Brian Johnson
@bjohnsonfreelance.bsky.social
Literary, nonfiction, and TTRPG editor | Humanities research consultant | Former CRM archaeologist | Translator of grimoires | Scholar of the arcane
https://bjohnsonfreelance.com/
https://bjohnsonfreelance.com/
Pinned
Hello!
In case you don't know me, I'm a freelance editor, translator, and humanities scholar, specializing in TTRPGs, as well as magic and the occult.
My research reconstructs the cosmologies, epistemologies, and practices of historical individuals who engaged with various esoteric disciplines.
In case you don't know me, I'm a freelance editor, translator, and humanities scholar, specializing in TTRPGs, as well as magic and the occult.
My research reconstructs the cosmologies, epistemologies, and practices of historical individuals who engaged with various esoteric disciplines.
Has there been any linguistic research into the arthrous/anarthrous distinction between American and British English usage? E.g. "in [the] hospital", "in [the] future", etc.
November 24, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Has there been any linguistic research into the arthrous/anarthrous distinction between American and British English usage? E.g. "in [the] hospital", "in [the] future", etc.
Welp, looks like my external hard drive has died, exactly eight months after the warranty expired 😐 Thanks, Seagate. No, it's fine, I'm sure I won't need those 2000+ articles, WIP backups, rpg pdfs...
November 23, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Welp, looks like my external hard drive has died, exactly eight months after the warranty expired 😐 Thanks, Seagate. No, it's fine, I'm sure I won't need those 2000+ articles, WIP backups, rpg pdfs...
One of the most rewarding parts of doing serious philological research is getting to sometimes write lines like "ass-legged cannibal women" with a completely straight face.
November 22, 2025 at 10:59 PM
One of the most rewarding parts of doing serious philological research is getting to sometimes write lines like "ass-legged cannibal women" with a completely straight face.
Reposted by Brian Johnson
Once again, @yaelrice.bsky.social and I published this article in 2020 so that no one ever has to debunk this vile nonsense point-by-point ever again. As we write (see the next post in this thread)...
hyperallergic.com/604897/how-s...
hyperallergic.com/604897/how-s...
November 6, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Once again, @yaelrice.bsky.social and I published this article in 2020 so that no one ever has to debunk this vile nonsense point-by-point ever again. As we write (see the next post in this thread)...
hyperallergic.com/604897/how-s...
hyperallergic.com/604897/how-s...
Final reminder, then I'll shut up about it!
101 Tales of Magic and Mystery, a treasure trove of TTRPG adventure frames inspired by the culture, folklore, magic, and politics of Elizabethan England (six of which I wrote!), is fully funded, but you have less than 48 hours to get it for just $15!
101 Tales of Magic and Mystery, a treasure trove of TTRPG adventure frames inspired by the culture, folklore, magic, and politics of Elizabethan England (six of which I wrote!), is fully funded, but you have less than 48 hours to get it for just $15!
101 Tales of Magic and Mystery
TTRPG adventure plots of mystery, magic, and intrigue, grounded in the history and folklore of Renaissance England.
www.kickstarter.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Final reminder, then I'll shut up about it!
101 Tales of Magic and Mystery, a treasure trove of TTRPG adventure frames inspired by the culture, folklore, magic, and politics of Elizabethan England (six of which I wrote!), is fully funded, but you have less than 48 hours to get it for just $15!
101 Tales of Magic and Mystery, a treasure trove of TTRPG adventure frames inspired by the culture, folklore, magic, and politics of Elizabethan England (six of which I wrote!), is fully funded, but you have less than 48 hours to get it for just $15!
Reposted by Brian Johnson
This book has been far more useful than I expected, and I regret not ordering it as soon as it was released.
While we attempt to sort out a database error refusing to properly display my new book's description on most third-party retail sites, here's my own synopsis of just what _A Similitude of Nature_ is all about. Do feel free to pass it along to anyone you think may find it of interest.
![Plain text, which reads [abbreviated]: A Similitude of Nature shares the work of Giorgio Anselmi, an astrologer, physician, and magician of the Italian Renaissance whose pivotal contribution to the history of thought about the natural world remains little-known in the present day.
By the late Middle Ages, the science of constructing powerful talismanic images according to propitious astrological conditions had reached a high degree of sophistication, and was largely accepted as a mainstream application of natural philosophy. In some ways, however, practice lagged behind theory. The classical texts on the subject made their prescriptions in terms of the abstract signs of the Zodiac, even though the slowly increasing discrepancy between those coordinates and the visible constellations to which they correspond had been known for centuries. Aristotelian science dictated that it was the motions of the heavenly bodies per se which induced change in the sublunary world, and any astrological art that intended to operate rationally (and, importantly, avoid allegations of commerce with demons) must perforce base itself upon them, yet no effective synthesis of purely astro-physical observation had yet attained general acceptance in the field of natural astrological magic.
One attempt at such a synthesis arrived in the early years of the fifteenth century, when Giorgio Anselmi, within the pages of his Divinum opus de magia disciplina, propounded a treatise on composing magical images according to the eighth celestial sphere of Aristotelian-Ptolemaic cosmology, that of the fixed stars. Drawing upon astrological techniques passed down from authorities like Hermes and Thabit ibn Qurra, alongside a knowledge of the stars as mapped by astronomers from Ptolemy to al-Sufi, Anselmi posited precise rules for crafting images “in the composition of which only the disposition of the heavenly sphere is attended to”, and which have the power to attract good fortune, heal illness, and besto…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:kjul6awra57gihe4wjnpflrx/bafkreifqj2ak7lmvzjac3yuib2qwjy7xjyozk6yhpcubpxdc6ij3lz5cxm@jpeg)
November 4, 2025 at 12:15 PM
This book has been far more useful than I expected, and I regret not ordering it as soon as it was released.
We're in our final week, and just short of the stretch goal for 10 more original illustrations!
Stop an investment scam at a dinner party. Save an ogre. Lay to rest a conclave of ghosts who commute to a small village. Lift a curse that left London speechless. These are actual adventures from our #TTRPG Kickstarter: 101 adventures for $15!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/she...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/she...
101 Tales of Magic and Mystery
TTRPG adventure plots of mystery, magic, and intrigue, grounded in the history and folklore of Renaissance England.
www.kickstarter.com
November 2, 2025 at 3:58 PM
We're in our final week, and just short of the stretch goal for 10 more original illustrations!
Today's work is formatting text and footnotes for a Secret Project™ while listening to Vox Vulgaris, _The Shape of Medieval Music to Come_ voxvulgaris.bandcamp.com/album/the-sh...
The Shape of Medieval Music to Come, by Vox Vulgaris
8 track album
voxvulgaris.bandcamp.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Today's work is formatting text and footnotes for a Secret Project™ while listening to Vox Vulgaris, _The Shape of Medieval Music to Come_ voxvulgaris.bandcamp.com/album/the-sh...
It's official, so you should officially consider donating to your local food bank or similar resource right now, if you're able.
October 26, 2025 at 10:10 PM
It's official, so you should officially consider donating to your local food bank or similar resource right now, if you're able.
Reposted by Brian Johnson
Stretch goal unlocked! Our #TTRPG sourcebook 101 Tales of Magic and Mystery is 150% funded on Kickstarter! A treasury of narrative focused adventure plots grounded in the history and folklore of Renaissance England. Back now to help us reach the next goal!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/she...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/she...
October 26, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Stretch goal unlocked! Our #TTRPG sourcebook 101 Tales of Magic and Mystery is 150% funded on Kickstarter! A treasury of narrative focused adventure plots grounded in the history and folklore of Renaissance England. Back now to help us reach the next goal!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/she...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/she...
Reposted by Brian Johnson
I had the honor to contribute to this awesome collection of system-agnostic one-shots alongside talented creators like @chrishopper.bsky.social and @timothyferguson.bsky.social. @shewstone.bsky.social poured so much work and thought into this tome - check it out!
101 Tales of Magic and Mystery
TTRPG adventure plots of mystery, magic, and intrigue, grounded in the history and folklore of Renaissance England.
www.kickstarter.com
October 25, 2025 at 7:09 PM
I had the honor to contribute to this awesome collection of system-agnostic one-shots alongside talented creators like @chrishopper.bsky.social and @timothyferguson.bsky.social. @shewstone.bsky.social poured so much work and thought into this tome - check it out!
Reposted by Brian Johnson
So, I coauthored a book of RPGs scenarios based on Elizabethan folklore. More commentary in the Kickstarter's page from the editor and coauthors. It's useful in most fantasy based settings, although my stories in particular lean toward urban settings.
Game masters, what #TTRPG do you run where you could use narrative-focused adventure plots from this book?
@marklawford.bsky.social @wranglerofchaos.bsky.social @timothyferguson.bsky.social @bjohnsonfreelance.bsky.social @chrishopper.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/she...
@marklawford.bsky.social @wranglerofchaos.bsky.social @timothyferguson.bsky.social @bjohnsonfreelance.bsky.social @chrishopper.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/she...
101 Tales of Magic and Mystery
TTRPG adventure plots of mystery, magic, and intrigue, grounded in the history and folklore of Renaissance England.
www.kickstarter.com
October 18, 2025 at 5:36 AM
So, I coauthored a book of RPGs scenarios based on Elizabethan folklore. More commentary in the Kickstarter's page from the editor and coauthors. It's useful in most fantasy based settings, although my stories in particular lean toward urban settings.
(Quotations from Sachse, _The German Pietists_)
October 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
(Quotations from Sachse, _The German Pietists_)
...by inquiring into the foundation and reasonableness of these notions which, thee knows, will not bear to be searched and examined into; though I handle these fancies with more tenderness with him, than I should with others...because I respect the man."
October 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
...by inquiring into the foundation and reasonableness of these notions which, thee knows, will not bear to be searched and examined into; though I handle these fancies with more tenderness with him, than I should with others...because I respect the man."
It was "...furnished with books containing...Philosophy, Natural Magic, Divinity, nay, even Mystic Divinity; all of which were subjects of our discourse...", though he would go on to say that "When we are upon the topic of astrology, magic, and mystic divinity, I am apt to be a little troublesome...
October 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
It was "...furnished with books containing...Philosophy, Natural Magic, Divinity, nay, even Mystic Divinity; all of which were subjects of our discourse...", though he would go on to say that "When we are upon the topic of astrology, magic, and mystic divinity, I am apt to be a little troublesome...
Writing to Royal Society member and fellow gentleman-botanist Peter Collinson of London in 1743, Pennsylvania farmer and "father of American botany" John Bartram described the library of Germantown clock-maker, astrologer, and doctor Christopher Witt.
October 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Writing to Royal Society member and fellow gentleman-botanist Peter Collinson of London in 1743, Pennsylvania farmer and "father of American botany" John Bartram described the library of Germantown clock-maker, astrologer, and doctor Christopher Witt.
A brief vignette of the Colonial American intellectual milieu; or, "when your square friend gives you a good-natured ribbing for your weird hobby":
October 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
A brief vignette of the Colonial American intellectual milieu; or, "when your square friend gives you a good-natured ribbing for your weird hobby":
Reposted by Brian Johnson
Since every comedic actor of a certain age gets a documentary after they die now i think it's important we establish that the dan aykroyd one should be no shorter than 6 hours, one episode of which is entirely dedicated to his relationship to fairies and magic
October 23, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Since every comedic actor of a certain age gets a documentary after they die now i think it's important we establish that the dan aykroyd one should be no shorter than 6 hours, one episode of which is entirely dedicated to his relationship to fairies and magic
There are actual spells in the Greek magical papyri (<400 CE) for doing almost *exactly* this.
There are ghosts you can pay to torment people who have wronged you.
You have to get a supernatural court to approve your right for vengeance.
Then, you can hire a Bounty Haunter.
#GameIdeas
You have to get a supernatural court to approve your right for vengeance.
Then, you can hire a Bounty Haunter.
#GameIdeas
October 23, 2025 at 1:27 AM
There are actual spells in the Greek magical papyri (<400 CE) for doing almost *exactly* this.
6. "Not Saying He’s a Gold Digger, But …"
Last one! And you can read this one in full: shewstone.com/blog/categor...
This adventure was the inspiration for the book's cover art as well 😁
7/7
Last one! And you can read this one in full: shewstone.com/blog/categor...
This adventure was the inspiration for the book's cover art as well 😁
7/7
Tales of Wizardry — Shewstone Blog — Shewstone Publishing
shewstone.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:44 PM
6. "Not Saying He’s a Gold Digger, But …"
Last one! And you can read this one in full: shewstone.com/blog/categor...
This adventure was the inspiration for the book's cover art as well 😁
7/7
Last one! And you can read this one in full: shewstone.com/blog/categor...
This adventure was the inspiration for the book's cover art as well 😁
7/7
Reposted by Brian Johnson
The campaign for the compiled book of Populated Hexes Monthly, Year Four is now live. We're raising funds for new art and an offset version of the book. You can check it out here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/thi... #ttrpg #dnd #osr #hexcrawl
Populated Hexes Monthly Year Four
A compilation of Issues 37-48 of Populated Hexes Monthly.
www.kickstarter.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The campaign for the compiled book of Populated Hexes Monthly, Year Four is now live. We're raising funds for new art and an offset version of the book. You can check it out here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/thi... #ttrpg #dnd #osr #hexcrawl
Reposted by Brian Johnson
🗣️ PLEASE SHARE 🗣️
I'm writing an intro & sourcebook on late ancient Gazan literature for Dar al-Kalima University Press. The press and I plan to produce an Arabic translation to make Gazan literature more accessible to Palestinians. Help me compensate the Gazan translator!
spot.fund/dn8t744sc
I'm writing an intro & sourcebook on late ancient Gazan literature for Dar al-Kalima University Press. The press and I plan to produce an Arabic translation to make Gazan literature more accessible to Palestinians. Help me compensate the Gazan translator!
spot.fund/dn8t744sc
Click here to support Chance Bonar's story *AncientGazanLitTranslation
*spotfund is the easiest place to create beautiful and free online fundraisers. It takes just minutes to start raising money today.
spot.fund
October 21, 2025 at 5:25 PM
🗣️ PLEASE SHARE 🗣️
I'm writing an intro & sourcebook on late ancient Gazan literature for Dar al-Kalima University Press. The press and I plan to produce an Arabic translation to make Gazan literature more accessible to Palestinians. Help me compensate the Gazan translator!
spot.fund/dn8t744sc
I'm writing an intro & sourcebook on late ancient Gazan literature for Dar al-Kalima University Press. The press and I plan to produce an Arabic translation to make Gazan literature more accessible to Palestinians. Help me compensate the Gazan translator!
spot.fund/dn8t744sc
Honestly, I really don't care what anyone does to the East Wing — the building that stood there was younger than my grandparents. What's infuriating is the fact that $250 million is being spent on redecorating while SNAP benefits are being cut off for millions of Americans, to name just one outrage.
October 22, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Honestly, I really don't care what anyone does to the East Wing — the building that stood there was younger than my grandparents. What's infuriating is the fact that $250 million is being spent on redecorating while SNAP benefits are being cut off for millions of Americans, to name just one outrage.
5. "My Library Was Dukedom Large Enough": John Dee's library has been ransacked.
Among the missing volumes are Dee's personal alchemical notebooks, and he suspects another practitioner is the culprit. But the doctor has more than one rival, and things may be more complicated than they appear. 6/x
Among the missing volumes are Dee's personal alchemical notebooks, and he suspects another practitioner is the culprit. But the doctor has more than one rival, and things may be more complicated than they appear. 6/x
October 21, 2025 at 3:38 PM
5. "My Library Was Dukedom Large Enough": John Dee's library has been ransacked.
Among the missing volumes are Dee's personal alchemical notebooks, and he suspects another practitioner is the culprit. But the doctor has more than one rival, and things may be more complicated than they appear. 6/x
Among the missing volumes are Dee's personal alchemical notebooks, and he suspects another practitioner is the culprit. But the doctor has more than one rival, and things may be more complicated than they appear. 6/x
4. "Inspiration, Perspiration, Transmutation": Production has come to a halt at a metallurgical operation.
An alchemical manufactory funded by Lord Burghley has broken down, and the owner needs to get it running again before word reaches his patron. But who's really behind his transmutation method?
An alchemical manufactory funded by Lord Burghley has broken down, and the owner needs to get it running again before word reaches his patron. But who's really behind his transmutation method?
October 20, 2025 at 7:03 PM
4. "Inspiration, Perspiration, Transmutation": Production has come to a halt at a metallurgical operation.
An alchemical manufactory funded by Lord Burghley has broken down, and the owner needs to get it running again before word reaches his patron. But who's really behind his transmutation method?
An alchemical manufactory funded by Lord Burghley has broken down, and the owner needs to get it running again before word reaches his patron. But who's really behind his transmutation method?