YSGARD: Send us demons so we can kill them!
The RPGBOT.Podcast
In this riotously entertaining episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew embarks on a wild ride from the expressive chaos of Nicolas Cage's acting to the mythic battlegrounds of Ysgard, the Viking heaven of Norse mythology. Along the way, the hosts take pit stops in Glorium's rowdy streets, wander the dwarven stronghold of Nidavellir, and contemplate the celestial politics of Seluna and Shar. Whether you came for cinematic hot takes, planar travel lore, or tactical GM advice, this episode has something for everyone who enjoys myth-heavy mayhem and tactical improvisation. The crew dives into the layers...
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PF2e PLAYER CORE 2 - First Classes for the Brave (or Clueless)
The RPGBOT.Podcast
This episode is sponsored by DungeonFlow. Build epic dungeons in minutes with Dungeon Flow—no signup, no stress. Start now at ! In a sweeping odyssey from futuristic drone deliveries to ancient alcoholic beverages to gummy bear supremacy, the hosts embark on a chaotically charming journey. Along the way, they sprinkle in heroic (and sometimes tragic) roleplaying stories, before dive-bombing into the real main course: Pathfinder 2’s Player Core 2 classes. From the Alchemist's "rocket science with acid" vibes to the Monk's "please read an entire pamphlet before punching" complexity, the...
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TRANSITIONING TO A NEW GAME (Remastered) - Burn the rulebook and never look back
The RPGBOT.Podcast
Ever felt like your game was getting stale, your rogue was phoning it in, and combat felt like a chore? Then ditch your old system and found something that actually slapped. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts tackle the treacherous terrain of transitioning from one TTRPG system to another—whether by choice, necessity, or that one player who just won’t stop talking about Pathfinder 2e. They discuss how to manage the shift from familiar mechanics to new rulesets, how to keep your players engaged through the change, and why it's okay if not everyone wants to come along for the...
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PF2E CLASS SELECTION - It's actually quite simple
The RPGBOT.Podcast
Oh no, that is too many choices! How will anyone ever possibly pick a class for their first Pathfinder character? The RPGBOT.podcast team takes a look at the classes in Pathfinder 2e's Player Core 1 and discusses which classes are and aren't good choices for new players. Will Fighter fit? Cleric is certainly correct. But is Bard better? Can we come up with other alliteration for the classes? Apparently not! Materials Referenced in This Episode () Materials Referenced in This Episode () If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on , or your favorite podcast app....
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PF2 NPC CORE - All Killer, No Filler!!!
The RPGBOT.Podcast
We rip open Pathfinder 2E’s NPC Core like a loot chest at midnight—all killer, no filler, just gun-wielding witches, charming villains, and side characters spicy enough to steal the spotlight (and maybe your party’s gold). #Pathfinder2E, #NPCCoreRules, #PF2GMFuel () Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT crew opens up Pathfinder 2E’s NPC Core and immediately gets lost in the endless possibilities of building bartenders who could solo a dragon and criminals with the fashion sense of a runway model. They dig into the shockingly well-organized stat blocks, and the book's...
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BUILDING UNDEAD CHARACTERS II (Remastered) - It's fun to be the life of the party...after you've lost yours
The RPGBOT.Podcast
Join us as we dig up the real secrets of playing undead—because dying was just the beginning! In this episode, the RPGBOT team continues their exploration of undead creatures in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Shifting focus to the player's perspective, they delve into strategies for combating undead, methods for befriending them, and approaches to portraying undead characters in gameplay. The discussion encompasses both mechanical aspects and narrative considerations, offering insights applicable to systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Pathfinder. Links () RPGBOT.Podcast...
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D&D CLASS SELECTION: It's like speed dating, but with swords and spell slots...
The RPGBOT.Podcast
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...
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W40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM - Creating a Character: Min-maxing in the name of the Emporer
The RPGBOT.Podcast
Stats, scars, and sarcasm—because in the Imperium, your character’s death is just character development. Links () () () 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....
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UNDEAD (Remastered) - Because sometimes the best minions are already dead
The RPGBOT.Podcast
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. ...
