RPGBOT - Analysis, tools, and instructional articles for tabletop RPGs

Welcome to RPGBOT

RPGBOT is a collection of free content, articles, and online tools for tabletop roleplaying games.

These are living documents. As new content is published and as new concepts arise, I will update the guides to reflect the current state of the game. If at any point the contents or formatting of a specific page appear mangled or incomplete, it may be because I am in the process of updating that page.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or requests, check the RPGBOT FAQ page, or feel free to email me.

Recent Site Changes

These are some of the major recent changes and updates I have made. I won't list every typo I correct or bug I fix; just the big stuff. If you want to follow this list without constantly checking back here, find me on Facebook, follow me on twitter @RPGBOTDOTNET, or support me on Patron.

For a list of my planned future changes, check out my TO-DO List.

(October 23rd 2020) DnD 5e - Warlock Subclasses: The Genie - Analysis of the Genie patron from the Tasha's Cauldron of Everything preview.
(October 22nd 2020) Pathfinder - Druid Handbook Spell List Coverage - Dramatically expanded spell list coverage for the Pathfinder 1e Druid
(October 16th 2020) DnD 5e - Practical Guide to Using Magic Items - An article on the how to use magic items as a Dungeon Master to improve your game
(October 14th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Tengu Handbook - New handbook for the Tengu Ancestry
(October 13th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Ratfolk Handbook - New handbook for the Ratfolk Ancestry
(October 9th 2020) DnD 5e - Balancing Homebrew Character Options - An article on the process of considering and balancing homebrew character options for use in your game
(October 9th 2020) DnD 5e - Writing Homebrew Character Options - An article on the process of creating and balancing your own homebrew character options
(October 8th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Orc Handbook - New handbook for the Orc Ancestry
(October 7th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Tiefling Handbook - New handbook for the Tiefling Versatile Heritage
(October 6th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Duskwalker Handbook - New handbook for the Duskwalker Versatile Heritage
(October 2nd 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Practical Guide to Shape Water - A thorough guide to Shape Water and its many fantastic uses
(October 1st 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Dhampir Handbook - New handbook for the Dhampir Versatile Heritage
(September 30th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Changeling Handbook - New handbook for the Changeling Versatile Heritage
(September 29th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Aasimar Handbook - New handbook for the Aasimar Versatile Heritage
(September 25th, 2020) DnD 5e - Practical Guide to Multiclassing - Complete guide to multiclass options, including suggestions for some specific, powerful multiclass builds
(September 24th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Human Handbook - Updated to include APG content
(September 24th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Half-Elf Handbook - Updated to include APG content
(September 23rd, 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Swashbuckler Handbook - Swashbuckler Class Handbook
(September 22nd 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Alchemist Handbook - Updated to include APG content
(September 18th, 2020) DnD 5e - Locathah Handbook - Locathah race handbook
(September 17th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Barbarian Handbook - Updated to include APG content
(September 16th 2020) DnD 5e - Barbarian Subclasses Breakdown - Significant rewrite
(September 15th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Bilgewater Subclasses Breakdown - Character optimization for the new subclasses presented in Dark Tides of Bilgewater
(September 12th 2020) Why Character Optimization? - A thoughtful essay addressing the debate about character optimization and its place in the game, and tips on what you can do to make character optimization a welcome part of your gaming experience
