Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast RPGBOT.Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUNTER THE RECKONING PT4 Q&A - The Danger System: It’s Not a Bug, It’s a Lifestyle | 20 oct. 2025 | 00:31:03 | |
When you stare too long into the darkness, sometimes the darkness stares back—and then asks about your dice pool. In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team sits down to answer your burning questions about Hunter: The Reckoning, exploring the mechanics, the danger system, and how desperation turns ordinary people into extraordinary survivors in the World of Darkness. Listen to More “How to Play” Episodes In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team returns to the streets of the World of Darkness to tackle your questions about Hunter: The Reckoning 5th Edition. We explore the tension-filled systems that make this RPG shine—how desperation and danger drive character decisions, how touchstones shape humanity, and how advancement challenges players to think beyond combat. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or a new recruit in the Vigil, this conversation breaks down how to make every session more immersive, terrifying, and narratively rich. From balancing narrative structure and GM adaptability to handling willpower, character death, and supernatural threats, the hosts share insights from their own gameplay experiences. The discussion emphasizes how the game rewards creative problem-solving, highlights the cost of recklessness, and reminds us that survival in the World of Darkness is never guaranteed—but the story is always worth telling. Key Takeaways
Join the RPGBOT Patreon 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| DOMAINS OF DREAD (Remastered) - Creating a Campaign for the Irredeemably Evil | 18 oct. 2025 | 00:57:21 | |
You know that moment when your players say, “We want to be the bad guys”? Yeah, this is the episode where we let them. Pull up your black cloaks, pour a glass of something red (preferably not from the paladin), and join us as we wander into the mists of the Domains of Dread—where even your dice fear to roll. Spooktober Returns!It’s Spooktober on the RPGBOT.Podcast, and the shadows are thick with story hooks! Whether you’re brewing up your own Ravenloft horror campaign or just love watching your players question their morality, we’ve got the perfect tricks and treats for your tabletop this season. Catch all Spooktober episodes wherever you listen to podcasts, and be sure to leave us a review—if you dare. Show NotesIn this chilling episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts descend into the Domains of Dread, exploring what it takes to create a Dungeons & Dragons campaign centered on irredeemably evil characters. From the tortured moors of Ravenloft to homebrewed horror realms, they discuss how to balance story tension, sustain player engagement, and manage moral complexity in games that venture beyond good and evil. Topics include:
The discussion blends humor, horror, and hard-earned DM wisdom—making this an essential listen for anyone who’s ever wondered what would happen if their party actually joined Strahd’s HR department. Key Takeaways
If this episode sent a chill down your spine (and it should have), then do something warm: visit RPGBOT.net for guides, tools, and advice to make your next horror campaign unforgettable. And when you’re done weaving nightmares, tell your friends about the RPGBOT.Podcast—because nothing spreads fear like word of mouth. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| THE PSION REVISITED - Unearthed Arcana, Albuquerque, and the Future of D&D Psionics | 16 oct. 2025 | 01:04:03 | |
Somewhere between the high deserts of New Mexico and the psychic wastelands of Unearthed Arcana, the RPGBOT crew discovered two great truths: Albuquerque has better tacos than Los Angeles, and psionics might finally make sense in Dungeons & Dragons. We know some of you thought the Psion episode was lost forever (vanished into the Astral Plane or eaten by a mind flayer), but good news! The missing RPGBOT.Podcast episode on the Psion Unearthed Arcana has been recovered and is now live on your favorite podcatcher. Catch up and join the conversation before your DM rewrites the subclass again. Show NotesIn this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team takes a psychic deep dive into the latest Unearthed Arcana update to the Psion class for Dungeons & Dragons. Between discussions of New Mexico’s high desert climate, Albuquerque’s local cuisine, and Taos skiing, the crew explores how psionics, multiclassing, and new subclass mechanics are reshaping D&D’s design space. Listeners will hear insights on how Wizards of the Coast reworked the Scion (now Psion) class, making psionic energy and subclass features more flexible and accessible. From the Metamorph’s Fleshweaver feature to the Psychonetic’s telekinesis and the Telepath’s support abilities, the team analyzes gameplay impact, balance, and flavor. The discussion also touches on the rebalancing of level 20 features, improvements to psionic spellcasting, and how multiclassing interacts with hit dice mechanics. As always, the hosts bring humor, personal stories, and some surprising local insight from their rediscovery of Albuquerque’s food culture—because apparently, “better tacos” is a universal truth worth multiclassing for. Key Takeaways
Visit the Land of Enchantment If this episode left your mind buzzing like a psychic storm, channel that energy into a trip to the beautiful state of New Mexico. Explore the ski slopes of Taos, savor Albuquerque’s legendary tacos, and discover why the Land of Enchantment is the perfect place to rest, recharge, and maybe even roll a few dice under the desert stars. We invite the State of New Mexico to sponsor the RPGBOT.Podcast and help us share the Land of Enchantment’s stunning landscapes, vibrant food culture, and adventurous spirit with tabletop gamers around the world. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| HUNTER THE RECKONING AP PT3 - Improvised Weapons and Poor Decisions | 13 oct. 2025 | 00:55:03 | |
Nothing says “modern monster hunting” like breaking into a corporate lab armed with sarcasm, trauma, and a tranquilizer dart you don’t fully understand. In this Actual Play of Hunter the Reckoning, our would-be heroes confront the horrors of both the supernatural and the bureaucratic. There’s teamwork, betrayal, and just enough humor to make you wonder if laughter really is the best armor in a tabletop role-playing game where everything wants to eat you. Like and Subscribe to the RPGBOT.PodcastIf you’re enjoying our blend of monster hunting, chaotic teamwork, and tabletop RPG storytelling, do us a favor—like, subscribe, and follow the RPGBOT.Podcast wherever you listen. Every click helps us keep rolling dice, surviving combat, and making bad choices sound professional. Show NotesIn this thrilling conclusion to the Hunter the Reckoning Actual Play podcast, the crew faces their most intense challenge yet—a monster hunt gone wrong that tests their wits, courage, and questionable decision-making skills. The episode opens with personal updates and a recap of previous adventures, then dives into an investigation filled with corporate malfeasance, supernatural horror, and moral dilemmas. As the hunters pursue Monster X, they wrestle with trust, deception, and the consequences of violence in a world where every action has a reaction. From improvised weapons to tactical combat, and from suspenseful narrative beats to moments of dark humor, this Actual Play showcases the evolving character relationships, emotional storytelling, and fast-paced action that define modern tabletop RPGs. If you’ve ever wondered how trauma, teamwork, and truth collide in a high-stakes role-playing game, this episode delivers. Expect monster mayhem, quick thinking under pressure, and the occasional heartfelt confession—followed immediately by poor tactical decisions. Key Takeaways
If you loved the suspense, teamwork, and character-driven storytelling in this episode, you’ll absolutely want to join Ash Ely’s West Marches game on StartPlaying.Games. Experience improvised combat, moral choices, and emotional roleplay in an ongoing world run by one of RPGBOT’s own Game Masters. Bring your courage, your dice, and your best broom—just in case. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| PUBLIC SPEAKING OR DEATH: ENCOURAGING ROLEPLAY (Remastered) | 11 oct. 2025 | 01:05:40 | |
RANDALL: “They say people fear public speaking more than death. Which means that, statistically, most players would rather TPK than deliver an in-character monologue.” ASH: “Honestly? Same.” TYLER: “So today we’re doing the impossible—convincing gamers that pretending to be a half-elf sorcerer in front of their friends doesn’t have to be terrifying.” Show NotesIn this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive into one of tabletop gaming’s most universal fears: speaking in character. Whether it’s performing a heartfelt speech to rally the party, negotiating with a dragon, or just trying to remember your bard’s accent, encouraging roleplay can feel like public speaking in front of a judgmental lich. The hosts explore why roleplaying in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and Pathfinder often triggers the same nerves as giving a speech—and how to overcome it. Drawing from years of experience as Dungeon Masters, players, and accidental thespians, they break down how to build confidence, improve storytelling, and make roleplay fun for everyone at the table. Learn how public speaking skills and improv techniques can enhance your D&D roleplay, how to encourage shy players without pressure, and how a supportive group dynamic transforms tabletop gaming into something deeper and more memorable. Whether you’re a veteran DM or a first-time player who’d rather hide behind your dice, this episode helps you turn stage fright into character insight—one awkward monologue at a time. Topics discussed include:
RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Other Stuff Key Takeaways
Want to listen to the RPGBOT.Podcast recorded live? Want to be part of the conversation while it’s happening? By joining the RPGBOT Patreon, you can listen to episodes as they’re recorded live, get early access to discussions, and even share your own questions and experiences about D&D, roleplay, storytelling, and game mechanics with the hosts. Visit patreon.com/RPGBOT and help us keep bringing you tips, laughter, and occasionally awkward in-character speeches every week. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| UNEARTHED ARCANA THE PSION - Breaking brains and game balance: mind powers or just headaches? | 09 oct. 2025 | 01:17:57 | |
BIG IMPORTANT NOTE: This episode covers the first UA Psion version. We have an upcoming episode discussing the updated version. Wizards of the Coast is back at it again with another Unearthed Arcana, this time dropping the Psion class on our laps. It’s psionics, but not like you’ve ever seen before—or maybe exactly like you’ve seen before if you remember the Mystic. Is this bold new innovation, or are we just telepathically dragging a corpse of old ideas across the table? Either way, we’ve got thoughts, strong feelings, and maybe some psychic damage to hand out.” Join the RPGBOT DiscordLooking for a place to debate game mechanics, share your homebrew subclasses, or complain about the Telepath subclass with like-minded nerds? The RPGBOT.Discord is your new psionic hive mind. Join our community, ask rules questions, swap builds, and chat directly with the RPGBOT team. Come for the optimization, stay for the memes. Show NotesNote that we recorded this episode for the first UA Psion and it didn't get through the release queue until we got the updated UA. Stay tuned for another round of Psion discussion! In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we dive into Wizards of the Coast’s latest Unearthed Arcana release: the Psion class, the long-awaited return of psionics to Dungeons & Dragons. The hosts break down the mechanics, subclasses, and overall design philosophy, while debating whether psionics should feel truly distinct from traditional spellcasting. From reclaiming language in gaming communities to cancel culture in tabletop RPGs, we go beyond crunch to talk about the culture of gaming itself. Along the way, we unpack how resource management systems can either enhance or bog down gameplay, and why community feedback is essential in shaping Unearthed Arcana content. The Psion’s subclasses get a critical spotlight:
The verdict? Psionics in D&D need innovation, not imitation. The Psion is a step in the right direction, but its mode resource system and subclass design need reevaluation to deliver the unique identity players crave. Key Takeaways
If you like what we do, support the folks who make the tabletop RPG community stronger:
By supporting our friends, you’re helping keep the tabletop ecosystem thriving. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| HUNTER THE RECKONING AP PT2 - Dreams, Screams, Corporate Malfeasance, Monster Mayhem | 06 oct. 2025 | 01:00:50 | |
"You ever notice how in RPGs, dreams are either profound visions of destiny... or just you wandering through a medieval Taco Bell with your sword drawn? Spoiler alert: tonight, it’s the first one. Probably. Unless the monster wants your kidneys, in which case—Taco Bell is still on the table." Watch Tyler’s Tiny Videos on TikTok – If you want quick-hit RPG advice, absurdly funny hot takes, and maybe the occasional existential crisis about dice rolls, check out Tyler’s Tiny Videos on TikTok. Perfect for when you only have 60 seconds to ruin your party’s dungeon crawl. Show NotesIn this gripping episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive deep into the world of Hunter the Reckoning, exploring the supernatural mysteries surrounding Vertexa—a pharmaceutical company with more skeletons in the closet than a necromancer at a yard sale. The team faces new monsters, tangled corporate malfeasance, and a web of investigation that blurs the line between science and the supernatural. As the session unfolds, the characters encounter dreams that conceal terrible truths, face the horrors of organ theft, and grapple with the chilling experiments tied to Monster X. Along the way, they confront Dr. Talbot, unravel sinister medical trials, and cross paths with the enigmatic Kadir Mana, all while balancing humor, paranoia, and nail-biting suspense. This episode combines classic movie references, cultural commentary, character development, and horror RPG storytelling into a chilling-yet-funny ride. From game mechanics like hacking to moral dilemmas about science gone wrong, it’s a story that will leave listeners laughing nervously... and double-checking their insurance policies. Key Takeaways
If you enjoyed this episode, like and subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast. Share it with your party, your GM, and even that one player who keeps rolling Nat 1s on Insight checks. Help us keep bringing you terrifying monsters, corporate conspiracies, and too many jokes about organ theft. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| PACING & REST MECHANICS - Why Your Party Naps More Than They Adventure | 04 oct. 2025 | 00:55:44 | |
Have you ever noticed that in real life, you can’t just say, “I take a long rest” and wake up eight hours later fully healed, your fridge restocked, and your inbox cleared? If only. Instead, you wake up groggy, your cat’s screaming, and somehow your wizard spell slots are still gone. Well, tabletop RPGs aren’t much better. Pacing and rest mechanics are the part of D&D, Pathfinder, and other RPGs where your party argues for 30 minutes about whether to camp in the murder dungeon, or limp back to town because someone stubbed their toe. And let’s be honest—no one wants to play the “Five Minute Adventuring Day” where your heroes spend more time napping than actually adventuring. In this episode, we’re tackling the eternal question: how do you keep the action exciting without turning your campaign into a sleep study? Listen to RPGBOT.Podcast on YouTubeBefore we dive in—did you know the RPGBOT.Podcast has a massive archive of episodes now available on YouTube? Whether you missed our deep dives on D&D subclasses, Pathfinder tactics, Stormlight Archive RPGs, or Spooktober monstrosities, or you just want to binge the chaos from the beginning, the archive’s got you covered. Hit up YouTube.com/@RPGBOT and subscribe so you never miss an old favorite—or a new disaster. Show NotesEvery Dungeon Master, Game Master, and table of players eventually wrestles with one of the most elusive beasts in tabletop RPGs: pacing. How do you keep the story moving, the tension high, and the action balanced—while still letting your players rest their weary hit points and spell slots? In this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, Tyler, Randall, and Ash dive into pacing and rest mechanics in tabletop RPGs, exploring how rules like short rests and long rests in Dungeons & Dragons, or Encounter Mode vs Exploration Mode in Pathfinder 2e, shape the tempo of campaigns. We’ll dig into the ways pacing affects encounter design, narrative arcs, and character development, and how rest mechanics in Pathfinder and D&D can make or break the flow of the game. From gritty survival pacing where every rest is a gamble, to fast-paced cinematic RPG storytelling where players hardly stop to breathe, we cover strategies for keeping your table engaged without letting fatigue—or rules confusion—drag the campaign to a crawl. If you’ve ever asked yourself:
…this episode has you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned DM running epic campaigns in D&D 5e, a Pathfinder 2e GM wrangling Encounter Mode pacing, or just curious how to keep your RPG sessions balanced and fun, this discussion will give you tools, laughs, and maybe a little existential dread about resting in real life. Key Takeaways
Tabletop RPGs don’t just fall out of the sky like loot drops—they’re created by real human beings who need to pay rent, eat food, and occasionally buy dice they don’t actually need. If you love D&D, Pathfinder, or any of the countless indie RPGs out there, do the right thing: support the developers who make them. Buy the books. Back the Kickstarters. Leave glowing reviews. Tell your friends about the cool stuff you’ve found. And yes—buy your GM a sandwich once in a while. Because without these hardworking designers and storytellers, we’d all still be pretending that Monopoly is a roleplaying game. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| HUNTER THE RECKONING AP PT 1 - Come for the Crime Scenes, Stay for the Cliffhangers | 02 oct. 2025 | 00:51:04 | |
Welcome to Cyprus Hollow, population: probably doomed. The kind of town where the local gossip travels faster than Wi-Fi, the Daybreak Motel smells like it should come with a tetanus shot, and the only thing scarier than the crime scene is the Yelp review section. Our Hunters didn’t come here looking for trouble—they came here because trouble left a one-star review and posted grainy video evidence to TikTok. In a place where urban legends haunt the Wi-Fi signals and even social media influencers can’t spin a death into something palatable, the only certainty is this: you can run from monsters, but you can’t escape the RPGBOT.Podcast How to Play series. Show NotesIn this episode, Tyler, Randall, and Ash pack up their old apartment and move into Cyprus Hollow, a small town that’s part “true crime Netflix docuseries” and part “urban legend Reddit thread gone wrong.” Our actual play session of Hunter the Reckoning kicks off with character creation and backstories, because nothing says “ready to fight monsters” like explaining why your Hunter still owes student loans. The crew investigates the mysterious death at the Daybreak Motel, where mace, missing witnesses, and suspicious managers collide with social media drama and grainy video evidence. As the team digs deeper into this RPG mystery investigation, they battle improvised technology, dead-end leads, and the eternal horror of teenagers who refuse to answer questions. Banter and humor lighten the heavy mood (sort of), but the looming presence of a mysterious figure and a cliffhanger ending keep everyone guessing. This is Hunter the Reckoning actual play podcast content you didn’t know you needed: equal parts suspense, role-playing humor, and supernatural horror investigation. Grab your flashlight, load your tulpas, and get ready for the How to Play series that dares to explain both mechanics and memes. Key Takeaways
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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| HUNTER THE RECKONING CHARACTER CREATION - Surviving the Apocalypse with Character Sheets and Charisma Checks | 29 sept. 2025 | 00:51:44 | |
Welcome back, brave listeners, to another chilling chapter of the RPGBOT.Podcast. Tonight, we descend into the fog-choked alleys of Hunter: The Reckoning, where your best defense against the supernatural isn’t garlic, holy water, or even a decent sushi roll—it’s your character sheet. So sharpen your pencils, whisper your redemption arcs to the moon, and for the love of barbecue—don’t botch that Willpower check, or you’ll end up as brisket for the monsters lurking in the dark. Randall’s Novella MelanconBefore we roll dice and ruin lives—have you checked out Malecon, Randall’s newest novella? It’s a story steeped in atmosphere and strange corners of humanity, much like the touchstones and redemption arcs in roleplaying games we’re exploring tonight. Unlike your Hunter characters, it doesn’t need a Creed to keep it grounded. Available now on Amazon and as an audiobook narrated by Ash—because nothing says haunting like Ash whispering prose directly into your skull. Show NotesIn this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew dive fang-first into Hunter: The Reckoning RPG character creation. Tyler, Randall, and Ash guide you through building determined mortals and defining your drives, creeds, attributes, flaws, and skills. They explore the collaborative process of character creation in tabletop RPGs, showing how preparation can shape the narrative and survival of your characters. The conversation shifts between mechanics and storytelling, from equipment, health, and willpower management to the significance of touchstones that anchor humanity. Along the way, the team detours into sushi cravings, seafood adventures, and debates about American barbecue styles—because every tabletop gaming podcast needs flavor outside the dice. By the end, listeners will gain a complete understanding of how to create compelling Hunter: The Reckoning characters, balance narrative with mechanics, and prepare for a Spooktober season of survival horror at the table. Key Takeaways
Spooktober is here—and there’s no better time to dive into Hunter: The Reckoning. Tell your friends, spread the word, and remind them that October isn’t about pumpkin spice lattes—it’s about survival horror, dice on the table, and collaborative tabletop roleplaying games. Bring your group together, create characters that matter, and play Hunter this Spooktober. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| HAGS Remastered - Because every group can use a consultant | 27 sept. 2025 | 00:51:15 | |
Gather ‘round, adventurers, and mind the cackling in the corner. Tonight, the RPGBOT coven summons forth the secrets of hags in Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. These monsters aren’t just creepy old ladies with a fondness for curses—they’re the nightmare consultants you never asked for but always fear. Clipboards, cauldrons, and catastrophic contracts await… Welcome to Spooktober 2025!Spooktober is here! All month long we’re unearthing horror monsters in D&D campaigns and spooky RPG villains you can use to haunt your tables. For more terrifyingly good advice, visit RPGBOT.net and sharpen your stakes. Content from RPGBOT.net Other Stuff Show NotesWelcome to another chilling installment of Spooktober, where the monsters are spooky, the lore is thick, and the jokes are terrible. In this remastered episode from Spooktober 2023, the RPGBOT.Podcast coven of Tyler Kamstra, Randall James, and Ash Ely crack open their cauldron to stir up the horrors of hags in Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. If you’ve ever thought your adventuring party could benefit from a management consultant with a taste for children and curses, then a hag is exactly what you’re looking for. We’ll dig into their monster lore, explore how they serve as spooky RPG villains, and brainstorm ways to roleplay hags as the creepy consultants no group asked for but every group fears. Expect a mix of hag encounters in tabletop RPGs, practical tips for Dungeon Masters running horror campaigns, and enough cackling to summon your HOA president. Whether you want to know how to roleplay hags in D&D, need advice for Pathfinder 2e hag encounters, or you’re just here for some Halloween RPG fun, we’ve got you covered. Because at the end of the day, what’s scarier than a hag?
