Hydra fights, Dark Sun dilemmas, Unearthed Arcana chaos—what could go wrong?

Want more Unearthed Arcana deep dives? The RPGBOT.Podcast has you covered. You can find our backlog of episodes on every major podcast platform, where we break down the latest D&D playtest material and show you how to wrangle it into your campaigns without summoning your own TPK.

In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew saddles up for an apocalyptic romp through Pathfinder Hydra encounters, the gritty survival world of Dark Sun, and the latest Unearthed Arcana subclasses.

We start by revisiting a Hydra battle that demanded every ounce of tactical brilliance (and a fair bit of screaming). From there, we dive deep into Dark Sun—where scarcity, moral dilemmas, and Mad Max vibes dominate play. The hosts then dig into new subclass content: the eco-warrior Circle of Preservation Druid, the crowd-pleasing Gladiator Fighter, the life-siphoning Defiled Sorcerer, and the fear-driven Sorcerer King.

Along the way, we tackle the eternal question of whether Strength is viable for Intimidation, explore multi-classing optimization, and share DM tips for balancing player knowledge with campaign secrets.

It’s a mix of theorycrafting, subclass reviews, and a healthy dose of comedy—because what’s Dark Sun without a laugh before the water runs out?

• Hydra encounters in Pathfinder = epic, sweaty, and strategy-heavy.
• Dark Sun campaigns bring unique challenges: scarcity, moral dilemmas, and Mad Max vibes.
• Circle of Preservation Druids = conservationists with a vengeance.
• Gladiator Fighters use charisma as a weapon (and crowd engagement as a combat mechanic).
• Defiled Sorcerers introduce life-draining spellcasting mechanics.
• Sorcerer King subclasses lean into control, fear, and psionics.
• Strength for intimidation is officially fun again.
• Multi-classing optimization remains a go-to for tactical players.
• Campaign success = good mechanics + solid DM/Player communication.
• Subclass excitement shows Unearthed Arcana is moving in a promising direction.

If you enjoyed this episode, like and subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast on your favorite platform. Share it with your tabletop roleplaying friends—because nothing says friendship like convincing them to fight a Hydra in Dark Sun with only a rusty dagger and a half-baked subclass build.

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.

• 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

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

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

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

• @Lzr_illuminati

So Your Players Think They’re Safe? Release the Aboleth!

Want more Dungeons & Dragons monster tips, horror encounter design, and campaign advice? Visit RPGBOT.net—where real humans craft real tools for roleplayers and dungeon masters.

The RPGBOT.Podcast crew takes a deep dive into one of the most disturbing D&D monsters ever created: the Aboleth. These ancient aquatic horrors are more than slimy tentacle-fish—they’re campaign-defining villains that bring cosmic horror, body horror, and psychological dread to any tabletop RPG.

The hosts break down:

• How to use Aboleths in D&D campaigns as long-term masterminds instead of one-off encounters.
• Why their perfect memory makes Aboleths terrifying villains who can twist your world’s history.
• The nastiest Aboleth lair actions and encounter design tactics to challenge even high-level adventurers.
• How to run underwater adventures in 5e without losing tension or immersion.
• Tips for roleplaying Aboleth thralls and the body-horror impact of their mucus-breathing curse.
• How to weave Aboleths into cosmic horror storylines that rival Lovecraftian nightmares.

This episode blends mechanics, lore, and villain design into a perfect toolkit for dungeon masters who want to unleash aquatic monster encounters their players will never forget.

• Aboleths are best used as campaign villains, not just combat encounters. Their lore and psychic abilities can reshape a world.
• Body horror is central—their mucus curse forces players to roleplay slime-breathing, making encounters unforgettable.
• Aboleths shine in cosmic horror campaigns where memory, paranoia, and legacy matter.
• Their lair actions and psychic domination make them one of the most dangerous aquatic monsters in TTRPGs.
• Dungeon masters can elevate horror games by pairing Aboleths with underwater settings, forgotten history, and long-term psychological threats.

Ready to terrify your players? Subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast and visit RPGBOT.net for more D&D monster guides, tabletop RPG horror tips, and encounter design advice. Because nothing ruins game night quite like discovering your lungs now breathe slime.

