RPGBOT.Podcast

Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives into Part 2 of their comprehensive review of Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn, focusing on the D&D 2024 subclass updates for Barbarians, Fighters, Monks, and Paladins. The discussion opens with a riotous tangent about regional food, French Dip heresy, and the metaphysics of "hot wet beef", a tonal masterpiece worthy of an entire episode on its own. Once they pivot into the book itself, the hosts begin analyzing the Path of the Spiritual Guardian, Storm Herald Barbarian, Cavalier Fighter, Warrior of Intoxication Monk, and Oathbreaker Paladin, comparing their 2014 designs to their 2024 updates. Barbarian: Path of the Spiritual Guardian The hosts dig into the mechanical overhaul of Spiritual Protectors, explaining how the powerful 2014 taunt effect has been split into selectable options (Distract, Protect, or bonus damage) resulting in a strict nerf despite added flexibility. The new capstone, Vengeful Spirits, grants extra attacks on high rolls, though the table questions whether the feature fits the subclass thematically. Barbarian: Path of the Storm Herald In contrast, the Storm Herald Barbarian receives across-the-board improvements. With damage scaling tied to Rage bonus, updated terrain options, and the ability to change environments every time they Rage, Storm Herald becomes far more flavorful and versatile than its 2014 version. Tundra's new ability to subtract damage rolls from enemies is highlighted as both weird and delightful. Fighter: Cavalier The Cavalier Fighter, historically tied to a mounted combat fantasy unsupported by the 5e ruleset, receives meaningful buffs. Unwavering Mark no longer has limited uses, Ferocious Charger gains a more dynamic battlefield role, and Vigilant Defender continues to shine with additional reactions. Despite no changes to the horse-related problem ("area effects still delete horses instantly"), the subclass gets promoted to "very playable." Monk: Warrior of Intoxication One of the most dramatically redesigned subclasses, the former Drunken Master is now the Warrior of Intoxication, centered around Mystic Brew, a full brewing system that allows monks to craft beverages like Cinnamon Dragon or Heavenly Spirit. The team debates the new mechanics, including potential abuse cases involving long rests and stacked brews, while applauding the creativity. The name, however, receives… near-universal disdain. Paladin: Oathbreaker The final subclass, the Oathbreaker Paladin, cleans up many mechanical issues from 2014. Control Undead becomes the more thematic Conjure Undead, Aura of Hate integrates more cleanly with Aura of Protection, and new spell options sharpen its identity. The crew notes that the subclass finally stands independently, without requiring a friendly necromancer to function. Throughout the episode, the hosts blend detailed mechanics analysis, design philosophy commentary, subclass balance comparisons, and their signature brand of comedy, including Futurama impressions, regional sandwich wars, and multiple live hot takes. Key Takeaways Path of the Spiritual Guardian Major redesign resulted in a strict mechanical nerf, splitting the 2014 taunt into weaker modular effects. Vengeful Spirits introduces extra attacks but feels thematically disconnected. Needs another design pass. Path of the Storm Herald Substantial quality-of-life upgrades, including Rage-based terrain switching and improved scaling. Desert, Sea, and Tundra each gain flavorful new mechanics. Considered one of the biggest winners of the 2024 subclass update. Cavalier Fighter Unwavering Mark and Ferocious Charger receive meaningful buffs. Still has the same "horse fragility" problem, but the subclass is otherwise extremely strong. Gains crowd-control and tanking tools that outperform Sentinel. Warrior of Intoxication One of the most overhauled subclasses in Heroes of Faerûn. Mystic Brew adds flavorful utility but suffers from action-economy bottlenecks. Multiple "default pick" beverages suggest it still needs tuning. Creative, fun, thematically wild, but the name is universally mocked. Oathbreaker Paladin Improved spell list, more thematic undead support, and better integration with core auras. Conjure Undead makes the subclass self-sufficient. Stronger and more coherent than the 2014 version. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you've been enjoying our deep-dive breakdowns of Heroes of Faerûn, laughing through our subclass hot takes, or nodding solemnly during our very serious sandwich discourse, then you're exactly the kind of hero who belongs in the RPGBOT Patreon community. And here's the thing—if you'd already been a Patreon subscriber, you could have asked Keith Ammann your own questions live during our most recent Masterclass. Our patrons get real-time access not only to incredible guests like Keith, but also to Tyler, Randall, and Ash, asking questions, shaping discussions, and becoming part of the show as it happens. You also get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and a seat at the virtual table for future live recordings. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today, and next time you won't just listen—you'll be part of the conversation. 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. Meet the Hosts 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 Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Have you ever watched your players stare at a clue for 25 minutes, slowly realizing they're not unraveling a mystery, you're watching them invent a brand-new conspiracy theory? In today's remastered episode, we dive into the magical art of mystery design: how to build suspense, reveal secrets, and gently nudge players away from wildly incorrect guesses like "the butler did it" when you absolutely, definitely did not even put a butler in this campaign. Show Notes In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, the crew digs deep into the craft of creating and running tabletop RPG mysteries: from puzzle-heavy one-shots to sprawling, campaign-defining enigmas. We break down how mystery structure changes the way players interact with the world, how clues can guide without railroading, and why your players always suspect the guy with the most ominous accent (even when he's just a blacksmith). We walk through best practices for investigation adventures in systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Pathfinder 2e, and other TTRPGs that thrive on intrigue. You'll learn how to balance player agency with narrative direction, how to keep mysteries from stalling, and how to use secrets, lies, and misdirection to build an unforgettable experience. We also cover the common pitfalls: clue scatter, dead-end thinking, mystery over-engineering, and the infamous "GM explains the entire plot because nobody figured it out." Plus, we share our favorite tools, techniques, and design frameworks for ensuring your mysteries feel clever rather than confusing. If you've ever wanted to run a mystery adventure that has players gasping instead of groaning, theorizing instead of floundering, and celebrating instead of crying over red herrings—this episode is your blueprint for success. Key Takeaways Designing Effective Mysteries Structure mysteries around clear goals, accessible clues, and multiple pathways to solve the problem. Use redundancy in clue placement—no single point of failure. Think in terms of "information flow," not "plot." Building Engaging Clues Clues should connect characters, locations, motives, and secrets. Make clues tactile (objects), social (NPC testimony), and environmental (scene details). Each clue should move the investigation forward, even if only slightly. Keeping Players Engaged Allow players to propose theories—even absurd ones—and gently redirect when needed. Encourage table talk, but not paralysis. Let players feel smart by validating partial insights, even if they're not perfect. Managing Mystery Mechanics Investigation checks should reveal information, not gatekeep it. Provide clues through multiple skills: Perception, Investigation, Society, Arcana, etc. Remember: failure shouldn't stop the mystery, only add texture. Building Tension and Payoff Pace reveals to maintain suspense. Use NPCs, factions, and motives as engines for twists. Craft an ending that feels earned, surprising but inevitable. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Don't require players to think exactly like you. Don't hide vital information behind a single roll. Don't write an ending before understanding how the players will approach the mystery. 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. Meet the Hosts 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 Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

If you've ever wondered what happens when three grown adults argue passionately about grammar, moonbeams, seagulls, and the metaphysics of Strahd's horse, all before actually starting the podcast, this episode is for you. Join us as we journey into Heroes of Faerûn, where the subclasses are shiny, the Rangers are frosty, and the Fighters are apparently running a full unionized workplace. Grab your bag of rats (don't ask), center your Moonbeam, and enjoy the chaos. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew continues their deep-dive review of Dungeons & Dragons Heroes of Faerûn, the first major D&D 2024 splatbook offering new character options, subclasses, spells, epic boons, and setting lore. Building off Part 1's work, the hosts, Randall James, Tyler Kamstra, and Ash Ely, dig into the subclass content of the book with their usual combination of mechanical rigor, Shakespearean comedy, and at least one argument about whether it's a hero or an hero. The team analyzes each of the eight new Heroes of Faerûn subclasses, comparing their final published versions to the Unearthed Arcana playtests and to classic 2014 analogues: College of the Moon Bard blends druidic flavor with support-focused magic, teleportation, and weirdly effective Moonbeam healing loops involving birds and french fries. Knowledge Domain Cleric, updated from 2014, remains a powerhouse of divination, foresight, and skill mastery—Tyler's official religion. Banneret Fighter, once the Purple Dragon Knight, is reborn as a charismatic battlefield commander who turns every Second Wind and Action Surge into a team-wide buff. "This is our subclass, comrade." Oath of Noble Genies Paladin channels elemental smites, shifting resistances, and the magic of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water into a versatile new oath. Winterwalker Ranger arrives as a chilly striker specializing in cold damage, Hunter's Mark synergies, and making Frostraven Conservationists everywhere cry. Additional discussion previews the Sign of the Three Rogue, Spellfire Sorcery Sorcerer, and Bladesinger Wizard, with the team offering insights into where each subclass sits within the new 2024 design philosophy. Along the way, the hosts recount a dramatic Curse of Strahd in-game betrayal, debate 1990s kids' TV fever dreams, and reveal how a basket of fries can become an infinite healing engine. It's a glorious mess. It's D&D. It's RPGBOT. Materials References in This Episode Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerun (affiliate link) Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) Key Takeaways General Heroes of Faerûn is the first true D&D 2024 character-option splatbook, in the tradition of Xanathar's and Tasha's, packed with subclasses, feats, spells, and lore. The majority of subclasses saw significant nerfs from Unearthed Arcana, reinforcing WotC's new balance philosophy. College of the Moon Bard A hybrid support bard borrowing from druidic themes. Strong teleport-invisibility support, limited offensive tools, and a wild Moonbeam healing mechanic ripe for table shenanigans. Knowledge Domain Cleric A faithful update of the 2014 version. Expertise in two knowledge skills, powerful divination tools, short-rest spell economy, and endgame foresight. One of the strongest "planning" subclasses in D&D 2024. Banneret Fighter A complete reimagining of the Purple Dragon Knight, now an excellent party leader and tactical commander. Shares Second Wind healing, grants team-wide advantages, and enables coordinated movement and attacks through Action Surge. Simple to play, powerful in groups, great for new players wanting high impact. Oath of Noble Genies Paladin The "elements paladin," using Elemental Smites for flavorful battlefield control. Highly flexible and accessible, though spell list may feel inconsistent. Winterwalker Ranger Cold-focused striker with explosive damage potential toned down from UA. Hunter's Mark dependency remains but gains flavorful ice-themed tools. Solid, straightforward, and thematically cohesive. Overall Subclass diversity in Heroes of Faerûn sets a strong precedent for future 2024 design. Party-support subclasses (Banneret, Moon Bard) shine particularly bright. This book positions itself as the real launch point for 2024 character customization. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you love deep-dive subclass analysis, mechanical breakdowns, and the occasional moonbeam-powered seagull disaster, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you helped make this show possible. Join the RPGBOT Patreon today and help us keep creating the content you love. 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. Meet the Hosts 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 Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

What do you get when you mix 40 years of Dungeons & Dragons lore, a 288-page setting book, and three podcasters who can't agree on how to pronounce "Myth Drannor"? Chaos. Pure, lore-filled, map-crossing, Elminster-cheese-eating chaos. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew dives headlong into Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn, a sourcebook that's equal parts nostalgia trip and travel brochure for DMs who think "Sword Coast" is just too mainstream. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, hosts Tyler Kamstra, Randall James, and Ash Ely crack open the 288-page Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn sourcebook from Wizards of the Coast, exploring what's new, what's reimagined, and what's just plain weird in the most iconic D&D setting of all time. Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun (affiliate link) The crew discusses how the book merges setting material and short adventures, offering 51 one-shots that span the breadth of Faerûn, from the frozen wastes of Icewind Dale to the desert empires of Calimshan, and even the Fey-touched Moonshae Isles. Along the way, they highlight new DM tools, renown systems, and bastion support, while poking fun at typos, timeline contradictions, and the ever-mysterious fate of Karlach from Baldur's Gate 3. The review covers: How Adventures in Faerûn expands beyond the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide to become a true campaign-scale setting book. 51 new adventures—mini-campaigns that span levels 1–13 across multiple regions. Deep dives into the Dalelands, Icewind Dale, Calimshan, and the Moonshae Isles, with highlights on lore, adventure hooks, and design philosophy. The new renown and bastion systems, adapted for Faerûn's cultures and factions. Smart mechanical updates for survival horror (Icewind Dale) and environmental challenges (Calim Desert lightning storms). A surprising technological twist in Calimshan, where "mechanical wonders" push the setting toward Eberron-style magitech. Philosophical debates on epic vs. heroic fantasy, timeline sanity, and whether the word "wonk" is, in fact, a real word. Key Takeaways A True Return to the Realms: Adventures in Faerûn successfully modernizes the Forgotten Realms setting for the 2024 ruleset while honoring 40+ years of D&D lore. Massive Replay Value: With 51 one-shot adventures and regional micro-campaigns, this book can sustain countless play sessions. DM-Friendly Design: The addition of DM Toolboxes, renown tables, and bastion options helps DMs run localized adventures or full-scale journeys across the continent. Lore for Every Taste: Whether you love the snowy peril of Icewind Dale, the sizzling intrigue of Calimshan, or the mythic eco-fantasy of the Moonshae Isles, there's a region tailored to your campaign style. Respectful Revisions: The update smartly removes dated elements (like Calimshan's old slavery lore) and replaces them with creative world-building and inclusive modernization. New Adventuring Philosophies: Players are encouraged to embrace "main character energy"—epic fantasy with unique character backstories tied to Faerûn's iconic legacy. Tyler Still Can't Spell: The first typo in the book arrives in the opening sentence—and the RPGBOT crew finds that deeply relatable. Join the RPGBOT Patreon If you enjoy deep dives into tabletop worlds, expert analysis of D&D mechanics, and chaotic lore debates about elves, cheese, and lightning sand—support the show on Patreon.com/RPGBOT. Members get ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes discussions, and early access to new RPGBOT.Reviews. 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. Meet the Hosts 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 Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

You ever look at your sword, then at the wizard's spellbook, and think "wait a minute, why does their magic missile hit harder than my greatsword?" Well, friends, today we fix that. We're diving deep into the art of the Fighter: the tank, the tactician, the unsung hero of every adventuring party. Sharpen your blades, tighten your greaves, and prepare to discover why hitting things really, truly is an art form. Show Notes In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew dives head-first into one of tabletop RPGs' most versatile and beloved classes: the Fighter. From mastering combat maneuvers to optimizing subclasses like Champion, Battlemaster, and Eldritch Knight, Tyler, Randall, and Ash break down what makes Fighters the cornerstone of Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder 2e alike. They cover how to build effective martial characters, balance offense vs. defense, and add flavor to roleplay beyond just swinging a sword. Whether you're a new player building your first character or a veteran min-maxer chasing the perfect attack roll, this episode will help you unleash your inner warrior and make every round of combat feel legendary. Key Takeaways Fighters are deceptively complex — easy to start, endlessly deep to master. Subclass choice defines flavor and playstyle, from the straightforward Champion to the tactical Battlemaster or arcane Eldritch Knight. Action economy is king — Fighters excel at leveraging extra attacks and bonus actions effectively. Feat selection matters — learn when to go Great Weapon Master, Sharpshooter, or Dual Wielder. Roleplay opportunities abound — even "simple" Fighters can have rich motivations and heroic depth. Pathfinder 2e Fighters get strong defensive options and customizable feats that reward strategic planning. Optimization tip: balance Strength/Dexterity investment with survivability; raw numbers aren't everything. Team synergy makes Fighters shine—working with spellcasters and support characters amplifies their battlefield control. Join the RPGBOT Patreon Love what you hear? Support the show and level up your RPGBOT experience by joining us on Patreon.com/RPGBOT! Get ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes discussions, and exclusive access to live recordings with Tyler, Randall, and Ash—plus bonus content for the truly dedicated tacticians out there. Your support helps us keep bringing you the best in tabletop gaming advice, optimization guides, and chaotic banter every week. So grab your dice, polish your armor, and join the RPGBOT adventuring party today! 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. Meet the Hosts 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 Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati