Episodes

  • SURVIVING THE ONESHOT (Remastered!): Why Level 1 Isn't Always the Best for One-Shot Adventures

    SURVIVING THE ONESHOT (Remastered!): Why Level 1 Isn't Always the Best for One-Shot Adventures
    May 18 2024
    In this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we discuss running one-shot adventures and what level at which you should do so. We discuss the pros and cons of a 1st-level adventure, what levels we recommend for 5e and PF2 one-shots and why, and how to handle one-shots for classless systems and systems that don’t use the concept of levels like Shadowrun and Fantasy Flight’s Star Wars RPG. Special thanks to @oaks_and_ravens on twitter for the question of the week this week. This episode was originally published on January 19th, 2022 MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes How to Play Dungeons and Dragons, Part 2 – CharactersEpisode 18 – Downtime Articles on RPGBOT.net DnD 5e – Practical Guide to Campaign Planning DnD 5e – Practical Guide to Starting Above 1st LevelDnD 5e – Encounter Builder Dungeons and Dragons (DnD 5e) Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (affiliate link) Pathfinder 2e Core Rulebook (affiliate link) Little Trouble in Big Absalom – Free PDF Sundered Waves 5th-level one-shot adventure On Roll20 On Paizo.com Other Stuff Halo: Reach on wikipedia Quicken (affiliate link) – I bet you thought we were kidding. Shadowrun Beginner Box (affiliate link) Star Wars Edge of the Empire (affiliate link)The Drake Equation on Wikipedia 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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    51 mins
  • MONKS Levels 1 - 4 - Ascend to Greatness or Stumble in the Shadows

    MONKS Levels 1 - 4 - Ascend to Greatness or Stumble in the Shadows
    May 16 2024

    In this first of a two-part episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we discuss the Monk Class in Dungeons & Dragons, acknowledging the cultural issues with the class and the challenges it faces in terms of mechanics and gameplay. We explore ability scores, proficiencies, and features while highlighting Monks reliance on Dexterity, Wisdom, and Constitution. We talk about the Monk's unarmored defense, martial arts abilities, and the limitations of available weapons. The team expresses their opinions on the class and offer insights into the class’ strengths and weaknesses, breaking down the different subclasses and their features. We cover the Ascendant Dragon, Open Hand, Shadow, Drunken Master, Four Elements, Long Death, Mercy, and Cobalt Soul subclasses and we dig into our frustrations with some design decisions for the Monk class.

    We’ll provide insights into the various options available for Monks and offer recommendations for players, covering various features and abilities of the Monk, including Flurry of Blows, Stunning Strike, and Slow Fall; with our thoughts on the effectiveness and balance of these features. We provide insights and suggestions for optimizing the Monk class, such as multiclassing and choosing the right subclass, and discuss the importance of ability score improvements and the impact of race on the Monk's abilities.

    If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners.

    If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings.

    Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ

    How to Find Us:

    In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net

    Tyler Kamstra

    • Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
    • Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
    • Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social

    Ash Ely

    • Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
    • Twitter: @GravenAshes
    • YouTube@ashravenmedia

    Randall James

    • @JackAmateur
    • Amateurjack.com

    Producer Dan

    • @Lzr_illuminati
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    55 mins
  • THE ABYSS: A Guide to Surviving the Demonic Hordes

    THE ABYSS: A Guide to Surviving the Demonic Hordes
    May 13 2024

    The swirling vortex of chaos, the endless expanse of malevolent intent, the Abyss beckons with its promise of boundless power and insidious pleasures. In this post, we delve into the twisted depths of the Abyss, home to the demonic hordes that threaten to consume all that stands in their way. Join us as we explore the unfathomable layers of this chaotic universe and uncover its secrets, dangers, and enticing rewards. Welcome to the Abyss, where madness and malevolence reign supreme.

    • DnD 5e
      • Dungeon Master’s Guide
      • Monsters of the Multiverse
    • 3.5 Expedition to the Demonweb Pits (affiliate link)
    • Pathfinder Wiki
      • Demon Lords
      • Qlippoth
      • Outer Rifts

    If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners.

    If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings.

    Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ

    How to Find Us:

    In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net

    Tyler Kamstra

    • Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
    • Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
    • Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social

    Ash Ely

    • Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
    • Twitter: @GravenAshes
    • YouTube@ashravenmedia

    Randall James

    • @JackAmateur
    • Amateurjack.com

    Producer Dan

    • @Lzr_illuminati
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    1 hr
  • VARIANT RULES (Remastered!) - Breaking the Mold: Exploring Alternative Rules for Tabletop RPGs

    VARIANT RULES (Remastered!) - Breaking the Mold: Exploring Alternative Rules for Tabletop RPGs
    May 11 2024

    In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we discuss variant rules. We examine the difference between house rules and variants, and review a collection of our favorite variant rules for DnD 5e and for Pathfinder 2e and debate which ones you should or should not use and why.

    This episode was originally release January 5th, 2022

    MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

    • Articles on RPGBOT.net
      • The Fundamental Math of Character Optimization
      • Oops All Elves
      • The Monsterizer
    • DnD 5e
      • Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link)
        • Chapter 8 under Adjudicating Area Effects
        • Chapter 9 under Resting and under Combat Options
    • Pathfinder 2e:
      • Gamemastery Guide
        • Chapter 4
        • https://2e.aonprd.com/Rules.aspx?ID=1297
    • Other Stuff
      • DnDBeyond Campaign Level Spread Chart – Taken from a video in 2019, so may be outdated

    You can find more information at https://rpgbot.net/ - Analysis, tools, and instructional articles for tabletop RPGs.

    If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners.

    If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings.

    Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ

    How to Find Us:

    In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net

    Tyler Kamstra

    • Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
    • Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
    • Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social

    Ash Ely

    • Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
    • Twitter: @GravenAshes
    • YouTube@ashravenmedia

    Randall James

    • @JackAmateur
    • Amateurjack.com

    Producer Dan

    • @Lzr_illuminati
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    53 mins
  • WARLOCKS Level 5 - 20: From Hexes to Hell: Leveling Up and Releasing the Darkness

    WARLOCKS Level 5 - 20: From Hexes to Hell: Leveling Up and Releasing the Darkness
    May 9 2024

    Are you ready to take your warlock to new heights? In this second of our two-part episode of the RPGBOT. Podcast, we guide through the levels, and the power and potential of the Warlock class truly begins to unfold. Join us as we dig into the exciting world of levels 5-20 for warlocks. From choosing new spells to mastering invocations, we will explore the many ways you can unlock the full potential of your Warlock.

    MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE

    • Warlock Handbook
    • Warlock Races Breakdown
    • Warlock Eldritch Invocations Breakdown
    • Warlock Pact Boons Breakdown
    • Warlock Spell List Breakdown

    If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners.

    If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings.

    Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ

    How to Find Us:

    In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net

    Tyler Kamstra

    • Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
    • Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
    • Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social

    Ash Ely

    • Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
    • Twitter: @GravenAshes
    • YouTube@ashravenmedia

    Randall James

    • @JackAmateur
    • Amateurjack.com

    Producer Dan

    • @Lzr_illuminati
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • VECNA, EVE OF RUIN: Behind the Cover with Lead Designer Amanda Hamon

    VECNA, EVE OF RUIN: Behind the Cover with Lead Designer Amanda Hamon
    May 6 2024

    In this special episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, Wizards of the Coast Lead Designer Amanda Hamon joins the team to discuss the latest Dungeons and Dragons release, Vecna, Eve of Ruin. We talk about the history of Vecna in D&D, his motivations, and how he fits into the 50th anniversary celebration of D&D. We also discuss the inclusion of Greyhawk and other classic settings in the adventure, as well as the return of iconic characters like Mordenkainen and Elminster.

    Amanda provides insight into the development and excitement surrounding this major adventure release. Amanda also share with us the inclusion of lesser-known characters like Strahd, Lord Soth, and Miska the Wolf Spider. The conversation then shifts to the challenges of designing a high-level adventure and the importance of creating a simple yet engaging narrative. The hosts also ask about new monsters and magic items in the book. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts and guest discuss the use of a magic item called the Head of Vecna, which can banish powerful creatures to other planes of existence. They also give advice to players who are new to high-level play. Stay tuned until the end for the free-flowing conversation with Amanda.

    • Vecna: Eve of Ruin
    • Amanda Hamon
      • Twitter: @amandahamon
      • Pathfinder Wiki
      • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Hamon_Kunz
    • Other Stuff
      • Rod of Seven Parts

    If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners.

    If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings.

    Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ

    How to Find Us:

    In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net

    Tyler Kamstra

    • Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
    • Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
    • Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social

    Ash Ely

    • Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
    • Twitter: @GravenAshes
    • YouTube@ashravenmedia

    Randall James

    • @JackAmateur
    • Amateurjack.com

    Producer Dan

    • @Lzr_illuminati
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    50 mins
  • TRAVEL (Remastered!: From Boring to Epic, Transforming the Journey in Your RPG Sessions

    TRAVEL (Remastered!: From Boring to Epic, Transforming the Journey in Your RPG Sessions
    May 4 2024
    Are you tired of travel feeling like a mundane chore in your RPG sessions? Look no further, because in this episode we will explore the art of making travel an exciting and essential part of your game. Learn from the successes and failures of popular fiction and discover techniques to make your players engaged and invested in the journey. Say goodbye to boring travel and hello to epic adventures! Special thanks to for this week’s questions of the week. This episode was originally published on December 22, 2021 MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE RPGBOT.Podcast episodes referenced in this episodeEpisode 0 – The Adventure BeginsEpisode 15 – Food Articles on RPGBOT.net DnD 5e – Oath of Conquest Paladin HandbookDnD 5e – The Fundamental Math of Character Optimization DnD 5e Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link)Chapter 9, under “Creating a Monster” Player’s Handbook (affiliate link)Chapter 8, under “Movement” Pathfinder 2e: Core Rulebook (affiliate link)Page 479: Travel Speedhttps://2e.aonprd.com/Rules.aspx?ID=470 Other StuffDijkstra’s Algorithm EurotripXKCD: Unpopular Opinions Left for Dead 2 Lord of the Rings Mulan 2 – Escort Mission Boogaloo Oregon Trail Oregon Trail Card Game (affiliate link) Red Hand of Doom (affiliate link)Skyrim, available now on your smart fridge or whatever The Mandalorian – Chapter 10: The Passenger Wheel of Time (affiliate link) 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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    55 mins
  • HELP, AID, ASSIST: Enhancing the Help Action; Character Options and Abilities

    HELP, AID, ASSIST: Enhancing the Help Action; Character Options and Abilities
    May 2 2024
    In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we discuss the help action in tabletop role-playing games, specifically in Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Pathfinder 2e. We explore the mechanics of the help action, including its use in combat and out of combat scenarios. We also discuss the limitations and potential benefits of using the help action, as well as different character options that can enhance its effectiveness. This highlights the importance of understanding the rules and clarifying any misconceptions to ensure a fair and balanced gameplay experience. We also discuss the rules and mechanics of the Aid action in both D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e, exploring the differences in how the action is handled in each system, including the requirements, benefits, and limitations. We include character options that make taking the Aid action more attractive, such as the Mastermind Rogue subclass in 5e and the Cooperative Nature and Loyal Empath feats in Pathfinder 2e. Overall, highlighting the importance and usefulness of the Aid action in both systems. In the final part of the episode we talk about the cooperative nature of aid checks in Pathfinder Second Edition, and the idea of adjusting the DC for aid checks based on the difficulty of the task and the level of training of the character being aided; and how aid checks can be used in combat to create openings for attacks or to identify weaknesses in enemies. The team share their personal experiences with aid checks and offer different perspectives on when and how to adjust the DC; overall, emphasizing the importance of aid checks in the game and encouraging players to use them more often. KEY TAKEAWAYS The help action in tabletop role-playing games allows a character to assist another character, granting advantage on ability checks or attacksThe help action is commonly used in combat to provide advantage on attack rolls, especially with familiars or characters with specific abilitiesIn out of combat scenarios, the use of the help action depends on the DM's ruling and the specific skill being assistedUnderstanding the rules and clarifying any misconceptions about the help action is important to ensure a fair and balanced gameplay experienceDifferent character options, such as feats or class abilities, can enhance the effectiveness of the help action. The Aid action in D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e has different rules and mechanicsIn D&D 5e, the Aid action requires using an action and the DM determines if the aid is successfulIn Pathfinder 2e, the Aid action requires preparation, being in a proper position, and conveying necessary informationThe Aid action in Pathfinder 2e has degrees of success, with higher levels increasing the chance of critical successCharacter options like the Mastermind Rogue subclass in 5e and the Cooperative Nature and Loyal Empath feats in Pathfinder 2e make taking the Aid action more attractiveThe Aid action can be a powerful tool for assisting allies and improving the chances of success in both systems. Aid checks in Pathfinder Second Edition are a cooperative mechanic that allows characters to assist each other in various tasks.The DC for aid checks can be adjusted based on the difficulty of the task and the level of training of the character being aidedAid checks can be used in combat to create openings for attacks or to identify weaknesses in enemiesThe hosts share their personal experiences with aid checks and offer different perspectives on when and how to adjust the DCAid checks are an important and versatile mechanic that players should utilize more often in the game MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE DnDBeyond: HelpArchives of Nethys: Aidhttps://2e.aonprd.com/Actions.aspx?ID=2292 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 hr and 6 mins