support MD Anderson Cancer Research This series raised funds for the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center, one of the world's leading hospitals dedicated to ending cancer through research, treatment, and education. The fight doesn't stop when the dice stop rolling. You can continue that mission right now by visiting https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/participants/9351 to give what you can. Every contribution supports life-saving work and honors those who continue the battle against cancer every day. Because together, we can help make cancer history. In Part 1, Jessie and Isaiah arrived in Williams Holler, where labor, faith, and eldritch horror were all part of the same sermon. In Part 2, the pair unearthed cursed coal, Tommyknockers, and a very bad reason to keep digging. In Part 3, they barely escaped the mines—only to find not-deer, haunted orchards, and a preacher whose god might be listening a little too closely. Now, in Part 4, it all comes crashing down—literally. Our heroes steal a train, strike a deal with a devil in a suit, and decide the only way to save Williams Holler is to blow the mountain itself to hell. With flaming undead, eldritch roots, and GM-donated chaos (plus one extremely aggressive can of Campbell's Chunky Soup), this finale is a combustible mix of tension, sacrifice, and Appalachian legend. Highlights include: Jessie and Isaiah team up with Jam for one final run into the mines. A mysterious Railroad Man appears, offering a deal with infernal fine print. The players literally hijack a train to ram into a coal-fed, living mountain. The long-awaited Giant GM Intrusion arrives—turning the mountain into a wrestling ring for titans. The crew makes emotional sacrifices as Jam races to plant dynamite before it's too late. Reverend Timit returns—with canned soup as his chosen weapon of faith. The mountain collapses, salvation comes at a cost, and the town must decide what living free really means. The episode wraps with heartfelt thanks to donors, reflections on Cypher System mechanics, and a moving reminder of why these charity events matter. Key Takeaways Chaos is the point – Trains, devils, and GM intrusions combine into one unforgettable finale. The Cypher System encourages cinematic storytelling – Fast, flexible, and fueled by narrative moments over crunch. Community storytelling makes charity shine – Every donation shaped the game, creating real-time chaos and connection. Emotional stakes matter – Jessie, Isaiah, and Jam's story lands because it balances horror with heart. The mountain is more than a monster – It's a metaphor for endurance, corruption, and the cost of labor. Reverend Timit's soup throws deserve their own rulebook. The crew raised over $1,000 for cancer research – Proof that gaming communities can make a real-world difference. Shout Out to the Old Gods and Monte Cook Games Special thanks to Steve Shell, Cam Collins, and the DeepNerd Media team for creating Old Gods of Appalachia, and to Monte Cook Games for crafting the Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game that makes this Appalachian nightmare come alive at the table. Experience it yourself: Listen to the award-winning Old Gods of Appalachia podcast at OldGodsofAppalachia.com Buy the RPG from Monte Cook Games: montecookgames.com/old-gods-of-appalachia-rpg Play your own story of coal, faith, and fire—and see how long you can survive the holler. The mountain may have fallen, but the Old Gods are far from silent. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever want to turn into a giant octopus just to ruin a pirate's day? Or turn into a squirrel just to steal your party's rations? On this week's RPGBOT.Podcast, we dive into the wild world of Wild Shape, from tactical bear hugs to flying reconnaissance pigeons. Spoilers: size matters, and no, nobody knows how many hit points a badger has without googling it. Old Gods of Appalachia RPG Stream Now on YouTube The wait is over. RPGBOT's full video stream of the Old Gods of Appalachia charity game is now rolling out on YouTube. Head over to the RPGBOT YouTube channel to relive the Appalachian horror, dice rolls, and deeply questionable character decisions in glorious widescreen format. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew unpacks the power and potential of Wild Shape in Dungeons & Dragons 5e. Whether you're playing a Circle of the Moon powerhouse or a nature-loving spellcaster who just wants to turn into a fish when things get rough, the episode explores how to choose the right form in combat, exploration, social encounters, and everything in between. You'll learn which beasts shine at different levels, how damage resistance and hit point pools can change a battle, and when it's better to be utility-focused instead of combat-ready. The discussion also highlights how Wild Shape synergizes with spellcasting, feat choices, and party composition for optimized Druid builds. MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE RPGBOT.net Articles Wild Shape: A Practical Guide - DnD 5e - RPGBOT Wild Shape: A Practical Guide - PF2 Druid Handbook - Pathfinder - RPGBOT Druid Archetypes Breakdown - Pathfinder - RPGBOT Druid Handbook: PF2 Class Guide - RPGBOT Druid 5e: DnD 5th Edition Class Guide - RPGBOT RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Familiars, or Why You Shouldn't Throw the Housecat at a Kobold Other References Fingies Key Takeaways Wild Shape isn't just about being a tanky bear. There's a form for every occasion—combat, scouting, infiltration, utility, and more. Circle of the Moon Druids dominate early-level combat, but all Druids can use Wild Shape creatively at any tier of play. Consider your party's needs before choosing your form. Sometimes turning into a giant eagle is more useful than mauling goblins as a dire wolf. Study the stat blocks. The best Wild Shape Druids know their options ahead of time and keep a "beast cheat sheet" at the ready. Spellcasting and Wild Shape can play nicely together, especially with the right feats and subclass abilities. Did you enjoy this deep dive into Druid mastery? Support more episodes like this by joining the RPGBOT Patreon. Patrons get access to ad-free episodes, live recordings, bonus content, and more. Become part of the RPGBOT community today and help us keep delivering top-tier tabletop RPG insights. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever looked at a monster stat block and thought, "That's cool… but what if it was full of wasp parasites, haunted by Victorian metaphors, and could bend reality like a jaded demigod?" Well buckle in, because Keith Ammann—monster maestro and author of Making Enemies—is back to teach us how to create RPG nightmares smarter than your party's wizard, sneakier than a rogue with reliable talent, and more layered than a Dark Souls boss. Buy Keith's Books Keith Ammann's books, including The Monsters Know What They're Doing, Live to Tell the Tale, How to Defend Your Lair, and now Making Enemies, are all available through your friendly local game store or online via your favorite bookseller. Find more at themonstersknow.com—and level up every system at your table. Get your own copy of Making Enemies and start building smarter monsters today! Support local shops first, but if they don't have it in stock? Use the affiliate link in our show notes and help us keep the show going too! Buy it here! (affiliate link) Show Notes The Monsters Know author Keith Ammann returns for his third masterclass to discuss his new book, Making Enemies. We explore everything from designing creatures with realistic biological traits, to metaphorical monsters rooted in culture, to how to mess with your most OP players using quirks and weaknesses. Keith breaks down monster creation for five game systems: D&D 5e, Pathfinder 2e, Cypher System, Call of Cthulhu, and Shadowdark—and why your eldritch beast might benefit from wasp logic or a cursed Victorian metaphor. Making Enemies (affiliate link) Keith Ammann TheMonstersKnow.com Keith's Existing Books The Monsters Know What You're Doing (affiliate link) Live to Tell the Tale (affiliate link) MOAR The Monsters Know What You're Doing (affiliate link) How to Defend Your Lair (affiliate link) RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes KEITH AMMANN STRIKES BACK (Remastered) How to Defend Your Lair with Keith Ammann MOAR The Monsters Know What They're Doing with Keith Ammann Key Takeaways Making Enemies works as both a practical toolkit and a design philosophy for creating smarter, more thematic monsters in tabletop RPGs—across multiple systems from D&D to Cypher. Keith talks about using real-world biology and evolution (think wasps, cephalopods, and parasitoids) to create monsters that defy typical humanoid/mammal tropes. It's unsettling... and that's the point. Monsters as metaphors: Your horrors can represent societal fears, personal anxieties, or moral dilemmas—but choose stories your table wants to confront and conquer, not retraumatize. Phased monsters (like Dark Souls bosses) add tactical and narrative depth—now adapted for multiple RPG systems and not just legendary D&D bosses. Weaknesses and Quirks: Make monsters memorable by letting players discover and exploit lore-backed vulnerabilities—not just AC and HP pools. Magic in Monster Design: Keith breaks down four ways monsters wield magic—spellcasting, innate magic, psionics, and reality-bending—each with different narrative implications. Listen Back: Previous Keith Ammann Episodes You can hear Keith talk more about monster decision-making, smart combat encounters, and defeating TPK machines like a pro in our earlier interviews: Masterclass #1 – The Monsters Know What They're Doing Masterclass #2 – How to Defend Your Lair Bonus – Combat Tactics, Intelligence Checks, and Mastering Boss Fights Catch up on all Keith episodes at RPGBOT.net/podcast or wherever you get your shows. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
It's a day of celebration in the RPGBOT multiverse—because Keith Ammann has just released his new book, Making Enemies! To mark the occasion, we're reopening the vaults and re-releasing one of our all-time favorite episodes: Keith Ammann Strikes Back. Join us as we revisit Keith's tactical genius, his deep-dive into creature combat, and the strategic secrets every GM should have at their fingertips. Listen now to get your mind battle-ready—because we're gearing up for a brand-new masterclass with Keith all about Making Enemies, and trust us… you'll want to be prepared. If your monsters fight like confused toddlers and your villain's lair has all the security of a roadside inn, you need this episode—Keith Ammann is back on the RPGBOT.Podcast to help you terrorize your players properly! The RPGBOT.Podcast is back with a new episode, revisiting our masterclasses with Keith Ammann. This time, we're taking a deep dive into MOAR! The Monsters Know What They're Doing and How to Defend Your Lair. We'll explore monsters that actually use smart tactics, lairs so well-defended they'll make your rogue give up, and strategies that will completely change the way you run combat. If you've ever wondered why your villains keep getting steamrolled, this episode is for you. Tune in now before your next dungeon fight turns into an existential crisis. LINKS Keith Ammann How to Defend Your Lair (affiliate link) TheMonstersKnow.com Keith's Existing Books The Monsters Know What You're Doing (affiliate link) MOAR The Monsters Know What You're Doing (affiliate link) Live to Tell the Tale (affiliate link) RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes RPGBOT.News – MOAR The Monsters Know What They're Doing with Keith Ammann Other Stuff Gamehole Con If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games Twitter: @GravenAshes YouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateur Amateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever outrun a demon deer with too many teeth, watched a mine explode for reasons you definitely didn't cause, and then discovered a whistle that works like a horror movie pause button? No? Then you haven't listened to Part 3 of the Old Gods of Appalachia charity stream, where the RPGBOT crew learns the hard way that in Williams Holler, even the local wildlife deserves a GM intrusion. Support MD Anderson Your donation today could help save someone's tomorrow. The RPGBOT team streamed this series to support the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center, a world leader in cancer treatment, research, and prevention. You can continue that mission right now by visiting https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/participants/9351. Every dollar fights for better treatments and a future free of cancer. In Part 1, Jessie and Isaiah arrived in Williams Holler and learned two things: the town is (1) deeply superstitious, and (2) definitely full of supernatural creatures. After a chilly sermon and a backyard horror encounter, the party descended into the mine for "community service." In Part 2, things got darker underground—literally and metaphorically. Armed with lanterns, folk tales, and a little moonshine, the group met Tommyknockers, broke into an ancient part of the mine, found cursed artifacts, and narrowly escaped through collapsing tunnels. Now, in Part 3, they face what's waiting above ground: hungry not-deer, orchard-bound protections, and a whole new misunderstanding about what they unleashed beneath the mountain. Let's grab our rifles, run uphill, and hope Jam's whistle can save us again. Show Notes Recorded live as part of a charity stream benefiting MD Anderson Cancer Research, this episode continues the flight for survival through Old Gods of Appalachia, using the Cypher System. As Jessie, Isaiah, and Jam escape through the woods, they're hunted by not one but two things that are not deer—abominations with antlers, claws, and too many reasons to drag trespassers back into the mountain. Episode highlights include: Clue the dog becoming the true MVP A silent whistle that scares off eldritch horrors Evidence that the orchard is protected by something older, and possibly hungrier, than anything underground Jessie's moment of terror in the creek, reminding us how trauma echoes The return of Mr. T and his legendary rifle skills Hard questions about why ancient boundaries were broken—and who (or what) wants to mend them Key Takeaways Environmental horror works best when nothing is safe – Water, dirt, light, and air all become points of tension. Player intrusions build cinematic moments – The ability to introduce surprise allies or repel enemies makes scenes feel like horror films. Animals matter – Clue the dog's ferocity creates bond and bravery, giving the party both plot and emotional stakes. The orchard hints at deeper power – Something about the trees turns horrors away, but no one knows if it's a shield or a cage. Group trauma drives the narrative – Jessie's flashback and Isaiah's guilt contextualize the horror on a personal level, not just a cosmic one. Mr. T is officially the coolest person in Williams Holler – Long rifles, gold chains, dead-eyed deer standoffs: what more do you want? Shout Out to the Old Gods and Monte Cook Games Huge thanks once again to Steve Shell, Cam Collins, and the entire DeepNerd Media team for creating Old Gods of Appalachia, and to Monte Cook Games for bringing the series to the table with the Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game. To experience this world for yourself: Listen to Old Gods of Appalachia wherever you get your podcasts Buy the RPG at montecookgames.com/old-gods-of-appalachia-rpg Bring some "not a deer" terror into your next campaign The Old Gods are whispering. Let them in—in your ears, and at your table. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ever had that moment when you realize your party has been talking to the same "new guy" for weeks... but no one can remember his name? Welcome to the world of the False Hydra, the D&D monster that gaslights your characters harder than a reality TV producer. Join the RPGBOT crew as they peel back the layers of this memory-munching menace and ask the big questions: how did we miss this thing, and is it too late to blame the bard? Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we unravel the mystery of the False Hydra, a terrifying and unforgettable (ironically) monster from the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Known for its eerie ability to manipulate memory and perception, the False Hydra is a favorite among Dungeon Masters looking to inject psychological horror into their campaigns. The hosts discuss how to introduce the False Hydra into your tabletop RPG campaign, explore the creature's disturbing lore, and offer practical tips for roleplaying terrifying monsters. They share advice on how to design suspenseful encounters, how to pace scenes using the False Hydra's memory-altering abilities, and how to keep your players on their toes without losing them entirely to existential dread. Whether you're building a mystery-laden campaign or just looking for fresh monsters to terrify your adventurers, this episode is packed with insights on how the False Hydra can reshape your game world, and possibly your players' trust in NPCs forever. Key Takeaways The False Hydra is a monster that alters player character memories, making it an ideal choice for mystery-themed RPG campaigns. It uniquely blends psychological horror with traditional Dungeons & Dragons encounters. Roleplaying the False Hydra well involves pacing, dramatic reveals, and managing player paranoia. The creature is a powerful tool for Dungeon Masters who want to explore unconventional storytelling structures. Adding monsters like the False Hydra can create a compelling shift in tone, altering how players interact with the game world. Tips include using background music, shifting NPC behaviors, and introducing new "facts" mid-session to keep the players guessing. Ash Ely, Gamemaster on Startplaying.games If you're ready to experience mind-bending monsters like the False Hydra in your own campaign, hire Ash Ely to run a game for you on StartPlaying.games. Ash specializes in weaving unforgettable stories and unforgettable horrors... or are they just what he wants you to remember? Book Ash Ely today and level up your tabletop experience. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Ad Free Listening on the RPGBOT Patreon Want more episodes like this, plus early access, live recordings, or ad-free listening? Join our Patreon at patreon.com/rpgbot and help us keep the mics on (and the ghosts at bay). Every little bit helps us roll with advantage! Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives deep into Ghosts in tabletop RPGs—both as monsters and as masterful storytelling tools. From the mechanics of possession and rejuvenation to the raw narrative potential of ghost encounters, Tyler, Randall, and Ash explore how ghosts have changed across editions of Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder 2e, and what makes them so uniquely haunting at the table. The RPGBOT crew kicks things off with a hilariously chaotic session involving the Deck of Many Things—complete with birthday gifts, legendary armor, spontaneous Feywild portals, and even a Strahd ventriloquist doll that summons a sorrow sworn. From there, they dive into what exactly defines a ghost in RPGs, how it differs from related undead like poltergeists and banshees, and how various game systems handle them. The hosts break down 5e's ghost mechanics, including the often-overlooked possession rules, wisdom saves against horrifying visages, and the now-removed aging effect. They also contrast ghosts in Pathfinder 2e, touching on templates, telekinetic assaults, and rejuvenation mechanics that bring them back after destruction. Along the way, they explore how to homebrew ghost encounters, emphasizing NPC potential, unfinished business as story hooks, and the role of safety tools when handling possession and tragic backstories. Key Takeaways Ghosts are more than incorporeal monsters—they're great vehicles for storytelling and emotional stakes. Possession is a powerful narrative and mechanical tool, but requires trust, consent, and player agency. Ghost rejuvenation mechanics in PF2e make them durable story elements rather than one-and-done foes. Using ghosts as NPCs or tragic quest-givers deepens the campaign world and encourages non-combat solutions. Cosmic horror, ghostly bargains, and unfinished business can dramatically raise the stakes of your story. Try dScryb for Ghostly Flavor! Looking to bring your ghost encounters to life—or unlife? Check out dScryb.com for rich, system-neutral descriptive text and soundscapes that make every haunting feel real. Use code RPGBOT at checkout for 5% off your first subscription and unlock the narrative power of evocative boxed text. Perfect for your next possession scene or haunted house crawl! Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
