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.

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

• Support Characters Shine: Playing bards and support-focused characters can be extremely rewarding, both narratively and mechanically.
• Arborea’s Alignment: As a Chaotic Good plane, Arborea thrives on passion, impulse, and idealism—but it's not without danger.
• Oaths Matter: Making promises in Arborea might have magical or moral weight. Break them at your peril.
• Arvandor = Abundance: This lush and fertile layer feels like a divine Whole Foods. It’s the breadbasket of the Outer Planes.
• Weather Gone Wild: You may experience thunderstorms, lightning, or perpetual sunlight—all in a matter of minutes.
• Ecology and Afterlife: Arborea is home to Eladrin, elven petitioners, and protective nature spirits. It might be your final resting place... or party destination.
• Aqualore: Vast ocean, but only three feet deep. Still wet, still weird. Sea elves abound, but not much else.
• Mithardir: A lifeless chalk desert haunted by ruins of fallen gods and vicious storms. Adventure hooks lie buried under sand.
• Nautilus: A floating trade hub where adventurers can find deep-sea gear—and probably a weird side quest.
• Sylvania: A kaleidoscopic chaos realm where every moment is a party and nothing makes sense. It’s Animal House with cosmic consequences.
• Party Names: Whether you’re “Team Fireball” or “The Drunken Disciples of Kord,” a good name makes recaps easier and sets the campaign tone.
• Pop Culture Comparisons: Arborea is described as California, Sylvania is Vegas meets Coachella, and the Widow’s Henge might be Top Chef meets eldritch horror.

If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners.

If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings.

Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ

How to Find Us:

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

• 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

Ever pick a feat so bad it made your character question their entire existence? Good news—this episode is your mulligan.

Need a professional GM to help you respec your party’s chaos into a compelling narrative? Book a session with the one and only Dungeon Master Adamantine!

Whether you're in Athens, Greece, connecting online, or just looking to combine your vacation with a dragon-slaying adventure, DM Adamantine is your go-to Game Master for high-quality TTRPG sessions in D&D, Call of Cthulhu, Vampire: The Masquerade, and more. Find your next unforgettable adventure at www.dungeonmasteradamantine.com or book sessions at StartPlaying.games/gm/dmadamantine.

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts embrace change—literally—as they dive deep into the concept of retraining mechanics in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 2E. But before the character sheet gets erased, they kick things off with a nerdy detour into Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition, share opinions on the Resident Evil franchise, and wax nostalgic about the golden age of gaming.

Then the core conversation begins: What do you do when the feat you picked at Level 3 turns out to be hot garbage? Or when your barbarian realizes Intelligence isn’t just a dump stat—it’s a lifestyle choice? That’s where retraining comes in.

The hosts discuss why retraining is essential for both new and experienced players, the narrative and mechanical implications of character do-overs, and how GMs can avoid turning the process into a bureaucratic nightmare. They compare systems, critique design philosophies, and remind everyone that flexibility is key to fun.

If you’ve ever regretted your build, re-specced mid-campaign, or wanted to take a mulligan on your bard’s flute proficiency, this episode is for you.

• PF2 Retraining on Archives of Nethys
• Neverwinter Nights 2 (Affiliate Link)
• Strongholds and Followers
• Dimension20
• NaddPod
• Slither Film
• Cornetto Trilogy
• Bojack Horseman
• Tedd Lasso

• Retraining is essential for helping players adapt to new strategies, party dynamics, or just plain regret.
• Pathfinder 2E offers clear, structured retraining rules that make it easy to respec without breaking immersion.
• D&D 5E, by contrast, provides limited retraining options, often requiring house rules to fill in the gaps.
• Retraining is especially useful for new players who don’t yet grasp the long-term consequences of build choices.
• Costs for retraining—whether time, gold, or in-world narrative—should be clear but not punitive.
• The “burden of knowledge” can be overwhelming; good retraining systems ease that pressure.
• Character development should be fluid, allowing for organic growth and change over time.
• Retraining can include skills, feats, class features, and even languages, though learning Infernal overnight might stretch believability.
• Tone shifting—from serious to humorous or vice versa—is an important skill for both players and GMs. Humor should act as a pressure release, not a tonal whiplash.
• Matching your group’s emotional energy and narrative expectations is vital for a good game session.
• Every table should discuss retraining rules upfront, so expectations are clear and rerolls don’t become courtroom dramas.
• Even Call of Cthulhu has unique retraining mechanics that focus on realism and narrative trauma—proof that every game handles it differently.
• Retraining mechanics support player agency, increase campaign longevity, and ultimately make the game more fun.

If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners.

If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings.

Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ

How to Find Us:

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

• 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

Want to know how one spark can ruin a dungeon, a campaign, and your DM’s will to live? Light up this episode and find out.

Need a game that burns brighter than your last TPK? Book a session with DM Adamantine at dungeonmasteradamantine.com or find him on StartPlaying: startplaying.games/gm/dmadamantine.

In this scorching episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team throws gasoline on the topic of fire in tabletop RPGs—then promptly fails their Reflex save. What starts as a conversation about lighting a torch quickly turns into a flaming whirlwind of rules, tactics, and creative chaos.

The hosts explore the many layers of how fire is used in games—from setting ambiance with a cozy campfire to leveling an entire goblin village with an ill-advised Fireball. They break down how different systems handle fire damage, ongoing effects, and the often-overlooked consequences like smoke inhalation, visibility loss, and your ranger's hair catching fire.

They debate the difference between magical and mundane fire, argue about whether a flaming sword cooks enemies or just looks cool, and discuss how to weaponize your environment (spoiler: the answer is always "start a fire").

You'll also get a peek into the chaotic neutral minds of players who think "we burn it down" is a viable solution to every social encounter. And yes, someone definitely asks, "How flammable is a gelatinous cube?"

Whether you're a DM trying to keep your players from razing your lovingly crafted tavern or a player wondering how many flasks of oil you can strap to a badger before initiative rolls—this episode brings the heat.

• Fire is more than just damage: Light, visibility, intimidation, and panic can all stem from a single spark.
• Environmental fire is your friend… or a really vengeful enemy: Setting things on fire can alter the battlefield dramatically—but so can smoke choking everyone out.
• Fire effects stack: Heat, flames, smoke, and structural damage all interact in messy, crunchy ways. Don't forget to track them—or just wing it and blame it on the wizard.
• System-specific differences matter: Pathfinder and D&D treat fire differently—especially when it comes to ongoing damage, saving throws, and magical fire resistance.
• Magical fire bends the rules: Flaming Sphere follows you. Wall of Fire ruins friendships. Hellish Rebuke makes everyone suspicious of your warlock.
• Realistic consequences are hilarious and horrifying: Fires attract attention, collapse buildings, and create very bad PR for adventuring parties.
• Players will always find creative fire-based chaos: Including but not limited to: oil barrel trebuchets, flaming goats, and the "Molotov Kobold Cocktail."
• As always, communication with your DM is key: Especially before you torch the local orphanage because it "looked suspicious."

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast the team learns how to build a Warhammer character that’s equal parts tragic backstory, terrible life choices, and statistically improbable survival!

Want to roll dice in a Greek villa, vanquish monsters in the shadow of the Acropolis, or experience horror, myth, and mayhem online or in-person? Book your next legendary session with Dungeon Master Adamantine at www.dungeonmasteradamantine.com or find him at startplaying.games/gm/dmadamantine. You bring the characters—he’ll bring the chaos.

In this episode, the hosts brave the stormy chaos of Michigan weather and minor audio goblins to dive deep into Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay character creation. From choosing your species to deciding whether your character is motivated by vengeance, coin, or the sweet smell of Middenheim sausage, the gang walks through every gritty, grimdark, and occasionally hilarious step of crafting a Warhammer persona. Whether you're rolling a rat catcher with dreams of knighthood or a noble elf who is definitely not judging the humans, this episode is your roadmap to making a character that lives, breathes, and probably dies violently in the Old World.

