294 episodes

The RPGBOT.Podcast is a thoughtful and sometimes humorous discussion about Tabletop Role Playing Games, including Dungeons and Dragons and Pathfinder as well as other TTRPGs. The discussion seeks to help players get the most out of TTRPGs by examining game mechanics and related subjects with a deep, analytic focus. The RPGBOT.Podcast includes a weekly episode; and The RPGBOT.News and The RPGBOT.Oneshot.

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

Support us at the following links:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rpgbot
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RPGBOTDOTNET
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rpgbotdotnet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rpgbot/

The RPGBOT.Podcast was developed by RPGBOT.net and produced in association with The Leisure Illuminati.

RPGBOT.Podcast RPGBOT.net

    • Leisure
    • 4.9 • 61 Ratings

The RPGBOT.Podcast is a thoughtful and sometimes humorous discussion about Tabletop Role Playing Games, including Dungeons and Dragons and Pathfinder as well as other TTRPGs. The discussion seeks to help players get the most out of TTRPGs by examining game mechanics and related subjects with a deep, analytic focus. The RPGBOT.Podcast includes a weekly episode; and The RPGBOT.News and The RPGBOT.Oneshot.

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

Support us at the following links:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rpgbot
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RPGBOTDOTNET
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rpgbotdotnet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rpgbot/

The RPGBOT.Podcast was developed by RPGBOT.net and produced in association with The Leisure Illuminati.

    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

    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 episode Episode 0 – The Adventure Begins Episode 15 – Food Articles on RPGBOT.net DnD 5e – Oath of Conquest Paladin Handbook DnD 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 Speed https://2e.aonprd.com/Rules.aspx?ID=470 Other Stuff Dijkstra’s Algorithm Eurotrip XKCD: 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: @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

    • 55 min
    HELP, AID, ASSIST: Enhancing the Help Action; Character Options and Abilities

    HELP, AID, ASSIST: Enhancing the Help Action; Character Options and Abilities

    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 attacks The help action is commonly used in combat to provide advantage on attack rolls, especially with familiars or characters with specific abilities In out of combat scenarios, the use of the help action depends on the DM's ruling and the specific skill being assisted Understanding the rules and clarifying any misconceptions about the help action is important to ensure a fair and balanced gameplay experience Different 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 mechanics In D&D 5e, the Aid action requires using an action and the DM determines if the aid is successful In Pathfinder 2e, the Aid action requires preparation, being in a proper position, and conveying necessary information The Aid action in Pathfinder 2e has degrees of success, with higher levels increasing the chance of critical success Character 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 attractive The 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 aided Aid checks can be used in combat to create openings for attacks or to identify weaknesses in enemies The hosts share their personal experiences with aid checks and offer different perspectives on when and how to adjust the DC Aid checks are an important and versatile mechanic that players should utilize more often in the game MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
    DnDBeyond: Help Archives of Nethys: Aid https://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 backer

    • 1 hr 5 min
    WARLOCKS Level 1 - 4: Spells and Invocations; Building a Powerful Conjurer

    WARLOCKS Level 1 - 4: Spells and Invocations; Building a Powerful Conjurer

    In this first of our two-part episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we build Warlocks. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of RPGs, Warlocks are a fascinating and powerful character class that can bring a unique dynamic to any game. In this post, we'll dive into the history and lore of Warlocks, their abilities and spells, and how you can create a memorable Warlock character for your next campaign. So grab your spellbook and join us as we explore the world of Warlocks in tabletop RPGs!
    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

    • 43 min
    LIFESTYLE RULES (Remastered!): Squalor to Splendor, Transforming Your RPG Campaign

    LIFESTYLE RULES (Remastered!): Squalor to Splendor, Transforming Your RPG Campaign

