Dan LK, Living Deliciously
@2ndlevelbard.bsky.social
Editor/instructional designer by day, funny dice enthusiast after hours. Sometime DMs Guild author, forever DM. Horror fan. Gourmand. Salty descriptivist. GenX, bi, enby, polyam. He/him, more or less.
Here for elfgames, horror, & occasional leftism.
Here for elfgames, horror, & occasional leftism.
Pinned
If you've ever been tempted to buy something I've made, now is a great time! I'm following up this post with a bunch of links where you can do that.
Feel free to share!
Feel free to share!
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
My proposed addition to the list of canonical Geek Social Fallacies is this: People used to abuse me for the things I like, and they were bad; therefore the things I like are good, and the things I don't like are bad.
This is, of course, A Preference is Not a Virtue by way of a different angle.
This is, of course, A Preference is Not a Virtue by way of a different angle.
If there is one thing I cannot stand with TTRPGs, it is when ppl try to turn their preferences and aesthetics into bullshit facts or bullshit theory: "this what i like, so this is what is good."
I am sorry, but your taste is likely not good enough to dictate that.
I am sorry, but your taste is likely not good enough to dictate that.
February 17, 2026 at 9:41 PM
My proposed addition to the list of canonical Geek Social Fallacies is this: People used to abuse me for the things I like, and they were bad; therefore the things I like are good, and the things I don't like are bad.
This is, of course, A Preference is Not a Virtue by way of a different angle.
This is, of course, A Preference is Not a Virtue by way of a different angle.
So much becomes clear once you absorb this.
Silicon Valley is a cult.
Not something that looks like a cult, but an actual, literal, non-figurative, end-times death cult with direct historical ties to the maniac fringe of 20th century charismatic religious movements.
Not something that looks like a cult, but an actual, literal, non-figurative, end-times death cult with direct historical ties to the maniac fringe of 20th century charismatic religious movements.
February 17, 2026 at 8:07 PM
So much becomes clear once you absorb this.
Good thread here. I think it's a helpful illumination of how extensive homebrew is rarely a huge redesign all at once; it's more likely to be a series of kitbashes and houserules over time. And that work is often very rewarding, and satisfying, in ways that "find a new game" isn't.
i've been referencing it in replies, so, hey, let's talk about my group's homebrewed version of Burning Wheel Gold, which we've been playing/creating since 2011.
it's one of my favorite ttrpg systems to play, so it's what i'm defending when i'm defending crack homebrews over "play a new game"
it's one of my favorite ttrpg systems to play, so it's what i'm defending when i'm defending crack homebrews over "play a new game"
February 17, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Good thread here. I think it's a helpful illumination of how extensive homebrew is rarely a huge redesign all at once; it's more likely to be a series of kitbashes and houserules over time. And that work is often very rewarding, and satisfying, in ways that "find a new game" isn't.
So in my house we have two different and sometimes competing flavors of neurospicy. My partner tends toward "find the most efficient way of doing Thing" and can get frustrated by unnecessary detours. I'm more "let me do Thing in my known comfortable way, even if it's suboptimal." 1/
While the reality is that eventually we'll all homebrew whatever TTRPG we prefer to play, if you've got to redesign significant portions of the ruleset in order for it to work for you and your table... perhaps consider that you should instead be seeking other options for play?
February 17, 2026 at 5:56 PM
So in my house we have two different and sometimes competing flavors of neurospicy. My partner tends toward "find the most efficient way of doing Thing" and can get frustrated by unnecessary detours. I'm more "let me do Thing in my known comfortable way, even if it's suboptimal." 1/
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Delighted to see Baltimore’s Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA) shout out both Lunar New Year and the start to Ramadan today. Chúc mừng năm mới & Ramadan Mubarak to everyone who celebrates
February 17, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Delighted to see Baltimore’s Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA) shout out both Lunar New Year and the start to Ramadan today. Chúc mừng năm mới & Ramadan Mubarak to everyone who celebrates
I loved Oddity but my first viewing of Caveat fell a little flat for me. The latest video from @rocklingraves.bsky.social has convinced me beyond a doubt that I need to revisit it. I love when a work of critique points out things I missed and can appreciate on a new reading.