Have you ever gotten up for a full day's work in a haunted coal mine and thought, "Boy, I really hope that bird in a cage doesn't stop singing and doom us all"? No? Then you clearly weren't with the RPGBOT crew in Part 2 of our Old Gods of Appalachia charity stream—where coal dust has claws, headlamps are your best friend, and it turns out you can get shot-in-the-foot vibes without ever firing a gun. Buckle up, y'all. Things are getting deep, dark, and very dusty. Support MD Anderson Cancer Research Before we go further, remember: this campaign was part of a live charity event supporting MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the top cancer hospitals in the world. Their mission is simple but critical: end cancer for patients everywhere through advanced research, treatment, and compassionate care. You can still make a difference. Donate today at https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/participants/9351 — every dollar helps bring hope, healing, and lifesaving treatment to real people in the fight for their lives. Previously, on the RPGBOT charity stream: Jessie and Isaiah arrived in Williams Holler—an Appalachian company town where coal mine doom meets fire-eyed-almost-deer and fatal sermons about salvation through suffering. After a run-in with a not-deer and a meet-and-greet with Mister T and his questionable Applejack theology, our heroes found themselves deep in the mines for mandatory community service, hammering rocks for redemption. Episode 2 picks up right where we left off: with moonshiner chaos, clumsy pickaxe injuries, Tommyknocker rituals, and a collapsing mine shaft that proves this town is as deadly belowground as it is above. In this episode of the RPGBOT Podcast, the gang digs deeper into Old Gods of Appalachia—both narratively and literally—as they're sent into the bowels of the Williams Holler coal mine to "earn their keep" under the watchful eye of foreman Josh CC. Join Jessie and Isaiah as they: Learn about Tommyknockers—ghostly Appalachian mine spirits who love pennies and hate eye contact. Perform citation-needed rituals involving canaries, fish bits, and whispered thanks. Fail basic pickaxe maneuvers (looking at you, Isaiah) and experience the dark gift of GM intrusions, brought to you by generous donors. Discover strange, ancient artifacts deep underground—hint: they might belong to the town's ominous apple orchard daughter. Encounter a creature that definitely isn't a dog made of coal and bad vibes. Try desperately to outrun physics, collapse, and tiny angry men with stone axes through lightless tunnels. All while raising money for MD Anderson Cancer Research, whose work helps real people—unlike some podcast characters we could name. Key Takeaways Horror is better underground: Claustrophobic tunnels, unstable lanterns, and monster-dust dogs? That's premium Appalachian fear. Cypher System shines in survival tension: Speed and might rolls build both narrative and actual sweat. Tommyknockers are the coal miner's cryptid: They warn you with knocks—if you leave them snacks and don't embarrass them. GM intrusions are extra spicy during charity games: The more you donate, the more you make the players quietly panic. Jessie can shoot, quip, and pull people out of holes: The perfect outlaw protagonist energy. This mine is getting worse by the minute: Strange artifacts, broken elevators, dead canaries? It's all very "maybe we leave now." Basket of weird fruit: The orchard, Mr. T, and a thing calling itself "the green" are part of a cosmic tug-of-war that's barely begun. Thank You to the Old Gods and Monte Cook A huge thank-you to Steve Shell, Cam Collins, and the DeepNerd Media team for creating the masterwork that is Old Gods of Appalachia. Their audio drama is the gold standard of Appalachian horror storytelling—and the Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game, built on Monte Cook Games' Cypher System, brings that dread to your table with terrifying finesse. Want to experience this world for yourself? Listen to Old Gods of Appalachia wherever you get your podcasts Buy the RPG at montecookgames.com/old-gods-of-appalachia-rpg Bring some "not a deer" terror into your next campaign Let the Old Gods whisper you home. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
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