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WARHAMMER 40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM - An Introduction: Mutants, Mayhem, and Middle Management
The RPGBOT.Podcast
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 () () () 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...
info_outlineEpisode Summary
In this action-packed and delightfully chaotic episode, the RPGBOT hosts kick things off with a thrilling unboxing moment from Hero Forge, revealing a spectacularly 3D-printed D20 die. Naturally, this leads to a deep dive into the wonders of forced movement in tabletop RPGs. Whether it's pushing, pulling, or just shoving characters into awkward situations, the hosts dissect every angle of this often-overlooked mechanic with their signature blend of humor and expertise.
The discussion takes some wild detours, including tragicomic battles with printers, a debate on the best and worst jobs (spoiler: San Diego weathermen have it easy), and a flurry of pop culture references and questionable impressions. But fear not, the conversation steers back on track with an in-depth analysis of how forced movement mechanics have evolved in Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder 2, and Tales of the Valiant. From grappling tactics to spell-versus-martial balance, the crew explores the intricate dance of battlefield control and the ever-present struggle between player creativity and game mechanics.
Ultimately, the hosts leave no stone unturned, questioning the effectiveness of push mechanics, analyzing historical shifts from 2014 to 2024, and debating the fine art of battlefield manipulation. Along the way, they uncover the power of tactical play, uncover absurd yet effective spell interactions, and ensure that no D&D rulebook remains unscathed in their quest for ultimate RPG enlightenment.
Key Takeaways
- Disney Whispers: Technically not forced movement, but we won’t tell if you don’t.
- What Counts as Forced Movement? If something is physically moving you against your will, it's probably forced.
- Bull Rush: The football tackle of RPG mechanics.
- Dungeon Crasher: The best way to turn your Fighter into a wrecking ball.
- The Meta of Pushing: If pushing mechanics don’t become meta, what are we even doing here?
- Push 'Em Away! Keep enemies out of melee range with strategic shoving.
- Every Class Has a Move: If you look closely, every class has at least one forced movement option.
- Battlefield Control = Power: If you can control positioning, you control the fight.
- 2014 vs. 2024 Meta: Not much has changed, but we’re still talking about it.
- AOE Spells Still Reign Supreme: Sometimes, the best way to move enemies is to make them disappear.
- Martials vs. Casters: Who controls the battlefield better? Let the debates rage on.
- Tales of the Valiant's Shove Mechanics: Adds some risk-reward spice to the push game.
- Pull Weapons in Tales of the Valiant: Because yanking enemies into danger is just as fun as pushing them away.
- Pathfinder 2 Loves Forced Movement: More mechanics, more options, more fun.
- Grappling in Pathfinder 2: It’s a full-time job, requiring constant upkeep.
- Pathfinder 2’s Organization Woes: Finding the right rule shouldn’t be harder than fighting a dragon.
- Hero Points to the Rescue: Because failing a flat check is the worst.
Bonus Fun Mechanics
- Hydraulic Push: It’s a spell, it’s water-powered, and it’s a force movement MVP.
- Decanter of Endless Water Shenanigans: Turns out, infinite water is useful in a lot of unexpected ways.
- Grapple Like a Pro: Knowing how to grapple effectively can change the course of a fight.
- Weapon Traits Matter: Sometimes, the right weapon makes all the difference.
- Multiclassing = Brain Hurts: Every choice has trade-offs, so choose wisely.
- Ritual Casting for the Win: Sometimes, taking a few extra minutes pays off.
- Creative Combat Scenarios: Thinking outside the box leads to legendary moments.
- Know the Rules, Avoid the Frustration: Nothing ruins a session like rule confusion.
- Optimal Class Dips: The right multiclass decision can unlock powerful combos.
- Wizards Stay Winning: Utility and ritual casting make them indispensable.
Final Thoughts
From printer woes to battlefield strategy, this episode was a whirlwind of insights, laughs, and deep dives into RPG mechanics. Whether you’re a die-hard rules lawyer or just here for the comedic side quests, there’s something for everyone. Tune in, roll your dice, and remember—sometimes the best move is just shoving someone off a cliff.
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Tyler Kamstra
Ash Ely
Randall James
Producer Dan