PF2 NPC CORE - All Killer, No Filler!!!
RPGBOT.Podcast21 Huhti 2025

PF2 NPC CORE - All Killer, No Filler!!!

We rip open Pathfinder 2E's NPC Core like a loot chest at midnight—all killer, no filler, just gun-wielding witches, charming villains, and side characters spicy enough to steal the spotlight (and maybe your party's gold). #Pathfinder2E, #NPCCoreRules, #PF2GMFuel

Show Notes

In this episode, the RPGBOT crew opens up Pathfinder 2E's NPC Core and immediately gets lost in the endless possibilities of building bartenders who could solo a dragon and criminals with the fashion sense of a runway model. They dig into the shockingly well-organized stat blocks, and the book's philosophy of making every town guard, blacksmith, or shady fence into a potential campaign highlight.

The hosts explore how NPCs are no longer just glorified exposition dumpers or sacrificial goblin #3—they're diplomats, villains, witches with guns (yes, that's a thing), and essential storytelling tools that add flavor and chaos to any scene. Need someone to warn your party that they're about to die horribly? The NPC Core has a stat block for that. Want a non-combatant spy with more plot hooks than a pirate ship? It's in there too.

They highlight how the book helps GMs create NPCs that aren't just throwaway extras but fully customizable agents of drama, comedy, or world-ending terror. From themed spell lists to the new relationship subsystem (think: dating sims, but with more stabbing), the crew dives into mechanics and storytelling tricks that make your NPCs actually matter.

The episode crescendos in a live-build exercise where the hosts create an unforgettable NPC—part crime boss, part matchmaker, all chaos—and demonstrate how NPC Core can help any GM bring wild new energy to the table.

Key Takeaways

  • Monster Hunter Wilds: Yes, it influenced this book, and no, you don't need a 12-foot greatsword to enjoy it.
  • Organized, Beautifully: Stat blocks so clean, you'll cry tears of efficiency.
  • Non-Combatant, Not Non-Important: Some of the best NPCs don't fight—they ruin lives socially.
  • Custom Archetypes Galore: Build a frogfolk librarian who also moonlights as a necromancer. No one can stop you.
  • Gun Witch: Just... gun witch. You're welcome.
  • Villains with Vibes: Give your BBEG a tragic backstory, a fashion-forward cloak, and a snarky catchphrase.
  • Diplomacy is OP: Talking your way through an ambush is now a viable strategy—unless the dice hate you.
  • Magical Shenanigans: Spells aren't just for combat—use them to cook, sneak, charm, or fake your own death for tax reasons.
  • Advanced Relationship Mechanics: Because your players will romance the bartender, and now there's a chart for that.
  • Sample Organizations: Pre-built groups so your GM notes don't look like the scribbles of a sleep-deprived conspiracy theorist.
  • Themed Spell Lists: Pre-curated magic menus for fast flavor and fewer tears. NPC Advancement: Level up your innkeeper until they're ready for the final boss fight.
  • The Connection Subsystem: Build emotional bonds, tragic betrayals, and passive-aggressive tea parties.

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 Ash Ely Randall James Producer Dan

Jaksot(609)

RPGBOT.News - The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

RPGBOT.News - The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

In this episode, we explore The Wild Beyond the Witchlight, the amazing new adventure from Wizards of the Coast. We won't spoil the story if you hope to play the adventure, but there's a lot to love. ...

24 Syys 202126min

RPGBOT.Podcast - The Tarrasque

RPGBOT.Podcast - The Tarrasque

In this episode of the RPGBOT.podcast, we discuss the Tarrasque: The biggest, baddest, scariest Kaiju that that ever stomped across the DnD multiverse, only to be stopped by a level 1 cleric. Specia...

22 Syys 202144min

RPGBOT.Podcast - Unearthed Arcana Retrospective: Feats for Skills

RPGBOT.Podcast - Unearthed Arcana Retrospective: Feats for Skills

In this episode of the RPGBOT.podcast, we revisit DnD 5e's Unearthed Arcana: Feats for Skills article. We discuss feats which we do and don't like, specific problems with the feats, and how you could ...

16 Syys 202135min

RPGBOT.Podcast - Failure, with special guest Colby "BEA" Munro of the Crit-Fails Podcast

RPGBOT.Podcast - Failure, with special guest Colby "BEA" Munro of the Crit-Fails Podcast

In this episode of the RPGBOT.podcast, we are joined by Colby "Bea" Monroe of the Crit Fails podcast for a discussion on Failure in tabletop RPGs. We discuss what failure means, how to make it interes...

9 Syys 202154min

RPGBOT.News - PAX West 2021

RPGBOT.News - PAX West 2021

Tyler, Random, and Randall spent the weekend at PAX West 2021 and saw a lot of neat and spicy stuff. They're sharing their thoughts with you on the event. To all the fans of RPGBOT.net we talked to, t...

6 Syys 202117min

RPGBOT.Podcast - Metacurrencies in Tabletop RPGs

RPGBOT.Podcast - Metacurrencies in Tabletop RPGs

In this episode of the RPGBOT.podcast, we discuss metacurrencies in tabletop RPGs, including things like DnD 5e's Inspiration, Pathfinder 2e's Hero Points, Savage World's Bennies, and Fantasy Flight's...

2 Syys 202136min

RPGBOT.Podcast - Mounted Combat and Horses in Dungeon Fantasy Games

RPGBOT.Podcast - Mounted Combat and Horses in Dungeon Fantasy Games

In this episode of the RPGBOT.podcast, we discuss mounted combat both in DnD 5e and throughout the history of Dungeons and Dragons, as well as drawing comparison to Pathfinder 2e's handling of mounts....

26 Elo 202137min

RPGBOT.Podcast - Investigation in 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons

RPGBOT.Podcast - Investigation in 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons

In our second episode of the RPGBOT.podcast, we discusse DnD 5e's Investigation skill, finding stuff in tabletop RPGs, and how to apply tools and other skills to complement or even replace skills like...

19 Elo 202148min

Suosittua kategoriassa Vapaa-aika

nikotellen
antin-matka
sita
the-harlin-show
ihan-oikeesti
unicast
rss-nikotellen
everypodi
eturivi
tahtitehdas
mutsiputki
rss-naapurissa
mysteeripodcast
oral-sex
kaikkea-hyvaa
rss-viihde-media
terkuin-jenna
himocast
moottoripodi-2
junnut-pelissa