RPGBOT.Podcast

• PLANE OF ARBOREA - Where vibes are chaotic, food is suspicious, and trees hold grudges

  If you’ve ever wanted to party in a magical forest where the trees are judging you and the weather is trying to kill you, this is your episode. A massive thank you to Dungeon Master Adamantine for sponsoring this episode! Whether you want to explore mythic Athens in person or dive into the underdark from your living room, Nick Fotopoulos—aka DM Adamantine—runs unforgettable sessions across systems including D&D, Call of Cthulhu, and Vampire: The Masquerade. Book a game with him at his website or at StartPlaying. Episode Summary: In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew ascends to the upper planes—specifically Arborea, the chaotic good realm of unfiltered passion, overflowing food, and wildly unpredictable weather. The discussion kicks off with character dynamics in tabletop RPGs, including the joys of playing support roles (bards get a lot of love), and meanders gloriously into an exploration of Arborea's distinct layers and their mythic, emotional, and environmental weight. From the fertile lands of Arvandor to the infinite-but-three-feet-deep ocean of Aqualore, and the ruin-scattered, chalk-dusted dunes of Mithardir, the hosts explore what it means to live—or afterlive—in Arborea. They compare the plane to California, invoke the chaotic energy of a 24/7 frat party to describe Sylvania, and debate whether your party name really matters. Along the way, you'll encounter sentient forests, eldritch food carts, mysterious spiriters, and a lot of strong opinions about weather patterns and campaign storytelling. Heros' Feast (affiliate link) 2014 Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link) 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link) Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes (affiliate link) Forgotten Realms Wiki - Arborea RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes The Abyss Archeron Arcadia The Beastlands Bytopia Carceri Celestia The Ethereal Plane The Feywild Hell Part 1 Hell Part 2 Limbo Mechanus Pandemonium Key Takeaways: Support Characters Shine: Playing bards and support-focused characters can be extremely rewarding, both narratively and mechanically. Arborea’s Alignment: As a Chaotic Good plane, Arborea thrives on passion, impulse, and idealism—but it's not without danger. Oaths Matter: Making promises in Arborea might have magical or moral weight. Break them at your peril. Arvandor = Abundance: This lush and fertile layer feels like a divine Whole Foods. It’s the breadbasket of the Outer Planes. Weather Gone Wild: You may experience thunderstorms, lightning, or perpetual sunlight—all in a matter of minutes. Ecology and Afterlife: Arborea is home to Eladrin, elven petitioners, and protective nature spirits. It might be your final resting place... or party destination. Aqualore: Vast ocean, but only three feet deep. Still wet, still weird. Sea elves abound, but not much else. Mithardir: A lifeless chalk desert haunted by ruins of fallen gods and vicious storms. Adventure hooks lie buried under sand. Nautilus: A floating trade hub where adventurers can find deep-sea gear—and probably a weird side quest. Sylvania: A kaleidoscopic chaos realm where every moment is a party and nothing makes sense. It’s Animal House with cosmic consequences. Party Names: Whether you’re “Team Fireball” or “The Drunken Disciples of Kord,” a good name makes recaps easier and sets the campaign tone. Pop Culture Comparisons: Arborea is described as California, Sylvania is Vegas meets Coachella, and the Widow’s Henge might be Top Chef meets eldritch horror. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

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  1:07:42
• RETRAINING - Because your first draft was a dumpster fire...

