RPGBOT.Podcast

• UA 2025 ARCANE SUBCLASSES UPDATE and the Art of the Fastball - Unearthed Arcana

  Help Creators Roll a Natural 20 Hey listeners! Before we start slinging arrows and conjuring elementals, remember: your ratings and reviews are the Inspiration 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. 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, they get on topic: Dungeons & Dragons Unearthed Arcana updates for Arcane Archer, Tattooed Warrior, Conjurer Wizard, and more! The hosts analyze the Arcane Archer subclass redesign, exploring 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 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.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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• COVER Remastered - Preparing for the Fall of Humanity

  Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT crew explores how to duck and cover in TTRPGS, and how to do it with style. We explore the mechanics of cover, including using your allies as meat shields and ducking behind any convenient bush or bit of rubble that you can. Will it save you from explosions? Probably not. But an AC bonus never hurts. The RPGBOT.net Christmas Gift Recommendations 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 Guide is 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! 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 Melancon—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 Melancon today, and remind yourself that even after the end of the world, good stories endure.

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• THE PSION RETURNS PT 2: Unearthed Arcana: Mind Over Matter... But Mostly Just Confusion

  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 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.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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• HUNTER THE RECKONING PT4 Q&A - The Danger System: It's Not a Bug, It's a Lifestyle

  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 – 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.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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• DOMAINS OF DREAD (Remastered) - Creating a Campaign for the Irredeemably Evil

  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 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.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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