If you enjoyed this episode of Spooktober, share it with your gaming group, summon a friend to the RPGBOT coven, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. And remember: always read the fine print before signing a hag’s contract… 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| STARFINDER 2E GM CORE - Pathfinder Walked So Starfinder Could Hack Your Wi-Fi | 25 sept. 2025 | 01:06:16 | |
It began, as all things do in a flawed cosmos, with paperwork. You signed something — you don’t remember what — but now you’re contractually obligated to care about Starfinder 2E. The GM Core isn’t a rulebook; it’s a transmission, half game manual, half government-issued dream. Every chapter reads like a psychological evaluation, every margin note like a warning label. The hosts attempt to explain mechanics, but what you hear are riddles from another dimension: Galactic Hero Points? Coupons for existential dread. Starship hazards? IRS audits with missiles. Cultural representation? Proof that even in fantasy, bureaucracy finds you. Somewhere between hacking subsystems and train safety PSAs, the line between rules discussion and cosmic paranoia blurs. Packed Worlds lore presses down like a filing cabinet from another timeline. Still — the art is great. Content from RPGBOT.net RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Join the RPGBOT.PatreonThe simulation is breaking down. Dice rolls are suspiciously consistent, starships keep failing their insurance inspections, and the algorithm hungers. There’s only one way to hold reality together: join the RPGBOT Patreon. For just a few credits a month, you gain access to ad-free episodes, direct communion with the hosts on Discord, and the knowledge that you’re funding humanity’s last defense against bad game design. Higher tiers may or may not include secret transmissions from the Packed Worlds, but we can neither confirm nor deny that. Support us on Patreon. Keep the podcast alive. Keep the simulation from collapsing. Perfect — here’s the complete package: a Philip K. Dick–style cold opening stitched directly into the Show Notes and Key Takeaways, with all your short- and long-tail keywords seamlessly included for SEO. Show NotesIt began, as all things do in a flawed cosmos, with paperwork. You signed something — you don’t remember what — but now you’re contractually obligated to care about Starfinder 2E. The GM Core isn’t a rulebook; it’s a transmission, half game manual, half government-issued dream. Every chapter reads like a psychological evaluation, every margin note like a warning label. The hosts attempt to explain mechanics, but what you hear are riddles from another dimension: Galactic Hero Points? Coupons for existential dread. Starship hazards? IRS audits with missiles. Cultural representation in RPGs? Proof that even in fantasy, bureaucracy finds you. Somewhere between hacking subsystems and train safety PSAs, the line between rules discussion and cosmic paranoia blurs. Packed Worlds lore presses down like a filing cabinet from another timeline. Still — the art is great. From there, the hosts dive deeper:
It starts with the suspicion that the game you’re playing isn’t a game at all. It’s paperwork, bureaucracy, and cosmic satire stitched together with dice rolls. And yet, Starfinder 2E GM Core still feels like home.
Check Out Rocco's Starfinder Optimization Guides The paperwork is endless. The Starfinder GM Core is thicker than a government dossier, and every starship hazard feels like a tax audit in space. You could try to optimize your character on your own… but the bureaucracy will eat you alive. That’s why Rocco’s Starfinder Optimization Guides exist on RPGBOT.net. They’re the forbidden blueprints hidden in the cosmic filing cabinet — breakdowns of classes, feats, starship mechanics, and everything else you’ll need to survive the Packed Worlds without accidentally min-maxing yourself into oblivion. Don’t trust the dice. Don’t trust the GM. Trust Rocco. Visit RPGBOT.net and bend the simulation to your will. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan
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| HUNTER THE RECKONING CONCEPTS AND THEMES - World of Darkness, dice that hate you, and hunters with trust issues | 22 sept. 2025 | 00:51:15 | |
The lights flicker. The basement smells faintly of stale pizza and dread. Somewhere in the distance, a door creaks — or maybe that was just Randall adjusting his chair. Tonight, we’re stepping into the World of Darkness, where average people stumble into a nightmare of vampires, monsters, and game mechanics that hit harder than a ghost with a grudge. In this episode, we invite you to join us for the first chapter of our How to Play Hunter: The Reckoning series. Expect desperation, danger, and just enough emotional depth to make you wonder if your dice are haunted. If you’ve ever wanted to play D&D but with more existential dread and less fireball spam, this is the episode for you. Support Ash on StartPlayingIf listening to Ash wrangle dice, monsters, and Tyler’s rules arguments has you thinking, “I need this chaos in my life,” then good news: you can. Ash Ely is running games on StartPlaying.Games, and he’ll happily lead you into the World of Darkness (or any world, really) — no flashlight required. Support Ash, book a session, and experience firsthand what happens when your emotional depth meets his desperation mechanics. Just… don’t be surprised if your character cries before you do. Show NotesWelcome to the very first episode in our How to Play Hunter: The Reckoning series — or as Tyler kept calling it before coffee, “Hunter the Gathering.” In this kickoff, your hosts Tyler, Randall, and Ash dive fang-first into the World of Darkness, exploring the emotional depth of role-playing games and why letting your character cry on-mic is sometimes the most powerful game mechanic of all. We’ll peel back the layers of Hunter: The Reckoning’s history, from its complicated editions to its enduring reputation as “the game where average people fight vampires, demons, and the IRS.” Along the way, we’ll tackle the unique desperation and danger mechanics that make every dice roll feel like a bad Tinder date, and unpack how creeds and organizations give hunters wildly different vibes — from religious zealots to conspiracy theorists with poor Wi-Fi. Expect detours into D&D, vampire hunting jokes that are definitely not OSHA-approved, and at least one argument about whether lighting in performance art really matters when you’re sitting in a dimly lit basement with a bag of Cheetos. Key Takeaways
Tyler Tiny Videos Want even more advice on how to play tabletop roleplaying games without committing to a three-hour lecture or a fifty-page rulebook? Tyler Kamstra’s got you covered with his Tiny Videos on social media. They’re short, sharp, and just chaotic enough to make you laugh while actually learning something useful for your next D&D or Hunter: The Reckoning session. Go watch Tyler’s Tiny Videos — because good tabletop tips should fit between scrolling memes and doomscrolling the news. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| REMASTERED: FEAR MECHANICS - Because nothing says fun like watching your character soil themselves in a dungeon | 20 sept. 2025 | 00:53:43 | |
Once upon a gaming table dreary, while we plotted, weak and weary, In this remastered episode, the hosts of RPGBOT dare to unearth the fear mechanics in tabletop RPGs, revealing how Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder 2e, and horror RPGs Laughter, like a ghast’s grin, stalks alongside the horror, Darkness creeps, dice rattle, and somewhere in the night a gelatinous cube slurps ominously. That can only mean one thing: Spooktober has returned to the RPGBOT.Podcast! All month long, Tyler, Randall, and Ash will drag monsters out of the shadows, crack open cursed tomes of rules, and laugh nervously in the face of fear mechanics, horror RPGs, and terrifying tabletop tales. Expect scares, expect strategy, and—because it’s us—expect plenty of bad jokes that would make even Vecna groan. So light a candle, gather your party, and prepare for Spooktober 2025, where the only thing scarier than a natural one… is realizing the bard is the party’s front line. Show NotesFear is the mind-killer… but it’s also the story-spicer, the dice-breaker, and the thing that makes your bard suddenly remember they left the oven on back in Waterdeep. In this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, Tyler, Randall, and Ash pull apart the fear mechanics in tabletop RPGs and show how terror—whether in Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder 2e, or your favorite horror RPGs—can be hilarious, horrifying, and occasionally pants-wetting. We explore how game masters use fear to enhance storytelling, why fear mechanics in TTRPG combat hit different than a fireball to the face, and how player immersion through fear turns even seasoned adventurers into nervous wrecks. Along the way, we’ll laugh about sanity systems, cry about saving throws, and prove that nothing bonds a party like collectively screaming at shadows. So sharpen your pencils, stock up on torches, and maybe bring a spare set of trousers—this is Fear Mechanics at its funniest and most frightening. Key Takeaways
If you enjoyed this remastered dive into fear mechanics in tabletop RPGs, spread the fright—share this episode with your party, whisper it to your GM in the dead of night, and make sure you’re subscribed to the RPGBOT.Podcast so you don’t miss the rest of Spooktober 2025. The monsters are waiting, and trust us… they’re funnier than you think. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE WRAP UP - Shardplate, Sprens, and Session Impressions | 18 sept. 2025 | 00:56:43 | |
The Stormlight Archive RPG is not a game one simply plays—it is a crucible where story and steel collide. In its halls, Shardblades and Shardplate redefine combat, while talent trees, sprens, and player choices shape destinies with every decision. Today, we step back from the battlefield to reflect on the system’s triumphs, its perils, and the stories it carves into those who dare to wield it. In every world, heroes rise not by chance, but by choice—and by the wisdom that guides those choices. At RPGBOT.net, you’ll find tomes of knowledge crafted by real adventurers, not faceless scribes, to help you hone your characters, balance their strengths, and master the rhythm of the dice. If you would walk into battle prepared—whether wielding a Shardblade or a humble dagger—step into the archives of RPGBOT.net, where the path to optimization is written for those bold enough to seek it. Show NotesIn this final chapter of our Stormlight Archive tabletop RPG deep dive, Tyler, Randall, and Ash gather to reflect on their experiences with the Cosmere RPG. The group examines the lethal combat mechanics, the distinctive role of Shardblades and Shardplate, and the balance between combat dynamics and narrative storytelling. The hosts discuss the joys and pitfalls of character creation within this new RPG system, exploring how talent trees shape character development and player choices, while also challenging players who take on support roles. From the punishing nature of combat to the complexities of adapting Stormlight Archive narrative into RPG gameplay, the episode explores what makes the system engaging, unique, and occasionally brutal. Expect insights on world-building in the Cosmere, the role of sprens in character growth, and how the system stacks up against others, including a comparison of Cosmere RPG vs. Daggerheart. Whether you’re curious about balancing party roles, future session design, or simply want to hear the hosts’ session impressions, this wrap-up delivers a thoughtful and entertaining sendoff to the series. Key Takeaways
Stories are meant to be shared, and adventures grow brighter when told among friends. If you’ve enjoyed this journey through the Stormlight Archive and beyond, tell your fellowship about the RPGBOT.Podcast—let them walk beside you in laughter, lore, and dice-rolled destiny. And if you would stand with us in every chapter yet to come, subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform, so the tale never leaves you behind. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan
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| STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE HOW TO PLAY - Actual Play 2: Shardblades, Chasm Fiends, and Really Bad Dice Rolls | 15 sept. 2025 | 01:00:41 | |