Michigan Weather Attacks Again: A brief detour into real-life weather horror before we get into fantasy horror.

Species Selection – AKA “So You Want to Be a Goblin?”

• Humans get all the talents (and none of the respect).
• Dwarves are magically allergic.
• Species choice directly affects talents, skills, and your odds of surviving past session one.

Attributes and Talents:

• Why it matters if your character is strong, smart, or just very good at gossip.
• Random rolls can turn a future hero into a chaotic gremlin with a heart of gold (or just halitosis).

Skills: Basic vs. Advanced (and How to Not Die by Failing a Perception Check):

• Not all skills are created equal, and sometimes “Swim” really matters.
• Advancing your character’s skills is key to surviving rats, cultists, and angry cows.

Careers and Equipment:

• Your career defines your gear, your class skills, and whether you start with a sword or a dead ferret.
• Equipment makes a big difference—especially when one character has armor and another has… hope.

Backstory, Motivation, and Ambition:

• Motivation adds depth. Like onions. Or ogres.
• Ambitions can be personal, professional, or deeply petty.
• XP bonuses reward you for actually having character goals, so “revenge on Barry the Baker” might just be worth it.

Names, Physical Traits, and Psychological Flavor:

• A name can reveal your culture… or just make the DM sigh.
• Physical and psychological quirks bring your character to life—or at least make them memorable when they die.

Party Dynamics and Relationships:

• What happens when your elf hates your dwarf and your priest keeps judging everyone?
• Exploring how party tensions, bromances, and grudges make the game world richer (and weirder).

The Final Ingredient: Humor and Collaboration:

• Why character creation should be as fun as the game itself.
• You don’t build a hero alone—you do it with friends, dice, and questionable life choices.

• Species isn’t just fluff—it shapes your whole character experience.
• Skills are life. Pick wisely, and don’t forget “Perception” exists.
• Talents can turn a bland character into a legendary weirdo.
• Backstory + motivation = juicy roleplay and extra XP.
• Random rolls aren’t a curse—they’re an opportunity to improvise hilariously.
• Psychological traits help characters feel real (and often unstable).
• Your party is your story’s emotional core—and chaotic powder keg.
• Character creation is where the game really begins. Embrace the madness.
• Be strategic. Be creative. Be weird. It’s Warhammer, after all.

• How to build a character that could actually survive in the Warhammer universe.
• What to do when you accidentally roll “terrified of the color red.”
• Why “pet rat” is both an equipment choice and a career path.
• If being a barber-surgeon really counts as a heroic class. (Spoiler: It does. Somehow.)

Links

• Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Core Rulebook (affiliate link)
• Find a GM on StartPlaying.games

Support the Show

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

Want to survive your first Warhammer Fantasy game without getting eaten by a goblin or arrested for fashion crimes? This episode teaches you the grimdark basics—judgy elves included.

Big thanks to our sponsor, Dungeon Master Adamantine—the only GM who can run a perfect session and pronounce "Naggaroth" correctly on the first try. If you want to play D&D, Call of Cthulhu, Vampire: The Masquerade, or any other TTRPG—whether you're in Greece, online, or just chaos-curious—book your game at dungeonmasteradamantine.com or find him on StartPlaying.

Show Notes: In this gloriously grimdark episode, the RPGBOT crew celebrates both personal victories and narrative tragedy—because nothing says Pride like running a half marathon and being emotionally wrecked by Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay lore. The crew dives deep into the richly depressing world of Warhammer Fantasy, from the human-centric politics of the Empire to the lizard-brained logic of the Slann. They explore the setting’s clashing cultures, catastrophic corruption mechanics, and the unfortunate magical side effects of wearing the wrong outfit.

Expect heated discussions on dwarf grudges, elf egos, undead management tips, and why your bright pink tunic might just get you killed during spellcasting. The conversation also gets tactical as they unpack dungeon design do’s and don’ts, from the elegance of the Five Room Dungeon to the emotional trauma that is Tomb of Horrors. Spoiler alert: don’t design your dungeon like a video game unless your players are part AI and emotionally numb.

This episode is equal parts war-torn exposition and mechanics breakdown, with a healthy helping of sarcastic celebration.

Key Takeaways:

• Pride is powerful. So is finishing a half marathon. So is a vampire count on a zombie dragon.
• Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay is what happens when early modern Europe and cosmic horror have a very messy divorce.
• The Empire: Best place to be human, worst place to not pay your taxes.
• Bretonnia: Where chivalry and classism come with matching banners.
• Kislev: Frostpunk with bears and chaos cultists.
• Dark Elves: If Hot Topic and human sacrifice had a baby.
• Warhammer Fantasy ≠ Warhammer 40K. This one has fewer space marines, more diseases.
• Elves are superior—just ask them.
• The Old World is “Europe but cursed.” The New World is “Colonialism but with dinosaurs.”
• Dwarves: Have grudges, will travel (underground).
• Lizardmen: Technically the good guys, if you like ancient prophecy and no interpersonal skills.
• Greenskins: Orcs, goblins, and the chaos-fueled frat party that never ends.
• Skaven: Backstabbing rat anarchists who somehow built a nuclear weapons program.
• Undead: Vampires rule the night; Tomb Kings rule the day (and resent the living).
• Chaos: The multiversal HR violation that unites us all.
• Your class and career determine your fate, like high school but with more mutations.
• Warhammer's magic system: Be fluent in death chants and fashion-forward or suffer the consequences.
• Psychology, fear, corruption, and disease aren’t flavor—they’re core mechanics.
• Color-coordination is literally rules-as-written. You can die for clashing.
• Spellcasting is hard. Miscasting is harder. Death by wardrobe malfunction is canon.
• Character progression is XP-based. Advancement is granular and glorious.
• Half-elves aren’t a thing. Racial purity is, unfortunately, a cultural theme.
• Dungeon design should offer choices, not just punishment. Unless you’re Tomb of Horrors.
• The Five Room Dungeon is a GM’s best friend—tight, deadly, and endlessly adaptable.
• Don’t copy video game dungeons. This isn’t Skyrim and your players aren’t NPCs.

Listen now and learn why wearing a green sash while casting a red spell might kill you faster than a chaos spawn with an axe.

Links

• Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Core Rulebook (affiliate link)
• Find a GM on StartPlaying.games

Support the Show

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

Ever wonder what happens when you give a wizard a housecat and poor impulse control? We did—and now the kobold population is down one.

Need a Dungeon Master who can outwit your rogue, outdrink your barbarian, and out-Greek the gods themselves? Book DM Adamantine—Nick Fotopoulos, the myth, the legend, the man who once statted out a haunted souvlaki stand.

Whether you're in Athens, on vacation, or hiding from your dice curse, Nick runs D&D, Call of Cthulhu, Vampire: The Masquerade, and more—online or in-person, tailored to your party’s wildest dreams (or darkest regrets).

Visit www.dungeonmasteradamantine.comor summon him directly at StartPlaying

He’s got minis, maps, madness—and yes, he’s fluent in both Greek and goblin.

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the gang dives whiskers-first into the magical, mystical, and occasionally murderous world of familiars in tabletop RPGs. From Pathfinder to D&D and beyond, we examine what happens when your arcane support animal becomes the party MVP—or a tragic footnote in the kobold kill count.

Ash tries to argue that the toad is a viable combat companion. Tyler reminds us that the hawk definitely doesn't have thumbs. Randall... well, Randall has a deeply concerning attachment to his fox, whom he insists is “just a little guy, your honor.”

Expect practical advice, chaotic anecdotes, and passionate hot takes on why your next spellcaster should come with a built-in critter co-pilot.

