RPGBOT.Podcast

Latest Episodes:

PLAYING TO ALIGNMENT (Remastered!) - Navigating the Ethical Minefield with Dr. Terry Macmullan Jun 29, 2024

Show notes

In this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we discuss the philosophical intricacies of tabletop roleplaying games with Dr. Terry Macmullan. From lawful good to chaotic evil, alignment has been a staple of RPGs for decades. But why do some players love it while others loathe it? Join us as we explore the history, impact, and various interpretations of alignment in tabletop gaming. Let's roll the dice and get started!

This episode was originally published March 2nd, 2022

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

Doctor Terry Macmullan @PhilosphyDM

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

Dungeons and Dragons 5e

Player's Handbook (affiliate link) or the Basic Rules
Alignment

DnD 3.5

Alignment

Atonement – It got rolled into Ceremony in DnD 5e
Helm of Opposite Alignment – Did not make it into 5e

Other Stuff

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

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

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

How to Find Us:

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

Tyler Kamstra

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

@JackAmateur
Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

@Lzr_illuminati

THE RPGBOT.PLAY POSTMORTEM Part 2 (ACHTUNG! Spoilers!) - Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

In this second episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we continue our postmortem from our recent play of Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen. From the streets of Kalaman to the ruins of Vogler, our characters face challenges and make tough decisions in the Dragonlance Shadow of the Dragon Queen campaign.

SUMMARY

In this second part of the conversation, Randall and Tyler talk with Ash about their experiences playing the Dragon Lance campaign and specifically focus on the exploration of the Northern Wastes. They mention the challenges they faced, such as Lord Soth's pursuit of the cataclysmic flame and the army that was coming to Calaman. They also talk about the mechanics of the hex crawl and the various encounters and obstacles they encountered.

Randall discusses the decision to switch to gritty realism during this chapter and how it affected their gameplay. They also touch on the City of Lost Names and the lack of information about it at the time. In this part of the conversation, Tyler and Ash discuss their experience with the changes in the game and the challenges they faced. They talk about the resource strain on spell slots and the limitations it imposed on their gameplay. They also mention the use of random encounter tables and how they modified them to fit their playstyle. They share their thoughts on the City of Lost Names and their clever approach to infiltrating it. They also discuss their decision to climb the tower and their unexpected solution to escape the collapsing city. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the events leading up to the final confrontation with Lord Soth.

They mention how they used a mirror to paralyze Soth and then sent him to the astral plane using a portable hole and a bag of holding. They express their disappointment with the way the adventure handled the defeat of such a cool villain. They also mention the puzzle involving the cataclysmic flame and the different ways it could be destroyed. The cleric in the party used divine intervention to ask their god for help in destroying the flame. The final part of the conversation focuses on the ending of the Dragonlance campaign. The players discuss their expectations for the final boss fight and express disappointment with the way it played out. They also critique the tie-in board game, Heroes of Kryn, and its lackluster gameplay. Overall, they enjoyed the campaign but felt that the pacing and some narrative choices could have been improved.

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

RPGBOT.Podcast Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen Review

TAKEAWAYS

Modifying random encounter tables can enhance the gameplay experience.
Creative problem-solving can lead to unexpected and exciting outcomes.
Adapting the adventure to fit the players' choices can create a more engaging and personalized experience. The hosts were disappointed with the way the adventure handled the defeat of Lord Soth, feeling that it didn't do justice to such a cool villain.
They used a mirror to paralyze Soth and then sent him to the astral plane using a portable hole and a bag of holding.
The puzzle involving the cataclysmic flame offered different ways to destroy it, including using a dragon lance or divine intervention.
The cleric in the party used divine intervention to ask their god for help in destroying the flame. The players expected the final boss fight to be against Lord Soth and were disappointed when it turned out to be a random dragon
The tie-in board game, Heroes of Kryn, received negative reviews and was considered tedious to set up
The players felt that the pacing of the campaign could have been improved, with some sections being too easy to rest and others having too many hard fights in a row
The lack of plane hopping in the Planescape campaign was seen as a missed opportunity
Troop monsters from Pathfinder 2 were recommended as a solution for running large-scale battles in D&D

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.

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

How to Find Us:

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

Tyler Kamstra

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

@JackAmateur
Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

@Lzr_illuminati

THE RPGBOT.PLAY POSTMORTEM Part 1 (ACHTUNG! Spoilers!) - Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we do a postmortem from our recent play of Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen. From the streets of Kalaman to the ruins of Vogler, our characters face challenges and make tough decisions in the Dragonlance Shadow of the Dragon Queen campaign.