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.

• 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

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

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

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

• @Lzr_illuminati

Strap on your Shardplate and call your Spren—Episode 2 of our How to Play Stormlight Archive RPG series takes a lore-heavy dive into the Cosmere, exploring worldbuilding, Knights Radiant, and everything you need to roleplay in Roshar’s storm-tossed setting.

Our archive episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available on YouTube! Relive every tangent, deep dive, and Shardblade-sharpened insight while YouTube autoplay keeps you binging.

In this second episode of the Stormlight Archive RPG series, the RPGBOT crew explores the lore of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere and how it translates into tabletop roleplaying games. If Episode 1 was about concepts and themes, Episode 2 is all about the deep cuts—ancient oaths, cosmic forces, and worldbuilding that makes campaigns shine.

We discuss the Knights Radiant, their broken history, and the role of Heralds in shaping the moral landscape of the world. From the caste system of Alethi culture to the gender-based taboos that define everyday life, players will discover how to use social structures as storytelling tools.

The conversation covers iconic magical elements like Shardblades and Shardplate, how Spren bonds give Radiants their powers, and the dangers of the Everstorm. We also dive into Shadesmere—the Cognitive Realm—and how it offers surreal roleplaying opportunities. Finally, we examine the influence of Honor, Cultivation, and Odium, and the shocking revelation that the Parshendi are the Voidbringers, reframing the conflict of Roshar in ways ripe for campaign drama.

This is your guide to using Stormlight Archive lore in tabletop RPGs—whether you’re designing your own system, adapting 5E, or just looking for inspiration to roleplay in the Cosmere.

• Cosmere lore fuels storytelling: Stormlight Archive’s worldbuilding is more than flavor—it’s a blueprint for RPG campaigns.
• Alethi society and caste systems: Lighteyes vs. darkeyes and cultural taboos create ready-made roleplaying conflict.
• Heralds and Radiants in RPGs: Legendary figures and broken oaths inspire both heroic arcs and tragic backstories.
• Shardblades & Shardplate explained: More than magic gear—they’re political, cultural, and narrative game-changers.
• Spren bonds in roleplaying: Spren are like emotional support familiars with snark—perfect for deep roleplay dynamics.
• Shadesmere and the Cognitive Realm: A surreal alternate plane for campaigns, complete with “dead-eyed” Shardblades.
• The Everstorm as a narrative clock: A looming apocalyptic threat that keeps tension high in every story.
• Honor, Cultivation, and Odium in RPG storytelling: Cosmic forces that anchor themes of growth, oaths, and destruction.
• Singers, Parshendi, and Voidbringers: Lore that reframes morality, turning NPCs into complex factions for campaigns.

If you want to roleplay in the Stormlight Archive or bring Cosmere lore into your tabletop RPG, this episode is your deep dive into the storm. Listen now, then explore guides and mechanics at RPGBOT.net, where real humans craft real tools for roleplayers.

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

Meet the Hosts:

• Tyler Kamstra – The tactical mind behind RPGBOT.net, Tyler sees the Pathfinder action economy like Neo sees the Matrix.
• Randall James – Technologist, lore enthusiast, and fully prepared to duel Peter Jackson over which LotR edition reigns supreme.
• Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI’s worst nightmare. Fueled by sarcasm and sweet, sweet table-flipping energy.

How to Find Us:

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

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

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

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

• @Lzr_illuminati

Snacks, Ghosts, and Shardblades: How to Play Stormlight Archive RPG (Part I)” Because nothing says “epic fantasy” like kettle chips, Cajun cuisine, and the looming threat of narrative-driven permanent injuries.

Want to dive deeper into tabletop roleplaying games? Whether you’re a first-time player or a veteran rules lawyer, visit RPGBOT.net for guides, advice, and resources to make your games smarter, funnier, and way more effective.

In this first installment of How to Play the Stormlight Archive RPG, the hosts take listeners on a whirlwind ride from snack aisle recommendations to Southern Gothic ghost stories before plunging headfirst into the mechanics of the Stormlight RPG.