February 17, 2026 at 4:22 AM
I loved Oddity but my first viewing of Caveat fell a little flat for me. The latest video from @rocklingraves.bsky.social has convinced me beyond a doubt that I need to revisit it. I love when a work of critique points out things I missed and can appreciate on a new reading.
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
ICYMI, Congratulations to Sarah Pinsker! Pinsker's novelette “The Millay Illusion” is tied for 4th Place in the Uncanny Magazine 2025 Favorite Fiction Reader Poll! You can read it here! buff.ly/W9IKXV0
February 17, 2026 at 1:30 AM
ICYMI, Congratulations to Sarah Pinsker! Pinsker's novelette “The Millay Illusion” is tied for 4th Place in the Uncanny Magazine 2025 Favorite Fiction Reader Poll! You can read it here! buff.ly/W9IKXV0
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
One reason Republicans are so laser targeted on trans kids existing, is that trans kids existing requires accepting the bodily autonomy and consent of children.
Which is something republicans absolutely can't do, since they are pedophiles.
Their transphobia and pedophilia is them being consistent
Which is something republicans absolutely can't do, since they are pedophiles.
Their transphobia and pedophilia is them being consistent
February 16, 2026 at 11:34 PM
One reason Republicans are so laser targeted on trans kids existing, is that trans kids existing requires accepting the bodily autonomy and consent of children.
Which is something republicans absolutely can't do, since they are pedophiles.
Their transphobia and pedophilia is them being consistent
Which is something republicans absolutely can't do, since they are pedophiles.
Their transphobia and pedophilia is them being consistent
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
The further in advance you announce your willingness to vote for a horrible person as the lesser evil, the more enthusiastically supportive of that evil you seem.
Which is to say, Newsom is horror show, and preemptively declaring support in a theoretical future vote says you like his kind of horror
Which is to say, Newsom is horror show, and preemptively declaring support in a theoretical future vote says you like his kind of horror
February 17, 2026 at 12:29 AM
The further in advance you announce your willingness to vote for a horrible person as the lesser evil, the more enthusiastically supportive of that evil you seem.
Which is to say, Newsom is horror show, and preemptively declaring support in a theoretical future vote says you like his kind of horror
Which is to say, Newsom is horror show, and preemptively declaring support in a theoretical future vote says you like his kind of horror
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Your regular reminder that what people look like, their hair is like, their clothes are like, is not the point.
We are here to call people to account for what they do and say. That is what matters.
We are here to fight for the dignity of every single human being.
Pursue justice justly.
We are here to call people to account for what they do and say. That is what matters.
We are here to fight for the dignity of every single human being.
Pursue justice justly.
February 17, 2026 at 1:54 AM
Your regular reminder that what people look like, their hair is like, their clothes are like, is not the point.
We are here to call people to account for what they do and say. That is what matters.
We are here to fight for the dignity of every single human being.
Pursue justice justly.
We are here to call people to account for what they do and say. That is what matters.
We are here to fight for the dignity of every single human being.
Pursue justice justly.
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
The drunk uncle theory.
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
agree with this (hah) but also think a particular mistake the left made for a long time online, and still makes to an extent, is failing to understand that the person whose mind you may actually change is the one reading the argument you're having, not the one you're arguing with
The secret to engaging in social media debate is knowing you will never win anyone over. The best you can hope for is to have people who already agree with tell you you're awesome. You might great a dopamine thrill from the righteousness of your anger! Fine benefits, all. But you will never win.
February 16, 2026 at 11:35 PM
The drunk uncle theory.
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Accusations of AI use seem to be flying around based on nothing more than vibes. But there’s (almost) no shortcut to knowing for sure.
Get all the details in the podcast!
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/4kV4HbF
SPOTIFY: bit.ly/45YGCfh
Get all the details in the podcast!
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/4kV4HbF
SPOTIFY: bit.ly/45YGCfh
Are em dashes really a sign of AI writing? 'Caretaker' vs. 'caregiver'
Podcast Episode · Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing · 06/17/2025 · 17m
bit.ly
June 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Accusations of AI use seem to be flying around based on nothing more than vibes. But there’s (almost) no shortcut to knowing for sure.
Get all the details in the podcast!
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/4kV4HbF
SPOTIFY: bit.ly/45YGCfh
Get all the details in the podcast!
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/4kV4HbF
SPOTIFY: bit.ly/45YGCfh
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
REMEMBER: All the "Don't use em-dashes" "don't use rule of three" advice because it makes your writing "look like AI" is because they stole actual writers work, and their "predict the next thing" stuff just simulates what WE FUCKING DO. Keep writing well. Use every style and trick you have. Fuck AI.
July 3, 2025 at 7:43 PM
REMEMBER: All the "Don't use em-dashes" "don't use rule of three" advice because it makes your writing "look like AI" is because they stole actual writers work, and their "predict the next thing" stuff just simulates what WE FUCKING DO. Keep writing well. Use every style and trick you have. Fuck AI.
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Friends! My first release for the #Daggerheart #ttrpg is live on itch! The Scholomance at Everspire is a dark academia campaign frame created for the Magic School TTRPG Jam. No twee houses or broomstick sports; yes gothic vibes and cosmic horror monsters.
2ndlevelbard.itch.io/the-scholoma...
2ndlevelbard.itch.io/the-scholoma...
The Scholomance at Everspire by 2nd Level Bard Productions
A Dark Academia Magic School Campaign Frame for the Daggerheart™ System
2ndlevelbard.itch.io
February 15, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Friends! My first release for the #Daggerheart #ttrpg is live on itch! The Scholomance at Everspire is a dark academia campaign frame created for the Magic School TTRPG Jam. No twee houses or broomstick sports; yes gothic vibes and cosmic horror monsters.
2ndlevelbard.itch.io/the-scholoma...
2ndlevelbard.itch.io/the-scholoma...
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Anyway, if you want to read too many words on why Sparta was terrible and people who like Sparta are terrible for liking Sparta, check it out: acoup.blog/2019/08/16/collections-this-isnt-sparta-part-i-spartan-school/
Collections: This. Isn’t. Sparta. Part I: Spartan School
This is Part I of a seven part series (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, Gloss., Retrospective) comparing the popular legacy of Sparta (embodied in films like 300) with the historical ancient state. Toda…
acoup.blog
February 16, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Anyway, if you want to read too many words on why Sparta was terrible and people who like Sparta are terrible for liking Sparta, check it out: acoup.blog/2019/08/16/collections-this-isnt-sparta-part-i-spartan-school/
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Did you know that one of the add-on rewards for backing Sleeping Wizards is B&W COMMISSIONS BY ME??
It’s true! It’s the very last add-on option when you back the physical book!
I RARELY have comms open anymore due to schedule, and there’s only 5 slots!!
👉 www.kickstarter.com/projects/iro...
It’s true! It’s the very last add-on option when you back the physical book!
I RARELY have comms open anymore due to schedule, and there’s only 5 slots!!
👉 www.kickstarter.com/projects/iro...
February 16, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Did you know that one of the add-on rewards for backing Sleeping Wizards is B&W COMMISSIONS BY ME??
It’s true! It’s the very last add-on option when you back the physical book!
I RARELY have comms open anymore due to schedule, and there’s only 5 slots!!
👉 www.kickstarter.com/projects/iro...
It’s true! It’s the very last add-on option when you back the physical book!
I RARELY have comms open anymore due to schedule, and there’s only 5 slots!!
👉 www.kickstarter.com/projects/iro...
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Meet my newest creation: Mabel the Interdimensional Spider and Builder of Haunted Labyrinths. I designed and hand-sewed her, and I hand-embroidered all her flowers and markings.
jeremycreature.bigcartel.com
jeremycreature.bigcartel.com
February 16, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Madow did a whole piece last week listing all the places where local organizers had spiked the deals on detention facilities, and it's quiet and spread out and not getting a ton of attention but every fucking one is a hero.
BREAKING: Majestic Realty, who owns one of the warehouses ICE was planning to purchase to create a detention camp, announced today that it would not sell to the agency. More at DMagazine.com shortly.
February 16, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Madow did a whole piece last week listing all the places where local organizers had spiked the deals on detention facilities, and it's quiet and spread out and not getting a ton of attention but every fucking one is a hero.
An absolute wrecking ball of a movie. Wheatley's brutal, uncompromising masterpiece. Worth watching for that gut-punch of an ending, and rewatching to see how the pieces fit together. Plus, Michael Smiley!
February 16, 2026 at 8:45 PM
An absolute wrecking ball of a movie. Wheatley's brutal, uncompromising masterpiece. Worth watching for that gut-punch of an ending, and rewatching to see how the pieces fit together. Plus, Michael Smiley!
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Me too, in the 1970s. It was all harm and no help.
I was there, Gandalf, and let me tell you that all the handwringing back then neither "protected" us nor prevented any of us from being queer. It only did harm. It will only ever do harm.
HELLO I WAS A QUEER TEEN IN THE 1990s AND THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST SOCIAL TRANSITION NOW ARE INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST "LETTING" US BE (at the time, for me) GAY OR LESBIAN THEN.
They all rest on the belief that it's inherently better to be straight (then)/cis (now) and that's BS.
They all rest on the belief that it's inherently better to be straight (then)/cis (now) and that's BS.
February 16, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Me too, in the 1970s. It was all harm and no help.
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
tbh it feels like Dem voters who do this are not only in the terminal stages of Strategist Brain but have also internalized the Dem tendency to negotiate against themselves
You START with high demands. You START with exactly what you want plus extra. You only go down once that point is established
You START with high demands. You START with exactly what you want plus extra. You only go down once that point is established
Re that last RT, i can totally understand pivoting to “vote for the lesser of the two evils” *once primaries are over and it’s a two person race* what i don’t understand are the people insisting you have to eat shit months or even years out from a primary! Why should I eat shit!
February 16, 2026 at 7:38 PM
tbh it feels like Dem voters who do this are not only in the terminal stages of Strategist Brain but have also internalized the Dem tendency to negotiate against themselves
You START with high demands. You START with exactly what you want plus extra. You only go down once that point is established
You START with high demands. You START with exactly what you want plus extra. You only go down once that point is established
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Because of the terribleness of our system it is true that on Election Day you will have an unsatisfying binary choice to make. That’s just facts! But until the candidates are selected, advocate for what you want and tell everyone else to pound sand.
February 16, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Because of the terribleness of our system it is true that on Election Day you will have an unsatisfying binary choice to make. That’s just facts! But until the candidates are selected, advocate for what you want and tell everyone else to pound sand.
I was there, Gandalf, and let me tell you that all the handwringing back then neither "protected" us nor prevented any of us from being queer. It only did harm. It will only ever do harm.
HELLO I WAS A QUEER TEEN IN THE 1990s AND THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST SOCIAL TRANSITION NOW ARE INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST "LETTING" US BE (at the time, for me) GAY OR LESBIAN THEN.
They all rest on the belief that it's inherently better to be straight (then)/cis (now) and that's BS.
They all rest on the belief that it's inherently better to be straight (then)/cis (now) and that's BS.
Hilary Cass here arguing for children to be prevented from being known by a preferred name or getting a haircut in case it encourages them to continue later in life to transition.
Hilary Cass acts like gender variant children should have the transness hazed out of them.
Hilary Cass acts like gender variant children should have the transness hazed out of them.
February 16, 2026 at 8:01 PM
I was there, Gandalf, and let me tell you that all the handwringing back then neither "protected" us nor prevented any of us from being queer. It only did harm. It will only ever do harm.
Reposted by Dan LK, Living Deliciously
Twist endings are overrated. Give me twist beginnings. End Act 1 with a twist and then explore the consequences. Let the great surprise be your premise.
It worked for The Girl With All The Gifts. It worked for Project Hail Mary. It can work for you.
It worked for The Girl With All The Gifts. It worked for Project Hail Mary. It can work for you.
February 16, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Twist endings are overrated. Give me twist beginnings. End Act 1 with a twist and then explore the consequences. Let the great surprise be your premise.
It worked for The Girl With All The Gifts. It worked for Project Hail Mary. It can work for you.
It worked for The Girl With All The Gifts. It worked for Project Hail Mary. It can work for you.