If you’re playing a tabletop roleplaying game, you know the importance of having a party of characters - the adventuring party. But beyond the characters who are the primary focus of play, there are other followers, hirelings, minions, pets, and sidekicks that can bring even more flavor to your game. In this blog post, we’ll explore what cohorts, followers, hirelings, minions, pets, and sidekicks are, and how to make sure they work with your game. So gather your party and let’s begin!

Special thanks to @webJWF for this week’s question of the week.

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

• Articles on RPGBOT.net
• DnD 5e
• Ranger Subclasses Breakdown
• Pathfinder 1st Edition
• Practical Guide to Animal Companions
• Pathfinder 2nd Edition
• Practical Guide to Animal Companions
• DnD 3.x
• Heroes of Horror (affiliate link)
• Leadership Feat
• DnD 5e
• Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link) – Overrun is detailed on page 272 under the “Action Options” section
• Essentials Kit (affiliate link)
• Player’s Handbook (affiliate link)
• Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (affiliate link)
• Pathfinder 1st Edition
• Leadership Feat
• Pathfinder 2nd Edition
• Core Rulebook (affiliate link)
• Minion General Rule on Archives of Nethys
• Other Stuff
• Charles Barkley as a sidekick
• Chelliax on PathfinderWiki
• Dragon Magazine #28 PDF on Wizards.com
• Elminster on Forgotten Realms Wiki
• OldSchoolRoleplaying.com – Henchman and Hirelings in DnD
• The Mummy on IMDB
• Way of the Wicked, by Fire Mountain Games on DriveThruRPG (affiliate link)

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

Are you looking for a way to give your character an edge in your next Tabletop Roleplaying Game? Optimizing your character can provide you with the tools to make your character stronger, smarter, and more effective. But be careful, overdoing it can result in MinMaxing, which can make the fun at the table disappear. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we go over what exactly character optimization is, why it’s important, and some of the more creative solutions you can take. So get ready to find out how you can utilize bags of rats and hydraulic badger canons to optimize your character for success!

Special thanks to @Knower85667267 for this week's question of the week.

Materials Referenced in this Episode

• Party Composition
• DnD 5e - Party Composition - This was published after we recorded the episode
• Pathfinder - Party Composition
• Hydraulic Badger Cannon Ingredients for 5e
• Decanter of Endless Water
• Bag of Tricks

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

Are you new to the world of TTRPGs or looking for ways to improve your skills as new Dungeon Master or looking for the best tips and advice on how to safely and effectively run a successful gaming session? On this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast we discuss Session 0, pitching game ideas, establishing expectations, and collaborative character creation. We also recommend helpful tools such as pre-game surveys, the “X Card”, improv games, and tools like Decuma and Curse of Strahd’s Tarroka deck. Keep reading to get the most out of your gaming session!

Special thanks to @Winglady14 on Twitter and on the RPGBOT.Discord for the question of the week.

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• RPGBOT.Podcast Episode 7 – Character Optimization
• RPGBOT.Podcast Episode 9 – Death
• RPGBOT.Podcast S2 E8 – Adapting Media to a Tabletop RPG (Part 1)
• RPGBOT.News – Caleb Valorozo-Jones on Neurodiversity in TTRPGs
• RPGBOT.News – Jonathan G. Nelson of AAW Games

Articles from RPGBOT.net

• General – Party Relationships
• General – Pre-Game Survey

Dungeons and Dragons 5e

• Curse of Strahd (affiliate link)
• Eberron: Rising from the Last War (affiliate link)
• Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden (affiliate link)

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

Are you ready to run your first game of Dungeons and Dragons? If so, get ready to embark on an epic adventure in the realm of fantasy! As the Dungeon Master, it's your responsibility to create a thrilling and captivating story world for your players to explore. But it can be daunting to take on such a big role for the first time. Luckily, we’re here to help! In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we discuss the essential elements you'll need for a successful first game session, from rulebooks and dice to pre-written adventures. We'll also offer advice on how to be an effective and engaging Dungeon Master. So get ready to roll the dice and discover the secrets of the dungeon!

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN PART I

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• RPGBOT.Podcast Season 2 Episode 3 – Why are you running your one shots at level 1 (or 2 or 3)?
• RPGBOT.Podcast S2E10 – Session

Dungeons and Dragons 5e

• Player’s Handbook (affiliate link)
• Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link)
• Monster Manual (affiliate link)
• Volo’s Guide to Monsters (affiliate link)
• Official Free Pregen Characters (affiliate link)
• AAW Games Mini-Dungeons
• A Wild Sheep Chase (affiliate link)

Pathfinder 2e

• Core Rulebook (affiliate link)
• Gamemastery Guide (affiliate link)
• Archives of Nethys

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN PART II

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• RPGBOT.Podcast Episode 16 – Surviving a Long Hiatus

Articles from RPGBOT.Net

• DnD 5e – Practical Guide to Faster Combat
• DnD 5e – Practical Guide to One Hour DnD Sessions
• How to Literally Play Dungeons and Dragons

Dungeons and Dragons 5e

• Essentials Kit
• Starter Set
• A Wild Sheep Chase (affiliate link)

Pathfinder 2e

• Beginner Box (affiliate link)
• RPGBOT companion guide for the Beginner Box

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

2023 was a great year for Tabletop RPGs, with the release of many exciting new games and the revival of some classics. 2024 looks to be even better, with the promise of more great RPG content from the top designers in the industry. Here at RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, we want to thank you for a great 2023 and wish them an even better 2024. Together, let's make 2024 one of the best years yet for Tabletop role playing!

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

Are you ready to take your first step into the exciting and mysterious world of Dungeons and Dragons? Join us as we follow a brave adventurer on her very first foray into the realm of imagination and adventure. We'll go along with her as she is guided by a Dungeon Master on her very first quest, and then sit down with the RPGBOT team to get their expert opinions on her journey. Get ready to explore a world of fantastic monsters, heroic battles, and dynamic role-playing - it's time to plunge into the depths of Dungeons and Dragons!

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 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

Dungeons & Dragons is a game in which a group of players go on an adventure and solve problems as a team. The players form an adventuring party who explore fantasy worlds together as they embark on epic quests and level up in experience.

Come join us for a journey of exploration and excitement with this exciting game enjoyed by millions of players around the world. For those who have never played before or are looking for a refresher, this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast provides you with a comprehensive guide to the basics of playing a D&D game. From understanding the fundamentals of the game to creating a character and preparing for your first game, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your adventure started.

You can hear as we walk our guest new player through the basics of the game and how to create a character, including:

• Choosing a Race,
• Choosing a Class Level,
• Determining the character's ability scores,
• And describing the Character and Character's Abilities!

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, the ability to chat directly with members of the RPGBOT.Team 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

Legends have been told for centuries about the mysterious False Hydra, a creature said to have the power to erase a person's memory with its alluring song. This mythical beast has been the source of many frightening stories, but what is the truth behind its mysterious melody?

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we explore the mystery of the False Hydra, a mythical creature said to have the power to erase memories with its enchanting song. We'll take an in-depth look at the history of this creature and the truth behind its alluring melody.

As the story goes, the False Hydra's song was so powerful that it could hypnotize its victims and put them into a trance. It's said that those caught in its spell would forget everything—from their own names to past experiences—allowing the False Hydra to control them.

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, direct access to the RPGBOT.Team on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us every week 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 episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we have a conversation with Ben Byrne, Creative Content Director of Ghostfire Gaming! Ben and the team from Ghostfire have taken their love of role-playing games and performance to create a unique and immersive experience for tabletop gaming enthusiasts. We'll be discussing how Ghostfire Gaming has become an industry leader in the TTRPG space and how Ben and the rest of the Ghostfire Team create theatrical and immersive stories for players. We'll also be talking about the recent success of their crowdfunding campaigns and how they've been able to build a community of gamers who love to explore the imaginative worlds they create, including the recent announcement of Ghostfire’s partnership with DnD Beyond. Get ready to dive into a fascinating conversation with Ben and learn all about Ghostfire Gaming!

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 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

Do you want to make sure you get the most out of your martial class? If so, understanding your character’s Fighting Style is essential. In Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, several new Fighting Styles were introduced as Optional Class Features, offering powerful benefits to those who properly utilize them. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we’ll take a look at the nuances of these Fighting Styles, and how you can make the most of them. So get ready to hone your combat skills and maximize your character’s potential!

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 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