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_outlineJoin us as we take a deep, despair-filled dive into Hades, where souls are currency, mercenary fiends run the economy, and even the afterlife has worse working conditions than your last job!
Links
- 2014 Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link)
- 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link)
- Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes (affiliate link)
- Forgotten Realms Wiki - Hades
- Pathfinder Wiki - Abaddon
RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
Summary:
In this episode, the hosts explore the intricate structure of Hades, its inhabitants, and the common misconceptions about this infamous plane in Dungeons & Dragons. The discussion covers the different layers, known as glooms, and the City of the Dead, a pivotal location where souls face judgment. The hosts shed light on the Yugaloths, their mercenary nature, and their role in the cosmic structure of the Blood War.
The conversation also delves into the eerie nature of Nighthags, their trade in larvae, and the unique existence of daemons in Abaddon. Key locations such as the Wall of the Faithless and the town of Death of Innocence are examined, providing insight into the philosophical and mechanical aspects of these realms.
Additionally, the hosts explore Hecate’s magical domain, the haunting town of Hopeless, and the nightmares that manifest in physical form. The discussion concludes with an analysis of puzzles and riddles in RPG gameplay, offering tips on how to create engaging and balanced challenges for players.
Key Takeaways:
Hades and Its Structure:
- Hades is a bleak yet complex plane, often misrepresented as merely another version of hell.
- The City of the Dead serves as a place of judgment for mortal souls.
- Hades consists of multiple layers called glooms, each intensifying in despair.
- Mortal souls function as currency, reinforcing the grim nature of the plane.
- The front lines of the Blood War are located in Oinos, the first gloom.
- The realm imposes exhaustion on visitors, adding a challenging survival element.
- Portals to Hades are difficult to access and often heavily guarded.
Yugaloths and Their Role:
- Yugaloths are mercenary fiends operating within Hades and other planes.
- Their hierarchy ranges from lesser to greater forms, each fulfilling specific roles.
- They embody the worst aspects of capitalism, prioritizing deals and self-interest.
- Arcana-loths are known for their knowledge but are notoriously untrustworthy.
- The design and nature of Yugaloths are chaotic, reflecting their unpredictable tendencies.
Daemons and Abaddon:
- Abaddon, a desolate and ominous plane in Pathfinder, is home to daemons.
- Daemons are formed from the souls of evil mortals and have distinct thematic citadels.
- Demodans, originally a slave race, rebelled to carve out their own existence.
- Nighthags trade in larvae, using them in potions and dark dealings.
Notable Locations and Lore:
- The Wall of the Faithless imprisons souls that did not choose a deity, sparking controversy.
- Death of Innocence is a unique town in Hades that resists the plane’s apathy.
- Hecate’s realm is shrouded in mystery and filled with magical elements.
- Corpus, a city made of living bodies, adds to the plane’s disturbing aesthetics.
- Nightmares physically manifest on the Hill of Bones.
- The town of Hopeless is devoid of color and emotion, ruled by High Cardinal Thingle and his beholder army.
Gameplay Insights:
- Riddles and puzzles can enhance gameplay but should be carefully balanced.
- Clear hints are essential to prevent frustration among players.
- Creativity and clarity are key when designing engaging riddles.
- The Wishless Well serves as a gateway to Hades, offering narrative opportunities.
- Imaginative settings and character development are crucial for compelling RPG storytelling.
This episode provides a deep dive into the lore of Hades, Yugaloths, and related planes, offering both philosophical musings and practical gameplay insights. Whether crafting a campaign set in these dark realms or incorporating elements of their lore, RPG enthusiasts can gain valuable knowledge from this discussion.
How to Find Us:
In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net
Tyler Kamstra
Ash Ely
Randall James
Producer Dan