RPGBOT.Podcast

• D&D CLASS SELECTION: It's like speed dating, but with swords and spell slots...

  Not sure which D&D class to start with? We break down the best and worst picks for new DnD players—featuring confused Wizards, exploding Artificers, and the ever-reliable Barbarian. Summary In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts explore which Dungeons & Dragons classes are best suited for new players. With humor, experience, and a healthy dose of debate, they walk through the ins and outs of each class—from the accessible Fighter to the complicated Wizard—highlighting which choices provide a smooth introduction to tabletop RPGs and which might send new players reaching for the Player’s Handbook (and aspirin). The discussion ranges from the brute-force appeal of the Barbarian to the arcane intricacies of spellcasters like the Sorcerer and Warlock. Along the way, the hosts consider how party composition, game length, and mechanical complexity should influence character selection, and they sprinkle in some banter about drink preferences to keep things lively. Whether you're a first-time adventurer or helping someone roll their first character, this episode provides a thoughtful—and often funny—guide to starting strong. Key Takeaways: General Advice for New Players: Class complexity varies dramatically and should be a key consideration for beginners. New players benefit greatly from having experienced players at the table. It’s okay to change classes as players get more comfortable with the game. Simpler classes help players stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. Class-by-Class Breakdown: Artificer Highly versatile, but too complex for most beginners. Heavy reliance on magic items and systems mastery. Barbarian Excellent starting class due to simplicity and durability. High hit points make them forgiving for mistakes. Bard Complex with many strategic spell choices. Spell traps can confuse new players. Cleric Highly versatile with a strong role in the party. Forgiving due to the ability to change prepared spells easily. Druid Mechanically rich but overwhelming for new players. Requires understanding Wild Shape and extensive spellcasting. Fighter The most beginner-friendly class. Few pitfalls and highly customizable. Monk Fun but mechanically challenging. Not recommended for brand new players. Paladin Durable and straightforward in combat. Introduces both martial and spellcasting elements in a manageable way. Ranger Offers utility and moderate complexity. Flexible due to spell-switching mechanics. Rogue Stealthy and skillful with few mechanical traps. A solid choice for new players who want to be clever. Sorcerer Straightforward focus on damage, but can suffer from decision overload. Can be beginner-friendly if spells are chosen carefully. Warlock Simple core mechanics, but pact and spell choices can create analysis paralysis. Very dependent on the build and playstyle. Wizard One of the most complex classes due to extensive spell lists. Power spike at level 5 (Fireball) can feel rewarding. Requires patience and careful spell management. Bonus Insight: The 2024 D&D rules are referred to as “aggressively fine,” hinting at minor changes that still preserve class identity and structure. The type of campaign and its length can heavily impact how enjoyable a class feels to play. A player's drink preference might not help you pick a class—but it will make the table more fun.

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• W40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM - Creating a Character: Min-maxing in the name of the Emporer

  Stats, scars, and sarcasm—because in the Imperium, your character’s death is just character development. Links Imperium Maledictum Core Rulebook (affiliate link) Starter Set (affiliate link) Imperium Maledictum Digitals on DriveThru (affiliate link) Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew dives deep into the dark, dystopian world of Warhammer 40,000's Imperium Maledictum, focusing specifically on character creation and the mechanics that shape storytelling in this grimdark RPG. The hosts bring their trademark humor and insight as they recount personal anecdotes, character-building decisions, and the mechanical intricacies of designing a unique persona in this rich and brutal universe. From faction selection and patron influence to rolling characteristics and calculating wounds, this episode is a complete journey through the character creation process in Imperium Maledictum. The conversation moves between light-hearted banter and thoughtful critique, touching on both thematic elements like conflict and motivation, as well as gameplay fundamentals like initiative, divination, and equipment stats. As the hosts share their builds and choices, listeners are offered a behind-the-scenes look at how narrative and mechanics come together to create compelling characters ready to face heretics and horrors alike. Whether you're a seasoned Warhammer veteran or a newcomer exploring this latest entry in the 40k RPG family, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and useful advice for anyone building characters in Imperium Maledictum. Key Takeaways Thematic Depth: Character creation in Imperium Maledictum goes beyond stats, emphasizing themes like conflict, motivation, and the influence of powerful patrons. Humor in Design: A lighthearted approach, filled with banter and in-jokes, adds levity to an otherwise grim setting, enhancing the collaborative spirit of RPGs. Patron Dynamics: Patrons are central to character development, directly impacting motivations, faction alignment, and access to resources. Origins & Factions: A character’s origin and faction not only shape their narrative arc but also affect their skills, equipment, and role in the party. Mechanical Precision: Initiative is calculated using perception and agility; wounds are derived from strength, toughness, and willpower bonuses. Character Options: The game supports both rolled stats and point-buy systems, allowing flexibility in character creation. Role of Divination: Divination can influence a character’s journey, even affecting experience point retention and growth. Skill & Talent Systems: Characters develop through experience points, which can be spent on talents, skill upgrades, and specializations. Armor & Equipment: Armor is essential to survivability, and gear varies by background. Equipment often includes quality modifiers. Narrative Engagement: Character goals and backstory directly influence gameplay and provide opportunities for side quests and roleplay. Collaborative Creation: The group highlights the fun and value of building characters together, creating a shared investment in the story. Unique Builds: From psykers to hardened enforcers, the flexibility of the system allows for creative, memorable character concepts. Ongoing Development: Character creation is just the beginning—growth and evolution continue through gameplay and story progression. Anticipation for Play: The episode concludes with the team’s excitement to bring these characters into the game world, setting the stage for future heretic-hunting adventures. 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

