Every word you speak, every thought you think, every deed you perform will create an echo that will outlast you. Might as well make the best of it, no?
Writings
Don’t Use Initiative! | TTRPG Tactics
Ditching initiative can free up players’ minds to think about the game in more creative and practical terms. Here’s how to make that work at your table.
Narrative Combat – Don’t Use Rounds! | TTRPG Tactics
When combat encounters are allowed to emerge from the narration rather than isolated by hard parameters, it creates a thrilling experience.
The Sensibility Rule | TTRPG Tactics
When people try to break the game in absurd ways, one concept ultimately supersedes any exploit – a notion which is here termed “The Sensibility Rule.”
One-Shot Idea: Campaign Interludes | TTRPG Tactics
Do you have players who can’t make it this week? Just need a palate cleanser? Run a one-shot! But not just any one-shot – run a campaign interlude!
The Trap of Convenient Answers | World Building for RPGs
When building worlds for RPGs or stories, cool answers are better than correct answers. Put square pegs into round holes.
Time Has No (Inherent) Meaning
Time has no meaning without context, and the same is true with existence. It is better to push on reality and create ripples than not.
When the GM Asks “Are You Sure?” | TTRPG Tactics
The question “Are you sure?” strikes fear into the hearts of players everywhere. However, it’s actually a sign that your GM is looking out for you. Usually.
Random Encounters & Looming Threats | TTRPG Tactics
Random encounters can be a blast. Here’s a simple way to create random encounter tables for dungeons in your favorite RPG using only a d6.
Talentless Clods Don’t Exist
Talentless clods don’t exist because they are a statistical impossibility. Therefore, you are not a talentless clod. Really.
Being Good For Something – Taking a New Direction
Thoughts on the future of The Astral Wanderer and the kind of tone I’d like to set from here on out. Also a bit about what I’ve been up to lately.
A Problem with Rage
Rage is all the rage these days.
The Anatomy of Confusion – A Quick Study
A close look at how confusion occurs. Also some quick life lessons based on this close look at how confusion occurs. Also I haven’t slept well in weeks.
Quick Thought: The Strength of a Shield Wall
A quick thought on shield walls and protection. In a shield wall, strength in numbers is not additive; it’s multiplicative.
The Ways Nature Marks Time
How does nature mark time? By the revolutions of worlds and the changing of seasons, and by that nagging sensation in your gut that says it’s dinner time.
The Tale of One Who Flew the Cuckoo’s Nest
A man flies a cuckoo’s nest like a kite high above a storm next to a city for which he harbors some resentment. It doesn’t crash, until it does.
Obvious Filler Post: Obvious Filler Is Obvious
Insert random description here. It could be about birds. It could be about squirrels. It could be about your deceased great great aunt. Get jiggy with it.
The Place Where Horrid Creatures Dwell
There is a place in the universe where horrid creatures dwell, the twisted remnants of cosmic erasures rolled with the filthy remains of things forgotten.
30 Ways to Ruin a Conversation in Ten Words or Less
Here are thirty entirely subjective ways to ruin a conversation in only ten words or less (ten words or fewer if you feel like being that way).
Stop Wondering if You’re Enough: Part 2 – Soldiers
A continuation of an entirely unwarranted rant about being enough, this time with a discussion of warriors versus soldiers. Also a playful jab at Oprah.