• Familiars are more than flavor: These aren't just spellbook-warming fluffballs—they can scout, deliver spells, and manipulate the action economy if you build them right.
• Pick the right pet for the job: Owls? Great for flyby tactics. Frogs? Great for... ambiance. Imp? Great for morally questionable espionage and tax evasion.
• Don't get them killed: Familiars may be magically bound, but they're emotionally expensive. Losing one mid-dungeon isn't just tragic—it’s also a wasted action economy investment and possibly a therapy bill.
• In Pathfinder 2e: The familiar system is highly customizable—think of it like Build-A-Bear with spell slots. Choose abilities like "Deliver a Touch Spell" or "Can Lick Its Own Eyebrows" depending on your tactical goals.
• Familiars are not Pokémon: You cannot legally send them into battle for XP farming. You can, however, use them as adorable bait. The ethical line is blurry, but the kobolds are definitely distracted.
• Beware of DM interpretation: That squirrel familiar might be RAW legal, but if your DM hates rodents, you will be hunted by owlbears. Plan accordingly.
• You can give your familiar a name, but not a pension: Remember—if you're going to bond with the ferret that ferries fireballs, don’t forget a cute name. (Suggestions include: Toast, Balthazar, LegallyDistinctPikachu.)

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

Think you can outwit a dragon with a fake bridge and a charisma check? Welcome to the RPGBOT.Podcast episode where illusions kill, confusion reigns, and disbelief is just a failed Will save away.

In this spellbinding episode, the RPGBOT crew explores the mischievous magic of illusions, where what you see may not be what you get—and what you don’t see might still sucker-punch your barbarian. Between tactical breakdowns and spontaneous chipmunk tangents, the hosts weave a chaotic yet surprisingly informative tapestry of illusion mechanics, storytelling antics, and system comparisons between Pathfinder 2e, D&D 5e, and even a detour through Final Fantasy materia mechanics.

The episode begins with a healthy dose of banter and battlefield survival strategies (spoiler: bolas are back in fashion), before veering headfirst into the world of illusion magic. Expect spirited debates about phantasms, the value of disbelief, and whether players should be required to announce, “I squint suspiciously at the air in front of me” before they’re allowed a Will save.

From chipmunks being bullied out of neighborhoods by thug squirrels, to Gandalf being played by Fozzie Bear, this episode is a chaotic celebration of how illusion and disguise mechanics shape storytelling, humor, and heartbreak at the gaming table. Plus: learn why DMs should occasionally pretend not to know what's happening... even when they wrote the plot twist.

And yes—someone actually asks the important question: “Is it really a good illusion if it doesn’t accidentally start a bar fight?”

• Character death matters—especially when caused by a flaming imaginary bridge.
• Optimization tips: Use bolas. No, seriously. They're hilarious and effective.
• Chipmunks are rare because squirrels have anger issues.
• Illusions are not just for mischief—they can dramatically shift combat and story if used (and ruled) well.
• Phantasms can cause real damage... and even real friendship-ending debates.
• DMs need to balance illusions to avoid turning a boss fight into a Scooby-Doo episode.
• Pathfinder 2e provides more clarity on disbelieving illusions than 5e, which mostly says "good luck, champ."
• Disguises are not illusions, but they can lead to awkward social interactions at royal balls.
• Illusions can enhance roleplay, story arcs, and character drama—but they need DM discretion.
• Session zero is a great place to ask, “How weird can my illusions get before the game breaks?”
• Improvisation is key: Illusions don’t always follow the script. Neither should the DM.
• Muppet recasting of Tolkien characters is an important use of podcast time. Kermit as Frodo. Fozzie as Gandalf. Sam remains unchanged.
• Materias in Final Fantasy are weird, wild, and somehow relevant to this conversation.
• Illusions shouldn’t ruin the fun—just complicate it in hilarious and meaningful ways.
• Players rarely remember to ‘study’ illusions, so DMs must choose whether to be kind... or let them walk face-first into the dragon’s tail.
• Game mechanics are weird, but that’s half the fun.
• Communication is everything—especially when you’re lying to your DM with a straight face.

What do Pathfinder classes, Muppet horror, and himbo culture have in common? Absolutely nothing—so obviously we made a whole episode about it.

Big thanks to Dungeon Master Adamantine for sponsoring this episode—if you want to roll dice in Greece with a professional GM who can out-roleplay Zeus himself, summon Nick at dungeonmasteradamantine.com or book him Startplaying: https://startplaying.games/gm/dmadamantine (but maybe not during a boss fight).

In the third (and arguably most chaotic) installment of our deep dive into Pathfinder classes, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew goes full gremlin. Join Ash, Randall, and Tyler as they discuss the remastering of Pathfinder, family hijinks, the unexpected depth of 'himbo' culture, the musical Wicked, and how to reimagine Sesame Street as a TTRPG murder mystery.

Also, yes—we talk about actual Pathfinder classes. Probably more than you’d expect given how much time we spend dunking on action economy and imagining eldritch Elmo.

This episode features critical evaluations of the Animist, Exemplar, Gunslinger, Inventor, Kineticist, Magus, Psychic, Summoner, and Thaumaturge classes. Which ones are too complex for beginners? Which are secretly brilliant? Which would Kermit play? All this and more in an episode that sounds like it was brainstormed on a sticky note found in a Waffle House parking lot.

• Archives of Nethys (affiliate link)
• Sesame Street

Content from RPGBOT.news

• • PF2 Character Optimization

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• PF2 Starting Classes Part 1
• PF2 Starting Classes Part 2
• Dark Archive Review
• Guns and Gears Remastered Review
• Rage of Elements Review
• War of Immortals Review

The Vibes:

• Podcasting is hard. Podcasting while discussing Muppet horror fiction? Harder.
• Humor is a necessary survival skill—especially in family life and game design.
• Yes, you can enjoy Wicked without knowing the entire Wizard of Oz lore tree.
• Himbo culture is more than just muscles and charm—it's a way of life.

Classy Evaluations:

• Animist – “What if your divine caster was also a spirit medium with an emotional support ghost?” Surprisingly elegant.
• Exemplar – A mythic powerhouse designed for epic-level play. Great if you like spreadsheets and divine empowerment.
• Gunslinger – Surprisingly tactical. Better than expected. Imagine Yosemite Sam, but with feat optimization.
• Inventor – Simple. Straightforward. Hits things with science. Ideal for players who want to cosplay as Iron Goblin.
• Kineticist – Offers power and flavor, but the mechanical complexity is dense. Approach with coffee and patience.
• Magus – Action economy is a problem. Looks amazing on paper, but in practice, it’s like juggling flaming swords while solving a Rubik’s Cube.
• Psychic – Big flavor, intimidating mechanics. Could be brilliant, could be brain-melting. Much like psychic powers, really.
• Summoner – You share HP with your pet kaiju. It’s a relationship built on trust, trauma, and tactical retreat.
• Thaumaturge – A fan favorite. Big bag of tricks, satisfying mechanics, and good for players who like yelling “Your weakness is friendship!”

Creative Chaos:

• Elmo as an unknowable horror from the Darkest House? Canon.
• Kermit the Frog: bard? gunslinger? morally neutral cleric? All viable builds.
• You can adapt Sesame Street to a Pathfinder game, but you probably shouldn’t. But if you do, please invite us.

Meta Moments:

• Some Paizo devs are probably listening. Hi! We love you. Please don’t smite us.
• Podcast guests matter. Good ones make everything better. Bad ones get reincarnated as spellcasters with 3-action teleports and no way to cast them.
• The community continues to influence Paizo’s design—your feedback does matter.

• Build a Thaumaturge with a Sesame Street theme. Bonus points for cursed items shaped like puppets.
• Try Wicked. Then stat out Elphaba as a Witch with the Hex trait.
• Ask yourself: Are you the himbo in your party?
• Complain about Magus’ action economy online. It’s tradition.

If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It’s a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners.

If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings.

Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ

How to Find Us:

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

• 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

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

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.

• 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

• 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

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

• 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