Episodios

  • PF2e PLAYER CORE 2 - First Classes for the Brave (or Clueless)

    PF2e PLAYER CORE 2 - First Classes for the Brave (or Clueless)
    Apr 28 2025
    This episode is sponsored by DungeonFlow. Build epic dungeons in minutes with Dungeon Flow—no signup, no stress. Start now at DungeonFlow.app! In a sweeping odyssey from futuristic drone deliveries to ancient alcoholic beverages to gummy bear supremacy, the hosts embark on a chaotically charming journey. Along the way, they sprinkle in heroic (and sometimes tragic) roleplaying stories, before dive-bombing into the real main course: Pathfinder 2’s Player Core 2 classes. From the Alchemist's "rocket science with acid" vibes to the Monk's "please read an entire pamphlet before punching" complexity, the crew hilariously (and honestly) rates which classes are gifts to new players... and which ones are straight-up hazing rituals. Spoiler: not every hero’s journey starts with a Sorcerer, but it probably should. As always, this episode blends equal parts insight, sarcasm, and food-related fistfights to deliver pure, chaotic nerd energy. Player Core 2 (affiliate link) Key Takeaways: The Warm-Up Act: Technology and Booze The future is now, and it’s filled with drones dropping off your liquor faster than your wizard drops concentration.Cultural drinks come with rich histories... and even richer hangovers.Drinking at the game table: historically accurate, questionably advisable.Gummy bears vs. chocolate: the ultimate alignment chart debate.Historical booze trivia > your high school history class. The Main Event: Pathfinder 2 Player Core 2 Class Gauntlet Alchemist The Alchemist is like chemistry homework... if your homework occasionally exploded.Verdict: Absolutely NOT beginner-friendly unless you really miss high school science fairs.BarbarianSmash good. Rules a little complicated. Smash anyway.Verdict: Good for new players who want to punch first and ask questions during the next rest. Champion Best AC progression in the game and still somehow has time to lecture you about morality.Verdict: A solid, shiny choice for beginners who like shields and judging people. Investigator You’re playing Sherlock Holmes, but whether you’re "BBC Sherlock" or "Muppets Sherlock" depends on your DM.Verdict: Great if your campaign actually cares about mysteries; confusing if it’s mostly dungeon crawls. Monk "Simple" is not a word monks recognize unless you tattoo it onto your fist stance.Verdict: Skip for first-timers unless you enjoy flowcharts and stretching. Oracle Gain cosmic power...and a cosmic rash called a Curse.Verdict: Risky but spicy. Probably better once you know what the heck you're doing. Sorcerer Spells for days, minimal homework. Except for that "spontaneous casting" trapdoor.Verdict: Excellent for beginners who want to sling magic without feeling like they’re filing taxes. Swashbuckler Fun, flashy, mechanically messy unless you really understand panache (and who among us truly does?).Verdict: Cool if you want to be stylish. Tricky if you think style points are automatic. Bonus Wisdom Orange means “good luck, you’re on your own” on the RPGBOT rating scale.The Swashbuckler remaster fixes some major faceplants, but you still have to do homework.Action economy is the silent killer of joy — and most Swashbuckler builds.Automation (for Investigators) is your friend. Be the nerd who builds a database. Closing Thoughts: Picking the right class makes your first Pathfinder 2 game a dream instead of a slow descent into existential dread.Engaging with content creators (via likes, reviews, and ritual blood oaths) keeps the community alive.Food metaphors are the only way to survive complex TTRPG mechanics.Know your mechanics — or at least pretend really convincingly at the table. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNETFacebook: rpgbotbotdotnetBluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.GamesTwitter: @GravenAshesYouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateurAmateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
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    1 h y 18 m
  • TRANSITIONING TO A NEW GAME (Remastered) - Burn the rulebook and never look back

    TRANSITIONING TO A NEW GAME (Remastered) - Burn the rulebook and never look back
    Apr 26 2025

    Ever felt like your game was getting stale, your rogue was phoning it in, and combat felt like a chore? Then ditch your old system and found something that actually slapped.
    #TTRPGTruths #SystemGlowUp #RollForChange

    In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts tackle the treacherous terrain of transitioning from one TTRPG system to another—whether by choice, necessity, or that one player who just won’t stop talking about Pathfinder 2e. They discuss how to manage the shift from familiar mechanics to new rulesets, how to keep your players engaged through the change, and why it's okay if not everyone wants to come along for the ride.

    The crew dives into the logistical and emotional aspects of change: how to gracefully retire a campaign, how to choose your next system, and how to pitch it to your group without sounding like a game mechanic evangelist. They offer strategies for onboarding players to a new system, converting existing characters, and balancing the group’s excitement (or resistance) to change.

    Whether you’re upgrading from D&D 5e, diving into indie systems, or dragging your friends into the crunchy chaos of GURPS, this episode gives you the tools, stories, and cautionary tales to make the leap a little less daunting—and a lot more fun.
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    51 m
  • PF2E CLASS SELECTION - It's actually quite simple

    PF2E CLASS SELECTION - It's actually quite simple
    Apr 24 2025
    1 h y 20 m
  • PF2E NPC CORE - All Killer, No Filler!!!

    PF2E NPC CORE - All Killer, No Filler!!!
    Apr 21 2025
    We rip open Pathfinder 2E’s NPC Core like a loot chest at midnight—all killer, no filler, just gun-wielding witches, charming villains, and side characters spicy enough to steal the spotlight (and maybe your party’s gold). #Pathfinder2E, #NPCCoreRules, #PF2GMFuel NPC Core (affiliate link) Show Notes (Funny & Detailed) In this episode, the RPGBOT crew opens up Pathfinder 2E’s NPC Core and immediately gets lost in the endless possibilities of building bartenders who could solo a dragon and criminals with the fashion sense of a runway model. They dig into the Monster Hunter Wilds-inspired flavor, the shockingly well-organized stat blocks, and the book's philosophy of making every town guard, blacksmith, or shady fence into a potential campaign highlight. The hosts explore how NPCs are no longer just glorified exposition dumpers or sacrificial goblin #3—they’re diplomats, villains, witches with guns (yes, that’s a thing), and essential storytelling tools that add flavor and chaos to any scene. Need someone to warn your party that they're about to die horribly? The NPC Core has a stat block for that. Want a non-combatant spy with more plot hooks than a pirate ship? It’s in there too. They highlight how the book helps GMs create NPCs that aren’t just throwaway extras but fully customizable agents of drama, comedy, or world-ending terror. From themed spell lists to the new relationship subsystem (think: dating sims, but with more stabbing), the crew dives into mechanics and storytelling tricks that make your NPCs actually matter. The episode crescendos in a live-build exercise where the hosts create an unforgettable NPC—part crime boss, part matchmaker, all chaos—and demonstrate how NPC Core can help any GM bring wild new energy to the table. Key Takeaways Monster Hunter Wilds: Yes, it influenced this book, and no, you don’t need a 12-foot greatsword to enjoy it.Organized, Beautifully: Stat blocks so clean, you’ll cry tears of efficiency.Non-Combatant, Not Non-Important: Some of the best NPCs don’t fight—they ruin lives socially.Custom Archetypes Galore: Build a frogfolk librarian who also moonlights as a necromancer. No one can stop you.Gun Witch: Just... gun witch. You're welcome.Villains with Vibes: Give your BBEG a tragic backstory, a fashion-forward cloak, and a snarky catchphrase.Diplomacy is OP: Talking your way through an ambush is now a viable strategy—unless the dice hate you.Magical Shenanigans: Spells aren’t just for combat—use them to cook, sneak, charm, or fake your own death for tax reasons.Advanced Relationship Mechanics: Because your players will romance the bartender, and now there’s a chart for that.Sample Organizations: Pre-built groups so your GM notes don’t look like the scribbles of a sleep-deprived conspiracy theorist.Themed Spell Lists: Pre-curated magic menus for fast flavor and fewer tears.NPC Advancement: Level up your innkeeper until they’re ready for the final boss fight.The Connection Subsystem: Build emotional bonds, tragic betrayals, and passive-aggressive tea parties. Final Verdict NPC Core turns your world into a living, breathing place where every background character is a potential hero, villain, or awkward ex. Whether you’re a GM who loves prep or just needs an NPC right now, this book has your back—and it might just outshine your players in the process. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNETFacebook: rpgbotbotdotnetBluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.GamesTwitter: @GravenAshesYouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateurAmateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
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    57 m
  • BUILDING UNDEAD CHARACTERS II (Remastered) - It's fun to be the life of the party...after you've lost yours

    BUILDING UNDEAD CHARACTERS II (Remastered) - It's fun to be the life of the party...after you've lost yours
    Apr 19 2025
    Join us as we dig up the real secrets of playing undead—because dying was just the beginning! In this episode, the RPGBOT team continues their exploration of undead creatures in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Shifting focus to the player's perspective, they delve into strategies for combating undead, methods for befriending them, and approaches to portraying undead characters in gameplay. The discussion encompasses both mechanical aspects and narrative considerations, offering insights applicable to systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Pathfinder. Links dScryb – Ghoul Paralyzes Players(affiliate link)RPGBOT.Podcast EpisodesThe Undead – A Guide to Incorporating Undead Creatures in TTRPGs – RPGBOT.Podcast S3E28 Content From RPGBOT.netOathbreaker Paladin Handbook – DnD 5eDnD 5e – School of Necromancy Wizard Handbook Other StuffMonstrous Races (affiliate link)Necromancin’ Dancin’Thac0 1. Understanding Undead from a Player's Perspective Combat Strategies: Players should familiarize themselves with the unique abilities and weaknesses of various undead types to effectively engage them in battle.​RPGBOT+3RPGBOT+3Apple Podcasts+3Role-Playing Undead Characters: Portraying undead characters requires thoughtful consideration of their motivations, behaviors, and interactions with the living.​Alliances with Undead: The episode explores scenarios where players might ally with undead entities, discussing the narrative and mechanical implications of such choices.​ 2. Incorporating Undead into Gameplay Narrative Depth: Integrating undead elements can enrich the game's story, providing opportunities for complex character development and moral dilemmas.​Mechanics and Balance: The hosts discuss how to maintain game balance when introducing undead characters or allies, ensuring that gameplay remains fair and engaging for all players. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNETFacebook: rpgbotbotdotnetBluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.GamesTwitter: @GravenAshesYouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateurAmateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
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    58 m
  • D&D CLASS SELECTION: It's like speed dating, but with swords and spell slots...

    D&D CLASS SELECTION: It's like speed dating, but with swords and spell slots...
    Apr 17 2025
    Not sure which D&D class to start with? We break down the best and worst picks for new DnD players—featuring confused Wizards, exploding Artificers, and the ever-reliable Barbarian. Summary In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts explore which Dungeons & Dragons classes are best suited for new players. With humor, experience, and a healthy dose of debate, they walk through the ins and outs of each class—from the accessible Fighter to the complicated Wizard—highlighting which choices provide a smooth introduction to tabletop RPGs and which might send new players reaching for the Player’s Handbook (and aspirin). The discussion ranges from the brute-force appeal of the Barbarian to the arcane intricacies of spellcasters like the Sorcerer and Warlock. Along the way, the hosts consider how party composition, game length, and mechanical complexity should influence character selection, and they sprinkle in some banter about drink preferences to keep things lively. Whether you're a first-time adventurer or helping someone roll their first character, this episode provides a thoughtful—and often funny—guide to starting strong. Links Content from RPGBOT.net Practical Guide to Character SelectionClass and Subclass Guides Key Takeaways: General Advice for New Players: Class complexity varies dramatically and should be a key consideration for beginners.New players benefit greatly from having experienced players at the table.It’s okay to change classes as players get more comfortable with the game.Simpler classes help players stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. Class-by-Class Breakdown: Artificer Highly versatile, but too complex for most beginners.Heavy reliance on magic items and systems mastery. Barbarian Excellent starting class due to simplicity and durability.High hit points make them forgiving for mistakes. Bard Complex with many strategic spell choices.Spell traps can confuse new players. Cleric Highly versatile with a strong role in the party.Forgiving due to the ability to change prepared spells easily. Druid Mechanically rich but overwhelming for new players.Requires understanding Wild Shape and extensive spellcasting. Fighter The most beginner-friendly class.Few pitfalls and highly customizable. Monk Fun but mechanically challenging.Not recommended for brand new players. Paladin Durable and straightforward in combat.Introduces both martial and spellcasting elements in a manageable way. Ranger Offers utility and moderate complexity.Flexible due to spell-switching mechanics. Rogue Stealthy and skillful with few mechanical traps.A solid choice for new players who want to be clever. Sorcerer Straightforward focus on damage, but can suffer from decision overload.Can be beginner-friendly if spells are chosen carefully. Warlock Simple core mechanics, but pact and spell choices can create analysis paralysis.Very dependent on the build and playstyle. Wizard One of the most complex classes due to extensive spell lists.Power spike at level 5 (Fireball) can feel rewarding.Requires patience and careful spell management. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.netTikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.GamesBlueSky: @GravenAshesYouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPGAmateurjack.comRead Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
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    1 h y 29 m
  • W40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM - Creating a Character: Min-maxing in the name of the Emporer

    W40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM - Creating a Character: Min-maxing in the name of the Emporer
    Apr 14 2025
    Stats, scars, and sarcasm—because in the Imperium, your character’s death is just character development. Links Imperium Maledictum Core Rulebook (affiliate link)Starter Set (affiliate link) Imperium Maledictum Digitals on DriveThru (affiliate link) Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew dives deep into the dark, dystopian world of Warhammer 40,000's Imperium Maledictum, focusing specifically on character creation and the mechanics that shape storytelling in this grimdark RPG. The hosts bring their trademark humor and insight as they recount personal anecdotes, character-building decisions, and the mechanical intricacies of designing a unique persona in this rich and brutal universe. From faction selection and patron influence to rolling characteristics and calculating wounds, this episode is a complete journey through the character creation process in Imperium Maledictum. The conversation moves between light-hearted banter and thoughtful critique, touching on both thematic elements like conflict and motivation, as well as gameplay fundamentals like initiative, divination, and equipment stats. As the hosts share their builds and choices, listeners are offered a behind-the-scenes look at how narrative and mechanics come together to create compelling characters ready to face heretics and horrors alike. Whether you're a seasoned Warhammer veteran or a newcomer exploring this latest entry in the 40k RPG family, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and useful advice for anyone building characters in Imperium Maledictum. Key Takeaways Thematic Depth: Character creation in Imperium Maledictum goes beyond stats, emphasizing themes like conflict, motivation, and the influence of powerful patrons.Humor in Design: A lighthearted approach, filled with banter and in-jokes, adds levity to an otherwise grim setting, enhancing the collaborative spirit of RPGs.Patron Dynamics: Patrons are central to character development, directly impacting motivations, faction alignment, and access to resources.Origins & Factions: A character’s origin and faction not only shape their narrative arc but also affect their skills, equipment, and role in the party.Mechanical Precision: Initiative is calculated using perception and agility; wounds are derived from strength, toughness, and willpower bonuses.Character Options: The game supports both rolled stats and point-buy systems, allowing flexibility in character creation.Role of Divination: Divination can influence a character’s journey, even affecting experience point retention and growth.Skill & Talent Systems: Characters develop through experience points, which can be spent on talents, skill upgrades, and specializations.Armor & Equipment: Armor is essential to survivability, and gear varies by background. Equipment often includes quality modifiers.Narrative Engagement: Character goals and backstory directly influence gameplay and provide opportunities for side quests and roleplay.Collaborative Creation: The group highlights the fun and value of building characters together, creating a shared investment in the story.Unique Builds: From psykers to hardened enforcers, the flexibility of the system allows for creative, memorable character concepts.Ongoing Development: Character creation is just the beginning—growth and evolution continue through gameplay and story progression.Anticipation for Play: The episode concludes with the team’s excitement to bring these characters into the game world, setting the stage for future heretic-hunting adventures. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNETFacebook: rpgbotbotdotnetBluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.GamesTwitter: @GravenAshesYouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateurAmateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
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    1 h y 21 m
  • UNDEAD (Remastered) - Because sometimes the best minions are already dead

    UNDEAD (Remastered) - Because sometimes the best minions are already dead
    Apr 12 2025
    We dive into the multifaceted role of undead creatures in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). They explore the unique characteristics of undead from both storytelling and mechanical perspectives, offering insights on how to effectively integrate these entities into gameplay.​ Narrative Significance of Undead: The hosts discuss how undead creatures can enhance storytelling by introducing themes of horror, mystery, and moral ambiguity.​They examine the symbolic meanings of various undead types, such as zombies representing loss of control or vampires embodying eternal temptation.​ Mechanical Aspects in Gameplay: An analysis of common traits among undead creatures, including immunities to certain conditions and the implications for player strategies.​Considerations for Game Masters (GMs) on balancing encounters involving undead to maintain challenge without overwhelming players.​ Incorporating Undead into Campaigns: Tips for GMs on creating compelling undead villains or factions that align with the campaign's tone and setting.​Ideas for plot hooks and adventures centered around undead themes, such as necromantic cults or haunted locales.​ Player Interaction with Undead: Strategies for players when facing undead adversaries, emphasizing the importance of knowledge about undead weaknesses and resistances.​Discussion on character options and tools effective against undead, like specific spells or magical items.​ Materials Referenced: RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes RPGBOT.Podcast Episode 9 – DeathDnD Goes to the Movies (Featuring Reviews of All Four Movies including Honor Among Thieves!) – RPGBOT.News S3E23 Other Stuff Brandon SandersonCandlekeep Mysteries (affiliate link)Forgotten RealmsHow Orcus Stole Christmas (affiliate link) Key Takeaways: Undead creatures offer rich thematic and mechanical opportunities in TTRPGs, serving as versatile tools for storytelling and challenge creation.​Understanding the lore and mechanics of undead can enhance both the GM's ability to craft engaging narratives and the players' capacity to interact meaningfully with these elements.​Balancing the use of undead in campaigns requires careful consideration to ensure they contribute to the game's depth without disrupting its balance. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNETFacebook: rpgbotbotdotnetBluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.GamesTwitter: @GravenAshesYouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateurAmateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati
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    58 m
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