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  1:21:08
• UNDEAD (Remastered) - Because sometimes the best minions are already dead

  We dive into the multifaceted role of undead creatures in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). They explore the unique characteristics of undead from both storytelling and mechanical perspectives, offering insights on how to effectively integrate these entities into gameplay.​ Narrative Significance of Undead: The hosts discuss how undead creatures can enhance storytelling by introducing themes of horror, mystery, and moral ambiguity.​ They examine the symbolic meanings of various undead types, such as zombies representing loss of control or vampires embodying eternal temptation.​ Mechanical Aspects in Gameplay: An analysis of common traits among undead creatures, including immunities to certain conditions and the implications for player strategies.​ Considerations for Game Masters (GMs) on balancing encounters involving undead to maintain challenge without overwhelming players.​ Incorporating Undead into Campaigns: Tips for GMs on creating compelling undead villains or factions that align with the campaign's tone and setting.​ Ideas for plot hooks and adventures centered around undead themes, such as necromantic cults or haunted locales.​ Player Interaction with Undead: Strategies for players when facing undead adversaries, emphasizing the importance of knowledge about undead weaknesses and resistances.​ Discussion on character options and tools effective against undead, like specific spells or magical items.​ Materials Referenced: RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes RPGBOT.Podcast Episode 9 – Death DnD Goes to the Movies (Featuring Reviews of All Four Movies including Honor Among Thieves!) – RPGBOT.News S3E23 Other Stuff Brandon Sanderson Candlekeep Mysteries (affiliate link) Forgotten Realms How Orcus Stole Christmas (affiliate link) Key Takeaways: Undead creatures offer rich thematic and mechanical opportunities in TTRPGs, serving as versatile tools for storytelling and challenge creation.​ Understanding the lore and mechanics of undead can enhance both the GM's ability to craft engaging narratives and the players' capacity to interact meaningfully with these elements.​ Balancing the use of undead in campaigns requires careful consideration to ensure they contribute to the game's depth without disrupting its balance. 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

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• WARHAMMER 40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM - An Introduction: Mutants, Mayhem, and Middle Management

