RPGBOT.Podcast

The RPGBOT crew descends into the haunted hollers of Appalachia—where faith, fire, and coal run deep, and the locals don't much care for outsiders asking questions. Between GM intrusions, cursed deer, and whiskey-soaked theology, our heroes quickly learn that in Old Gods of Appalachia, salvation's a dangerous business. Welcome to the mines, y'all—hope you brought your holy water and your lucky charm. Support the MD Anderson Cancer Center If you're looking to make a meaningful impact today, please consider donating to MD Anderson. Your gift supports cutting-edge cancer research, world-class patient care, and education & prevention efforts — all part of their mission to "Make Cancer History®." MD Anderson Cancer Center MD Anderson treats patients from around the globe, advances new therapies through clinical trials, and drives programs that prevent cancer before it starts. 🌟 Donate today by visiting MD Anderson Cancer Center and join the fight to #EndCancer. Thank you for helping support hope, healing, and the future of cancer care. Show Notes In this replay of our livestream episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew journeys into Old Gods of Appalachia—a horror RPG built on the Cypher System. Recorded live for the MD Anderson Cancer Research Fundraiser, the team brings their trademark humor and chaos to the eerie mountains of Kentucky. Expect supernatural horror, Southern Gothic storytelling, cursed mine towns, and a few honest-to-God GM intrusions. As the crew's characters—Jessie Miller, a trouble-magnet moonshiner, and Isaiah Wells, a displaced New York reporter—arrive in Williams Holler, they uncover something foul beneath the coal seams. Between sermons about salvation through suffering and sightings of "not-deer" with too many eyes, it's clear that this isn't your average Sunday service. Listeners will find a mix of roleplaying tension, Appalachian folklore, and dark humor—all wrapped in a heartfelt cause to support cancer research. Topics Covered Old Gods of Appalachia system overview and horror settingCypher System gameplay mechanics (effort, intrusions, and ciphers)Character introductions and backstoriesSouthern Gothic and coal-mine horror themesRoleplaying moral tension and faith under pressureFundraising for MD Anderson Cancer ResearchAudience interactions and GM intrusions via donationsAppalachian folklore: the Not-Deer, the Hollow Men, and haunted mines Key Takeaways Atmosphere is everything. The crew's immersion into the eerie tone of Old Gods of Appalachia shows how sound design, music, and folklore blend into deeply effective storytelling.Charity gaming builds community. The live donation incentives—GM intrusions, player healing, and ciphers—added chaos, laughter, and heart to the stream while raising funds for a real-world cause.Cypher System flexibility. Even first-time players picked up the mechanics quickly, demonstrating how adaptable the system is for horror, mystery, and narrative-driven play.Character depth drives horror. Jessie's criminal past and Isaiah's skepticism ground the supernatural elements in human struggle—faith, guilt, and survival.The Appalachian setting matters. The language, faith, and labor politics of Williams Holler reflect both real history and mythic dread, making the horror feel lived-in and authentic.GM intrusions enhance storytelling. Audience-triggered twists, like the arrival of malformed deer and the burning man apparition, show how unpredictability heightens tension.Humor and horror coexist. Even in a grim setting, the RPGBOT team's banter—about whiskey, bootleggers, and bad theology—keeps the experience fun and distinctively RPGBOT. Shout Out to the Old Gods and Monte Cook Games! We want to give a heartfelt thank-you to the incredible minds behind Old Gods of Appalachia — Steve Shell, Cam Collins, and the team at DeepNerd Media — for creating one of the most haunting, beautiful, and uniquely American horror settings ever put to microphone or tabletop. The Old Gods...

