TOV GAMEMASTERS GUIDE: Luck, Doom, and Diseased Dragons: A Guide to RPG Chaos

What happens when self-proclaimed podcast pros dive into Tales of the Valiant ? Chaos, laughter, and some surprisingly insightful RPG chatter! This week on the RPGBOT.Podcast, we tackle everything from crafting epic encounters (complete with imaginary theme music) to debating whether luck should be a mechanic or just what you need to survive your GM's wrath. We even brainstorm high-speed carriage chases—because who doesn't want Fast & Furious: Medieval Drift ? Oh, and don't miss our deep dive into in-game diseases (plagues at the tavern, anyone?) and a head-to-head showdown between the Tales of the Valiant GM Guide and the 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide . Which one reigns supreme? You'll have to listen to find out! Tune in now, and prepare to roll... or laugh... or both. Warning: You might suddenly want to homebrew dragon-car combat. SUMMARY In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts flex their podcasting prowess (read: make it up as they go) and dive headfirst into Tales of the Valiant . It's like they opened a treasure chest of new RPG mechanics and dumped it all on the table. Topics include Game Mastering 101 (and 201, 301, and possibly PhD-level encounter crafting), the joys of diseases (in-game only, we hope), and why luck is no longer just for gamblers. The hosts also explore the combat rules, including aerial and vehicle fights, because every adventurer needs a mid-air dragon fight or a fast-and-furious-style carriage chase. They geek out over dungeon-building tools, NPC social dynamics, and how to brew up monsters in the Homebrewer's Toolbox without needing an apron. Finally, the episode wraps up with a showdown between the Tales of the Valiant GM Guide and the 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide . Who reigns supreme? Tune in to find out, and maybe laugh a little along the way. Warning: Side effects may include a sudden urge to roll initiative. LINKS Tales of the Valiant Game Master's Guide EPISODE TAKEAWAYS The podcast boasts over 10 years of experience, though expertise in podcasting remains... debatable. Tales of the Valiant offers seamless compatibility with 5e, making it accessible for veteran and new players alike. The Game Master's Guide provides invaluable advice for new GMs, with streamlined encounter-building rules and intuitive guidance. Emphasizing human elements in gaming, the guide highlights the importance of crafting immersive and meaningful stories. Magic item crafting demands both proficiency and time, while diseases and luck mechanics add unique gameplay twists. Expanded combat mechanics, including multi-phase boss fights, underwater and vehicle combat, and colossal enemies, enrich tactical gameplay. Tools like dungeon generators and social mechanics deepen adventures, while minions and "bloodied" rules enhance combat dynamics. Variant rules, like Doom Points, introduce strategic tension but may not suit every table's playstyle. The Homebrewer's Toolbox empowers GMs with user-friendly monster creation rules and creative resources. Random tables and flexible mechanics support diverse play styles, making the guide a robust resource for 5e games. Compared to the 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide , Tales of the Valiant GM Guide offers significant improvements, delivering a richer toolkit for GMs and players alike. 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