  Ever pick a feat so bad it made your character question their entire existence? Good news—this episode is your mulligan. Need a professional GM to help you respec your party’s chaos into a compelling narrative? Book a session with the one and only Dungeon Master Adamantine! Whether you're in Athens, Greece, connecting online, or just looking to combine your vacation with a dragon-slaying adventure, DM Adamantine is your go-to Game Master for high-quality TTRPG sessions in D&D, Call of Cthulhu, Vampire: The Masquerade, and more. Find your next unforgettable adventure at www.dungeonmasteradamantine.com or book sessions at StartPlaying.games/gm/dmadamantine. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts embrace change—literally—as they dive deep into the concept of retraining mechanics in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 2E. But before the character sheet gets erased, they kick things off with a nerdy detour into Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition, share opinions on the Resident Evil franchise, and wax nostalgic about the golden age of gaming. Then the core conversation begins: What do you do when the feat you picked at Level 3 turns out to be hot garbage? Or when your barbarian realizes Intelligence isn’t just a dump stat—it’s a lifestyle choice? That’s where retraining comes in. The hosts discuss why retraining is essential for both new and experienced players, the narrative and mechanical implications of character do-overs, and how GMs can avoid turning the process into a bureaucratic nightmare. They compare systems, critique design philosophies, and remind everyone that flexibility is key to fun. If you’ve ever regretted your build, re-specced mid-campaign, or wanted to take a mulligan on your bard’s flute proficiency, this episode is for you. PF2 Retraining on Archives of Nethys Neverwinter Nights 2 (Affiliate Link) Strongholds and Followers Dimension20 NaddPod Slither Film Cornetto Trilogy Bojack Horseman Tedd Lasso Key Takeaways Retraining is essential for helping players adapt to new strategies, party dynamics, or just plain regret. Pathfinder 2E offers clear, structured retraining rules that make it easy to respec without breaking immersion. D&D 5E, by contrast, provides limited retraining options, often requiring house rules to fill in the gaps. Retraining is especially useful for new players who don’t yet grasp the long-term consequences of build choices. Costs for retraining—whether time, gold, or in-world narrative—should be clear but not punitive. The “burden of knowledge” can be overwhelming; good retraining systems ease that pressure. Character development should be fluid, allowing for organic growth and change over time. Retraining can include skills, feats, class features, and even languages, though learning Infernal overnight might stretch believability. Tone shifting—from serious to humorous or vice versa—is an important skill for both players and GMs. Humor should act as a pressure release, not a tonal whiplash. Matching your group’s emotional energy and narrative expectations is vital for a good game session. Every table should discuss retraining rules upfront, so expectations are clear and rerolls don’t become courtroom dramas. Even Call of Cthulhu has unique retraining mechanics that focus on realism and narrative trauma—proof that every game handles it differently. Retraining mechanics support player agency, increase campaign longevity, and ultimately make the game more fun. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati  

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  53:07
• FIRE Remastered - When the Torches Come Out, the Rules Go Up in Flames

  Want to know how one spark can ruin a dungeon, a campaign, and your DM’s will to live? Light up this episode and find out. Need a game that burns brighter than your last TPK? Book a session with DM Adamantine at dungeonmasteradamantine.com or find him on StartPlaying: startplaying.games/gm/dmadamantine. In this scorching episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team throws gasoline on the topic of fire in tabletop RPGs—then promptly fails their Reflex save. What starts as a conversation about lighting a torch quickly turns into a flaming whirlwind of rules, tactics, and creative chaos. The hosts explore the many layers of how fire is used in games—from setting ambiance with a cozy campfire to leveling an entire goblin village with an ill-advised Fireball. They break down how different systems handle fire damage, ongoing effects, and the often-overlooked consequences like smoke inhalation, visibility loss, and your ranger's hair catching fire. They debate the difference between magical and mundane fire, argue about whether a flaming sword cooks enemies or just looks cool, and discuss how to weaponize your environment (spoiler: the answer is always "start a fire"). You'll also get a peek into the chaotic neutral minds of players who think "we burn it down" is a viable solution to every social encounter. And yes, someone definitely asks, "How flammable is a gelatinous cube?" Whether you're a DM trying to keep your players from razing your lovingly crafted tavern or a player wondering how many flasks of oil you can strap to a badger before initiative rolls—this episode brings the heat. Key Takeaways: Fire is more than just damage: Light, visibility, intimidation, and panic can all stem from a single spark. Environmental fire is your friend… or a really vengeful enemy: Setting things on fire can alter the battlefield dramatically—but so can smoke choking everyone out. Fire effects stack: Heat, flames, smoke, and structural damage all interact in messy, crunchy ways. Don't forget to track them—or just wing it and blame it on the wizard. System-specific differences matter: Pathfinder and D&D treat fire differently—especially when it comes to ongoing damage, saving throws, and magical fire resistance. Magical fire bends the rules: Flaming Sphere follows you. Wall of Fire ruins friendships. Hellish Rebuke makes everyone suspicious of your warlock. Realistic consequences are hilarious and horrifying: Fires attract attention, collapse buildings, and create very bad PR for adventuring parties. Players will always find creative fire-based chaos: Including but not limited to: oil barrel trebuchets, flaming goats, and the "Molotov Kobold Cocktail." As always, communication with your DM is key: Especially before you torch the local orphanage because it "looked suspicious."

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  1:01:55
• ILLUSIONS REVISITED - You need to pretend like you don't know...

  Think you can outwit a dragon with a fake bridge and a charisma check? Welcome to the RPGBOT.Podcast episode where illusions kill, confusion reigns, and disbelief is just a failed Will save away. Show Notes: In this spellbinding episode, the RPGBOT crew explores the mischievous magic of illusions, where what you see may not be what you get—and what you don’t see might still sucker-punch your barbarian. Between tactical breakdowns and spontaneous chipmunk tangents, the hosts weave a chaotic yet surprisingly informative tapestry of illusion mechanics, storytelling antics, and system comparisons between Pathfinder 2e, D&D 5e, and even a detour through Final Fantasy materia mechanics. The episode begins with a healthy dose of banter and battlefield survival strategies (spoiler: bolas are back in fashion), before veering headfirst into the world of illusion magic. Expect spirited debates about phantasms, the value of disbelief, and whether players should be required to announce, “I squint suspiciously at the air in front of me” before they’re allowed a Will save. From chipmunks being bullied out of neighborhoods by thug squirrels, to Gandalf being played by Fozzie Bear, this episode is a chaotic celebration of how illusion and disguise mechanics shape storytelling, humor, and heartbreak at the gaming table. Plus: learn why DMs should occasionally pretend not to know what's happening... even when they wrote the plot twist. And yes—someone actually asks the important question: “Is it really a good illusion if it doesn’t accidentally start a bar fight?” Key Takeaways: Character death matters—especially when caused by a flaming imaginary bridge. Optimization tips: Use bolas. No, seriously. They're hilarious and effective. Chipmunks are rare because squirrels have anger issues. Illusions are not just for mischief—they can dramatically shift combat and story if used (and ruled) well. Phantasms can cause real damage... and even real friendship-ending debates. DMs need to balance illusions to avoid turning a boss fight into a Scooby-Doo episode. Pathfinder 2e provides more clarity on disbelieving illusions than 5e, which mostly says "good luck, champ." Disguises are not illusions, but they can lead to awkward social interactions at royal balls. Illusions can enhance roleplay, story arcs, and character drama—but they need DM discretion. Session zero is a great place to ask, “How weird can my illusions get before the game breaks?” Improvisation is key: Illusions don’t always follow the script. Neither should the DM. Muppet recasting of Tolkien characters is an important use of podcast time. Kermit as Frodo. Fozzie as Gandalf. Sam remains unchanged. Materias in Final Fantasy are weird, wild, and somehow relevant to this conversation. Illusions shouldn’t ruin the fun—just complicate it in hilarious and meaningful ways. Players rarely remember to ‘study’ illusions, so DMs must choose whether to be kind... or let them walk face-first into the dragon’s tail. Game mechanics are weird, but that’s half the fun. Communication is everything—especially when you’re lying to your DM with a straight face.  

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  1:17:40
• PF2e CLASS SELECTION 3 - Himbo Energy, Wicked Vibes, and Winglady Wisdom

  What do Pathfinder classes, Muppet horror, and himbo culture have in common? Absolutely nothing—so obviously we made a whole episode about it. Big thanks to Dungeon Master Adamantine for sponsoring this episode—if you want to roll dice in Greece with a professional GM who can out-roleplay Zeus himself, summon Nick at dungeonmasteradamantine.com or book him Startplaying: https://startplaying.games/gm/dmadamantine (but maybe not during a boss fight). In the third (and arguably most chaotic) installment of our deep dive into Pathfinder classes, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew goes full gremlin. Join Ash, Randall, and Tyler as they discuss the remastering of Pathfinder, family hijinks, the unexpected depth of 'himbo' culture, the musical Wicked, and how to reimagine Sesame Street as a TTRPG murder mystery. Also, yes—we talk about actual Pathfinder classes. Probably more than you’d expect given how much time we spend dunking on action economy and imagining eldritch Elmo. This episode features critical evaluations of the Animist, Exemplar, Gunslinger, Inventor, Kineticist, Magus, Psychic, Summoner, and Thaumaturge classes. Which ones are too complex for beginners? Which are secretly brilliant? Which would Kermit play? All this and more in an episode that sounds like it was brainstormed on a sticky note found in a Waffle House parking lot. Archives of Nethys (affiliate link) Sesame Street Content from RPGBOT.news PF2 Character Optimization RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes PF2 Starting Classes Part 1 PF2 Starting Classes Part 2 Dark Archive Review Guns and Gears Remastered Review Rage of Elements Review War of Immortals Review Key Takeaways The Vibes: Podcasting is hard. Podcasting while discussing Muppet horror fiction? Harder. Humor is a necessary survival skill—especially in family life and game design. Yes, you can enjoy Wicked without knowing the entire Wizard of Oz lore tree. Himbo culture is more than just muscles and charm—it's a way of life. Classy Evaluations: Animist – “What if your divine caster was also a spirit medium with an emotional support ghost?” Surprisingly elegant. Exemplar – A mythic powerhouse designed for epic-level play. Great if you like spreadsheets and divine empowerment. Gunslinger – Surprisingly tactical. Better than expected. Imagine Yosemite Sam, but with feat optimization. Inventor – Simple. Straightforward. Hits things with science. Ideal for players who want to cosplay as Iron Goblin. Kineticist – Offers power and flavor, but the mechanical complexity is dense. Approach with coffee and patience. Magus – Action economy is a problem. Looks amazing on paper, but in practice, it’s like juggling flaming swords while solving a Rubik’s Cube. Psychic – Big flavor, intimidating mechanics. Could be brilliant, could be brain-melting. Much like psychic powers, really. Summoner – You share HP with your pet kaiju. It’s a relationship built on trust, trauma, and tactical retreat. Thaumaturge – A fan favorite. Big bag of tricks, satisfying mechanics, and good for players who like yelling “Your weakness is friendship!” Creative Chaos: Elmo as an unknowable horror from the Darkest House? Canon. Kermit the Frog: bard? gunslinger? morally neutral cleric? All viable builds. You can adapt Sesame Street to a Pathfinder game, but you probably shouldn’t. But if you do, please invite us. Meta Moments: Some Paizo devs are probably listening. Hi! We love you. Please don’t smite us. Podcast guests matter. Good ones make everything better. Bad ones get reincarnated as spellcasters with 3-action teleports and no way to cast them. The community continues to influence Paizo’s design—your feedback does matter. Listener Homework Build a Thaumaturge with a Sesame Street theme. Bonus points for cursed items shaped like puppets. Try Wicked. Then stat out Elphaba as a Witch with the Hex trait. Ask yourself: Are you the himbo in your party? Complain about Magus’ action economy online. It’s tradition. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

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  1:15:57

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