RPGBOT.Podcast

Dragons are eternal. Gaming mice are not.

In today's episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we survive cursed peripherals, catastrophic Kingdom turns, and at least one near-fatal werewolf encounter before finally turning our attention to the real reason we woke up before dawn: Paizo's Lost Omens: Draconic Codex. It's a book that asks the important questions—like "What if dragons were powered by magical traditions?", "What if dragons were made of swords?", and "What if a dragon respawned because you can't kill the joke?" Pour yourself a gallon of coffee and join us as we dig into archdragons, dragon gods, delight dragons, wish dragons, and more dragons than should legally fit in one hardcover.

In this episode, the RPGBOT crew reviews Lost Omens: Draconic Codex, Paizo's definitive Pathfinder Second Edition sourcebook for dragons. The discussion covers both lore and mechanics introduced in the Remaster era, highlighting how Pathfinder 2e has fully reinvented dragons to align with its four magical traditions: Arcane, Divine, Occult, and Primal .

Remastered Dragon Lore

• Pathfinder's clean break from chromatic/metallic dragons
• Dragons aligned to magical traditions instead of color
• Why these dragons feel "native" to PF2e mechanics

Dragon Creation Myth & Dragon Gods

• Apsu, Dahak, Sarshalatu, and the draconic origin story
• Dragon gods, pantheons, edicts, and anathema
• Cleric and champion support for dragon-aligned worship

Archdragons & Dragon Physiology

• New age category: Archdragon
• Young → Adult → Ancient → Arch progression
• Why archdragons emerge during times of conflict
• Expanded archdragon stat blocks for existing dragons

Bestiary Highlights (So Many Dragons) - Over 40 dragon types, including:

• Delight Dragons (joy, bubbles, toys, and respawning punchlines)
• Mocking Dragons (laughing at your failures—mechanically)
• Wish Dragons (granting wishes with no ritual cost… interpreted by the dragon)
• Vorpal Dragons (made of swords, can decapitate you and leave you alive)
• Sage Dragons (dragon nerds who weaponize your secrets)
• Wyrm Wraiths (void-fueled undead dragon horrors)

Player & GM Options

• Dragon-themed archetypes and ancestry options
• Dragonets as playable, pseudo-dragon-like companions
• Expanded kobold options
• New spells, magic items, and dragon contracts (mechanical pacts that actually matter)

GM Tools & Campaign Hooks

• Dragons as quest-givers, gods, villains, and punchlines
• High-level storytelling with wish-granting dragons
• Using dragons as expressions of magical philosophy

• Lost Omens: Draconic Codex fully redefines dragons for Pathfinder 2e, making them mechanically and narratively distinct from D&D while remaining iconic .
• The four magical traditions give dragons clearer identities, spell access, and story roles.
• Archdragons provide true level-21+ threats with campaign-defining presence.
• Dragons in this book are not just monsters—they're gods, philosophers, tricksters, wish-granters, and walking rules arguments.
• Player options (dragonets, archetypes, contracts) meaningfully support dragon-centric campaigns.
• This book is a must-own for Pathfinder 2e GMs, especially for high-level or lore-heavy games.

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

Welcome back to RPGBOT.Podcast, where Ash is a Top GM™, Tyler is still emotionally processing Bastions, and Randall has discovered that Eberron finally lets you live your best divorced-dad-with-a-houseboat fantasy.

In Part 2 of our review of Eberron: Forge of the Artificer, we leave the artificer workshop behind and dive headfirst into dragonmarked intrigue, mobile bastions, noir detectives, political backstabbing, and the deeply dangerous question: "What if my base could walk?" This episode contains airships, crime fiction, economic monopolies, and at least one moment where we realize the answer to most Eberron problems is "build a bigger construct."

In RPGBOT.Podcast – Eberron: Forge of the Artificer (Part 2), the hosts continue their in-depth review of the book by shifting focus away from the artificer class and into the broader Eberron ecosystem.

This episode examines the character options beyond artificers, including dragonmarked feats, reworked species, and the lore implications of opening dragonmarks to wider character concepts. From there, the discussion moves into Bastions, including mobile bases like airships, lightning rail trains, and ships—raising important questions about gameplay practicality, narrative freedom, and whether your party should legally be allowed to own a war machine.

The back half of the episode explores Eberron's storytelling frameworks, including noir-inspired Sharn inquisitives, dragonmarked house intrigue, and campaign structures built around politics, monopolies, and inevitable wars.

