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.

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How to Find Us:

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Tyler Kamstra

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• 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