You know that moment when your players spend ten minutes searching a room, roll a 5, and you sigh before saying, "You find… nothing"? Yeah, we're done with that. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew grabs the Dungeon Master's Guide by the binding and asks the real questions: Why are searches so boring, and why do your players keep looting every chair leg like it's the Ark of the Covenant? It's time to make treasure exciting again — and maybe throw in a cursed spoon or two for good measure. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts take on one of the most common sins in tabletop RPGs — the search that sucks. You know the one: endless die rolls, arbitrary DCs, and players who either find everything or nothing. The crew dives deep into how to fix bad exploration mechanics, use random treasure tables intelligently, and design rewards that actually matter. They cover: How to balance Perception vs. Investigation checks in D&D 5e and One D&D.When to use Passive Perception to keep exploration flowing.How to curate random treasures so rewards feel tailored, not tacked on.Procedural generation and OSR-style loot tables for DMs who want surprise without chaos.The psychology of reward design—why a potion of healing can feel more exciting than a +1 sword.How Pathfinder 2e's treasure parcel system solves common D&D loot issues.Turning random loot into story hooks that feed back into your worldbuilding. Whether you're running a gritty hexcrawl, a dungeon delve, or a modern urban fantasy, you'll walk away with tools to ditch dull searches and make every treasure feel earned. Key Takeaways Roll less, describe more. Replace meaningless Perception checks with interactive exploration and sensory clues.Random doesn't mean meaningless. Curate your treasure tables around your campaign's themes.Passive Perception is your pacing tool. Use it to keep exploration snappy without robbing players of agency.Economy matters. Gold, consumables, and downtime rewards all affect campaign health.Player engagement > item rarity. Surprise players with creativity, not just loot value.Procedural tools save prep time. Random tables and generators can be incredible when you understand their purpose.Reward discovery, not just dice. Make your players feel clever when they find something hidden — even if you planned it all along. If you've ever caught yourself saying "You find nothing," it's time to level up your DM game. Head to RPGBOT.net for guides on treasure design, reward pacing, and exploration mechanics, and don't forget to subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast on your favorite platform. Rate and review to help other GMs find the show — and maybe, just maybe, help us all stop handing out 17 identical potions of healing. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky:...

Ever had that moment when you realize you've become the "veteran adventurer" in your own party? The RPGBOT crew sure has. In this episode, we channel that energy straight into the Unearthed Arcana Arcane Subclasses, dissecting the Enchanter, Necromancer, and Transmuter Wizards from D&D 2024. Expect laughter, existential dread, and a healthy dose of spell slot math as we ask the real question: Can Wizards of the Coast enchant us again, or are we just too old for these saving throws? Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts continue their deep dive into the Unearthed Arcana Arcane Subclasses playtest for Dungeons and Dragons (D&D 2024). They explore the evolution of several wizard subclasses: the Enchanter Wizard, Necromancer Wizard, and Transmuter Wizard, and analyze how these changes impact gameplay mechanics, class balance, and overall player experience. The discussion begins on a lighthearted note, as the hosts reflect on aging and nostalgia through stories about concerts and generational shifts in music. This leads naturally into a conversation about how nostalgia and design evolution shape our experiences with tabletop RPGs like D&D. From there, the hosts dig into the details of the Unearthed Arcana wizard subclasses: The Enchanter Wizard's new enchantment mechanics spark a conversation about free will, consent, and how these ethical themes play out in gameplay.The Necromancer Wizard gets a significant rework, with temporary hit points for undead minions, exploding skeleton mechanics, and other game design improvements that enhance tactical and thematic play.The Transmuter Wizard's Transmuter Stone, polymorph mechanics, and restoration spells see meaningful updates that make the subclass more versatile and rewarding to play. Throughout the episode, the hosts consider the balance between fun and mechanics, chain reaction gameplay, and hit dice damage calculations, all while highlighting how Wizards of the Coast is actively listening to player feedback in shaping the upcoming D&D 2024 rules. If you love D&D class analysis, wizard subclass deep dives, and thoughtful conversations about game design and player engagement, this episode of the RPGBOT Podcast is a must-listen. Key Takeaways Feeling nostalgic? The hosts open with a candid reflection on aging, concerts, and how nostalgia connects to our love of gaming.The Enchanter Wizard subclass has evolved to offer richer roleplay opportunities and more engaging mechanics—but not without debate around split enchantment and ethical implications.The Necromancer Wizard gains thematic depth with undead minion improvements, temporary hit points, and a delightfully destructive exploding undead mechanic.The Transmuter Wizard subclass sees significant improvements—its Transmuter Stone now provides more tactical flexibility, while polymorph and restoration mechanics enhance its role in party support.Hit dice and chain reaction gameplay significantly affect how damage and encounters unfold, underscoring the importance of thoughtful class balancing.The Unearthed Arcana playtest demonstrates Wizards of the Coast's responsiveness to player feedback and commitment to refining D&D 2024 subclass design.The hosts highlight that balancing fun vs. optimization remains key to an enjoyable Dungeons and Dragons experience.Ultimately, this discussion celebrates both nostalgia and innovation in tabletop RPG design, showing how evolving rules can breathe new life into classic classes. If this episode made you laugh, groan, or question your saving throws, then cast Subscribe as a ritual spell and join us every week for more deep dives into D&D 2024 and beyond. Head to RPGBOT.net for our full class guides, optimization breakdowns, and Unearthed Arcana analyses. Want to hear episodes like this live? Join the RPGBOT Patreon to listen in during recording sessions, chat with the hosts, and share your own tales of necromantic nostalgia. And while you're at it, drop us a rating and...