SUMMARY

In this first part of The RPGBOT.Podcast, we talk about the Dragonlance Shadow of the Dragon Queen campaign. We Share our characters in the campaign and our experiences playing through the adventure. We touch on topics such as party size, roleplaying, and the inclusion of the kinder race. Spoiler alert: we mention that they will be discussing the entire Shadow of the Dragon Queen adventure, so listeners who haven't played it yet should be aware. In this part of the conversation, we discuss the first few chapters of the campaign, exploring the introductory adventures, the siege of Vogler, and the events in the city of Kalaman. we mention our interactions with NPCs and the challenges they faced. We share our experiences and highlight memorable moments, such as burning down the town and encountering Lord Soth. The conversation ends with a discussion about the dungeon crawl and the unique paths created by Lord Soth.

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

RPGBOT.Podcast Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen Review

TAKEAWAYS

WE discussed the characters in their campaign and shared their experiences playing through the adventure.
The party size was a topic of discussion, with some members feeling that six players was too many.
We talked about the roleplaying aspects of the campaign and how their characters interacted with the world.
The inclusion of the kinder race was mentioned, with some members expressing their dislike for the race.
Interactions with NPCs and building relationships with them play a significant role in the campaign.
Memorable moments include burning down the town and encountering Lord Soth.
The dungeon crawl in the later chapters is unique due to the paths created by Lord Soth. The battle with Lord Soth set the tone for the campaign and established him as the main antagonist
The use of the cataclysmic flame to reveal Soth's history was a creative storytelling technique

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.

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

How to Find Us:

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

Tyler Kamstra

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

@JackAmateur
Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

@Lzr_illuminati

FLIGHT (Remastered!) - Flying Beasts and Airborne Adventures Jun 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we discuss flight. We examine the state of flight rules in DnD 5e and PF2 and take a peek at DnD 3.x and PF1 for comparison, then we explore how to handle flying enemies from a player's perspective and how to handle flying players from a GM/DM perspective. We also take a brief aside into how cool airships are.

Special thanks to @SenChatterton on Twitter for the question of the week this week.

This episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast was originally published on February 23, 2022

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

Dungeons and Dragons 5e

Pathfinder 2e

DnD 3.5

Other Stuff

BESM d20 Revised Edition (affiliate link)
Final Fantasy 6
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Roll20 Equation for range while flying: [[[[(?{vertical distance|0}**2)+(?{Horizontal distance|0)**2)]]**.5]]
X-Men: Fastball Special

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.

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

How to Find Us:

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

Tyler Kamstra

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

@JackAmateur
Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

@Lzr_illuminati

THE PLANE OF BYTOPIA: Land of Nice Weather and Adamantine Dragons Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

This episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast is sponsored by Cantrip Candles. Visit RPGBOT.net/candles to get your first scent and bring your tabletop sessions to life!

Have you ever wondered what the afterlife might look like in the world of Dungeons and Dragons? Well, wonder no more because on this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we uncover the mysterious Plane of Bytopia and its unique take on the concept of the afterlife. Join us as we explore the Good Place-like existence of this D&D plane and uncover the secrets and wonders it holds for adventurers and players alike. Get ready to embark on a journey like no other as we examine Bytopia's afterlife in D&D.

SUMMARY

The Team covers the Upper Plane of Bytopia in D&D, exploring the geography, weather, and alignment of Bytopia, as well as the unique physics of the plane. The conversation also goes into the lifestyle and trade between the two layers of Bytopia, with humorous tangents along the way. We explore the concept of Bytopia, a plane in the D&D multiverse, and its unique characteristics: the environment, inhabitants, and the experience of visiting Bytopia. We touch on the nature of the afterlife, the concept of pervasive goodwill, and the potential challenges of entering and leaving Bytopia. The conversation also covers the themes of Bytopia, Tradegate, and non-player's handbook races. We breakdown the unique features of Bytopia, the trade gate, and the currency system. Our question of the week covers the concept of an 'oops all' party with non-player's handbook races, sharing our ideas and preferences for such parties.

SHOW LINKS

DnD 5e

Dungeon Master's Guide (affiliate link)
Monsters of the Multiverse (affiliate link)

Forgotten Realms Wiki
Pathfinder Wiki

Bytopia

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Detailed insights into the Upper Plane of Bytopia in D&D
Understanding the unique geography and weather patterns of Bytopia
Exploration of the alignment and lifestyle of Bytopia's inhabitants
Humorous tangents and discussions about the recording schedule and ad read Bytopia is a unique plane in the D&D multiverse, characterized by its idyllic environment and intelligent inhabitants.
The concept of pervasive goodwill in Bytopia presents an intriguing challenge for visitors, potentially trapping them in a state of contentment and happiness.
The discussion highlights the potential challenges and methods for entering Bytopia, including portals, teleportation circles, and the influence of gods.
The presence of adamantine dragons, intelligent plants, and the ethical considerations of animal husbandry in Bytopia raise thought-provoking questions about the nature of the plane and its inhabitants. Bytopia and Tradegate are unique locations in the D&D universe, each with its own distinct features and characteristics.
The currency system in Tradegate, known as Lode Stars, is designed to facilitate ethical trading and prevent the trade of unethical goods.
The concept of an 'oops all' party with non-player's handbook races offers a creative and unconventional approach to D&D campaigns, allowing for unique and diverse party compositions.
The hosts' discussion of non-player's handbook races provides insight into the potential for imaginative and entertaining gameplay experiences in the D&D universe.

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.

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

How to Find Us:

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

Tyler Kamstra

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

@JackAmateur
Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

@Lzr_illuminati

2014 DnD 5e RANGER Levels 5 - 20 - Yeah, I'm not going to be using Hunter's Mark either Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

In this latest episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we dive into the progression of our ranger characters from levels 5 to 20. As avid players of Dungeons & Dragons, we were excited to discuss the challenges and features of each level, and share our insights and experiences with our listeners.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this RPGBOT.Podcast episode, we discuss the progression of our ranger characters from levels 5 to 10, highlighting the challenges and features of each level. We explore the spells, feats, and abilities available to rangers at each level, providing insights and comparisons. We progress our Ranger Builds focusing on the abilities and features gained at different levels. We Talk about the improvements and limitations of the characters, comparing the effectiveness of various spells and abilities. We also share their experiences and insights on the game's mechanics and the impact of character progression on gameplay. The conversation covers a range of topics related to Dungeons & Dragons, including character builds, capstone abilities, and the reception of new game editions. We answer the question of the week discussing the 5th edition of D&D, the Pathfinder 2 Remaster, and the upcoming 2024 rules, touching on the challenges of pleasing a diverse community and the business motivations behind game updates.

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

Horizon Walker Ranger Handbook

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.

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

How to Find Us:

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

Tyler Kamstra

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

@JackAmateur
Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

@Lzr_illuminati

RANDOM ENCOUNTERS (Remastered!) - The Element of Surprise: Using the Power of the Unpredictable Jun 15, 2024

Show notes

In this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we dive into the world of random encounters. From epic battles to unexpected obstacles, random encounters can add an exciting element to any RPG adventure. But how can we make them more than just a filler? In this post, we'll take a closer look at the do's and don'ts of designing and presenting random encounters, provide tips on how to make them engaging and memorable, and provide you with an example of a Random Encounter chart.

Special thanks to @Jedyst for the question of the week this week.

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

RPGBOT.News – MOAR The Monsters Know What They're Doing with Keith Ammann

Dungeons and Dragons 5e

Pathfinder 2e

Core Rulebook (affiliate link)

Other Stuff

Gloomhaven

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.

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

How to Find Us:

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

Tyler Kamstra

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

@JackAmateur
Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

@Lzr_illuminati

2014 DnD 5e RANGER Levels 1 - 4 - Archery to Beast Mastery: Choosing the Right Build Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to our in-depth discussion on the Ranger class in D&D 5e! In this two-part episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we break down the features, subclasses, and overall strengths and weaknesses of the Ranger class, offering insights and recommendations for players. Join us as we analyze the misconceptions surrounding this class, and provide a detailed comparison of different Ranger builds. Whether you're a seasoned Ranger player or new to the class, this blog post will provide valuable insights and strategies for unleashing the full potential of your character.

In the part 1, we break down features of the Ranger class in D&D 5e. We analyze the shortcomings and improvements of the Ranger class, including Favored Enemy, Favored Foe, and Natural Explorer. We discuss the usefulness of certain skills, the challenges of overland travel, and the limitations of the Ranger class in different game settings.

Our conversation covers a detailed exploration of the various subclasses and features of the Ranger class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, diving into the strengths, weaknesses, and thematic elements of each subclass, providing insights and recommendations for players. We'll share our opinions on the effectiveness and appeal of each subclass, highlighting the improvements made in the Tasha's Cauldron of Everything expansion. We address the historical perception of the Ranger class and the misconceptions surrounding it. We provide you with a detailed comparison of Ranger builds, focusing on the abilities and features of the characters, including the strengths and weaknesses of different builds, as well as the strategic and tactical considerations for each.

Takeaways

Discussion of atmospheric conditions and their impact on power issues
Insights into the shortcomings and improvements of the Ranger class in D&D 5e
Exploration of the usefulness of certain skills and the challenges of overland travel in different game settings Comprehensive analysis of Ranger subclasses and features
Insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each subclass
Recommendations for thematic character concepts and gameplay strategies
Addressing historical misconceptions about the Ranger class Detailed comparison of Ranger builds
Strategic and tactical considerations for character abilities
Playful banter and hypothetical scenarios related to character abilities

Materials Referenced in this Episode

Horizon Walker Ranger Handbook

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.

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

How to Find Us:

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

Tyler Kamstra

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

@JackAmateur
Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

@Lzr_illuminati

PANDEMONIUM: Speaking of things that are chaotic… Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Are you ready to face the unknown? Welcome to the RPGBOT.Podcast. In this episode we explore the mysterious realm of Pandemonium, a plane unlike any other. Deep within its chaotic depths lies a world of enthralling enigmas and mind-bending madness. In this post, we will dig deeper into the bizarre nature of Pandemonium to uncover its secrets.

Takeaways

Pandemonium is a plane characterized by its maddening winds, deafening sounds, and the potential for driving adventurers to madness.
The layers of Pandemonium, including Pandesmos, Cacitus, Flagathon, and Agathion, each present unique challenges and mysteries for adventurers.
The mechanics of Pandemonium include the risk of exhaustion and permanent insanity for those who spend too much time on the plane.
Campaign ideas for Pandemonium include recovering lost souls, exploring the mysteries of the plane, and facing the challenges of the maddening winds.
The conversation provides insights into the potential use of Pandemonium as a setting for high-level adventures and the limitations and challenges it presents to adventurers. Pandemonium is a plane of infinite wind and madness, with a cold and desolate environment that poses significant challenges for survival.
The plane is home to a variety of unsettling inhabitants, including bugbears, fae courts, spider dragons, and howlers, each with their own disturbing characteristics.
Deities such as Arathnull, Raxivort, and Miska the wolf spider are associated with Pandemonium, adding to its eerie and chaotic nature.
Pathfinder two lacks an equivalent to the Pandemonium plane, with its lore incorporating the concept of outer rifts instead.
The discussion highlights the potential for horror campaigns and storytelling within the context of Pandemonium, emphasizing the eerie and unsettling nature of the plane. Pandemonium is a perilous and chaotic plane with unique challenges and dangers.
Strategic use of illusion magic can significantly impact combat encounters, creating an element of surprise and uncertainty.
Environmental factors, such as darkness and terrain, can be leveraged to enhance combat scenarios and create challenging encounters.

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.

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

How to Find Us:

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

Tyler Kamstra

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

@JackAmateur
Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

@Lzr_illuminati

MUNDANE MEDICINE (Remastered!) - Bandages to Potions: Healing Beyond the Spellbook Jun 08, 2024

Show notes

Medicine is often seen as a background feature in the world of fantasy games, overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of magical healing. But in reality, mundane medicine plays a crucial role in the survival and success of adventurers in these fantastical worlds. In this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we dig into the often overlooked world of mundane medicine in RPGs and how it can add depth and complexity to your gaming experience. Join us as we explore the mechanics, skills, and strategies of mundane medicine in popular RPGs like DnD 5e and discover how you can make it a meaningful and impactful aspect of your game.

This episode was originally published February 9, 2022

Special thanks to October Sky for the question of the week this week.

Materials Referenced in this Episode

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

RPGBOT.podcast Episode 1 – DnD 5e's Investigation Skill

Dungeons and Dragons 5e

Player's Handbook (affiliate link)

Pathfinder 2e

Fantasy Flight Star Wars

Edge of the Empire (affiliate link)

Other Stuff

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.

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

How to Find Us:

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

Tyler Kamstra

Ash Ely