"The storm is both battleground and teacher. In the high storm’s fury, we discovered not merely survival checks or combat mechanics, but the weight of choice. Humor became a shield, laughter our shardplate, as the Shardblade in hand revealed itself to be more than a weapon. Against the chasm fiend’s relentless rhythm, the bond between friends became the only path to victory. The storm needs a guide. Ash Ely is that guide. Some stories wait for the storm to pass. Others demand a guide who will lead you into its very heart. A Game Master is more than a storyteller — they are a Shardbearer of narrative, a wielder of dice and destiny. Ash Ely is such a guide. On StartPlaying.Games, Ash shapes campaigns where camaraderie becomes steel and laughter binds tighter than plate. Their table is not just a game; it is a high storm of story, where each choice carries weight, and each player becomes part of something greater. If you seek tabletop RPG adventures, if you wish to test your courage in battle against chasm fiends, or to weave tales of character development, teamwork, and role-playing, then step into Ash’s storm. The path begins here: StartPlaying.Games — Ash Ely "I saw how tactical decisions, combat strategies, and even failed dice rolls wrote a story more enduring than steel. This was no simple role-playing game; it was a tale of character development, teamwork, and storytelling woven into the very stormlight itself." — From the journals of a forgotten scout, on the eve of battle ShownotesThis second half of the Stormlight Archive RPG actual play begins with grounding moments: life updates, the struggles of moving, and even the grudges of pets that mirror the stubbornness of men. These personal stories remind us that whether in Dungeons and Dragons, tabletop gaming, or life itself, the storms we weather shape who we become. The session then surges into epic tension. The looming high storm, the enigma of Shardblade bonding, and the terror of a chasm fiend boss fight create a crucible for both game mechanics and storytelling. Every player choice feels sharp, every dice roll a heartbeat. Humor, often chaotic, interlaces with danger, proving that friendship and camaraderie in role-playing games can hold fast even in the fiercest winds. The players grapple with combat strategies, team dynamics, and the consequences of their actions. Critical hits, failed rolls, and unexpected outcomes shift the battle’s tide, while persuasion and leadership test not only the characters but the trust among players. Through it all, the narrative storytelling of the Stormlight Archive RPG shines — a reminder that fantasy adventures are not just about survival, but about the truths revealed when we choose together. Key Takeaways
"A story is not complete until it is shared. Storms are faced together, and victories mean little without companions to witness them. If this tale has moved you — if the laughter, the choices, and the clash of Shardblade against chasm fiend struck true — then carry it outward. Tell a friend. Invite them to listen. Let them stand with us in the storm, dice in hand, part of the fellowship that makes role-playing more than a game. For in unity lies strength, and in shared story lies immortality." 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| SLAAD EXPLAINED (Remastered) - Spawn of Chaos, Croak of Dread: A Monstrous Dissection | 13 sept. 2025 | 00:34:41 | |
Lo, from the stagnant mire there arose a croak most dreadful, heralding the advent of creatures born of chaos and slime. In this remastered Spooktober hour from 2023, we unmask the Slaad—horrible monsters of Dungeons & Dragons whose laughter curdles into terror. Hark, dear listeners, and let the tolling of the midnight bell stir your marrow— Expect not merely tales of monsters, but phantasms of horror and mirth entwined; Steel your heart, sharpen your dice, In this mournful season of Spooktober, the RPGBOT.Podcast hosts descend into the abyss to reveal the Slaad, one of the most horrible monsters in tabletop RPGs. From the dim vaults of Dungeons and Dragons lore and the infernal margins of the Pathfinder RPG, these chaos beasts emerge—creatures neither wholly comic nor wholly terrifying, but abominations caught between laughter and despair. The discussion charts the evolution of the Slaad lore in Dungeons and Dragons, tracing their spawn from earlier editions through to the present, while casting their warped shadows upon Pathfinder 2e Slaad monster analysis. Their essence is chaotic neutral vs. chaotic evil monsters in RPGs, shifting masks of unpredictability, forever croaking of corruption and madness. These horror monsters serve not only as combatants, but as symbols: infestation, decay, and the slow erosion of body and spirit. To Dungeon Masters yearning for the macabre, the hosts provide counsel on roleplaying tips for using Slaad in campaigns—how to balance absurdity with terror, how to weave dread into encounters, how to stage the crawling metamorphoses of flesh that birth new horrors. This is no idle musing, but a true Spooktober monster deep dive podcast, a lantern held aloft in the darkness for all who dare run horror themed creatures for D&D adventures.
Now Go forth, dear traveler, and whisper in trembling tones to those you hold dear: Spooktober is coming. Let not your comrades remain unprepared for the horrors and laughter that await.Bid them gather round the flickering lantern, bid them tune their ears to the RPGBOT.Podcast, that together you may descend into the abyss of dice and dread. For what is terror, if not shared? What is laughter in the dark, if not echoed by many? 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| 2025 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS STARTER SET REVIEW: When Tokens and Tales Collide | 11 sept. 2025 | 01:20:27 | |
In this wandering dissection of the 2025 Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set, the hosts circle through memory and mechanics, weighing cardboard against imagination, and finding, amid the tokens and rules, not a doorway into wonder but the echo of all the starter sets that came before, fuller, deeper, better. Randall has written Melancon, a novella that lingers like the dusk on a Southern porch, where memory and shadow wrestle in the same long sentence; you will read it in print upon Amazon, or hear it carried on Ash’s voice in the audiobook, the cadence of the tale winding as though the story itself remembered you before you found it. Show Notes There is a starter set, and though the box is new, the echoes within are old, older than dice or leveling mechanics, older than the crafting of character sheets and the fragile permanence of tokens, and it bears the mark of Wizards of the Coast as if that brand were a lineage stretching back to the dim histories of Dungeons and Dragons, and we, who have seen the 2024 starter set, the 2014, the 1983, and all the ones before that, sit and hold this one in our hands and feel the weight of it, and the hollowness, too. The hosts circle round like storytellers on a porch, voices interwoven, sometimes bantering, sometimes harsh in judgment, and they speak of game mechanics, of adventure design, of character creation, and of the difference between a board game’s bones and the living marrow of a tabletop RPG. And as they speak, one sees the ghost of better boxes, more cohesive adventure modules, more patient stories. There is praise for the components—tokens and maps, the paper like a relic of promises—but criticism too, for what is an adventure review if not an elegy for what might have been? The adventure structure is straight as an arrow and as empty, the plot like a house without rooms, and though it may shelter the new player, it does not nourish them. And so the tale winds: the physical versus digital experience, the cruel disappointment of shallow design, the lingering hope that future offerings may redeem this one. It is the story of a set that wanted to be Dungeons & Dragons, but settled, instead, for something less. Key Takeaways
And so if you have followed us through this wandering road of tokens and rules and promises unkept, then carry it further: share this podcast with the ones at your own table, let them hear our voices as you have, and rate and review us upon the great digital ledgers—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, all the places where stories are measured not in pages but in stars and numbers—so that others, lost or searching, may stumble into this circle of talk and stay a while. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE HOW TO PLAY - Actual Play 1: Technical Glitches, Chasm Fiends, and Shardblades | 08 sept. 2025 | 00:57:52 | |
The RPGBOT crew brave technical glitches, angry chasm fiends, and their own questionable tactics in the Stormlight Archive TTRPG—somehow surviving long enough to bond a Shardblade and argue about the rules. Want to roll dice with Ash Ely? You can! Ash is running games right now on StartPlaying.games — sign up to join his tables and bring your own chaos straight to the adventure. Show NotesWhat happens when a group of seasoned RPG players and podcasters try to explore the Stormlight Archive TTRPG gameplay while also fighting their greatest nemesis: technical difficulties? Chaos, laughter, and some surprisingly good strategy. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew dive into Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere RPG session and tackle everything from collaborative character creation to survival strategies in tabletop campaigns. Along the way, they explore the chasms of Roshar, narrowly avoid becoming lunch for a chasm fiend, and stumble their way into a Shardblade bonding that changes the party forever. This is not just a deep dive into fantasy adventure game mechanics and Cosmere lore, it’s also a reminder that sometimes the biggest boss fight is your own internet connection. Expect plenty of table banter, a mix of strategy and combat in Stormlight Archive RPG, and the occasional rules lawyer moment when someone tries to figure out exactly how healing and recovery in RPG combat works mid-fight. If you’ve ever wanted to know how storytelling through Cosmere role-playing feels when the stakes are survival, or if you just enjoy hearing gamers yell “We did it!” after almost dying in the chasms, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways
Like what you heard? Support the show by sharing this episode with your fellow adventurers, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app, and don’t forget to check out more RPG, Dungeons and Dragons, and Cosmere TTRPG content at RPGBOT.net. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan
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| DROW Remastered: Lolth Didn't Raise No Quitters - Running Drow that Actually Win Fights | 06 sept. 2025 | 00:56:33 | |
Lolth’s Not Your Mom, But She’s Definitely Disappointed in You Follow Ash Ely on social media for more tabletop mischief, hot takes, and behind-the-scenes RPGBOT energy. Want to do more than just listen? You can play in his games directly—Ash runs tables on StartPlaying.games where you can sign up, roll dice, and probably regret trusting that one suspicious NPC he voices just a little too well. Show NotesIn this Spooktober installment, Tyler, Randall, and Ash descend into the Underdark to talk about everyone’s favorite spider-themed frenemies: the drow. But don’t expect a simple “they’re all evil” hot take—this conversation is about how to use drow effectively and responsibly at the table. Highlights include: History lesson (with bite): From Scottish folklore to Gygax’s caverns, the word “drow” has been through some things. The big problem: Why “evil by biology” is lazy design and a headache for modern tables. The fix: Treat drow as cultures, factions, and ideologies rather than one-note villains. Tactics and terror: How to make them scary with ambushes, traps, lair design, and coordinated squads instead of tired stereotypes. DM toolbox:
Adventure seeds: Trade cartels, perpetual-darkness devices, and drow coup-plots that give your players moral choices beyond “roll initiative.” RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
Other Stuff
If you enjoyed this dive into the Underdark, share the RPGBOT.Podcast with your gaming group. Tell your GM. Tell your rogue. Heck, tell that one friend who always wants to play a brooding elf in black leather. The more you spread the word, the more we can keep producing guides, laughs, and lair-defense strategies. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan
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| STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE TTRPG - Character Creation: Ancestry, Culture, and Bad Life Choices | 04 sept. 2025 | 00:42:55 | |