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

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

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

When you stare too long into the darkness, sometimes the darkness stares back—and then asks about your dice pool. In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team sits down to answer your burning questions about Hunter: The Reckoning, exploring the mechanics, the danger system, and how desperation turns ordinary people into extraordinary survivors in the World of Darkness. Listen to More “How to Play” Episodes If you’re enjoying our dive into Hunter: The Reckoning, don’t forget that the RPGBOT.Podcast has a full library of “How to Play” episodes. From character creation deep dives to storytelling techniques, our series covers everything you need to master the rules and refine your table craft across dozens of RPG systems. Check them out wherever you get your podcasts or at RPGBOT.net. In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team returns to the streets of the World of Darkness to tackle your questions about Hunter: The Reckoning 5th Edition. We explore the tension-filled systems that make this RPG shine—how desperation and danger drive character decisions, how touchstones shape humanity, and how advancement challenges players to think beyond combat. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or a new recruit in the Vigil, this conversation breaks down how to make every session more immersive, terrifying, and narratively rich. From balancing narrative structure and GM adaptability to handling willpower, character death, and supernatural threats, the hosts share insights from their own gameplay experiences. The discussion emphasizes how the game rewards creative problem-solving, highlights the cost of recklessness, and reminds us that survival in the World of Darkness is never guaranteed—but the story is always worth telling. Key Takeaways Comfort and Familiarity: Players familiar with World of Darkness mechanics will find Hunter: The Reckoning intuitive and adaptable.Character Creation Depth: Builds are diverse, allowing players to create unique characters tied to strong personal motivations.Strategic Gameplay: The system encourages planning, investigation, and social maneuvering over brute force.Desperation and Danger: These twin systems heighten tension, push risk-taking, and shape the tone of each session.Touchstones Matter: These connections to humanity define character motivation and are key to long-term survival.Advancement and Pacing: Growth is deliberate, rewarding sustained engagement and narrative reflection.Narrative Engagement: Player investment in the story directly affects the tone and momentum of play.Recklessness as a Theme: The system tempts players toward dangerous choices, reinforcing the tone of moral decay and survival.Party Synergy: Character variety encourages complementary roles and interdependent strategies.Storytelling is Core: The emotional and thematic narrative remains the heart of any World of Darkness game. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you want to listen live as we record episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast—complete with unfiltered insights, in-jokes, and behind-the-scenes discussion—join the RPGBOT.Patreon. Patrons can tune in every Sunday and Tuesday to hear episodes as they’re recorded, interact with the hosts, and become part of the creative process. Support the show, help us grow, and experience the RPGBOT.Podcast in real time. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra...

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

Somewhere between the high deserts of New Mexico and the psychic wastelands of Unearthed Arcana, the RPGBOT crew discovered two great truths: Albuquerque has better tacos than Los Angeles, and psionics might finally make sense in Dungeons & Dragons. We know some of you thought the Psion episode was lost forever (vanished into the Astral Plane or eaten by a mind flayer), but good news! The missing RPGBOT.Podcast episode on the Psion Unearthed Arcana has been recovered and is now live on your favorite podcatcher. Catch up and join the conversation before your DM rewrites the subclass again. Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team takes a psychic deep dive into the latest Unearthed Arcana update to the Psion class for Dungeons & Dragons. Between discussions of New Mexico’s high desert climate, Albuquerque’s local cuisine, and Taos skiing, the crew explores how psionics, multiclassing, and new subclass mechanics are reshaping D&D’s design space. Listeners will hear insights on how Wizards of the Coast reworked the Scion (now Psion) class, making psionic energy and subclass features more flexible and accessible. From the Metamorph’s Fleshweaver feature to the Psychonetic’s telekinesis and the Telepath’s support abilities, the team analyzes gameplay impact, balance, and flavor. The discussion also touches on the rebalancing of level 20 features, improvements to psionic spellcasting, and how multiclassing interacts with hit dice mechanics. As always, the hosts bring humor, personal stories, and some surprising local insight from their rediscovery of Albuquerque’s food culture—because apparently, “better tacos” is a universal truth worth multiclassing for. Key Takeaways Unearthed Arcana brings a refined Psion to D&D, improving class balance, subclass diversity, and psionic flavor.Psionic energy mechanics now scale smoothly across levels and subclass paths.The Metamorph subclass gains major survivability boosts with its Fleshweaver feature.The Psychonetic subclass emphasizes mobility, telekinesis, and damage versatility.The Telepath subclass leans into party support, battlefield control, and communication.Level 20 features expand psionic dice and late-game impact without overwhelming balance.Multiclassing with Psion no longer punishes hit dice mechanics, making hybrid builds more viable.New Mexico’s food culture, from Albuquerque green chile to Taos tacos, inspires reflection on community and quality—much like balanced game design.Listener engagement continues to be key: reviews and ratings help keep RPGBOT’s brainwaves strong.Wizards of the Coast’s open development process hints at more innovative subclasses and psionic expansions ahead. Visit the Land of Enchantment If this episode left your mind buzzing like a psychic storm, channel that energy into a trip to the beautiful state of New Mexico. Explore the ski slopes of Taos, savor Albuquerque’s legendary tacos, and discover why the Land of Enchantment is the perfect place to rest, recharge, and maybe even roll a few dice under the desert stars. We invite the State of New Mexico to sponsor the RPGBOT.Podcast and help us share the Land of Enchantment’s stunning landscapes, vibrant food culture, and adventurous spirit with tabletop gamers around the world. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics,...

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

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 Notes In 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: How public speaking anxiety translates into roleplaying hesitationTechniques to encourage roleplay among shy playersUsing improv and acting tips to bring characters to lifeBuilding player confidence and group trustBalancing storytelling and game mechanics in tabletop RPGsMaking Dungeons & Dragons sessions more expressive and inclusiveWhy roleplay and performance make better campaignsStrategies for Dungeon Masters to create safe spaces for expression RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Dice Math – RPGBOT.Podcast S2E92 Other Stuff GiffyGlyph Key Takeaways Encouraging Roleplay Builds Community: Players open up more when the table feels safe, supportive, and judgment-free.Public Speaking and D&D Go Hand-in-Hand: Overcoming stage fright at the table often translates to confidence outside of it.Start Small: Begin with simple gestures, dialogue, or motivations instead of full speeches.Dungeon Masters Lead by Example: If the DM embraces roleplay, players will follow.Improv Skills Improve Immersion: Using “yes, and…” and character-driven reactions make for more dynamic storytelling.Failure Is Funny: Embrace mistakes—they’re often the best part of the story.Practice Makes Presence: The more you speak as your character, the easier it gets to slip into their voice and mindset.Collaboration Over Competition: Roleplay isn’t about performance—it's about connection, creativity, and shared narrative.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. 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...

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 Discord Looking 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 Notes Note 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 Metamorph subclass shines as a creative standout (though oddly misplaced).The Psywarper and Psykinetic subclasses leave us underwhelmed and wishing for more.The Telepath subclass earns the dubious honor of “worst in show,” with lackluster mechanics and little to inspire players. 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 Reclaiming language matters: language in RPGs reflects broader culture, and reclaiming terms can empower communities.Cancel culture impacts tabletop: even beloved creators and mechanics can suddenly face backlash.Psionics should feel distinct: the Psion class needs stronger separation from traditional spellcasting.Resource management is tricky: the mode pool system is seen as overly complex and clunky.Community feedback is critical: Unearthed Arcana exists to refine designs, and this playtest needs serious revision.Subclass performance varies widely: Metamorph is a bright spot, while Cywarper, Psykinetic, and especially Telepath fall flat.Innovation drives class design: breaking free from spell slot mechanics could create exciting new possibilities.Class identity is essential: without uniqueness, psionics risk feeling like “just another caster.”Hope for the future: the hosts remain optimistic that psionics can evolve into something fresh and balanced in future iterations. Support Friends of the Podcast If you like what we do, support the folks who make the tabletop RPG community stronger: DM Adamantine – Book unforgettable professional GM sessions on StartPlaying.games.DungeonFlow.app – Level up your campaign prep with smart tools for encounters, traps, and dungeon building.TTRPG Creators & Friends – From indie developers to community artists, support the people making your games richer and more fun. 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...

"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 Notes In 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 Encountering new monsters keeps RPG gameplay thrilling and unpredictable.Character development is key for immersive horror storytelling.Classic movies and cultural references enrich roleplaying sessions.Investigations in RPGs often lead to surprising, unsettling connections.Corporate malfeasance and supernatural horror mix for compelling narratives.Character sheets, hacking, and social media mechanics enhance roleplay depth.Dreams and nightmares serve as powerful storytelling devices.Dr. Talbot’s medical trials and Vertexa’s clinical experiments raise ethical questions.Monster X and organ theft drive the horror and suspense.The balance of humor and dread makes the experience memorable.The story closes on a cliffhanger, ensuring players and listeners are hooked. 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 Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI’s worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler...

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 YouTube Before 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 Notes Every 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: “How many encounters should happen before a long rest in D&D?”“How do I keep players from spamming the five-minute adventuring day?”“What’s the balance between story pacing and resource management?” …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 Pacing is everything: The tempo of encounters, story beats, and rests directly impacts campaign flow.Rest mechanics shape tension: Rules like short vs long rests in D&D or daily recovery in Pathfinder 2e can either encourage resource management or invite “rest spamming.”Encounter pacing drives drama: How many encounters players face before resting sets the stakes—whether it feels like a survival grind or a cinematic sprint.Balance mechanics with story: Great pacing blends mechanical tension (hit points, spell slots, conditions) with narrative urgency (villains, clocks, or looming disasters).The 5-minute adventuring day problem is real: Creative pacing strategies help DMs push beyond it.Different RPG systems, different solutions: What works for D&D pacing may not work for Pathfinder rest mechanics or other TTRPGs—adapt to your system.Player expectations matter: Some groups love slow-burn exploration, others want fast action. Pacing tools let you tune the campaign to your table. Stop Pirating PDFs and Buy Your GM a Sandwich Tabletop RPGs don’t just fall out of the sky like loot drops—they’re...