(September 11th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Half-Orc Handbook - Updated to include APG content
(September 11th, 2020) DnD 5e - Verdan Handbook - Verdan race handbook
(September 10th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Goblin Handbook - Updated to include APG content
(September 9th, 2020) DnD 5e - Hexblade Handbook - Subclass handbook for the Hexblade Warlock
(September 8th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Gnome Handbook - Updated to include APG content
(September 4th, 2020) DnD 5e - Vedalken Handbook - Vedalken race handbook
(September 3rd 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Catfolk Handbook - Catfolk ancestry handbook
(September 2nd 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Elf Handbook - Updated to include APG content
(September 1st 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Dwarf Handbook - Updated to include APG content
(August 28st, 2020) DnD 5e - Triton Handbook - Triton race handbook
(August 24th 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Practical Guide to Familiars - Updated to include APG content
(August 21st, 2020) DnD 5e - Orc Handbook - Orc race handbook
(August 14th, 2020) DnD 5e - Centaur Handbook - Centaur race handbook
(August 10th, 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Witch Handbook - Witch Class Handbook
(August 7th, 2020) DnD 5e - Grung Handbook - Grung race handbook
(July 30th, 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Practical Guide to Snares - Updated to include APG content
(July 30th, 2020) DnD 5e - Simic Hybrid Handbook - Simic Hybrid race handbook
(July 23rd, 2020) DnD 5e - Kalashtar Handbook - Kalashtar race handbook
(July 17th, 2020) DnD 5e - Shifter Handbook - Shifter race handbook
(July 10th, 2020) DnD 5e - Loxodon Handbook - Loxodon race handbook
(July 3rd, 2020) DnD 5e - Hobgoblin Handbook - Hobgoblin race handbook
(June 26th, 2020) DnD 5e - Goliath Handbook - Goliath race handbook
(June 19th, 2020) DnD 5e - Minotaur Handbook - Minotaur race handbook
(June 12th, 2020) DnD 5e - Dark Mode! - RPGBOT now has dark mode based on your device's settings
(June 12th, 2020) DnD 5e - Half-Orc Handbook - Half-Orc race handbook
(June 5th, 2020) DnD 5e - Bard Subclass: College of Eloquence - Subclass analysis for College of Eloquence
(June 5th, 2020) DnD 5e - Paladin Subclass: Oath of Glory - Subclass analysis for Oath of Glory
(June 5th, 2020) DnD 5e - Leonin Handbook - Leonin race handbook
(June 5th, 2020) DnD 5e - Satyr Handbook - Satyr race handbook
(May 29th, 2020) DnD 5e - Genasi Handbook - Genasi race handbook
(May 22nd, 2020) DnD 5e - Tortle Handbook - Tortle race handbook
(May 16th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Ranger Handbook - Ranger Class Handbook
(May 15th, 2020) DnD 5e - Changeling Handbook - Changeling race handbook
(May 11th, 2020) Pathfinder 2e - Practical Guide to Snares - A detailed exploration of Snares and related mechanics and character options
(May 8th, 2020) DnD 5e - Yuan-Ti Pureblood Handbook - Yuan-Ti Pureblood race handbook
(April 30th, 2020) DnD 5e - Gith Handbook - Gith race handbook
(April 22nd, 2020) DnD 5e - Wizard Spell List Breakdown - Guide to the Wizard spell list
(April 17th, 2020) DnD 5e - Goblin Handbook - Goblin race handbook
(April 13th, 2020) DnD 5e - Sorcerer Spell List Breakdown - Guide to the Sorcerer spell list
(April 10th, 2020) DnD 5e - Elf Handbook - Elf race handbook
(March 30th, 2020) DnD 5e - Rogue Spell List Breakdown - Guide to the Rogue spell list
(March 27th, 2020) DnD 5e - Ranger Spell List Breakdown - Guide to the Ranger spell list
(March 23rd, 2020) DnD 5e - Dunamancy Spell List Breakdown - Guide to the new "Dunamancy" spells in Explorer's Gude to Wildemount
(March 19th, 2020) DnD 5e - 5e Wildemount Coverage - Coverage for races & subclasses from Explorer's Guide to Wildemount
(March 17th, 2020) DnD 5e - Cleric Spell List Breakdown - Guide to the Cleric spell list
(March 16th, 2020) DnD 5e - Light Domain Handbook - Subclass handbook for the Light Domain Cleric
(March 9th, 2020) DnD 5e - 2020 Blood Hunter Handbook - Class Handbook for Matt Mercer's new version of the Blood Hunter
