Show Notes
Ever pick a feat so bad it made your character question their entire existence? Good news—this episode is your mulligan.
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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.
Correction: DnD 3.5 did have rules for retraining published in PHB 2.
Materials Reference in this Episode
- PF2 Retraining on Archives of Nethys
- Neverwinter Nights 2 (Affiliate Link)
- Strongholds and Followers
- Dimension20
- NaddPod
- Slither Film
- Cornetto Trilogy
- Bojack Horseman
- Tedd Lasso
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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, direct access to the RPGBOT.Team on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us every week for live-streamed recordings.
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How to Find Us:
In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net
Tyler Kamstra
Ash Ely
- Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
- Join Ash’s West Marches-style PF2 Game
- Twitter: @GravenAshes
- YouTube @ashravenmedia
Randall James
Producer Dan
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, direct access to the RPGBOT.Team on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us every week 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
Ash Ely
- Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
- Join Ash’s West Marches-style PF2 Game
- Twitter: @GravenAshes
- YouTube @ashravenmedia