Building Heroes, Breaking Dice, and Blaming Foundry VTT" (A deep dive into character creation for the Stormlight Archive RPG, with more heroic paths than your GM bargained for.) RPGBOT is now on TikTok with funny Tiny Videos. If you’ve ever wanted quick takes on tabletop gaming, absurd jokes about TTRPG character creation, or a one-minute guide to why your heroic path matters, we’ve got you covered. Find us on TikTok and share the chaos with your party. Show NotesIn this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive into the nuts and bolts of Stormlight RPG character creation. Whether you’re building in Foundry VTT, or just curious about the mechanics of the Stormlight Archive role-playing game, this episode covers everything from choosing ancestries and cultures to shaping heroic paths, distributing attributes, and developing personal goals. Along the way, expect plenty of humor, a few strong opinions about TTRPG character building, and some good-natured roasting of dice that never roll high enough. The crew emphasizes how collaborative character development in tabletop RPGs creates better stories, and why the Cosmere setting makes role-play more immersive. You’ll hear practical insights into how ancestry and culture choices impact gameplay, why attributes and skills are essential for effective character building, and how heroic paths in the Stormlight Archive RPG add unique abilities and playstyles. Plus, they dig into why Foundry VTT tools for Stormlight RPG make the whole process smoother, even if you occasionally click the wrong button and accidentally delete your character sheet. Highlights include:
If you enjoyed this discussion of Stormlight RPG character creation, share the episode with your friends in the gaming community. Post it in your tabletop gaming group chat, bring it up at your next TTRPG session, or recommend it to that one friend who always takes three hours to finalize their character sheet. Because building characters is better when you build them together. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| UA 2025 - APOCALYPTIC SUBCLASSES - Captain Planet Joins the Gladiator Arena: Unearthed Arcana Gets Weird | 01 sept. 2025 | 01:16:14 | |
Hydra fights, Dark Sun dilemmas, Unearthed Arcana chaos—what could go wrong? Want more Unearthed Arcana deep dives? The RPGBOT.Podcast has you covered. You can find our backlog of episodes on every major podcast platform, where we break down the latest D&D playtest material and show you how to wrangle it into your campaigns without summoning your own TPK. Show NotesIn this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew saddles up for an apocalyptic romp through Pathfinder Hydra encounters, the gritty survival world of Dark Sun, and the latest Unearthed Arcana subclasses. We start by revisiting a Hydra battle that demanded every ounce of tactical brilliance (and a fair bit of screaming). From there, we dive deep into Dark Sun—where scarcity, moral dilemmas, and Mad Max vibes dominate play. The hosts then dig into new subclass content: the eco-warrior Circle of Preservation Druid, the crowd-pleasing Gladiator Fighter, the life-siphoning Defiled Sorcerer, and the fear-driven Sorcerer King. Along the way, we tackle the eternal question of whether Strength is viable for Intimidation, explore multi-classing optimization, and share DM tips for balancing player knowledge with campaign secrets. It’s a mix of theorycrafting, subclass reviews, and a healthy dose of comedy—because what’s Dark Sun without a laugh before the water runs out? Key Takeaways
If you enjoyed this episode, like and subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast on your favorite platform. Share it with your tabletop roleplaying friends—because nothing says friendship like convincing them to fight a Hydra in Dark Sun with only a rusty dagger and a half-baked subclass build. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| ABOLETHS (Remastered) - The Slime-Breathing Nightmare Your Campaign Deserves | 30 août 2025 | 00:32:40 | |
So Your Players Think They’re Safe? Release the Aboleth! Want more Dungeons & Dragons monster tips, horror encounter design, and campaign advice? Visit RPGBOT.net—where real humans craft real tools for roleplayers and dungeon masters. Show NotesThe RPGBOT.Podcast crew takes a deep dive into one of the most disturbing D&D monsters ever created: the Aboleth. These ancient aquatic horrors are more than slimy tentacle-fish—they’re campaign-defining villains that bring cosmic horror, body horror, and psychological dread to any tabletop RPG. The hosts break down:
This episode blends mechanics, lore, and villain design into a perfect toolkit for dungeon masters who want to unleash aquatic monster encounters their players will never forget. Key Takeaways
Ready to terrify your players? Subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast and visit RPGBOT.net for more D&D monster guides, tabletop RPG horror tips, and encounter design advice. Because nothing ruins game night quite like discovering your lungs now breathe slime. 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
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE RPG LORE: Knights Radiant, Shardblades, and Beyond | 28 août 2025 | 01:06:07 | |
Strap on your Shardplate and call your Spren—Episode 2 of our How to Play Stormlight Archive RPG series takes a lore-heavy dive into the Cosmere, exploring worldbuilding, Knights Radiant, and everything you need to roleplay in Roshar’s storm-tossed setting. Our archive episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available on YouTube! Relive every tangent, deep dive, and Shardblade-sharpened insight while YouTube autoplay keeps you binging. Show NotesIn this second episode of the Stormlight Archive RPG series, the RPGBOT crew explores the lore of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere and how it translates into tabletop roleplaying games. If Episode 1 was about concepts and themes, Episode 2 is all about the deep cuts—ancient oaths, cosmic forces, and worldbuilding that makes campaigns shine. We discuss the Knights Radiant, their broken history, and the role of Heralds in shaping the moral landscape of the world. From the caste system of Alethi culture to the gender-based taboos that define everyday life, players will discover how to use social structures as storytelling tools. The conversation covers iconic magical elements like Shardblades and Shardplate, how Spren bonds give Radiants their powers, and the dangers of the Everstorm. We also dive into Shadesmere—the Cognitive Realm—and how it offers surreal roleplaying opportunities. Finally, we examine the influence of Honor, Cultivation, and Odium, and the shocking revelation that the Parshendi are the Voidbringers, reframing the conflict of Roshar in ways ripe for campaign drama. This is your guide to using Stormlight Archive lore in tabletop RPGs—whether you’re designing your own system, adapting 5E, or just looking for inspiration to roleplay in the Cosmere. Key Takeaways
If you want to roleplay in the Stormlight Archive or bring Cosmere lore into your tabletop RPG, this episode is your deep dive into the storm. Listen now, then explore guides and mechanics at RPGBOT.net, where real humans craft real tools for roleplayers. 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 Meet the Hosts:
How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE RPG - How to Play Part 1: Concepts and Themes | 25 août 2025 | 01:07:19 | |
Snacks, Ghosts, and Shardblades: How to Play Stormlight Archive RPG (Part I)” Want to dive deeper into tabletop roleplaying games? Whether you’re a first-time player or a veteran rules lawyer, visit RPGBOT.net for guides, advice, and resources to make your games smarter, funnier, and way more effective. In this first installment of How to Play the Stormlight Archive RPG, the hosts take listeners on a whirlwind ride from snack aisle recommendations to Southern Gothic ghost stories before plunging headfirst into the mechanics of the Stormlight RPG. The episode opens with food talk—everything from dill pickle kettle chips and Louisiana’s famous Zapp’s Voodoo chips to gas station fried chicken and boudin blanc. With a dash of humor and cultural flavor, the conversation eases into spooky tales of Savannah and New Orleans before pivoting into the main course: the Stormlight RPG’s unique mechanics. Listeners get an in-depth look at how the game emphasizes both strategic combat and narrative storytelling. From the mysterious plot die to heartbeat-linked Shardblade summoning, the mechanics elevate roleplay by weaving tension and consequence into every roll. Combat in Stormlight plays out with distinctive pacing—10-second rounds, strategic positioning, and careful maneuvering—creating a rhythm that rewards tactical play. The hosts also break down status effects, the permanence of injuries, and the recovery mechanics that keep characters on the razor’s edge of risk and survival. The balance between crunch and narrative immersion is front and center, showing how this RPG captures the scope and stakes of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere setting. Key Takeaways
Loved this discussion? Be sure to subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast, share the episode with your gaming group, and check out RPGBOT.net for more guides, insights, and tools to sharpen your tabletop adventures. And remember—next time you roll initiative, bring snacks that live up to your Shardblade. 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 Meet the Hosts:
How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| POISON Remastered - We put the "fun" back in "functional renal failure" | 23 août 2025 | 00:57:08 | |
Turning Your TTRPG Into a Chemically Enhanced Nightmare (for the Players, Not the GM) Missed an episode? Accidentally ingested a memory-erasing toxin? No worries! Archived episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available on YouTube. Binge the banter, savor the strategy, and relive every rules argument—now with video thumbnails. Show Notes Join the crew as they:
Key Takeaways:
Call to Action: 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 Meet the Hosts:
How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| COSMERE RPG REVIEW - Eat, Pray, Stormlight: Rolling Dice in the Sandersonverse | 21 août 2025 | 01:04:54 | |
Can You Survive a Highstorm with Just a Character Sheet and Poor Life Choices? We Tried the Cosmere RPG. Missed an episode? Don’t worry—archive episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available to listen to on YouTube. Whether you're a veteran listener or just discovering us, you can now catch up on every rules breakdown, hot take, and character optimization deep dive. Just search for RPGBOT.Podcast on YouTube and hit subscribe! Show Notes: In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts crack open the covers of Brotherwise Games’ Cosmere RPG, diving headfirst into the Stormlight Handbook and World Guide. From spren to highstorms, the episode is packed with crunchy mechanics, deep lore, and just enough existential dread to make Brandon Sanderson proud. The gang begins with a brief height-based tangent (because no TTRPG is complete without weirdly tall characters), before delving into the key mechanical and narrative innovations of the system. Topics include:
From audience engagement to the challenge of niche game design, the episode hits on what makes this RPG exciting, where it might fall flat for some players, and how deeply it leans into the lore-rich worlds of Brandon Sanderson's imagination. RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Key Takeaways:
RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast are made from 100% real humans, not processed generative AI paste. Our team thinks critically, jokes frequently, and sometimes argues about whether gelatinous cubes have a sense of fashion. We’re proud of the content we create, because it’s built on passion, research, and the occasional poorly-timed dad joke. Ready to explore more RPG deep dives, mechanics breakdowns, and ridiculous tangents? Head to RPGBOT.net for optimization guides, homebrew inspiration, and every episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast. Whether you're storming Roshar or surviving a tavern brawl, we’ve got your back. 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 Meet the Hosts:
How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| GEHENNA: When the Shadowfell Feels too Cheerful | 18 août 2025 | 01:04:44 | |
Welcome to Gehenna: It’s Like Hell, but With Worse Real Estate and More Bureaucracy” Announcement: Show Notes – Episode Title: “Gehenna: Evil Slopes and Infernal Bureaucracy” Summary: The hosts explore the goddess of torture, debate whether the Rogue class needs therapy or just a rebrand, and try to answer the ultimate question: “Why would anyone go to Gehenna… on purpose?”
RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
Key Takeaways:
At RPGBOT.net and The RPGBOT.Podcast, our brains are made of real meat. We are not the fever dream of a rogue algorithm trying to understand humor. We are, tragically, real people—with dice in one hand and sarcasm in the other. Want more planar deep-dives, class analysis, and volcanic despair? Visit RPGBOT.net for guides, breakdowns, and the kind of nerdy brilliance that even Gehenna can’t melt. 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 Meet the Hosts:
How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| CELESTIALS Remastered - Holy, Radiant, and Deeply Passive-Aggressive | 16 août 2025 | 00:51:40 | |
Bask in the divine glow (and probably a few judgmental stares) as we ascend into the celestial tiers of tabletop gaming. Wings, halos, and passive-aggressive deities await. Did you miss out on our earlier, holier episodes? Good news! RPGBOT.net is now uploading archived episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast to YouTube. That means you can binge our past wisdom, war crimes, and winged lectures while pretending to work or praying for better dice rolls. Subscribe now, and receive one free celestial side-eye from a planetar of your choice. SHOW NOTESSummary: With their signature blend of encyclopedic knowledge and chaotic sarcasm, the RPGBOT crew explores:
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| PF2e's BATTLECRY! - The Art of Yelling Tactically | 14 août 2025 | 01:01:43 | |
Battlecry!, Bigatures, and the Tank Fallacy: Pathfinder 2e’s New Expansion Yells Into the Void (And We Love It!) You can now listen to archive episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast on YouTube! Catch up on past adventures, deep dives, and spicy takes—now just a click away. Show Notes: Also: AI voice acting is ruining everything, and Tyler wants his dang bigatures back. Key Takeaways:
Call to Action: Don’t forget to subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and check out our archive of episodes now available on YouTube! Whether you’re catching up or diving deep, we’ve got all the crunchy game mechanics, hot takes, and spicy builds you crave. Listen, laugh, optimize. 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 Meet the Hosts:
How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| STARFINDER 2 PLAYER CORE - RPGBOT.Review - Space Clerics and Ratfolk? Sign me up. | 11 août 2025 | 01:08:53 | |
Strap in, space cadets—we’re about to hyperjump into a galaxy where healing is done with stickers, rats are adorable, and gravity is optional. Past episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available on YouTube! Revisit our greatest hits, deepest takes, and most unhinged tangents with your eyeballs and your earholes. Just search for “RPGBOT.Podcast” on YouTube or follow the links from RPGBOT.net to join the chaos chronologically. Episode Summary: Whether you're building a star-powered Solarian or arguing with your GM about mixing Mystics into your Pathfinder campaign, this episode explores how Starfinder 2e hits orbit and what could still use a systems check.
Content from RPGBOT.net RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Key Takeaways:
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| TOTAL PARTY KILL (Remastered): Live fast, die messy - in the name of fun and narrative tension! | 09 août 2025 | 00:49:57 | |
Oops, All Corpses: Making TPKs Fun, Fair, and Hilariously Devastating Now on YouTube! That's right—RPGBOT.net is bringing the RPGBOT.Podcast archive to YouTube, so now you can re-live your favorite episodes or finally hear all the ones you missed while you were rolling death saves. Whether you're commuting, cooking, or crying over your latest character sheet, we've got you covered with full episodes, remastered for maximum tabletop chaos. Episode Notes Tyler, Randall, and Ash dissect the delicious disaster of a good ol’ fashioned TPK—from the tactical errors that cause them to the storytelling opportunities they unlock. Whether your death was noble, stupid, or hilariously ironic, the gang’s got hot takes and hard truths about why sometimes, failure is the most fun you can have with your character sheet still smoking. Also: funeral pyres, surviving by plot armor, and the one time someone definitely had it coming. RPGBOT.Pocast Episodes
Content from RPGBOT.net Other Stuff Topics Covered:
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| DRAGON DELVES RPGBOT.REVIEW - Plot twists, killer art, and just enough death to keep it interesting | 07 août 2025 | 01:26:17 | |
A candy dungeon, a dragon cult, and a bag that eats you—what could go wrong? You asked. We delved. You can now listen to past and present episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast on YouTube! Whether you're deep cleaning your dice bag or prepping tonight’s game, catch every optimization hot take and dragon-fueled derailment in high-def audio (and our beautiful logo in glorious static 1080p). Subscribe at YouTube.com/@RPGBOT — because dragons sound better at 1.25x speed. Episode Summary: Along the way, they celebrate user-friendly design, lament undercooked storylines, and argue over which dragon deserves to headline the next Broadway musical.
Key Takeaways:
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| OPTIMIZING D&D 2024 WARLOCKS II - Blasting, Bards, and Bad Decisions with Gabe Greenspan | 04 août 2025 | 01:09:22 | |
Warlocks, Mystic Arcanum, and Our Deeply Cursed MySpace Past – Now Optimized for Maximum Emotional Damage! Tired of forgetting what Tyler said about multiclassing back in 2021? Want to relive the glory days of your favorite hot takes, Warlock rants, and deeply cursed jokes? Good news! RPGBOT.net is proud to announce that archived episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available on YouTube. That’s right—every mispronounced spell, every wizard tangent, every moment of Tyler realizing he’s said something horrible is now accessible. Search “RPGBOT Podcast” on YouTube and hit that play button like it owes you an Eldritch Invocation. A huge thanks to our guest, Gabe Greenspan — actor, writer, professional chaos gremlin, and the only person brave enough to optimize Warlocks and still talk about MySpace unironically. Gabe’s insight runs as deep as his playlist is unhinged, and if you enjoyed this episode, you need to check out his other work:
And learn more about Gabe at gabegreenspan.com, where the comedy’s punchy, the projects are plentiful, and the bio page probably isn’t haunted. Probably. Because let’s be honest—every optimized Warlock deserves a killer theme song and a guest appearance from someone cooler than their DM. Show NotesThis episode, we go from Dial-Up to Die-Resonance. The RPGBOT crew welcomes back Gabe Greenspan for part 2 of the Warlock optimization series using the D&D 2024 ruleset. After a brief trip down memory lane to the pixelated glory of MySpace Top 8s and AIM away messages, the conversation dives headfirst into Warlock mechanics from level 10 all the way to 20. Tyler, Randall, and Ash—plus Gabe—discuss spell selection, Mystic Arcanum picks, Eldritch Invocations, and the emotional weight of choosing your level 20 capstone. There’s an alarming amount of love for spells that make you omnipresent, and maybe a bit too much nostalgia for the early internet. You’ll laugh, you’ll optimize, and you might question your teenage social media presence. From the philosophical (“What does it mean to be a Warlock?”) to the practical (“Why is Misty Step still doing so much work?”), this episode gives you the strategy, humor, and memes you need to build a Warlock that slaps—whether you’re blasting, hexing, or sipping potions made of regret. Key Takeaways
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| JUMPING REMASTERED - Like physics class, but with swords and poor impulse control | 02 août 2025 | 01:06:20 | |
We’re Not Saying You Should Jump… But Here’s How to Survive When You Inevitably Do RPGBOT.net Presents Past Mistakes in Glorious 1080p Want to see how deep the rules rabbit hole really goes? Or maybe you just miss hearing Tyler’s voice explain gravity damage like it’s a TED Talk about falling down stairs. Either way, rejoice! Past episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available on YouTube. That’s right—you can watch us talk about jumping in TTRPGs while quietly judging our dice rolls and decisions. Head to YouTube and search RPGBOT.Podcast, or visit RPGBOT.net to catch up on all the physics-defying, rules-lawyering, gravity-defying goodness. Show Notes – Jumping (Yes, Really) Tyler, Randall, and Ash discuss the rules-as-written, the rules-as-abused, and the physics-as-ignored, covering how different systems treat vertical leaps, long jumps, and gravity’s cruel embrace. Expect intense debates on standing jumps, running starts, and whether barbarians are just kangaroos in plate mail. And yes, Tyler did the math. Again. Key Takeaways:
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| OPTIMIZING D&D 2024 WARLOCKS I - Making Deals with Devils... and also with Gabe Greenspan | 31 juil. 2025 | 00:59:07 | |
A warlock, a podcaster, and a spider walk into a subclass draft. Guess which one survives? Tired of forgetting what Tyler said about multiclassing back in 2021? Want to relive the glory days of your favorite hot takes, Warlock rants, and deeply cursed jokes? Good news! RPGBOT.net is proud to announce that archived episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available on YouTube. That’s right—every mispronounced spell, every wizard tangent, every moment of Tyler realizing he’s said something horrible is now visually accessible. Search “RPGBOT Podcast” on YouTube and hit that play button like it owes you an Eldritch Invocation. A huge thanks to our guest, Gabe Greenspan — actor, writer, professional chaos gremlin, and the only person brave enough to optimize Warlocks and still talk about MySpace unironically. Gabe’s insight runs as deep as his playlist is unhinged, and if you enjoyed this episode, you need to check out his other work:
Because let’s be honest—every optimized Warlock deserves a killer theme song and a guest appearance from someone cooler than their DM. Episode Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives headfirst into the infernal depths of Warlock optimization using the 2024 D&D rules—and they bring backup. Special guest Gabe Greenspan, co-host of Total Party Skill, joins Tyler, Randall, and Ash for a warlock subclass draft with high stakes, dark bargains, and more tactical wizardry than your average infernal patron would allow. The team begins with an inside look at their podcast dynamics (spoiler: there’s a countdown and Tyler’s fear of spiders) before summoning Gabe to the virtual table. What follows is a strategic subclass showdown where each host selects Warlock builds using the updated 2024 rules. Along the way, they explore new features like Magical Cunning, enhanced invocations like Agonizing Blast (yes, you can double dip), and freshly buffed staples like Fiendish Vigor. They highlight the tactical benefits of spells like Bane, Fairy Fire, and Protection from Evil and Good, while also emphasizing the narrative fun of backgrounds, species, and Awakened Mind-fueled party banter. If you’ve ever wanted to optimize a Warlock who can hide in plain sight, strike fear into the hearts of fiends, and psychically text their party mid-fight, this episode’s for you.
Key Takeaways
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| UNEARTHED ARCANA 2025 ARCANE SUBCLASSES 2 - Wizarding Responsibly, A Work in Progress | 28 juil. 2025 | 01:18:31 | |
TPK’d by Boredom: The Unearthed Arcana Wizard Review You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Absolutely Deserved) This episode is sponsored by Dungeonflow.app — your one-stop shop for prepping tabletop RPGs without needing a Philosopher’s Stone or a necromantic ritual. Whether you're building combat encounters, crafting creepy room descriptions, or generating traps that scream "this is absolutely a mimic," DungeonFlow helps you get from “session prep” to “actual fun” faster than a wizard can say Teleport. Try it today and let your players think you actually planned all that chaos. Show Notes: In this second arcane-infused episode of our Unearthed Arcana 2025 Arcane Subclass Review, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew digs into the grimy, glittery, and occasionally disappointing world of Wizard subclasses in Dungeons & Dragons. With a recent brush with TPK in Pathfinder fresh in their minds, the hosts pivot hard into analyzing how these newest subclass offerings stack up in the evolving landscape of tabletop RPG mechanics. We cover the Necromancer and Transmuter in painstaking detail—because someone had to—and explore what happens when spellcasting flavor is buried under generic mechanics. You’ll hear:
And, of course, a discussion on the balance between fun and mechanics, the impact of community feedback, and the ever-ongoing quest for innovative gameplay design in D&D and beyond. Content from RPGBOT.net Key Takeaways:
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| KNOWLEDGE SKILLS Remastered - Know thy enemy—or at least what page it’s on in the Monster Manual | 26 juil. 2025 | 00:59:12 | |
Knowledge skills: because sometimes knowing what’s in the dungeon is more important than knowing how to kill it. In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew breaks down the often-overlooked but mechanically vital Knowledge skills in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. The gang explores how these skills function in the game, how they’ve changed over editions, and why your party’s lore nerd is secretly carrying your campaign. They explore how Knowledge checks can enrich worldbuilding, deepen immersion, and add mechanical weight to player choices. Whether you’re identifying a creature, recalling ancient lore, or flexing your Arcana at a smug wizard, the right knowledge at the right time can mean the difference between survival and a total party kill. The episode also dives into how different systems handle knowledge, including Pathfinder 1e’s granular Knowledge skills, D&D 5e’s streamlined Intelligence-based skills, and how GMs can reward players for investing in information-gathering instead of just smiting things with swords or spells. Key Takeaways:
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| UNEARTHED ARCANA 2025 ARCANE SUBCLASSES 1 - Part Excitement, Part Therapy Session | 24 juil. 2025 | 01:09:40 | |
Hexblades, Tattoos, and AI—Oh My! The Unearthed Arcana Subclass Roast Begins! This episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast is sponsored by our friends at DungeonFlow.app — the fastest way to go from “I have five minutes to prep” to “My players think I’m a genius.” Generate dungeons, traps, room descriptions, and now combat encounters with just a few clicks. It’s like having a magical AI intern that doesn’t eat your snacks or argue about flanking rules. Check it out today! In this episode, the RPGBOT crew puts on their wizard hats and dives face-first into the latest batch of Unearthed Arcana content from Wizards of the Coast. What’s on the menu? A buffet of subclasses that range from “pretty okay” to “who let this out of playtesting?” The team kicks things off by discussing the role of AI in gaming, including its growing influence, its potential for humor, and whether it can generate a subclass that doesn’t suck (spoiler: jury’s still out). Then, the hosts dive into some of the new arcane-themed subclass options currently in public playtest. From the Arcana Domain Cleric’s handy new toolkit to the Arcane Archer’s complete renovation (now with fewer reasons to cry), they explore the good, the bad, and the “seriously, why does the Tattooed Warrior Monk need a short rest for this?” They also take aim at the Ancestral Sorcery subclass, which is trying to make "spiritual déjà vu" a core mechanic. Meanwhile, everyone wrestles with the realization that the once-iconic Hexblade may have lost its edge (both literally and figuratively). Finally, the crew speculates wildly (as tradition demands) about future D&D releases, including whether Elminster is due for a gritty reboot and if spellcasters can finally just have one subclass that doesn’t explode under scrutiny. Content from RPGBOT.net Key Takeaways:
Want a second helping of subclass critiques and wizard-fueled speculation? Stay tuned for Part 2! 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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| DAGGERHEART: HOW TO PLAY WRAP UP - Theater Kid with Swords: Feelings without Spreadsheets | 21 juil. 2025 | 00:35:54 | |
Daggerheart: the warm hug of fantasy RPGs—if hugs came with dramatic backstories and emotional damage. This episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast is sponsored by DungeonFlow.app — the fastest, easiest way to prep your next tabletop session. Whether you’re building a dungeon, brewing an encounter, or generating the perfect trap to ruin your players’ plans, DungeonFlow has you covered. Sign up today and make map prep faster than a bard’s pickup line. In this final episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast’s How to Play Daggerheart series, the crew takes a heartfelt and hilarious look back at everything they’ve learned about Darrington Press’s narrative-forward RPG system. From character creation to combat chaos, hope and fear mechanics, and the quirky little swamp village where their adventure took root, the team unpacks what makes Daggerheart such a compelling system—especially for first-time players, roleplay enthusiasts, and GMs who love big feelings with their big swords. The discussion touches on the system’s player-friendly mechanics, open storytelling potential, and how Daggerheart reimagines fantasy tropes through a lens of collaboration, emotion, and crunchy (but not too crunchy) dice pools. They reflect on the actual play, their favorite moments, and the ways the system encourages creativity without overwhelming newcomers. If you’ve ever wanted a system that feels like a stage play one minute and a chaotic improv show the next, this one’s for you. Content from RPGBOT.net Key Takeaways:
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| GM'ING FOR KIDS Remastered - A Masterclass with David Lemke | 19 juil. 2025 | 00:52:29 | |
Grab your juice boxes and initiative trackers—it’s time to run D&D for the most chaotic party of all: children. In this RPGBOT.Masterclass Remastered episode, the hosts are joined by educator and Dungeon Master David Lemke, who shares his expertise on running tabletop RPGs—particularly Dungeons & Dragons—for children. The conversation blends pedagogical insight with practical game mastering advice, offering tools, tips, and examples from David's real-world experience leading kid-friendly adventures. From session structure and tone to safety and engagement strategies, this episode equips GMs of all levels with the knowledge they need to run rewarding, responsible games for younger players. David Lemke RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
Topics Covered
Key Questions Answered
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| DAGGERHEART: HOW TO PLAY ACTUAL PLAY - This Swamp Ain't Big Enough for All Our Bad Decisions | 17 juil. 2025 | 01:52:11 | |
Ever accidentally summon an ancient mage, turn a wooden snake into a god, and commit light-hearted organ donation—all before lunch? Welcome to Daggerheart. A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsor: Join the RPGBOT crew as they dive sword-first into the murky waters of Daggerheart's rules, roleplay, and swamp-based shenanigans. This actual play episode showcases the team testing Daggerheart’s unique mechanics in a live game—featuring moral dilemmas, tactical combat, team-based chaos, and the kind of questionable decisions you only get when players are given narrative power and access to enchanted loot. Content from RPGBOT.net Highlights include:
Next time on RPGBOT: Will the wooden snake return for vengeance or brunch? Will the swamp ever dry out? And most importantly—who still has the mage’s phone number? Tune in to find out. 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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| DAGGERHEART: HOW TO PLAY CHARACTER CREATION - Roll Stats, Choose a Class, Cry About Your Backstory | 14 juil. 2025 | 00:46:48 | |
Ever wonder what would happen if D&D and a therapy session had a magical woodland baby? Welcome to character creation in Daggerheart. Thank You to Our Sponsor – DungeonFlow.app: Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT crew rolls up their sleeves and jumps into the nine-step character creation process for Daggerheart, the new tabletop RPG from Darrington Press. They walk through each step with equal parts clarity and chaos, covering class selection, ancestry, traits, and all the crunchy bits that make your character unique. With plenty of laughs, in-character riffing, and mechanical breakdowns, this episode offers both a how-to guide and a preview of the joy of storytelling in Daggerheart. By the end, the hosts have fully built their heroes—and maybe a few existential crises. Content from RPGBOT.net Key Takeaways:
Additional Notes:
Listen now to hear the team craft heroes, crack jokes, and figure out whether a raccoon bard fits the campaign frame. 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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| SHINKICKING Remastered - Managing Difficulty and Tone in Combat RP | 12 juil. 2025 | 01:03:51 | |
Ever accidentally traumatize your party during a goblin ambush? We did—so we made a whole episode about it. In this remastered episode, the RPGBOT crew rolls initiative on one of the most delicate balancing acts in tabletop role-playing games: how to manage difficulty and tone in combat scenarios. Whether you’re a GM trying to run a gritty, high-stakes survival encounter or a player who just wants to dropkick goblins and crack jokes, this conversation explores how to harmonize challenge with narrative tone. The hosts unpack the psychology of danger, why tension doesn’t always mean TPKs, and how even a good old-fashioned shinkick can feel appropriately heroic… or humiliating. They discuss combat pacing, how encounter design shapes the story, and how to use or avoid mechanical lethality to maintain player investment without disrupting tone. From slapstick to soul-crushing, the crew shares real-play examples and tools for aligning your combat difficulty with your table’s emotional goals. Special thanks to Stubbenz for the idea for this episode RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
Other Stuff Topics Covered:What is "shinkicking" in combat RP?