    In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we discuss a topic that many of us are familiar with: lifestyle changes. But have you ever stopped to consider how these changes can drastically transform your Pathfinder 2e or D&D 5e RPG campaigns? From going from rags to riches, or from luxury to survival, our characters' lifestyles can have a profound impact on the stories we tell and the experiences we have in our role-playing games. So grab your dice and join us as we explore the power of lifestyle changes in RPGs, how they work, what they mean, and how you can use them as a storytelling device; and how they can take your campaigns from squalor to splendor.
    Special thanks to @F_Capomax and @KevinLowman60 for this week’s questions of the week.
    This episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast was originally published December 8th, 2021
    MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
    RPGBOT.Podcast episodes referenced in this episode Episode 10 – Horror Episode 15 – Food Articles on RPGBOT.net DnD 5e – Practical Guide to Campaign Planning The Quartermancer The section of RPGBOT.net about Pokemon DnD 5e Acquisitions Incorporated (affiliate link) Player’s Handbook (affiliate link) Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link) Ghost of Saltmarsh (affiliate link) Out of the Abyss (affiliate link) Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (affiliate link) Pathfinder 2e: Core Rulebook (affiliate link) Downtime Rules on pages 294 and 500 https://2e.aonprd.com/Rules.aspx?ID=181 https://2e.aonprd.com/Rules.aspx?ID=538 Other Stuff Dungeon Master’s Guide II (DnD 3.5) (affiliate link) Forbidden Lands (affiliate link) Magmar (The pokemon) Magnamar (The city) Red Hand of Doom The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss (affiliate link) Way of the Wicked (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: @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

    • 37 min
    ARTIFICERS 2: Crafting Magic, A Guide to the Ultimate Tinkerer

    ARTIFICERS 2: Crafting Magic, A Guide to the Ultimate Tinkerer

    In this two-part episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we build upon the Artificers we created in Part 1. Artificers are a class that has long captured the imaginations of tabletop roleplaying game enthusiasts. With their mastery of technology and their ability to create powerful magical items, artificers bring a unique and exciting element to any RPG campaign. The team dives into the world of artificers in tabletop roleplaying games, exploring their origins, their abilities, and how they can enhance your gaming experience. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of RPGs, learn all about this fascinating class and how they can add a new level of creativity and adventure to your tabletop adventures. So grab your dice, sharpen your pencils, and let's dive into the world of artificers!
    MATERIALS REFERENCE IN THIS EPISODE
    Artificer Handbook Artificer Infusions Breakdown Artificer Races Breakdown Artificer Subclasses Breakdown Eberron: Rising from the Last War (affiliate link) Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (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: @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

    • 1 hr 7 min
    ARTIFICERS: Crafting Chaos, A Guide to Building the Master Artisan

    ARTIFICERS: Crafting Chaos, A Guide to Building the Master Artisan

    In this two-part episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we tackle building an Artificer. Artificers are a class that has long captured the imaginations of tabletop roleplaying game enthusiasts. With their mastery of technology and their ability to create powerful magical items, artificers bring a unique and exciting element to any RPG campaign. The team dives into the world of artificers in tabletop roleplaying games, exploring their origins, their abilities, and how they can enhance your gaming experience. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of RPGs, learn all about this fascinating class and how they can add a new level of creativity and adventure to your tabletop adventures. So grab your dice, sharpen your pencils, and let's dive into the world of artificers!
    MATERIALS REFERENCE IN THIS EPISODE
    Artificer Handbook Artificer Infusions Breakdown Artificer Races Breakdown Artificer Subclasses Breakdown Eberron: Rising from the Last War (affiliate link) Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (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: @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

    • 53 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
61 Ratings

61 Ratings

BrainDoc77 ,

Entertaining and Informing

Longtime fan of the RPG Bot Team here - the guys here are entertaining and very knowledgeable. An easy listen for any D&D or Pathfinder fan. 5 stars fully recommend.

Merxlmor ,

Great resource for TTRPGs

The crew is very knowledgeable and fun to listen to as they discuss topics on TTRPGs. I e learned a lot even as a long time player/GM. Also learned about new systems and good tips in general to make the games better.

dabewley ,

Great content and entertaining

Fun convos about D&D, Patherfinder, and TTRPGs. Lots of great info on optimizing and making your game better. Highly recommend.

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