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 Notes In 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 Character backstories in RPGsSetting the scene in Cyprus HollowRPG storytellingInvestigating crime scenes in role-playing gamesUrban legends and social mediamystery RPG sessionsTechnology in RPG storytellingHumor in dark RPG campaignsTulpas, mysterious figures, and cliffhangersCollaboration in RPG investigation storytellingThe Daybreak Motel crime sceneHunter the Reckoning cliffhanger Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI’s worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.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

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 Malecon Before 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 Notes In 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 RPG sessionscharacter creation in tabletop gamesTouchstones in Hunter: The ReckoningRPG mechanicsRPG session 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 Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI’s worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.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

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. RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Playing Druids Naturally – DnD 5e – RPGBOT Other Stuff Kobold Press’ Deep Magic Show Notes Welcome 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? …A hag with a clipboard. Key Takeaways Hags are more than just creepy old ladieshorror monsters in D&D campaignsHag covens = nightmare fuelConsultant joke actually worksRPG versatilityDungeons & Dragons hag lorePathfinder 2e hag encountersPlayer engagementstorytelling and character dramaSpooktober vibesHalloween RPG podcast treat 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 Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI’s worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.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

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. Starfinder 2e GM Core (affiliate link) Content from RPGBOT.net Starfinder Content RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Starfinder 2e Galaxy Guide Starfinder 2e Player Core Join the RPGBOT.Patreon The 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. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today 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 Notes 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 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: Health history and train safety are treated as RPG mechanics in disguise.The Starfinder GM Core review reveals familiar Pathfinder 2E mechanics, hinting that both games might be written in the same shadowy basement.Cultural sensitivity in game design is explored as a firewall against stereotypes, essential for meaningful fantasy cultural representation.Packed Worlds lore unfolds like interstellar IKEA instructions: dazzling but occasionally missing pieces.Starship mechanics and vehicle rules read more like cosmic DMV manuals than adventure prompts.Hacking mechanics in Starfinder 2E echo IT support nightmares — less cyberpunk, more password reset purgatory.Bridging Pathfinder and Starfinder GM Cores feels like bureaucracies endlessly passing the same form back and forth. Key Takeaways 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. Starfinder 2E GM Core review: familiar Pathfinder mechanics wrapped in galactic bureaucracy.Cultural sensitivity in RPG design: vital to...

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 StartPlaying If 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 Notes Welcome 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 Emotional depth matters: vulnerability in RPG storytelling makes for unforgettable campaigns.Average people, extraordinary stakes: Hunter: The Reckoning lets you role-play regular humans versus supernatural horrors.Creeds and organizations define hunters: conflicting goals keep character drama spicy.Mechanics that hurt (in a good way): desperation and danger rules crank up tension like horror movies with jump scares.Monster design isn’t about stats: creating monsters with real motivations makes them terrifyingly relatable.Storytelling as a mirror: RPGs like Hunter reflect players’ inner conflicts and emotional experiences.Hunter history is messy: multiple editions, controversies, and fan debates make for excellent nerd fights.Lighting matters… apparently: whether on stage or at the table, atmosphere changes how the story hits. 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:...

Once upon a gaming table dreary, while we plotted, weak and weary, Came a whisper from the shadows: “What if your dice betray you with fear?” Not the fear of a natural one, nor the dread of forgetting your spell slots, But a terror woven deep into the very fabric of the game— A mechanic that chills the marrow, bends the will, And makes the bravest paladin cry out like a startled kobold. 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 turn trembling hands and quivering voices into unforgettable stories. Laughter, like a ghast’s grin, stalks alongside the horror, for even in terror, there is comedy— and nothing delights the Raven more than watching adventurers quail at shadows. Spooktober 2025 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 Notes Fear 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 Fear isn’t just for horror RPGs—it’s a versatile mechanic that spices up any campaign, from Pathfinder 2e fear rules to homebrew sanity systems.Game masters can use fear to enhance storytelling, creating tension that makes victories sweeter (and failures funnier).Fear effects in TTRPG combat and roleplay can shift strategies, forcing players to think beyond hit points and damage dice.Player immersion through fear mechanics keeps everyone invested, even when nothing is actively trying to eat them… yet.Horror at the table works best when balanced: scary enough to thrill, funny enough to keep people coming back for more. 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...