Tone vs. Challenge:
Combat Design Fundamentals:
The Danger Dial:
DM Tools and Techniques:
Player Perspective:
Funny and Real Examples:
Want to run better combat and avoid emotional shinkicks? Share your favorite “wrong tone, wrong time” stories on social media and tag @RPGBOTDOTNET. 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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| DAGGERHEART: HOW TO PLAY CONCEPTS AND THEMES - Cue the Spotlight, We're Monologuing Through Combat | 10 juil. 2025 | 01:22:28 | |
We upgraded Foundry, discovered a few surprise “features,” and then dove headfirst into the hope-and-fear-fueled mayhem of Daggerheart—join us for mechanics, emotions, and at least one character death that felt really personal. This episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast is sponsored by DungeonFlow.app, your one-stop shop for streamlining game prep and powering up your sessions. Whether you're navigating Daggerheart's emotional economy or just trying to remember what room had the spiky floor trap, DungeonFlow has your back. With encounter builders, random traps, and mood-setting room descriptions, it's like having a co-GM who doesn’t argue about initiative order. Sign up now at DungeonFlow.app and take your table from chaos to controlled chaos. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew kicks things off with a heroic tale of bravery: upgrading Foundry to version 13. With great power comes great mod compatibility checks—but hey, the new features are worth the hiccups! Once the tech dust settles, the gang dives into Daggerheart, the shiny new TTRPG from the folks at Darrington Press. From hit points and stress to hope, fear, and “please don’t let me die here,” the team explores Daggerheart’s unique approach to narrative and mechanics. They debate the crunchy bits, the soft edges, and the places where player creativity takes center stage. Along the way, they find just enough time to question the currency system, roast the movement rules (with love), and embrace the initiative mechanic that requires actual trust. Scary stuff. Key Takeaways:
Tune in for mechanics, drama, heartfelt dice rolls—and yes, a very suspicious shrub. 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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| SHADOWFELL - Get Your Gloom On | 07 juil. 2025 | 01:01:05 | |
What if your depression had hit points and could punch back? Welcome to the Shadowfell. Huge thanks to DungeonFlow.app for sponsoring this episode—because even in the Shadowfell, your dungeon prep shouldn't be a nightmare. Sign up today at DungeonFlow.app and start building better encounters, faster. It's free to try, easy to use, and unlike the Shadowfell... it won’t drain your soul. In this laughably bleak episode, the RPGBOT crew takes a torch (dimly lit, flickering with existential dread) and dives headfirst into the Shadowfell—D&D’s very own Plane of Gloom, where your hopes go to die and the sun never texts you back. The hosts unpack the lore, the gloomcore aesthetics, and the mechanics of navigating this dreary dimension. From emo elf-goths to soul-sucking murder ghosts, they explore the Shadowfell’s rich tapestry of despair with their trademark mix of irreverent humor and actual, useful advice. They cover Shadowfell travel tips (spoiler: don’t forget your psychic damage buffer), notable creatures like Nightwalkers and Sorrow Sworn, and character options like the Shadar-Kai, for when you want your rogue to have a nose ring and chronic emotional detachment. Also: haunted vacation spots, deific edgelords, and a call for better horror monsters in D&D. Because the real horror is boring stat blocks.
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan
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| LIGHT AND DARKNESS Remastered - Because apparently no one packs torches anymore... | 05 juil. 2025 | 01:03:47 | |
If you've ever wondered why your dungeon feels less like a terrifying crawl through the dark and more like a grayscale video game, this episode shines a light on everything wrong—and weird—about darkvision. In this remastered and updated episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts revisit one of their most debated topics: how vision mechanics function in tabletop RPGs, especially Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. They dive deep into how different systems handle lighting, visibility, and the ever-confusing rules around darkvision. The episode unpacks the practical and narrative implications of light and darkness on exploration, combat, and roleplay—while also poking fun at the sheer absurdity of adventurers who can see in total darkness but never think to bring a lantern. Whether you’re a rules lawyer, a narrative-driven GM, or just someone who’s tired of arguing over torches, this episode casts a light on what works, what doesn’t, and how to make vision mechanics better at your table. Key Discussion Points:
Key Takeaways:
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| WARHAMMER FANTASY ROLE PLAY Part IV: Review - Fate, Fortune, and Fragile Line Between Hero and Corpse | 03 juil. 2025 | 01:06:12 | |
Come for the Skaven, stay because you failed your bribery check and now you're wanted for heresy. Want to Join the Adventure? If you're craving chaos, corruption, and career advancement (in-game, of course), join Ash Ely’s West Marches campaign on StartPlaying.games. Explore the treacherous roads, clash blades with the forces of corruption, and roll the bones in the grimdark world of Warhammer Fantasy. Whether you're a grizzled veteran or fresh meat for the dice gods, Ash has a seat at the table for you. Show Notes: In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts venture deeper into the grim and perilous world of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. The conversation centers on how chance, mechanics, and narrative intertwine to create memorable and brutal gaming experiences. From unlucky dice rolls to warpstone corruption, the hosts unpack the intricate systems that shape character arcs, decision-making, and party dynamics. The discussion kicks off with a recap of the latest Elite Quest and its far-reaching consequences. As the players navigate dangerous terrain, social encounters, and the ever-present threat of death, they reflect on how randomness and risk shape both success and failure in meaningful ways. The hosts also explore the psychological toll of bad luck, the math behind randomness, and the emotional highs of roleplaying through adversity. Tying all of it together is a breakdown of Warhammer's signature mechanics: deadly combat, the role of Fate and Fortune, bribery and sin, and how religion and corruption guide a character’s evolution. The conversation reveals how complex mechanics—when well understood—enhance immersion and storytelling at the table. Key Takeaways:
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| WARHAMMER FANTASY ROLE PLAY Pt III: Example Play - Bring Gloves, Trust No One, and Never Sniff the Daisies | 30 juin 2025 | 01:29:50 | |
If you’ve ever asked, “How do I actually play Warhammer Fantasy Role Play?”—this episode is your crash course, chaos crash cart, and comedy club all rolled into one. Grab your dice, pack your herbs, and don’t forget your gloves. Things are about to get weird in the woods. Thank you to our sponsor, DM Adamantine! If you're ready to play with an expert GM in a one-of-a-kind setting, check out Dungeon Master Adamantine at dungeonmasteradamantine.com or find him on StartPlaying for custom sessions in Greece or online! In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives headfirst into the brutal, baroque, and frequently blood-soaked world of Warhammer Fantasy Role Play (WFRP). If you’re curious how to actually play this wonderfully grim system, this episode is your map through the muck. Starting from character creation and setting expectations, all the way to navigating the forest of chaos (literally), the group explores what makes WFRP so distinct: the constant tension between survival and corruption, competition and camaraderie, comedy and catastrophe. The party’s in-character quest for the rare herb Bitterknot becomes the perfect showcase for WFRP’s mechanics and tone. Along the way, they meet eccentric NPCs, battle chaos-touched creatures, and argue about gloves—a classic day in the Empire. Whether you're a grizzled veteran of the Old World or thinking about picking up the dice for the first time, this episode shows you how to embrace the grit, gallows humor, and genuine strategy of Warhammer Fantasy. Key Takeaways Setting & Tone
Character & Story
The Quest for Bitterknot
Exploration & Conflict
Combat & Mechanics
Corruption & Consequences
Humor & Group Dynamics
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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||
| DEITIES Remastered - Divine powers, celestial politics, and heresy to keep things interesting. | 28 juin 2025 | 00:54:29 | |
Ever wondered what happens when your cleric starts a cult, your paladin questions their god, and your podcast host thinks he is one? Tune in and find out. In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew dives deep into the divine—and the deranged—as they tackle the topic of religion in tabletop RPGs. From the celestial bureaucracy of the Forgotten Realms to Pathfinder’s heavily codified pantheon, the hosts examine how religion shapes settings, drives character motivation, and complicates moral choices. The discussion explores the roles of deities, demigods, and divine casters, while also indulging in some theological tomfoolery—particularly Randall’s growing obsession with founding his own religion (again). The team debates the practicality of divine mandates, the game balance implications of cleric subclasses, and the power fantasy baked into faith-based character classes. The conversation also touches on real-world mythology, the narrative utility of gods behaving badly, and the delicate balance between satire, reverence, and good storytelling. They offer advice for players looking to roleplay pious characters, and for GMs aiming to weave religion into their campaigns without derailing the plot—or sparking a holy war at the table.
Closing Thoughts 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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan | |||