Show Notes
DMs, ever feel like you’re trying to herd cats…with fireball? In our latest episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we dive into the epic chaos of running tabletop RPGs with too many players. From keeping Jim awake (when he actually shows up) to making sure your combat doesn’t last longer than your pizza delivery, we’ve got you covered! Join us as we unravel the mysteries of:
- The “perfect” player count (is there such a thing?)
- Streamlining combat for larger-than-life parties
- The delicate art of loot distribution (sorry, wizards)
- Managing player absences without breaking the immersion
Grab your dice, and let’s roll on this adventure of DM survival!
Summary
In this episode, the hosts tackle every Dungeon Master’s worst nightmare: wrangling a horde of players around the table! How many adventurers is too many? Can a party of eight heroes defeat the boss—before the pizza arrives cold? Join the crew as they debate the mythical “perfect” number of players and uncover just how chaotic the action economy can get when your cleric’s turn takes 15 minutes.
From keeping everyone engaged (because even wizards get bored) to solving the classic riddle of “Where’s Jim?” (spoiler: he’s absent again), they share battle-tested strategies to keep the game rolling without summoning TPK-level frustration. Combat, loot, exploration—nothing escapes their deep dive into the arcane arts of managing large groups in both D&D 5E and Pathfinder 2. Expect laughter, loot discussions, and a not-so-subtle reminder that session zero isn’t just for deciding your backstory—it’s for figuring out how to keep eight players from talking over each other!
Materials Referenced in this Episode
- Content from RPGBOT.net
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Tyler Kamstra
Ash Ely
- Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
- Twitter: @GravenAshes
- YouTube @ashravenmedia