(February 28th, 2020) DnD 5e - Gnome Handbook - Gnome Race Handbook
(February 21st, 2020) DnD 5e - Firbolg Handbook - Firbolg Race Handbook
(February 14th, 2020) DnD 5e - Practical Guide to Sidekicks - Update to include rules for sidekicks up to level 12
(February 14th, 2020) DnD 5e - Halfling Handbook - Halfling Race Handbook
(February 7th, 2020) DnD 5e - Half-Elf Handbook - Half-Elf Race Handbook
(January 27th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Champion Handbook - Champion Class Handbook
(January 23rd, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Practical Guide to Assurance - A detailed exploration of the Assurance feat
(January 13th, 2019) DnD 5e - Kobold Handbook - Kobold Race Handbook
(January 8th, 2019) DnD 5e - Waforged Handbook - Warforged Race Handbook
(January 6th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Rogue Handbook - Rogue Class Handbook
(December 23rd, 2019) DnD 5e - Practical Guide to Sidekicks - Guide to using, customizing, and Sidekicks in your campaign
(December 23rd, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Druid Handbook - Druid Class Handbook
(December 12th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Practical Guide to Wild Shape - Character optimization guide for Pathfinder 2e's Wild Shape class feature
(December 10th, 2019) DnD 5e - Artificer Handbook - Updated Artificer handbook to cover the final version
(December 4th, 2019) DnD 5e - Class Handbooks - Updated class handbooks to include new race options from Eberron: Rising From The Last War
(November 18th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Barbarian Handbook - Barbarian Class Handbook
(October 25th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Monk Handbook - Monk Class Handbook
(October 22nd, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Practical Guide to Animal Companions - Character optimization guide for Pathfinder 2e's Animal Companions
(October 8th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Practical Guide to Familiars - Character optimization guide for Pathfinder 2e's familiars
(September 26th, 2019) DnD 5e - Circle of Spores Druid Handbook - Subclass handbook for the Circle of Spores Druid
(September 12th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Wizard Handbook - Wizard Class Handbook
(August 30th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Fighter Handbook - Fighter Class Handbook
(August 22nd, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Half-Orc Handbook - Half-Orc Ancestry/Heritage Handbook
(August 22nd, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Half-Elf Handbook - Half-Elf Ancestry/Heritage Handbook
(August 20th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Dwarf Handbook - Dwarf ancestry handbook
(August 20th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Elf Handbook - Elf ancestry handbook
(August 20th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Gnome Handbook - Gnome ancestry handbook
(August 20th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Goblin Handbook - Goblin ancestry handbook
(August 20th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Halfling Handbook - Halfling ancestry handbook
(August 20th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Human Handbook - Human ancestry handbook
(August 20th, 2019) Pathfinder 2e - Alchemist Handbook - Alchemist Class Handbook
(July 18th, 2019) DnD 5e - Dragonborn Handbook - Dragonborn Race Handbook
(July 18th, 2019) DnD 5e - Dragonborn Handbook - Dragonborn Race Handbook
(July 18th, 2019) DnD 5e - Dwarf Handbook - Dwarf Race Handbook
(July 16th, 2019) DnD 5e - Kenku Handbook - Kenku Race Handbook
(June 23rd, 2019) DnD 5e - Druid - Analysis of notable options from the Druid's spell list
(June 13th, 2019) DnD 5e - Bard - Analysis of notable options from the Bard's spell list
(June 8th, 2019) DnD 5e - Magic Finger Wiggles - The Practical Guide to Prestidigitation and Similar Cantrips
(June 4th, 2019) DnD 5e - Artificer Handbook - Updated Artificer handbook to cover the latest version
(May 23rd, 2019) DnD 5e - Matthew Mercer's Blood Hunter Handbook - Added a new class handbook for Matthew Mercer's popular Blood Hunter class, including a full example build
(May 1st, 2019) DnD 5e - Matthew Mercer's Gunslinger Handbook - Added a new subclass handbook for Matthew Mercer's popular Gunslinger archetype
(April 28th, 2019) DnD 5e - Sorcerer - Added a new example build for the Sorcerer
(April 25th, 2019) DnD 5e - Wizard - Added a new example build for the Wizard
(April 22nd, 2019) DnD 5e - Ranger - Added a new example build for the Ranger
(April 20th, 2019) DnD 5e - Cleric - Added a new example build for the Cleric
(April 18th, 2019) DnD 5e - Druid - Added a new example build for the Druid
(April 17th, 2019) DnD 5e - Bard - Added a new example build for the Bard
(April 13th, 2019) DnD 5e - Monk - Added a new example build for the Monk
(April 3rd, 2019) DnD 5e - Fighter - Analysis of notable options from the Fighter spell list
(April 2nd, 2019) DnD 5e - Rogue - Added a new example build for the Rogue
(April 2nd, 2019) DnD 5e - Fighter - Added a new example build for the Fighter
(March 26th, 2019) DnD 5e - Warlock - Added a new example build for the Warlock
(March 21st, 2019) DnD 5e - Melee Cantrips vs. Extra Attack - Mathematical analysis comparing melee cantrips to conventional weapon attacks with Extra Attack
(March 19th, 2019) DnD 5e - Paladin - Added a new example build for the Paladin
(March 18th, 2019) DnD 5e - Paladin - Analysis of notable options from the Paladin's spell list
(March 16th, 2019) DnD 5e - Warlock - Analysis of notable options from the Warlock's spell list
(March 14th, 2019) DnD 5e - The Fundamental Math of Character Optimization - A brief article exploring the math of 5th edition's attack vs. AC progression
(March 13th, 2019) DnD 5e - Barbarian - Added a new example build for the Barbarian
(March 11th, 2019) About - Ad Policy - Added a new page describing RPGBOT's ad policy
(March 4th, 2019) DnD 5e - Artificer Handbook - Class handbook for the new Unearthed Arcana version of the Artificer
(March 1st, 2019) Site overhaul. Site now loads dramatically faster
(January 18th, 2019) DnD 5e - Class Handbook Update - All class handbooks now cover character options from Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica
(December 28th, 2018) Pathfinder - Practical Guide to Summon Monster - Detailed analysis of Summon Monster
(November 29th, 2018) DnD 5e - Bugbear Handbook - Bugbear race handbook
(November 29th, 2018) DnD 5e - Tiefling Handbook - Tiefling race handbook
(November 28th, 2018) Pathfinder - Titan Mauler Barbarian Monk Handbook - New archetype handbook for the Titan Mauler Barbarian
(November 8th, 2018) Pathfinder - Master of Many Styles Monk Handbook - New archetype handbook for the Master of Many Styles, including a rebuild of my "Striking Panther" build concept
(October 23rd, 2018) Pathfinder - Antipaladin Handbook - Significant expansion of my Antipaladin Handbook
(October 17th, 2018) DnD 5e - Tabaxi Handbook - Tabaxi race handbook
(October 15th, 2018) Pathfinder - Practical Guide to Celestial Armor - A breakdown of how Celestial Armor works and why it's the best armor in the game
(October 3rd, 2018) DnD 5e - Lizardfolk Handbook - Lizardfolk race handbook
(September 13th, 2018) Pathfinder - Mystic Theurge Handbook - New handbook for the Mystic Theurge
(September 11th, 2018) Pathfinder - Spiritualist Archetypes Breakdown - New breakdown of Spiritualist Archetypes
(September 11th, 2018) Pathfinder - Practical Guide to Spiritualist Phantoms - New breakdown of Spiritualist Phantoms
(September 11th, 2018) Pathfinder - Spiritualist Handbook - New handbook for the Spiritualist
(August 31st, 2018) DnD 5e - Campaign Planning - New article which breaks down the math of planning a campaign from 1st level through 20th
(August 24th, 2018) DnD 5e - Race Handbooks - By popular demand, I've added a new section for race-specific handbooks in 5e. I've started with Aarakocra, Aasimar, and Humans, and more will be added in the future
(July 31st, 2018) Monstrous Races 2 - Launched Monstrous Races 2, my second major offering on DMsGuild
(July 26th, 2018) DnD 5e - Class Handbooks - Updated class handbooks to address new race options in Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
(May 26th, 2018) My wife and I had a baby!
(May 8th, 2018) Pathfinder - Arcane Archer Handbook - New handbook for the Arcane Archer
(April 30th, 2018) Pathfinder - Mesmerist Archetypes Breakdown - New breakdown of Mesmerist archetypes
(April 27th, 2018) Pathfinder - Mesmerist Tricks Breakdown - New breakdown of Mesmerist tricks
(April 27th, 2018) Pathfinder - Mesmerist Handbook - New handbook for the Mesmerist
(April 11th, 2018) Pathfinder - Practical Guide to Summon Nature's Ally - New guide addressing the available summon options for each version of the spell
(April 11th, 2018) Pathfinder - Druid - Updated to discuss spells and magic items
(March 12th, 2018) Interview - I was interviewed by the D&D Character Lab Podcast about Monstrous Races
(February 1st, 2018) DnD 5e - Ranger - Updated Beast Master companion options to include options from Volo's Guide to Monsters
(January 24th, 2018) DnD 5e - Practical Guide to Wild Shape - Updated to cover beasts in Volo's Guide to Everything
(January 24th, 2018) DnD 5e - Wizard - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 24th, 2018) DnD 5e - Warlock - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 23rd, 2018) DnD 5e - Sorcerer - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 23rd, 2018) DnD 5e - Rogue - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 22nd, 2018) DnD 5e - Ranger - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 22nd, 2018) DnD 5e - Paladin - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 19th, 2018) DnD 5e - Monk - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 19th, 2018) DnD 5e - Fighter - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 19th, 2018) DnD 5e - Druid - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 17th, 2018) DnD 5e - Cleric - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 17th, 2018) DnD 5e - Bard - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 16th, 2018) DnD 5e - Barbarian - Updated with Xanathar's content
(January 3rd, 2017) DnD 5e - DM's Guild - New section for Dungeon Master's Guild stuff, including my own content and a guide to writing and publishing your own Dungeon Master's Guild content
(December 21th, 2017) Pathfinder - Practical Guide to Slings - Slings are great, but don't get any love, so I wrote a handbook about why they're so great
(December 8th, 2017) Pathfinder - Medium - Class handbook and breakdowns for the Medium
(December 6th, 2017) Pathfinder - Occultist - Class handbook and breakdowns for the Occultist
(December 4th, 2017) Pathfinder - Practical Guide to Martial Flexibility - New handbook for Martial Flexibility
(December 1st, 2017) Pathfinder - Practical Guide to Channel Energy - Added sections on items and traits
(December 1st, 2017) Pathfinder - Cleric Handbook - Added sections on Cleric spells and magic items
(November 28th, 2017) Pathfinder - Oracle Handbook - Expanded feat section and added a section on magic items
(August 31st, 2017) DnD 5e - Practical Guide to Mounted Combat - Detailed rules analysis and explanation of mounted combat
(August 24th, 2017) Pathfinder - Kineticist - Class handbook and breakdowns for the Kineticist
(June 14, 2017) General - Random Dungeons - Moved and updated my article on generating random dungeons
(May 18, 2017) Pathfinder - Psychic - Class handbook and breakdowns for the Psychic
(May 18, 2017) Pathfinder - Arcanist - Significant expansion to Arcanist handbook
(May 18, 2017) Pathfinder - Investigator - Significant expansion to Investigator handbook
(May 11, 2017) Pathfinder - Area Control Defender Handbook - A comprehensive guide to polearms, whips, and using attacks of opportunity and reach to control the battlefield
(May 10, 2017) Pokemon - Practical Guide to Breeding - A thorough guide to breeding Pokemon
(Apr 26, 2017) Pathfinder - Unchained Monk Handbook - New handbook for the Unchained Monk
(Apr 26, 2017) Pathfinder - Monk Handbook - Significant expansion to Monk handbook
(Apr 3, 2017) Pathfinder - Practical Guide to Polymorph - Significant expansion to Practical Guide to Polymorph to include several new polymorph spells, and to include updated class spell lists and several new polymorph forms
(Mar 22, 2017) Pathfinder - Alchemist Handbook - Significant expansion to Alchemist handbook
(Mar 21, 2017) Pathfinder - Paladin Handbook - Significant expansion to Paladin handbook
(Mar 16, 2017) DnD 3.5 - Unseen Seer Handbook - handbook for the Unseen Seer prestige class
(Mar 15, 2017) DnD 3.5 - Caster Supremacy Spell List - A thorough guide to 3.5 Sorcerer/Wizard spells that will end encounters outright
(Feb 24, 2017) DnD 5e - Classes - Updated handbooks to include races from Volo's Guide to Monsters
(Feb 23, 2017) Video Games - Pokemon - Built a tool to help calibrate the difficulty of your Nuzlocke Challenge
(Jan 19, 2017) DnD 3.5 - The Bard Handbook - New handbook for the Bard
(Dec 16, 2016) DnD 5e - Practical Guide to Polymorph - In-depth guide to the Polymorph spell
(Apr 13, 2016) DnD 5e - The Warlock Handbook - New handbook for the Warlock
(Apr 13, 2016) DnD 5e - The Sorcerer Handbook - New handbook for the Sorcerer
(Mar 25, 2016) DnD 5e - The Ranger Handbook - New handbook for the Ranger
(Mar 17, 2016) DnD 5e - The Paladin Handbook - New handbook for the Paladin
(Mar 17, 2016) DnD 5e - The Monk Handbook - New handbook for the Monk
(Mar 17, 2016) DnD 5e - Practical Guide to Wildshape - In-depth analysis of wildshape forms and mechanics
(Mar 17, 2016) DnD 5e - The Druid Handbook - New handbook for the Druid
(Feb 25, 2016) DnD 5e - The Cleric Handbook - New handbook for the Cleric
(Feb 17, 2016) DnD 5e - The Bard Handbook - New handbook for the Bard
(Feb 12, 2016) DnD 5e - Classes - Updated existing handbooks to include Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide content, and started working on other classes
(Jan 28, 2016) Pathfinder Unchained Monk - New handbook for the Unchained Monk
(Jan 28, 2016) Pathfinder - Monk Handbook - One of my first build handbooks, the Monk needed a bit of updating. Added sections on armor, magic items, and did some reformatting to match my more recent guides
(Jan 27, 2016) Pathfinder - Unchained Barbarian Rage Powers Breakdown
(Jan 27, 2016) Pathfinder Unchained Barbarian - New handbook for the Unchained Barbarian Handbook
(Jan 11, 2016) Pathfinder - Barbarian - One of my first handbooks, the Barbarian needed a bit of expansion. The feats section has been expanded, and I added traits and magic items sections, as well as a couple other minor enhancements
(Dec 30, 2015) General - Worldbuilding - Wrote a basic but thorough guide on creating new worlds and settings from start to finish, including a system for generating random worlds
(Dec 22, 2015) Pathfinder - Unchained Rogue Handbook - New handbook, written by request
(Dec 22, 2015) Pathfinder - Rogue Handbook - Added the Traits section, expanded magic items section
(Dec 21, 2015) Pathfinder - Practical Guide to Skill Unlocks - Written as supplemental material to requested guides for the Unchained base classes
(Dec 17, 2015) Pathfinder - Veiled Illusionist Handbook - New handbook, written by request