About this episode
Ever pick a feat so bad it made your character question their entire existence? Good news—this episode is your mulligan. Need a professional GM to help you respec your party's chaos into a compelling narrative? Book a session with the one and only Dungeon Master Adamantine! Whether you're in Athens, Greece, connecting online, or just looking to combine your vacation with a dragon-slaying adventure, DM Adamantine is your go-to Game Master for high-quality TTRPG sessions in D&D, Call of Cthulhu, Vampire: The Masquerade, and more. Find your next unforgettable adventure at www.dungeonmasteradamantine.com or book sessions at StartPlaying.games/gm/dmadamantine . In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts embrace change—literally—as they dive deep into the concept of retraining mechanics in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 2E . But before the character sheet gets erased, they kick things off with a nerdy detour into Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition, share opinions on the Resident Evil franchise, and wax nostalgic about the golden age of gaming. Then the core conversation begins: What do you do when the feat you picked at Level 3 turns out to be hot garbage? Or when your barbarian realizes Intelligence isn't just a dump stat—it's a lifestyle choice ? That's where retraining comes in. The hosts discuss why retraining is essential for both new and experienced players, the narrative and mechanical implications of character do-overs, and how GMs can avoid turning the process into a bureaucratic nightmare. They compare systems, critique design philosophies, and remind everyone that flexibility is key to fun. If you've ever regretted your build, re-specced mid-campaign, or wanted to take a mulligan on your bard's flute proficiency, this episode is for you. PF2 Retraining on Archives of Nethys Neverwinter Nights 2 (Affiliate Link) Strongholds and Followers Dimension20 NaddPod Slither Film Cornetto Trilogy Bojack Horseman Tedd Lasso Key Takeaways Retraining is essential for helping players adapt to new strategies, party dynamics, or just plain regret. Pathfinder 2E offers clear, structured retraining rules that make it easy to respec without breaking immersion. D&D 5E, by contrast, provides limited retraining options, often requiring house rules to fill in the gaps. Retraining is especially useful for new players who don't yet grasp the long-term consequences of build choices. Costs for retraining—whether time, gold, or in-world narrative—should be clear but not punitive. The "burden of knowledge" can be overwhelming; good retraining systems ease that pressure. Character development should be fluid, allowing for organic growth and change over time. Retraining can include skills, feats, class features, and even languages , though learning Infernal overnight might stretch believability. Tone shifting—from serious to humorous or vice versa—is an important skill for both players and GMs. Humor should act as a pressure release, not a tonal whiplash. Matching your group's emotional energy and narrative expectations is vital for a good game session. Every table should discuss retraining rules upfront, so expectations are clear and rerolls don't become courtroom dramas. Even Call of Cthulhu has unique retraining mechanics that focus on realism and narrative trauma—proof that every game handles it differently. Retraining mechanics support player agency, increase campaign longevity, and ultimately make the game more fun. 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 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