• Key Takeaways
• Dragonmarks are the backbone of this book. If you like dragonmarked houses, intrigue, and economic power struggles, this chapter delivers in spades.
• New species updates are a big win. Warforged as constructs, kalashtar as aberrations, and revamped korovar (half-elves) meaningfully impact gameplay and spell interactions.
• Dragonmark feats heavily favor spellcasters. Martials should be cautious—many benefits scale best with spellcasting.
• Mobile Bastions are conceptually excellent and mechanically… messy. Airships, trains, and ships are cool, but DMs will need to smooth the edges.
• Eberron leans hard into genre play. Noir detective stories, Renaissance-style intrigue, and political drama are clearly supported.
• High-level play quietly breaks old Eberron assumptions. The book embraces higher-level NPCs and epic conflicts, even if it bends earlier canon.
• Everything eventually leads to war. Political intrigue, dragonmarked monopolies, and bastions all point toward large-scale conflict—and that's very on-brand for Eberron.

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

Elementals are the walking embodiment of the four classic forces—fire, air, water, and earth—and they're one of the easiest monster families to drop into any campaign while still feeling mythic, dangerous, and thematically sharp. In this remastered episode, the RPGBOT crew digs into how to make elementals more than "a pile of hit points with a damage type"—including encounter roles, terrain design, and how to telegraph threats so your table feels challenged instead of cheap-shotted.

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

Welcome back to RPGBOT.Podcast, where optimism is optional, feedback is weaponized, and today we're firing up the lightning rails straight into Eberron: Forge of the Artificer. This is Part 1 of our review, which means we're here to ask the most important questions first: Does this book actually understand artificers? Does it respect Eberron's magic-as-industry vibe? And will Ash rant about corporate design decisions like an angry warforged with a union card?

Spoiler: yes. Probably several times. Grab your tool proficiencies and buckle up—this is Eberron, where magic is practical, progress has consequences, and feedback is delivered with a hammer.

NOTE: WE GOT SEVERAL RULES WRONG IN THIS EPISODE. We recorded after an initial read of the book, and I hadn't had time to analyze things in depth, so we made several mistakes. Check our full Artificer class guide, which represents the more accurately.

In RPGBOT.Podcast – Eberron: Forge of the Artificer Part 1, the crew kicks off a deep-dive review of Wizards of the Coast's newest Eberron supplement, focusing on core themes, design intent, and early impressions rather than final verdicts.

This episode sets the foundation for the full review by examining how Forge of the Artificer approaches Eberron's defining pillars: magical technology, artificer identity, pulp action, and noir-inspired worldbuilding. Along the way, the hosts reflect on feedback culture, creator intent, and how production environments shape the final product—because you can't talk about artificers without talking about how things are made.

Covered in Part 1:

• First impressions of Eberron: Forge of the Artificer
• Artificers as a class fantasy vs. mechanical execution
• Eberron's "magic as infrastructure" philosophy
• Tone consistency with classic Eberron (pulp + noir)
• Early signs of passion vs. corporate checkbox design
• What this book signals for future D&D 2024 content

This is a setup episode—laying groundwork, raising expectations, and sharpening knives for Part 2.

• Eberron still lives or dies on tone. The book's success hinges on whether it treats magic as an economic force, not just spell flavor.
• Artificers need identity, not just options. New tools are exciting, but the real test is whether the class fantasy feels coherent and intentional.
• Design fingerprints matter. You can feel when a book is made with enthusiasm—and when it's made to hit a release window.
• This is a promising start, not a final judgment. Part 1 is about signals and foundations; Part 2 will be about payoff.
• Feedback culture comes full circle. The episode opens with feedback talk for a reason: the hosts apply that same lens to the book itself.

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

The RPGBOT crew closes out Season 5 the only way they know how: with heartfelt gratitude, passionate rants, accidental comedy, and at least one derailment into pop culture discourse.

In this end-of-year recap, Randall, Tyler, and Ash look back on a year of certified bangers, a few corporate-mandated stinkers, and the surprising joy of discovering that people are, in fact, listening. A lot of people. Like… three-quarters of a million downloads a lot.

Along the way, the hosts reflect on:

• Why giving feedback is harder than it sounds (and why Josh should maybe just be hired already).
• How unionization, passion, and not hating your job might magically lead to better RPG books.
• The growth of RPGBOT from "30 listeners we personally harassed" to a thriving, weirdly wholesome community.
• The success of Quick Start / How to Play episodes for systems that are not D&D (and the relief that people actually want those).
• The birth and future of Other Worlds, where the same characters keep falling through genre portals like some kind of dice-based Sliders reboot.
• Big plans for 2026, including Numenera, Pulp Cthulhu, Cyberpunk, Blades in the Dark, Dragonbane, Starfinder, and the eternal quest to finally do Star Wars without the universe collapsing.
• Charity streams, especially the Old Gods of Appalachia fundraiser for MD Anderson, and why that one hit especially close to home.
• A completely unnecessary but spirited debate about Stranger Things, narrative stakes, and which beloved characters absolutely should have died (allegedly).

The episode ends exactly as you'd expect: Tyler's brain breaks when the outro script is violated, identities are swapped, BlueSky handles are mangled, someone accidentally says "sub-sex" instead of "success," and the podcast briefly achieves true chaos before stumbling lovingly into 2026.

If you like tabletop RPGs when they're fun—and you like listening to three people who clearly enjoy making them fun—this episode is a warm, messy thank-you note to everyone who made 2025 possible.

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

In this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we continue to shine a spotlight on building one of the most intriguing classes in the game: the Rogue. With their sneaky tactics and manipulative ways, Rogues add an essential element of mystery and cunning to any adventuring party. Join us as we break down the key components of building a successful Rogue character, and learn how to level up your game with this second part of our two-part series on Rogues.

HANDBOOKS FROM RPGBOT.net

• Rogue 5e: DnD 5th Edition Class Guide - RPGBOT
• Rogue Subclass Breakdown
• Rogue Races Breakdown
• DnD 5e Rogue Subclasses Breakdown – Updated subclass assessments and improved advice
• Rogue Handbook: Pathfinder Class Guide
• Assassin Rogue Handbook: DnD 5e Subclass Guide
• DnD 5e - New Arcane Trickster Rogue Handbook
• Arcane Trickster Rogue Spells 5e: Guide to the Best Arcane Trickster Spells
• BG3 Rogue Handbook: Baldur's Gate 3 Class Guide
• DnD 5e - New Assassin Rogue Handbook
• The Rogue Handbook - DnD 3.5
• Baldur's Gate 3 - New Warlock Handbook
• BG3 Warlock Handbook: Baldur's Gate 3 Class Guide
• DnD 5e Poisoner, Poison, and Poisoning: A Practical Guide
• DnD 5e – New Practical Guide to Poisoner, Poison and Poisoning

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• Fighters! Unleashing Your Inner Warrior - RPGBOT.Podcast
• Making Ingested And Absorbed Toxins In TTRPGs Fun 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

• Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
• Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
• Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

• @JackAmateur

Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati

On this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we complete our 3-part series on Picking a TTRPG that is not DnD or Pathfinder by adventuring deep into the vast and thrilling universe of tabletop RPGs. From the spine-chilling cosmic horror of Alien RPG to the gritty nihilism of Death in Space, we're exploring the diverse themes of space exploration, teenage superheroes, cyberpunk chaos, and even the villainous fun of Necessary Evil.

Join us as we tackle the art of balancing crunch with accessibility, dive into the rise of one-page RPGs for quick and chaotic adventures, and share tips on crafting immersive narratives that players will love. Whether you're a seasoned RPG fan or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and galactic-level inspiration.

Summary

In this action-packed episode, the hosts boldly go where no podcasters have gone before, diving into the endless void of tabletop RPGs. They tackle the cosmic horror of Alien RPG, the nihilistic beauty of Death in Space, and even dare to balance crunchiness with accessibility (spoiler: it's like herding space cats).

From dark Imperium nihilism to Star Wars' Force-wielding antics, they traverse the galaxy of RPG themes, stopping only to admire the Cyberpunk neon and hack a Shadowrun corporate server. Marvel superheroes swing by, Necessary Evil villains cackle maniacally, and Masks' teen heroes roll for high school drama.

Just when you think they're done, they reveal the rise of one-page RPGs, because why spend hours preparing when you can save the universe in 15 minutes? Grab your dice and your sense of humor, and tune in to explore the weird, wonderful, and wildly nerdy world of tabletop gaming.

