This week, we weaponize hallucinations, traumatize NPCs, and gaslight a guard dog—with illusions!

Sure! Here's a funny and detailed set of show notes and key takeaways for the RPGBOT.Podcast episode titled:

Show Notes:

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the gang goes full David Copperfield on your tabletop—except instead of sawing a lady in half, we’re casting Phantasmal Force to convince the BBEG his pants are full of bees. Join Tyler, Ash, and Randall as they pull back the illusory curtain on deception magic and reveal the crunchy mechanics, chaotic strategies, and absolute tomfoolery you can unleash with illusion spells.

Ever wonder how to make your players paranoid, your monsters confused, or your DM cry? Illusions are the Swiss Army knife of arcane nonsense, and this episode dives deep into the art of trickery. From classic misdirection to full-on psychic warfare, they explore the delicious line between “that’s clever” and “that’s not how the spell works.”

And yes, we finally solve the age-old question: how does a low-INT dog sniff out the fake chicken? Spoiler: it involves a lot of arguing about the Investigation check.

Key Takeaways:

• Illusions Are a Vibe, Not a Science: If it makes the GM squint at the rules, you’re doing it right.
• "The Mind Believes It, So the Body Reacts": Phantasmal Force can’t do real damage, but the psychic trauma of imaginary bees is very real.
• Silent Image Is the MVP: It’s like Photoshop, but for breaking dungeon puzzles.
• Major Image = Major Problems: When in doubt, summon a dragon and walk away like it was someone else's idea.
• Smarter Creatures Are More Likely to Disbelieve... Or Overthink: That wizard didn’t fail his save, he just really wanted the dragon to be real.
• Your Dog Is Meta-Gaming: If Fido’s making Investigation checks, it’s time to ask who's really running the campaign.
• The Best Illusion is the One You Don’t Have to Explain: If they never touch the wall, they'll never know it’s fake.
• Don’t Use Illusions to Solve Every Problem: Actually, never mind. Do exactly that. Forever.

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

What do you get when you mix a disappearing god, a multiverse glitch, and a talking squirrel? Apparently, therapy.

Show Notes: In this second helping of the Ash Ely Planescape Postmortem, the hosts dissect the juicy narrative meat of a campaign marinated in memory loss, Mind Flayers, and metaphysical trauma. From the desperate hunt for Orochalcum to the chaos of battling Cathraxus (yes, that Cathraxus), our hosts recount the highs, lows, and emotional collateral damage of storytelling across the planes.

The episode dives deep into the decisions that shaped the campaign—like letting players talk to their other selves (always a great idea until it’s not), negotiating with shady NPCs who definitely read the fine print, and exploring the emotional weight of being a dwarven sister with unresolved issues.

Featuring Rattatosk mischief, back-alley conspiracies, a glitch in the multiverse, and the Lady of Pain pulling the ultimate disappearing act, this episode will remind you that sometimes the best part of tabletop games is just how weird, poignant, and gloriously off-rails they can get.

• Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (affiliate link)
• Ash on StartPlaying.games

Wikipedia

• Cheris Perkins
• Jeremey Crawford
• Jonathan Tweet
• Mike Mearls
• Monte Cook

DnDShorts Video

Ash Voiced “The Golden Men”

Monte Cook Games

• Numenera (affiliate link)
• Darkest House (affiliate link)
• Old Gods of Appalachia (affiliate link)

Expedition 33 (affiliate link)

Planescape: Torment

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• Planesczape Review
• Hadesz

Key Takeaways:

• Yes, this is part two of the Planescape review. No, we’re still not emotionally recovered.
• After Excelsior, the cast needed a palate cleanser. They got existential dread instead.
• Radar almost died. Ash almost killed him. Honestly, we all almost cried.
• Emotional damage: acquired.
• At least we had fun! (Said through tears.)
• “I can let you talk to your other incarnations.” – what could possibly go wrong?
• Always check your contracts. This is Planescape, not Disneyland.
• There was an argument, and yes, it was Ash’s fault.
• “I want one of your incarnations.” – Excuse me?!
• Orochalcum: not just hard to spell, but apparently vital to reality.
• Glorium: where big things happen, and sometimes explode.
• Enter the Rattatosk, chaotic good(ish) squirrel gremlin.
• Tilia’s emotional arc hit way too close to home.
• The Lady of Pain is gone—and that’s everyone’s problem.
• Fights get wild when the enemy is Cathraxus, bring backup.
• The dwarven sisters have more drama than a season finale.
• Mind Flayers: when one plot thread just isn’t enough.
• The players’ choices kept reshaping the story like a psychic Etch-A-Sketch.
• Zavik spilled the beans on a multiversal conspiracy.
• The last Modron March? Yeah, they got banished.
• Shemeshka is back. Of course she’s back.
• There was a glitch. No, not in the Matrix. In reality.
• The Lady of Pain’s rebirth was… a moment.
• Mazes are now graveyards for forgotten worlds. Thanks, Ash.
• The Gatekeeper’s tragic past is a storytelling gut punch.
• Despite it all, hope kept showing up. Mostly uninvited.
• Final score: Lady of Pain sacrifices herself, players cry, and the DM retires (until next week).

Final Thoughts: Planescape Part II delivers all the chaos, depth, and emotional wreckage you'd expect from a campaign where metaphysical squirrels share the stage with godlike beings and grief-laced mazes. Would play again. Would cry again.

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

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts gather for a postmortem discussion on Ash Ely’s recent Planescape campaign—a wild ride through the Outer Planes where philosophy hits like a fireball and bureaucracy is deadlier than any dragon. With plenty of laughs and genuine reflection, the crew discusses their favorite moments, mechanical experiments, player decisions, and the challenges of storytelling in a setting where time is subjective, death is optional, and your base of operations might just be a sentient castle. This is a deep-dive into what makes a great campaign weirdly wonderful, packed with practical advice for GMs and players alike.

• Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (affiliate link)
• Ash on StartPlaying.games

Wikipedia

• Cheris Perkins
• Jeremey Crawford
• Jonathan Tweet
• Mike Mearls
• Monte Cook

• DnDShorts Video

• Ash Voiced “The Golden Men”

Monte Cook Games

• Numenera (affiliate link)
• Darkest House (affiliate link)
• Old Gods of Appalachia (affiliate link)
• Expedition 33 (affiliate link)
• Planescape: Torment

• RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• Planescape Review
• Hades

Key Takeaways: Podcast & Campaign Structure:

• The episode opens with classic banter and jokes, setting a relaxed and comedic tone.
• The use of audio files and soundboards added flavor to the podcast experience, paralleling the dynamic creativity of the campaign itself.

Planescape Setting Insights:

• Sigil proved to be a difficult but rewarding setting, demanding intense creativity from the GM and strong player investment.
• The Bleak Cabal introduced complex moral and philosophical themes around nihilism and existentialism.
• Harmonium conflicts introduced tension and clear stakes, adding urgency to the narrative.
• Excelsior and Mindenheim presented contrasting moral dilemmas, emphasizing how planar alignments influence gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics:

• The game included unique mechanics such as reincarnation, highlighting Planescape’s flair for the metaphysical.
• Gambling mechanics introduced at Fortune’s Wheel made the campaign feel alive and added extra stakes.
• Random tables were used to enhance chaos, though they occasionally clashed with narrative flow.
• Time in the Outlands was deliberately nebulous—used as a story device rather than a linear tracker.

Character & Roleplay:

• Ash Ely discussed character arcs, spotlighting the emotional growth and backstory payoffs that came through during play.
• Character death and rebirth were treated as storytelling tools, not just fail states.
• The castle base of operations became a central hub for player bonding and improvised roleplay.
• Downtime activities, such as research or dealing with extraplanar paperwork, added depth and fun.

Player Agency & Story Design:

• Player choices mattered deeply, often shifting the trajectory of the campaign.
• Side quests organically evolved into major plotlines, highlighting the value of listening to player interests.
• Fetch quests and bureaucratic challenges became unexpectedly entertaining when paired with strong character voices.
• Homebrew content enriched the setting, especially when integrated into existing multiversal lore.

Lessons & Reflections:

• Player engagement and feedback were vital in navigating the weirdness of Planescape.
• The group shared regrets and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and communication.
• The campaign reinforced that creativity and player trust are the heart of any great tabletop experience.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re a veteran GM diving into planar politics or a curious player who wants to gamble with the Fates (literally), this episode offers a treasure trove of inspiration. The Planescape campaign may be over, but its echoes will bounce around the multiverse—and the RPGBOT cast’s brains—for a long time to come.

In this Remastered Episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we summon the horrors that make your players ask, ‘Can I roll to nope?’

In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast team delves into the weird, the squishy, and the utterly incomprehensible world of Aberrations—those delightful horrors that break the rules of reality and challenge players’ expectations. From Mind Flayers to Gibbering Mouthers, the hosts explore how these creatures can be used to discomfort, disorient, and delight your game table. Whether you’re looking to run a horror campaign, design a disturbing encounter, or just want to terrify your players with something that doesn’t have a front or back, this episode will help you lean into the madness.

• Meeting an Ancient Aboleth – dScryb (affiliate link)
• RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
• RPGBOT.Podcast Episode 10 – Horror
• Kobold Press Tome of Heroes: the Wit and Wisdom of Brian Suskind – RPGBOT.News S2E53
• Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel – RPGBOT.News S2E57
• Dice Math – RPGBOT.Podcast S2E92
• Keith Baker on Eberron – RPGBOT.Masterclass S3E3
• Keys from the Golden Vault – RPGBOT.News S3E17
• The Undead – A Guide to Incorporating Undead Creatures in TTRPGs – RPGBOT.Podcast S3E28
• The Undead II: A Guide for Role Playing Undead Creatures in TTRPGs – RPGBOT.Podcast S3E30
• Content from RPGBOT.net
• Call of Cthulhu Starter Set – A Review
• Other Stuff
• Baldur’s Gate
• Chaosium
• Basic Roleplaying System (affiliate link)
• Monstrous Races (affiliate link)

Key Takeaways

• Aberrations thrive on unpredictability: Their alien logic and bizarre abilities create dynamic and disorienting encounters that force players to think outside the stat block.
• They are story tools, not just combatants: Aberrations can shape entire arcs, create cults, distort time and space, and redefine a campaign’s tone.
• Use description and mechanics together: Emphasize the unnatural—describe how a Beholder’s eye twitches in impossible ways, or how an Aboleth speaks directly into a PC’s nightmares.
• Madness and corruption are your allies: Aberrations are best when they leave a lingering mark, be it psychic scars, corrupted NPCs, or twisted reality.
• Players should come prepared to counter tricks, not just tank hits: Aberrations reward clever tactics, good preparation, and understanding of their lore.

Suggested Resources

• Volo’s Guide to Monsters – Excellent for Mind Flayer and Beholder lore.
• Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything – Optional rules for madness and tone setting.
• Spelljammer: Adventures in Space – For space aberrations and bizarre origin stories.
• Call of Cthulhu RPG – If you want to go full horror inspiration.

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

New horror subclasses just dropped, and we’re here to reanimate them, roast them, and regret reading the action economy aloud.

Support our friends at DungeonFlow, because your dungeon shouldn't look like it was sketched during a Zoom call.

• Unearthed Arcana: Horror Subclasses

Show Notes

In this episode, the RPGBOT crew proves that horror isn’t just for the subclasses—it’s also in trying to sync microphones. After wrestling with some haunted audio gremlins, the hosts dive headfirst into the latest Unearthed Arcana drop from Wizards of the Coast, which brings a trio of spooky new subclass options to the D&D table.

First up: the Artificer Reanimator, which asks the important question, “What if your sidekick was a science experiment?” With mechanics that feel like equal parts Frankenstein and Excel spreadsheet, the gang unpacks the subclass’s vibes, power level, and general corpse-hugging potential.

Next, they dig into the Hollow Warden Ranger, a subclass so reliant on Hunter’s Mark that it might as well come with a branded tattoo. Spoiler: there's one way to build it, and WotC really wants you to take that path. The group debates its narrow design, interesting healing mechanics, and whether you can actually play it without needing a second concentration slot stapled to your forehead.

Then it’s time for a séance with the Grave Domain Cleric and College of Spirits Bard—both bearing mechanical changes that sparked nostalgia, mild rage, and Bardic action economy debates worthy of a dissertation. Turns out when you nerf old faves, the ghosts of playtesters past come back to haunt you.

The discussion also wanders into Ravenloft’s LaMortia, Van Richten’s Guide, and the tragic identity crisis of the Hexblade Warlock, who still isn’t quite sure what they’re supposed to be when they grow up.

With a healthy dose of snark, love, and grief over lost subclass features, the crew gives their full take on what works, what doesn’t, and what still smells faintly of necromantic glue.

Key Takeaways

• The real horror was the audio levels we fixed along the way.
• The Artificer Reanimator is what happens when a necromancer raids Home Depot.
• Reanimator gameplay is cool and crunchy—but don’t ask how it stacks up next to Necromancers unless you want a debate.
• Ranger’s Hollow Warden is basically "Concentration: The Subclass."
• There is exactly one way to build it—and if you deviate, your damage goes to a farm upstate.
• Players are not thrilled about the subclass being chained to Hunter’s Mark.
• Healing-through-hitting is a new mechanic that kind of slaps, literally.
• New auras = new damage toys. But still… it’s all wrapped around Hunter’s Mark like clingfilm.
• Grave Cleric and College of Spirits Bard have been redesigned, and not everyone’s happy about their new wardrobe.
• The action economy is still Bard’s greatest horror story.
• Hexblade Warlock is having a full-blown identity crisis and might need a long rest… or therapy.
• Undead Warlock is both buffed and nerfed, which is somehow the most D&D thing imaginable.
• Ravenloft still slaps. LaMortia is creepy, cold, and full of subclass inspiration.
• Player feedback is a literal mechanic now—give it, or don’t complain when your subclass becomes unrecognizable.
• Game design needs to stop making subclasses feel like assembly instructions from IKEA.
• Weapon Mastery and auras may help salvage narrow builds, but only just.
• Multiclassing into Nature Cleric can make your Ranger feel like it got invited to the cool kids' table.

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

Crack open your Core Rulebook, dump stat Charisma, and calibrate your resolve points—because it’s time to roll initiative against entropy itself with the Starfinder Galaxy Guide, where space is weird, and the rules are weirder.

This episode is brought to you by Dungeon Flow—because your players will never know you prepped their dungeon during the loading screen of Baldur’s Gate 3.

In this multidimensional episode of The RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts open with an honest and humorous take on Mother's Day, Father's Day, and the emotional nuances surrounding both. The discussion then shifts into exciting news about their upcoming expansion on YouTube, underscoring the importance of consistency and community engagement in content creation. The heart of the episode dives deep into Paizo's Starfinder Galaxy Guide, with the hosts enthusiastically breaking down the lore, design, and imaginative potential of Starfinder's universe. From the cosmic horror of the Absurdity to the mechanical brilliance of new ancestries, this episode offers rich insight for both new players and veteran spacefarers.

• Starfinder 2e Galaxy Guide (affiliate link)

Key Takeaways:

• Mother’s Day gets more attention than Father’s Day, and that’s okay—maybe.
• Consistency is crucial to podcast and community growth, especially on platforms like YouTube.
• Personal challenges and humor can coexist, making space for honest conversations in nerd culture.
• The Starfinder Galaxy Guide offers exciting new content and structure for storytelling.
• The Gap remains a fascinating mystery driving Starfinder’s lore.
• Absalom Station is the galaxy’s heartbeat—narratively and thematically.
• The Absurdity introduces chaos and creativity into campaign design.
• Starfinder blends genres like horror, sci-fi, and fantasy in a way few systems can.
• New ancestries and backgrounds open doors to fresh character creation strategies.
• Cosmic horror and dystopian themes can be deeply engaging when done well.
• Characters like Sarkeesians and Vlaka bring unique narrative and mechanical twists.
• Patrons in Warlock-style pacts should have tangible narrative impact.
• RPG humor—yes, even bad fast food jokes—adds depth to the gaming table.
• Engaging with the community sparks creative inspiration and innovation.

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

 

If your evil character isn’t at least pretending to be helpful, they’re not evil—they’re just unemployed.

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive deep into the dark, morally murky world of evil characters in tabletop RPGs. With Ash leading the charge, the conversation focuses on how to play a character with evil tendencies without destroying the game, the party, or your friendships. The hosts explore different shades of evil alignments, the narrative value of morally compromised PCs, and offer practical advice on how to maintain group cohesion when one of the players is clearly up to no good. From selfish rogues to power-hungry warlocks, the cast lays out the dos and don'ts of roleplaying antagonistic characters responsibly.

This episode balances philosophical alignment discussion with real-world table etiquette, all while keeping things lighthearted, insightful, and occasionally disturbing in the best way. If you've ever wanted to play the villain—but not be one—this is your guide.

Check out our Best of Season 1 and Best of Season 2 playlists!

Get in on the DungeonFlow Beta at DungeonFlow.app

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

• RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
• RPGBOT.Podcast S2E9 – Alignment (part 1 of 2)
• RPGBOT.Podcast S2E9 – Alignment (part 2 of 2)
• Content from RPGBOT.net
• Otherworldly Patrons and You – DnD 5e
• Dark Gifts or Distinctive Quirks? – DnD 5e
• Villains – RPGBOT.Podcast S2E58
• Other Stuff
• Book of Vile Darkness (3e) (affiliate link)
• Monstrous Races (affiliate link)
• Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (affiliate link)
• Way of the Wicked (affiliate link)

Key Takeaways:

• Evil characters can enhance a TTRPG story if they’re crafted with intention and communication.
• Session Zero is the place to set expectations and make sure everyone is on board.
• A "safe sociopath" in-game should never be a real-life problem player.
• Evil characters should elevate the story—not just hog the spotlight or sow chaos.
• It's okay to play dark themes—but not at the cost of trust at the table.
• Redemption arcs and “gray morality” often make more compelling characters than cartoon villains.

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

From pizza to invisibility puzzles and rogue mechanics, Episode 3 of Other Worlds takes you on a whirlwind ride through culinary hot takes, heist mechanics, and the joys (and pains) of Pathfinder 2.

In Episode 3 of Other Worlds, the RPGBOT.Podcast team serves up a delightfully chaotic mix of culinary hot takes and deep tabletop RPG insights. Randall makes a chicken Caesar abomination. Tyler admits that he enjoys pineapple on pizza. The pizza talk eventually turns toward more tabletop territory, but not before a quick anecdote about a friend with a professional pizza oven makes everyone jealous.

Ash shares his experience playing a wizard and highlighting the fun and challenges of illusion magic. The group previews plans to explore illusion mechanics in more depth in future episodes. Discussion then turns to game mechanics, including the balance between free archetypes and dual class builds, the importance of managing action economy, and how subclass complexity impacts gameplay. The group emphasizes that building characters with narrative depth enhances both player experience and storytelling potential.

The heart of the episode centers around the challenges and joys of running heists in tabletop RPGs. The hosts dissect session structure, the importance of player agency, and the need for improvisation when things go off the rails. They dive deep into puzzle design, stressing that puzzles should be solvable, intuitive, and satisfying—too much complexity can lead to player frustration or overthinking. Clear communication and thoughtful design go a long way, and incorporating player feedback, especially through tools like “Stars and Wishes,” can help refine future sessions.

Combat encounters in Pathfinder 2 also get a thorough breakdown. The hosts explore the pitfalls of solo monster fights, creative ways to keep encounters engaging, and how action economy can make or break a battle. They also touch on podcasting-specific challenges—long, drawn-out combat sessions can be hard to follow in an audio format. Misunderstandings about rules, such as how the Rogue’s Cunning Action or bonus actions work, are addressed, with a focus on how even small confusions can disrupt game flow.

Wrapping up, the group looks ahead to the future of RPGBOT, reflecting on community engagement and the mysterious potential of DiceGoblin.net. They share personal stories and humorous moments from recent sessions, emphasizing that fun, friendship, and a bit of chaos are at the core of their shared love of tabletop games. Whether it’s arguing over pizza or spell slots, Episode 3 delivers a mix of levity and insight that captures what makes the RPGBOT.Podcast such an entertaining listen.

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

This episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast is brought to you by Dungeon Flow. DungeonFlow.app – Because your dungeon deserves more than graph paper and panic.

In Episode 3 of Other Worlds, the RPGBOT crew mixes magical mayhem with mundane mischief. What begins with a hilarious debate on olives and grooming spirals into a multi-layered roleplaying session filled with stealthy maneuvers, magical puzzles, and mirrored mysteries. The players explore the social dynamics of fantasy bartending, wrestle with illusions and invisibility, and uncover a portal to a parallel world that forces them to confront questions of identity and purpose. With spell-slinging, bug-smashing, and some surprisingly emotional moments, this session is a potent cocktail of humor, strategy, and heart.

Act I – Table Talk and Tangents

• The gang opens with hot takes on olives, hair routines, and stream setups.
• Voice acting tips and character introductions set the stage for the session.
• A recap of recent events lays the groundwork for what's to come.

Act II – Tavern Shenanigans

• The party takes on bartending duties in a fantasy setting.
• Hilarity ensues as they roleplay customer service and drink crafting.
• Pop culture references abound, and creative drink names fly freely.

Act III – Into the Shadows

• Mechanics of invisibility and stealth are explored in detail.
• Characters face off against unexpected creepy-crawlies.
• Players rely on teamwork and clever spell use to stay ahead.

Act IV – Puzzles and Portals

• The party investigates a strange magical lab and an ominous mirror.
• The reflection reveals a world where wilted flowers bloom—a symbol of deeper truths.
• Themes of rebirth, identity, and past lives emerge through character revelations.

Act V – Combat and Consequence

• A climactic battle tests their knowledge of illusions, scaling, and bleed effects.
• One character finds themselves in dire straits, prompting an introspective moment.
• Post-combat reflection ties the adventure to personal growth and group strategy.

Act VI – Looking Ahead

• The session ends with growing tension around a mysterious shard.
• Teasers hint at major developments in the next installment.

Key Takeaways:

Roleplaying & Narrative Themes

• Character development is central to immersion.
• Humor and personal storytelling enhance group dynamics.
• Rebirth, identity, and past lives enrich the campaign’s emotional core.

Game Mechanics & Strategy

• Invisibility, illusions, and persistent effects like bleed can dramatically shift combat.
• Understanding spellcasting and tactical positioning is essential in Pathfinder 2e.
• Puzzle-solving encourages creativity and teamwork.

Meta & Production Insights

• Streaming setups and voice acting add value to the actual play experience.
• Pop culture references and inside jokes help build community among players and listeners.

Notable Moments

• The mirror scene introduces a powerful narrative twist with metaphysical implications.
• Bug encounters add an unexpected physical challenge and comic relief.
• A familiar face across realities sparks emotional tension and philosophical debate.

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

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive deep into the often-overlooked tool of language in tabletop RPGs—how it shapes worlds, defines characters, and enhances immersion. Whether it’s a dwarven curse word, a whispered draconic threat, or a gnomish pun that lands like a rock in a puddle, the power of language can turn a good campaign into an unforgettable one.

The discussion explores the practical, narrative, and mechanical implications of language in TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. The hosts share ideas for incorporating multilingualism into your campaign setting, including how dialects, slang, coded speech, and nonverbal communication (like thieves’ cant or secret signs) add flavor to your storytelling. They also delve into how languages can be used to gate knowledge, shape factions, spark conflict, and even fuel plotlines.

In classic RPGBOT fashion, the conversation balances practical advice with ridiculous tangents, including misused languages at the table, accidentally offensive fantasy names, and the ever-important question: “What does Infernal really sound like when you're mad?”

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Check out our Best of Season 1 and Best of Season 2 playlists!

• dScryb – Comprehend Languages (affiliate link)
• RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
• The Maniculum Podcast – RPGBOT.News S2E48
• Other Stuff
• Maniculum Podcast
• Tuckernut Island

Key Takeaways Languages Are Storytelling Tools

• Languages in TTRPGs are more than just flavor—they’re worldbuilding elements that reflect history, culture, and power dynamics.
• Assigning specific languages to regions, races, or classes can deepen immersion and realism.
• Secret languages (like Thieves’ Cant or Druidic) add intrigue and exclusivity, encouraging players to explore character backgrounds and factions.

Mechanical Impacts of Language Choices

• Language proficiency can serve as a subtle mechanical gate to information, alliances, and plot hooks.
• Players fluent in a rare or ancient language may uncover hidden clues, decipher magical runes, or negotiate with forgotten factions.
• Spells like Comprehend Languages and Tongues are powerful narrative tools, not just utilities.

In-Character Dialogue Builds World Flavor

• Accents, idioms, and invented slang enrich roleplay and bring authenticity to NPCs and PCs alike.
• Mixing real-world language quirks with fantasy cultures helps ground the audience while maintaining immersion.
• Overuse of “fantasy gibberish” can alienate players—balance creativity with clarity.

GM Tips for Using Language Effectively

• Use language barriers sparingly to create tension or mystery without shutting down play.
• Allow PCs to learn languages over time, or treat linguistic study as a subplot or downtime activity.
• Develop regional dialects or jargon to distinguish cultures and classes of characters.

Avoiding Pitfalls and Problematic Tropes

• Be mindful of real-world language and cultural analogues to avoid unintentional stereotyping.
• Don’t overdo accents—what’s fun for five minutes can be painful over five sessions.
• Avoid making entire plotlines hinge on a language barrier unless all players are equipped to engage with it.

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