The episode opens with food talk—everything from dill pickle kettle chips and Louisiana’s famous Zapp’s Voodoo chips to gas station fried chicken and boudin blanc. With a dash of humor and cultural flavor, the conversation eases into spooky tales of Savannah and New Orleans before pivoting into the main course: the Stormlight RPG’s unique mechanics.

Listeners get an in-depth look at how the game emphasizes both strategic combat and narrative storytelling. From the mysterious plot die to heartbeat-linked Shardblade summoning, the mechanics elevate roleplay by weaving tension and consequence into every roll. Combat in Stormlight plays out with distinctive pacing—10-second rounds, strategic positioning, and careful maneuvering—creating a rhythm that rewards tactical play.

The hosts also break down status effects, the permanence of injuries, and the recovery mechanics that keep characters on the razor’s edge of risk and survival. The balance between crunch and narrative immersion is front and center, showing how this RPG captures the scope and stakes of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere setting.

• Snack wisdom: Dill pickle kettle chips and Zapp’s Voodoo chips are peak gaming fuel; Chick-fil-A fries are their only redeeming quality.

• Food detour: Louisiana and New Orleans offer unforgettable culinary experiences—from gas station chicken to boudin blanc.

• Spooky vibes: Savannah earns the title of America’s most haunted city, grounding the episode’s Southern Gothic interlude.

• Plot die: A signature mechanic that introduces unexpected twists and narrative complications.

• Combat pacing: Unlike D&D’s 6-second rounds, Stormlight’s 10-second rounds encourage more complex decisions.

• Shardblades: Summoning is tied to the rhythm of heartbeats, adding tension to critical combat moments.

• Tactical movement: 25-foot standard speed, with penalties for firing ranged attacks up close.

• Status conditions: Meaningful and potentially crippling, shaping the flow of battle.

• Injury and death: Permanent injury or character death can raise narrative stakes dramatically.

• Rest and recovery: Players can restore health and focus through both solo recovery and tending to allies, creating teamwork-driven downtime.

• Design philosophy: Striking a balance between mechanical complexity and accessible storytelling makes the game compelling.

Loved this discussion? Be sure to subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast, share the episode with your gaming group, and check out RPGBOT.net for more guides, insights, and tools to sharpen your tabletop adventures. And remember—next time you roll initiative, bring snacks that live up to your Shardblade.

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

Meet the Hosts:

• Tyler Kamstra – The tactical mind behind RPGBOT.net, Tyler sees the Pathfinder action economy like Neo sees the Matrix.
• Randall James – Technologist, lore enthusiast, and fully prepared to duel Peter Jackson over which LotR edition reigns supreme.
• Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI’s worst nightmare. Fueled by sarcasm and sweet, sweet table-flipping energy.

How to Find Us:

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

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

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

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

• @Lzr_illuminati

Turning Your TTRPG Into a Chemically Enhanced Nightmare (for the Players, Not the GM)

Missed an episode? Accidentally ingested a memory-erasing toxin? No worries! Archived episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available on YouTube. Binge the banter, savor the strategy, and relive every rules argument—now with video thumbnails.

Show Notes Welcome to the episode where the RPGBOT.Podcast crew rolls a Constitution save against bad design decisions and fails—deliberately. In this delightfully dangerous deep dive, Tyler Kamstra, Randall James, and Ash Ely explore one of the most tragically underused tools in the Game Master’s arsenal: poison. Not the “ha ha, you take 1d4 damage and feel kind of bad” kind—no, we’re talking the really nasty stuff. The stuff that makes players sweat, forget what color their dice are, and suddenly develop a deep appreciation for the paladin’s aura of protection.

Join the crew as they:

• Dissect why poison is so often mechanically boring despite being conceptually metal.
• Share hilarious war stories about poorly-timed venomous traps and failed fortitude saves.
• Explore how different TTRPG systems handle poison: from D&D’s "mild inconvenience" to Pathfinder’s "goodbye, pancreas."
• Offer deliciously evil advice for GMs looking to flavor their campaigns with a little more toxic attitude.
• Brainstorm better mechanics for poisons that do more than just slap a couple HP off your barbarian and call it a day.
• Create fictional poisons on the fly—some of which should never be spoken of again. Looking at you, Ash’s Spiteful Slime Surprise.
• Debate whether ingesting a cursed Hot Pocket counts as a magical poison effect (spoiler: it does, and it bypasses resistance).

Key Takeaways:

• D&D poison mechanics are weaker than a kobold’s slap fight. It’s time for GMs to spice things up with custom creations.
• Pathfinder 2e offers a better structure, but still leaves room for homebrewed horrors.
• Poisons should be scary, situational, and strategic. They can shape encounters, plotlines, and even the economy.
• "Save or suck" poison effects? Lazy. Instead, give toxins progressive effects or interactable consequences.
• Players love meaningful danger. If your rogue wants to coat their dagger in acid-laced possum venom, let them—then make them regret it just a little.
• GM tip: If the party stops eating anything in-game, congratulations. You’ve weaponized cuisine.
• Bonus insight: Nothing ruins a tavern meal like realizing the stew is a dexterity check away from cardiac arrest.

Call to Action: Feeling inspired to poison your friends in the most entertaining and legally safe way possible? Subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast wherever you listen, and check out our archives now on YouTube. Share the show, leave a review, and let us know your favorite toxin-laced TTRPG tales. Because nothing says “game night” like a little slow-acting doom in your fantasy casserole.

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

Meet the Hosts:

• Tyler Kamstra – The tactical mind behind RPGBOT.net, Tyler sees the Pathfinder action economy like Neo sees the Matrix.
• Randall James – Technologist, lore enthusiast, and fully prepared to duel Peter Jackson over which LotR edition reigns supreme.
• Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI’s worst nightmare. Fueled by sarcasm and sweet, sweet table-flipping energy.

How to Find Us:

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

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

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

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

• @Lzr_illuminati

Can You Survive a Highstorm with Just a Character Sheet and Poor Life Choices? We Tried the Cosmere RPG.

Missed an episode? Don’t worry—archive episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available to listen to on YouTube. Whether you're a veteran listener or just discovering us, you can now catch up on every rules breakdown, hot take, and character optimization deep dive. Just search for RPGBOT.Podcast on YouTube and hit subscribe!

Show Notes:

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts crack open the covers of Brotherwise Games’ Cosmere RPG, diving headfirst into the Stormlight Handbook and World Guide. From spren to highstorms, the episode is packed with crunchy mechanics, deep lore, and just enough existential dread to make Brandon Sanderson proud.

The gang begins with a brief height-based tangent (because no TTRPG is complete without weirdly tall characters), before delving into the key mechanical and narrative innovations of the system. Topics include:

• The Plot Die, a unique mechanic that lets narrative tension escalate like a Shardbearer duel.
• A look at the Personal Goals system, designed to reward character growth beyond “I punch it harder now.”
• The complexity curve compared to D&D 5e and Pathfinder—spoiler alert: this one’s for the lore nerds and narrative junkies.
• Character creation as a journey through Roshar’s cultures, forms, talents, and Radiant oaths.
• Magic systems in the Cosmere—ambitious to adapt, but steeped in storytelling potential.
• The fear of breaking someone else's toys when homebrewing in a tightly structured setting like the Cosmere.

From audience engagement to the challenge of niche game design, the episode hits on what makes this RPG exciting, where it might fall flat for some players, and how deeply it leans into the lore-rich worlds of Brandon Sanderson's imagination.

• Cosmere RPG
• Way of Kings (affiliate link)
• Wu Chang

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• CRAFTING THE COSMERE w/ Andrew Fischer and Lydia Suen: Adapting Brandon Sanderson’s Fantasy World into an Epic RPG

Key Takeaways:

• The Cosmere RPG is rich in narrative design, rewarding players who invest deeply in character goals and world lore.
• Understanding the Cosmere is essential—newcomers may feel lost, while superfans will feel right at home.
• The Plot Die is an innovative mechanic that injects narrative control and surprise into gameplay.
• The system’s mechanics echo other RPGs, but with enough unique twists to stand out.
• Character progression is closely tied to personal goals, not just combat or loot.
• The game leans hard into world-building, making Roshar feel alive and immersive.
• Homebrewing in the Cosmere can be intimidating, especially for GMs concerned about canon.
• This TTRPG is ideal for dedicated Sanderson fans, narrative-focused groups, and players who want an experience that feels emotionally and thematically weighty.

RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast are made from 100% real humans, not processed generative AI paste. Our team thinks critically, jokes frequently, and sometimes argues about whether gelatinous cubes have a sense of fashion. We’re proud of the content we create, because it’s built on passion, research, and the occasional poorly-timed dad joke.

Ready to explore more RPG deep dives, mechanics breakdowns, and ridiculous tangents? Head to RPGBOT.net for optimization guides, homebrew inspiration, and every episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast. Whether you're storming Roshar or surviving a tavern brawl, we’ve got your back.

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

Meet the Hosts:

• Tyler Kamstra – The tactical mind behind RPGBOT.net, Tyler sees the Pathfinder action economy like Neo sees the Matrix.
• Randall James – Technologist, lore enthusiast, and fully prepared to duel Peter Jackson over which LotR edition reigns supreme.
• Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI’s worst nightmare. Fueled by sarcasm and sweet, sweet table-flipping energy.

How to Find Us:

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

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

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

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

• @Lzr_illuminati

Welcome to Gehenna: It’s Like Hell, but With Worse Real Estate and More Bureaucracy”

Announcement: Missed an episode? Repent your sins and redeem yourself on YouTube, where archived episodes of The RPGBOT.Podcast are now available for your listening pleasure. Come for the laughs, stay for the existential dread.

Show Notes – Episode Title: “Gehenna: Evil Slopes and Infernal Bureaucracy”

Summary: In this infernal episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts return from Gen Con only to plummet straight into the burning basalt slopes of Gehenna—a plane so depressing it makes the Shadowfell look like Disneyland. They dive into the lore of the plane’s inhospitable geography, wildly impractical city design, and the kinds of inhabitants that only a sadistic game designer could love. Along the way, we meet Nymicry (a city that wants to eat you), the Tower of Arcana (where bureaucracy is tattooed into your skin), and the city of Portent (built on a corpse, because why not).

The hosts explore the goddess of torture, debate whether the Rogue class needs therapy or just a rebrand, and try to answer the ultimate question: “Why would anyone go to Gehenna… on purpose?”

• 2014 Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link)
• 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link)
• Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes (affiliate link)
• Forgotten Realms Wiki - Gehenna
• Ghengis Sean 

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
• The Shadowfell

Key Takeaways:

• Gehenna is the DMV of the multiverse—agonizingly slow, unbearably hostile, and absolutely full of paperwork.
• Gen Con was great! Unlike Gehenna, which is a hostile volcanic rockslide with a bad attitude.
• Every layer of Gehenna slopes downward, because gravity hates you too.
• Nymicry is a mimic the size of a city, proving once again that your GM can be too creative.
• The Tower of Arcana is where contracts are etched into skin, because parchment is for cowards.
• Portent is a yugoloth-shaped city with a throne that whispers spoilers into your ear.
• The only native species are bar guests, who seem suspiciously like people who got stuck at Gen Con after dark.
• Leviatar, the goddess of torture, rules with cruelty and creativity—think “Hellraiser meets HR onboarding.”
• Torch is a city where crime is a feature, not a bug. Bonus: there's a blood swamp.
• Rogues are cool, but maybe need a PR team—they’re mechanically solid but struggle to stand out.
• Gehenna is full of flavor, if your flavor is emotional suffering and lava.

At RPGBOT.net and The RPGBOT.Podcast, our brains are made of real meat. We are not the fever dream of a rogue algorithm trying to understand humor. We are, tragically, real people—with dice in one hand and sarcasm in the other. RPGBOT: It’s Soylent Green for the RPG crowd—made from actual humans, not generative AI.

Want more planar deep-dives, class analysis, and volcanic despair? Visit RPGBOT.net for guides, breakdowns, and the kind of nerdy brilliance that even Gehenna can’t melt.

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

Meet the Hosts:

• Tyler Kamstra – The tactical mind behind RPGBOT.net, Tyler sees the Pathfinder action economy like Neo sees the Matrix.
• Randall James – Technologist, lore enthusiast, and fully prepared to duel Peter Jackson over which LotR edition reigns supreme.
• Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI’s worst nightmare. Fueled by sarcasm and sweet, sweet table-flipping energy.

How to Find Us:

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

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

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

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

• @Lzr_illuminati

Bask in the divine glow (and probably a few judgmental stares) as we ascend into the celestial tiers of tabletop gaming. Wings, halos, and passive-aggressive deities await.

Did you miss out on our earlier, holier episodes? Good news! RPGBOT.net is now uploading archived episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast to YouTube. That means you can binge our past wisdom, war crimes, and winged lectures while pretending to work or praying for better dice rolls. Subscribe now, and receive one free celestial side-eye from a planetar of your choice.

Summary: The team cracks open the heavens and explores all things Celestial—those upper-planar beings with immaculate vibes and judgmental glowing eyes. From the serene beauty of devas to the bureaucratic nightmare of Inevitables, this episode dissects how Celestials work in your TTRPGs: their lore, how to use them as plot devices, and what happens when your party tries to seduce them (again).

With their signature blend of encyclopedic knowledge and chaotic sarcasm, the RPGBOT crew explores:

• What even is a Celestial? (Hint: It’s not just a cleric who moisturizes.)
• The pantheon of celestial creatures — from unicorns to couatls to things that make angels look like interns.
• How to use Celestials in your campaigns as guides, gatekeepers, or judgmental ex-boyfriends from the Upper Planes.
• Playing Celestial-adjacent characters without becoming the party’s shining buzzkill.
• Why DMs love Celestials as moral speed bumps, divine errand runners, and "plot with wings."
• Alignments, ethics, and radiant damage—aka, “why your murderhobo has trust issues.”
• Campaign concepts involving Celestials: The angelic war in heaven, the paladin’s divine caller ID, and the fallout from killing something with a name like "Seraph of Eternal Grace."

• Celestials aren’t just pretty faces with glowing swords—they can be plot-critical entities with vast powers and even vaster egos.
• They work great as moral foils, quest-givers, or that one NPC who insists on “just talking things out.”
• Radiant damage is what happens when light therapy goes wrong.
• Celestials in tabletop games should feel alien, awe-inspiring, and occasionally bureaucratic—like divine HR.
• If your party sees wings and decides to fight first, you might be the problem.
• The line between “savior” and “divine stalker” is thinner than an astral thread.
• Couatls are snakes that glow, fly, read your thoughts, and judge your fashion choices.
• Not all angels are good, not all demons are evil, and not all players understand subtlety.

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

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

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

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

• @Lzr_illuminati

Battlecry!, Bigatures, and the Tank Fallacy: Pathfinder 2e’s New Expansion Yells Into the Void (And We Love It!)

You can now listen to archive episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast on YouTube! Catch up on past adventures, deep dives, and spicy takes—now just a click away.

Show Notes: In this episode, Tyler Kamstra, Randall James, and Ash Ely sound the alarm for Battlecry!, the latest Pathfinder 2e expansion that drops more mechanics than a dwarven siege engine. The Commander class steals the spotlight, offering the kind of battlefield support that makes your bard feel inadequate. Meanwhile, the Guardian shows up to shout "Taunt!" like it’s 2004, then dares you to punch it in the face. New ancestries like the Jotunborn get critiqued (spoiler: they’re tall, but not necessarily compelling), and the hosts break down how Pathfinder continues to make tactical party play both crunchy and fun.

Also: AI voice acting is ruining everything, and Tyler wants his dang bigatures back.

• PF2 Battlecry
• Paizo Blog: Diamond Bankruptcy Update
• West Virginia Radio Quiet Zone

Key Takeaways:

• Radio Silence Zone: It’s real, it’s weird, and it’s the perfect setting for your next post-apocalyptic one-shot.
• AI is coming for your dice: The rise of AI in creative industries has the hosts (rightfully) worried—and not just about the quality of CGI.
• Battlecry is awesome: It brings bold new options with the Commander and Guardian classes, plus new ancestries, archetypes, and updated warfare mechanics.
• The Commander Class: A tactician’s dream—boost allies, manage actions, and scream commands like a fantasy Napoleon.
• The Guardian Class: Not a traditional tank, but it taunts like one. Understanding the “tank fallacy” is key to using this class well.
• Reactions matter: Timing is everything. Pathfinder’s layered action economy shines even brighter with these new mechanics.
• New archetypes = spicy builds: There’s a lot to chew on for optimizers and roleplayers alike.
• Magic items and warfare: Updated systems offer more fun without bogging the game down.
• Diamond Comics’ bankruptcy: A reminder of how fragile RPG distribution really is.
• The LotR extended editions debate: Nobody is neutral. Randall might duel Ash in a Cracks of Doom showdown.

Call to Action: If you're a Pathfinder player, Battlecry is more than just a shout—it’s a full-blown battle hymn. Whether you're a tactical mastermind or just here for the yelling, grab a copy of Battlecry, roll up a Commander or Guardian, and make your table tremble.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the RPGBOT.Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and check out our archive of episodes now available on YouTube! Whether you’re catching up or diving deep, we’ve got all the crunchy game mechanics, hot takes, and spicy builds you crave.

Listen, laugh, optimize.

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

Meet the Hosts:

• Tyler Kamstra – The tactical mind behind RPGBOT.net, Tyler sees the Pathfinder action economy like Neo sees the Matrix.
• Randall James – Technologist, lore enthusiast, and fully prepared to duel Peter Jackson over which LotR edition reigns supreme.
• Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI’s worst nightmare. Fueled by sarcasm and sweet, sweet table-flipping energy.

How to Find Us:

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

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

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

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

• @Lzr_illuminati

Strap in, space cadets—we’re about to hyperjump into a galaxy where healing is done with stickers, rats are adorable, and gravity is optional.

Past episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available on YouTube! Revisit our greatest hits, deepest takes, and most unhinged tangents with your eyeballs and your earholes. Just search for “RPGBOT.Podcast” on YouTube or follow the links from RPGBOT.net to join the chaos chronologically.

Episode Summary: In this cosmic critique, the RPGBOT crew beams aboard the Starfinder 2e Player Core, phasers set to “analysis.” Between Randall’s family hijinks and Ash’s surprise character death, we dive deep into the shiny new mechanics, ancestries, and classes of Paizo’s sci-fi sequel. We break down the gear, the grit, and the glorious Vesk while exploring how the Pathfinder-compatible system tries to balance heavy armor with heavier expectations.

Whether you're building a star-powered Solarian or arguing with your GM about mixing Mystics into your Pathfinder campaign, this episode explores how Starfinder 2e hits orbit and what could still use a systems check.

• Starfinder 2e Player Core
• Starfinder Galaxy Guide (affiliate link)
• Paizo Blog: Diamond Bankruptcy Update

Content from RPGBOT.net

• Starfinder 2e Articles

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• Starfinder 2e Galaxy Guide Review

• Randall’s Weekend: Begins with dad jokes and ends with accidental inspiration for a space opera.
• Ash’s Casual Casualty: Reminds us that player death is just character growth…with extra paperwork.
• Starfinder 2e Overview: It’s not Pathfinder in space—it’s Pathfinder adjacent with lasers.

• New Ancestries:

  • Vesk: Lizardfolk? Yes. Fashion icons in power armor? Also yes.

  • Isoki: Ratfolk who are more adorable than lethal—until they’re not.

• Core Classes Breakdown:

  • Envoy: Space Bard meets morale manager.

  • Mystic: Heals, hurls psychic blasts, looks mysterious in low lighting.

  • Operative: Basically John Wick in zero-g.

  • Solarian: Wields the power of the sun like it's a casual Tuesday.

  • Soldier: Power armor, big guns, and bigger “pew pew” energy.

• Gear Mechanics: No more "+3 laser rifles." It’s about quality tiers, not raw numbers.
• Healing System: Bye-bye potions, hello med patches. It’s healing… but make it cyberpunk.
• Cross-Compatibility: Yes, Starfinder 2 and Pathfinder 2e can play nice—but only if your GM survives the sanity check.

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

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

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

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

• @Lzr_illuminati