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Diary of a Deacon Part 1 (a NEVER Stop Smiling novella)

The prose version of a NEVER Stop Smiling solo playthrough. Entry 1: When the…
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Diary of a Deacon Part 2 (a NEVER Stop Smiling novella)

The prose version of a NEVER Stop Smiling solo playthrough. Read Part 1. Entry 5:…
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Diary of a Deacon Part 3 (a NEVER Stop Smiling novella)

The prose version of a NEVER Stop Smiling solo playthrough. Read Part 1 and Part…
Woman with drink playing dice amidst casino smoke, evoking a mysterious nightlife vibe.

Dice Labels: The Heart of the Motif Approach

Thinking About Dice Labels and Narrative Dice in Motif Also check out the free RPG…
A close-up of a hand tossing several dice against a dark background, symbolizing chance and luck.

Dice Modes: Simulation, Narrative, Oracles

Dice in TTRPGs: Tools That Shape Play Dice in tabletop RPGs are more than mere…
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Free Christmas TTRPG: Holiday Anomalies Division (HAD)

Happy holidays! For the season, I’ve dug up another unfinished tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) from…
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Free Duo Game: The Immortal’s Affairs

The Immortal’s Affairs – A TTRPG About Legacy and the Passage of Time Dug up…
A group of diverse colleagues joins hands in teamwork, symbolizing unity and collaboration.

Genre Emulation and Buy-In in TTRPGs

Suspension of Disbelief and Buy-In as Core Elements Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) thrive on a…
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Getting in the (Dice) Swing of Things

On Swingy Dice: The Design of Motif Dice systems play a key role in shaping…
Close-up view of red tetrahedral dice amidst rustic jars and burlap on a natural surface.

Great TTRPG Newbie Paradox (they’re easier to teach)

Novice TTRPG Players and Simple Guidance One of the great paradoxes I’ve noticed in TTRPGs…
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Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 1)

TTRPG Tips to Make Your Mysteries Unforgettable Be sure to also check out Part 2…
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Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 2)

More TTRPG Tips To Make Your Mysteries Unforgettable Be sure to check out Part 1…
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Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 3)

Even More TTRPG Tips To Make Your Mysteries Unforgettable Be sure to also check out…
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Immersion and Authoring in TTRPGs

Immersion and Authoring: Two Pillars of TTRPG Playstyles When exploring RPG mechanics and playstyles, two…
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In Defense of Optional Rules

Expanding, Not Complicating, the RPG Experience Optional rules and alternative subsystems often find themselves at…
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Let’s Talk About “Ghibli-inspired” TTRPGs

Capturing the True Essence of Studio Ghibli in TTRPGs Also check out the free micro-RPG…
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Mastering Intrigue: Crafting Suspense and Tension in TTRPGs

Handling Intrigue in Tabletop RPGs with Trackers, Tags, and Motif Rolls Political intrigue in tabletop…
A creepy setup with a spellbook, skull, and candles on the ground, evoking Halloween vibes.

Mastering the Art of Illusion: GM & Play Tips for Prophecies

Creating the Illusion of Omniscience and Prophecy In the world of tabletop role-playing games, creating…
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Motif Approach to Conflict: Universal Hits & Conditions

Universal Hits and Social Conflict in Motif One of the most fascinating and often surprising…
Portrait of a joyful African woman with afro hair, wearing colorful bracelets and gold earrings, enjoying the sunny day.

Rebuttals to Criticisms of Rules-Heavy TTRPGs

Also be sure to check out the contrasting defense of rules lite games! Why Complexity…
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Rebutting the Criticisms of Rules-Light Systems

Also be sure to check out the contrasting defense of rules heavy systems! A Case…
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RPG Idea: Hard Road Ahead

Something I may never complete. Inspired to share this from my slush pile by my…
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TTRPG Mechanics Model: Granularity, Modularity, Connectivity, Fidelity

Understanding TTRPG Design Through Four Overlapping Scales When discussing tabletop RPGs, terms like “crunch” or…
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