Links

• Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times
• Achtung Cthulhu
• Adventures in Rokugan
• Alien RPG
• ALIEN RPG - A review
• ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review
• ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34
• All Flesh Must Be Eaten
• Apocalypse World
• Battletech
• Bladerunner
• Call of Cthulhu
• Candela Obscura
• Colostle
• CY_BORG
• Cyberpunk Red
• Cypher Core Rulebook
• Death in Space
• Death in Space – A review
• Delta Green
• Doctor Who RPG
• Doctors and Daleks
• FFG Star Wars
• Fallout RPG
• Forbidden Lands
• Genesys Core Rulebook
• Imperium Maledictum
• Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review
• Legend of the Five Rings
• Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e
• Marvel Multiverse RPG
• Masks
• Mork Borg
• Mörk Borg - A Review
• Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review
• Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32
• Numenera
• Old Gods of Appalachia
• Pirate Borg
• Pulp Cthulhu
• Ruins of Symbaroum
• Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review
• Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46
• Shadowdark
• RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne
• Shadowrun
• Symbaroum
• The One Ring 2e
• The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review
• The Walking Dead RPG
• Vaesen
• Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review
• RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen
• Vampire: The Masquerade
• How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade
• Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
• Werewolf: The Apocalypse
• SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF

Takeaways

The RPG landscape offers incredible variety, with systems catering to every player preference. Unique mechanics, like stress systems in Alien RPG or the survival-focused gameplay of Death in Space, enhance tension and narrative depth. Cinematic scenarios and simplified resource management can elevate player engagement, while pre-generated characters and storytelling mechanics provide fresh dynamics for immersive gameplay.

Exploring specific genres, like space horror, post-apocalyptic worlds, or teenage superhero drama in Masks, can help groups find the perfect game. Beloved franchises like Star Wars RPG and Marvel Multiverse capture iconic elements, while innovative hybrids like Cyberpunk and Shadowrun blend themes in exciting ways.

Lesser-known RPGs often hide creative gems, and one-page RPGs stand out as quick, accessible options for introducing new players or enjoying fast-paced fun. Ultimately, balancing crunch with accessibility and understanding player preferences ensures a great tabletop experience for everyone.

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

• Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
• Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
• Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

• @JackAmateur
• Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati

Ever wondered what beer chemistry, emo vampires, and broom mechanics have in common? Neither did we, until this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast!

We're diving deep into RPG madness, from the grimy charm of Shadow Dark to the chaos of Warhammer's magic (spoiler: it's messy). Then, we tackle Symbaroum, where sweeping is serious business, and Vison, the perfect game for overachieving detectives.

Horror fans, brace yourselves! It's eldritch chills with Call of Cthulhu, slapstick terror with Pulp Cthulhu, and Appalachian nightmares with Old Gods of Appalachia. Oh, and don't forget Vampire: The Masquerade, where brooding has never been so stylish.

Summary

Join the RPGBOT hosts as they embark on a tabletop odyssey filled with epic quests, fermented wisdom, and dice-fueled shenanigans! In this episode, they sip on the heady brew of beer chemistry before stumbling into the Old-School Renaissance of Shadow Dark—where dungeons are grim, and death is always just a dice roll away.

The adventure takes a quirky turn with Symbaroum, a game where sweeping mechanics finally get their moment in the spotlight, and spirals into the arcane depths of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay's magic systems (spoiler: it's like herding chaotic cats). Mystery lovers, rejoice! They dissect Vison, an RPG that dares players to think, and maybe overthink, its clever puzzles.

For horror fans, it's a double feature: Call of Cthulhu's sanity-shattering frights meet Pulp Cthulhu's lighthearted antics (think Indiana Jones with an eldritch twist). The hosts then dive fang-first into Vampire: The Masquerade and the brooding drama of World of Darkness, where players face the ultimate challenge: emo roleplay.

To cap it off, the crew gets their candles snuffed out in Ten Candles and pulled into the spine-tingling Appalachian horrors of Old Gods of Appalachia. Whether you're rolling a nat 20 or a nat 1, this episode celebrates RPGs in all their weird, wonderful glory.

Links

• Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times
• Achtung Cthulhu
• Adventures in Rokugan
• Alien RPG
• ALIEN RPG - A review
• ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review
• ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34
• All Flesh Must Be Eaten
• Apocalypse World
• Battletech
• Bladerunner
• Call of Cthulhu
• Candela Obscura
• Colostle
• CY_BORG
• Cyberpunk Red
• Cypher Core Rulebook
• Death in Space
• Death in Space – A review
• Delta Green
• Doctor Who RPG
• Doctors and Daleks
• FFG Star Wars
• Fallout RPG
• Forbidden Lands
• Genesys Core Rulebook
• Imperium Maledictum
• Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review
• Legend of the Five Rings
• Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e
• Marvel Multiverse RPG
• Masks
• Mork Borg
• Mörk Borg - A Review
• Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review
• Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32
• Numenera
• Old Gods of Appalachia
• Pirate Borg
• Pulp Cthulhu
• Ruins of Symbaroum
• Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review
• Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46
• Shadowdark
• RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne
• Shadowrun
• Symbaroum
• The One Ring 2e
• The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review
• The Walking Dead RPG
• Vaesen
• Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review
• RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen
• Vampire: The Masquerade
• How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade
• Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
• Werewolf: The Apocalypse
• SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF

Episode Takeaways

Game Mechanics & Themes

1. Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay features a risky, intricate magic system and expansive character creation options.
2. OSR games bring simplicity and nostalgia reminiscent of early D&D.
3. SimBroom introduces corruption mechanics that shape gameplay.
4. High-risk, high-reward gameplay boosts player engagement.
5. RPGs offer unique themes and mechanics, expanding gameplay possibilities.
6. Dragonbane lets players embody whimsical characters, like ducks.
7. Shadow Dark thrives on time pressure and quick decision-making.
8. Vison focuses on solving mysteries over combat, creating unique narratives.
9. World of Darkness emphasizes personal horror and the burden of being a monster.
10. Call of Cthulhu delivers cosmic horror with sanity mechanics, while Pulp Cthulhu adds action-oriented flair.
11. Horror RPGs, like Old Gods of Appalachia and Ten Candles, use innovative mechanics to amplify tension.
12. Dread, with its Jenga tower, brings suspense into the physical realm.

Character Creation & Player Experience

1. Brewing beer involves mastering sugar and fermentation processes.
2. Transitioning from dungeon fantasy to darker themes in RPGs can challenge players.
3. Vampire RPGs often introduce disempowerment and moral dilemmas, such as the dangerous Diablerie mechanic.
4. Character survival in horror RPGs often hinges on player choices and narrative decisions.

Game Selection & Exploration

1. Selecting games often involves collaboration and even dice rolls.
2. Exploring lesser-known RPGs enriches the gaming experience and storytelling.
3. The RPG landscape is vast, with many innovative games to explore.
4. Exploring different RPGs can enhance storytelling and player engagement.

Resources & Community Engagement

1. The chapter on mysteries in Vison's rulebook is a valuable resource for any TTRPG.
2. Rubrics can help evaluate RPG mechanics and themes effectively.
3. Community ratings and reviews play a key role in podcast growth.

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

• Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
• Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
• Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

• @JackAmateur
• Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati

Farewell 2025, Hello 2026

As the dice finish rolling on 2025, we want to take a moment—before the initiative tracker resets—to say thank you.

This year was packed with bold experiments, deep dives, hot takes, re-releases, masterclasses, actual plays, rule arguments that absolutely mattered, and more than a few moments where we stopped mid-recording and said, "Wait… does that actually work?" Thanks to you, the listeners, it did.

In 2025, RPGBOT.Podcast explored new systems, revisited old favorites, broke down mechanics piece by piece, and kept doing what we love most: helping players, GMs, and curious rules-gremlins play better games. Whether you joined us for crunchy optimization, narrative tools, indie RPG spotlights, or chaotic actual-play energy, you helped make this year something special.

We also saw the community grow—more voices, more perspectives, more people pulling up a chair at the virtual table. From longtime listeners who've been with us since the early days, to folks who found us for the first time this year: you're the reason we keep hitting "record."

Now, we turn the page.

2026 is already shaping up to be something big. More deep dives. More experiments. More guests. More games that surprise us. More moments where the rules bend—and sometimes break—in interesting ways.

We're bringing forward everything we learned in 2025, sharpening our tools, and rolling into the new year with fresh ideas, bigger plans, and the same love for tabletop roleplaying games that started this whole thing.

So whether you're listening right now with friends, alone on a late-night walk, or prepping for your next session—thank you for making RPGBOT part of your year.

Here's to new campaigns. Here's to better characters. Here's to smarter GMs, braver players, and stories that stick with us long after the dice are packed away.

Happy New Year. Welcome to 2026. Let's roll.

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

"Crunchy rules or simple vibes? Political intrigue or straight-up dungeon brawls? Survival in a dying world or low-power fantasy feels?"

This remastered RPGBOT.Podcast dives into everything you love (and fear) about tabletop RPGs that aren't D&D or Pathfinder. From decision trees to help you find your perfect game match, to the storytelling magic of Powered by the Apocalypse, and the chaotic survival of Mork Borg, there's something for everyone if you're willing to look past what you already know.

Tune in if you've ever wondered, "Is my game too crunchy, or am I just lazy?"

Summary

In this episode, the hosts take a deep dive into the diverse landscape of tabletop RPGs, offering a wealth of insights into various systems, mechanics, and themes. They introduce the concept of decision trees, a practical tool to help players identify RPGs that align with their preferences. The discussion covers the spectrum of complexity, from the intricate 'crunch' of detailed systems to the simplicity of more streamlined games.

Key highlights include:

• The Cypher System and Genesis: An exploration of these versatile systems, focusing on their mechanics and adaptability to different genres.
• Powered by the Apocalypse Framework: A look at its elegant simplicity and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for narrative-driven campaigns.
• Legend of the Five Rings vs. Adventures in Rokugan: A comparison of political intrigue-focused gameplay with combat-centric mechanics, illustrating the range of experiences within fantasy RPGs.
• Mörk Borg: An examination of its dark, nihilistic themes, where traditional heroism gives way to survival in a grim and decaying world.

The conversation also ventures into niche areas, such as the unique storytelling potential of solo RPGs, and highlights specific systems like Numenera, with its futuristic exploration themes, and One Ring 2E, celebrated for its low-power fantasy and rich Tolkien-inspired lore. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding a game's mechanics and setting realistic expectations to maximize the enjoyment of any RPG experience.

Links

• Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times
• Achtung Cthulhu
• Adventures in Rokugan
• Alien RPG
• ALIEN RPG - A review
• ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review
• ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34
• All Flesh Must Be Eaten
• Apocalypse World
• Battletech
• Bladerunner
• Call of Cthulhu
• Candela Obscura
• Colostle
• CY_BORG
• Cyberpunk Red
• Cypher Core Rulebook
• Death in Space
• Death in Space – A review
• Delta Green
• Doctor Who RPG
• Doctors and Daleks
• FFG Star Wars
• Fallout RPG
• Forbidden Lands
• Genesys Core Rulebook
• Imperium Maledictum
• Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review
• Legend of the Five Rings
• Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e
• Marvel Multiverse RPG
• Masks
• Mork Borg
• Mörk Borg - A Review
• Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review
• Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32
• Numenera
• Old Gods of Appalachia
• Pirate Borg
• Pulp Cthulhu
• Ruins of Symbaroum
• Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review
• Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46
• Shadowdark
• RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne
• Shadowrun
• Symbaroum
• The One Ring 2e
• The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review
• The Walking Dead RPG
• Vaesen
• Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review
• RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen
• Vampire: The Masquerade
• How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade
• Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
• Werewolf: The Apocalypse
• SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF

Takeaways

• Tyler's Interests
• Tyler loves wizards and wants to be one.
• Game Mechanics and Decision-Making
• The decision tree helps players find suitable RPGs.
• "Crunch" refers to the interaction with game mechanics.
• The Captain Crunch scale measures game complexity.
• Understanding game mechanics enhances the RPG experience.
• RPG Systems
• The Cypher System is easy to learn and play.
• Genesis is a generic system based on Fantasy Flight's Star Wars.
• Powered by the Apocalypse is a versatile framework.
• Powered by the Apocalypse games are easy to learn.
• Fate is complex and math-heavy.
• The Year Zero Engine is simple yet effective.
• Solo RPGs can be rewarding experiences.
• Character Creation and Progression
• Character creation in RPGs can vary significantly.
• Character progression in One Ring 2E requires patience and strategy.
• Adjusting difficulty can enhance the gameplay experience.
• Thematic and Genre Elements
• Monster Hearts is popular in the LGBT community.
• Legend of the Five Rings emphasizes political intrigue (combat is discouraged).
• Merc Borg presents a nihilistic view of RPGs.
• Adventures in Rokugan is more combat-focused than its predecessor.
• Colossal is a unique solo RPG experience.
• Mercord uniquely advocates for real-world arson in its gameplay.
• Numenera presents a science fantasy setting a billion years in the future.
• Players in One Ring 2E are grounded, facing impossible odds.
• Exploring the themes of low-power fantasy can lead to rich storytelling.
• Gameplay Depth
• The intrusion system adds depth to gameplay.
• The Eye of Sauron and Gandalf rune add depth to gameplay.
• Solo play in One Ring 2E is well-implemented and enjoyable.

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

• Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
• Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
• Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social

Ash Ely

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

Randall James

• @JackAmateur
• Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati