Show Notes
In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive deep into the often-overlooked tool of language in tabletop RPGs —how it shapes worlds, defines characters, and enhances immersion. Whether it’s a dwarven curse word, a whispered draconic threat, or a gnomish pun that lands like a rock in a puddle, the power of language can turn a good campaign into an unforgettable one.
The discussion explores the practical, narrative, and mechanical implications of language in TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. The hosts share ideas for incorporating multilingualism into your campaign setting, including how dialects, slang, coded speech, and nonverbal communication (like thieves’ cant or secret signs) add flavor to your storytelling. They also delve into how languages can be used to gate knowledge, shape factions, spark conflict, and even fuel plotlines.
In classic RPGBOT fashion, the conversation balances practical advice with ridiculous tangents, including misused languages at the table, accidentally offensive fantasy names, and the ever-important question: “What does Infernal really sound like when you’re mad?”
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Content Referenced in This Episode
Check out our Best of Season 1 and Best of Season 2 playlists!
- dScryb – Comprehend Languages (affiliate link)
- RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
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Tyler Kamstra
Ash Ely
- Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
- Join Ash’s West Marches-style PF2 Game
- Twitter: @GravenAshes
- YouTube @ashravenmedia