  The RPGBOT.Podcast team dives headfirst into the chaos, corruption, and cosmic bureaucracy of Warhammer: 40,000 - Imperium Maledictum—where your worst day in HR is just the beginning. Links Imperium Maledictum Core Rulebook (affiliate link) Starter Set (affiliate link) Imperium Maledictum Digitals on DriveThru (affiliate link) In this episode, the RPGBOT hosts take a deep dive into the dark, dystopian world of Warhammer 40,000 through the lens of its RPG adaptation, Imperium Maledictum. The conversation blends humorous banter with insightful analysis, offering listeners both entertainment and education. The hosts start with an overview of the setting’s lore, including the Emperor's role, the brutal nature of the Imperium, and the ever-present threat of Chaos. They explore the concept of Grimdark, the loss of advanced technology, and the unique role of the Eldar as twisted space elves. The discussion covers how these elements shape the game's tone and influence character creation. Further into the episode, the group breaks down the game's mechanics, including its D100 system, critical injuries, corruption and mutation, psychic powers, and the use of factions and patrons. They also touch on gameplay themes, such as horror, political intrigue, and the struggle of ordinary individuals caught in a merciless galaxy. Throughout the episode, the hosts celebrate the flexibility of Imperium Maledictum, brainstorming campaign ideas and character concepts, while emphasizing that storytelling and narrative immersion are central to the experience. Key Segments: 1. Warhammer 40K Lore Overview The Emperor’s role as a guiding force in interstellar navigation. Humanity’s decline in the face of ancient alien threats and rogue AI. The dark, magical nature of the Warp and the emergence of Chaos Gods. Eldar as corrupted, tragic analogs of fantasy elves. The Imperium as a bureaucratic and religious nightmare. 2. The Grimdark Tone “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war” – and it shows. Every victory feels like a loss; choices often have no good outcomes. The concept of technological regression and lost knowledge. Humanity’s struggle framed as a desperate survival in an uncaring universe. 3. Game Mechanics Uses a D100 system with degrees of success for outcomes. Initiative is fixed, reducing bookkeeping during combat. Critical injuries, healing, and long-term character impact. Mutation and corruption as central elements—both physical and narrative. Psykers (psychic users) are powerful but dangerous to use. 4. Setting of Imperium Maledictum Focuses on the Mecarion Sector, conquered by Solar Mecarion. Earth (Terra) is portrayed as a decaying industrial monolith. Patrons (influential NPCs) shape missions and character growth. Factions within the Imperium provide unique gameplay hooks. 5. Themes and Campaign Ideas Encourages stories beyond combat—mystery, horror, political drama. Game supports both serious and comedic storytelling styles. Emphasis on ordinary characters in extraordinary situations. Ideas floated include office politics in a hive city and noir-style investigation Key Takeaways: Imperium Maledictum is a spiritual successor to Dark Heresy, steeped in lore and focused on immersive storytelling. The Emperor is vital not just spiritually, but also functionally, enabling warp travel. Warhammer 40K's aesthetics are intentionally excessive and impractical. The setting has shaped, and been shaped by, decades of science fiction and fantasy. Characters are vulnerable—critical injuries, mutation, and corruption are ever-present. Psykers function like wizards, with significant risks attached to their powers. Patrons and factions provide narrative depth and mission structure. Combat is strategic and punishing, but narrative drives the gameplay. The game encourages creativity in character creation, campaign themes, and tone. Scenarios can range from horror to satire, showcasing the game's flexibility. 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

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  1:19:18
• LOW STAT CHARACTERS - Low Stats, High Drama: Roleplaying Your Character's Flaws

  Ever rolled a 6 and thought your character was doomed? Think again. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew dives deep into the art of playing characters with low stats—and why it might just be the best decision you ever make at the table. From bumbling barbarians to clueless clerics and grumpy rogues who can’t charm their way out of a paper bag, the hosts break down how weaknesses can drive unforgettable moments in storytelling and gameplay. We explore every major attribute—Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma—and how a “bad” roll can lead to brilliant roleplay. With examples pulled from pop culture, personal campaigns, and creative builds, this episode is a must-listen for players looking to level up their character depth. Whether you’re new to TTRPGs or a veteran looking for inspiration, this episode will challenge the way you think about dump stats—and maybe even make you hope for a low roll next time. Links 2024 Player’s Handbook (affiliate link) Rizz (short for Charisma) Key Takeaways: Weaknesses aren’t a flaw—they’re fuel for great storytelling. Dump stats offer unexpected roleplaying gold. Low Strength? You can still be the hero of the story. A clumsy, low-Dex character can shine with the right narrative. Constitution isn’t just about HP—it affects how you play every scene. Intelligence can drive your character’s logic, even when it’s lacking. Low Wisdom can create characters who act before they think—with wild results. Charisma isn’t about looks; it’s about how your character moves through the world. Characters are defined by their challenges, not their stat bonuses. Every attribute is an opportunity for memorable moments—good or bad. Great roleplay comes from embracing the flaws, not ignoring them. Group dynamics matter—roleplaying low stats should uplift the table, not derail it. Collaboration with the DM can turn a dump stat into a story arc centerpiece. Relatable characters often come from a mix of strengths, flaws, and humanity. Examples like Rocket and Roy Kent show that depth doesn’t require perfection. 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

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