Mike Mearls
@mearls.bsky.social
I spend too much thinking about TTRPGs. I sometimes publish them.
Pinned
Mike Mearls
@mearls.bsky.social
· Nov 7
Before I start posting here, I want everyone to remember one thing: Social media is designed to monetize you, regardless of how it affects you. Don't let anyone make money off wrecking your mental health via doom scrolling, social media addiction, or parasocial constructs.
Reposted by Mike Mearls
Behold! The massive RPG Moral Panic video I've been researching and assembling for years, and why people who call the whole affair the Satanic Panic are wrong.
I'm so damned happy to finally have this beast out of my system.
youtu.be/OpjV-melB-c
I'm so damned happy to finally have this beast out of my system.
youtu.be/OpjV-melB-c
The 3 Waves of the RPG Moral Panic - RPG History
YouTube video by Seth Skorkowsky
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Behold! The massive RPG Moral Panic video I've been researching and assembling for years, and why people who call the whole affair the Satanic Panic are wrong.
I'm so damned happy to finally have this beast out of my system.
youtu.be/OpjV-melB-c
I'm so damned happy to finally have this beast out of my system.
youtu.be/OpjV-melB-c
It's not a fight until everyone is bloodied!
November 7, 2025 at 8:51 PM
It's not a fight until everyone is bloodied!
Reposted by Mike Mearls
No matter how hard people try to convince us having empathy is wrong,
it is right.
No matter how hard people try to convince us that diversity is a weakness,
it is a strength.
No matter how hard people try to convince us that love is limited,
it is unlimited.
it is right.
No matter how hard people try to convince us that diversity is a weakness,
it is a strength.
No matter how hard people try to convince us that love is limited,
it is unlimited.
November 4, 2025 at 2:55 AM
No matter how hard people try to convince us having empathy is wrong,
it is right.
No matter how hard people try to convince us that diversity is a weakness,
it is a strength.
No matter how hard people try to convince us that love is limited,
it is unlimited.
it is right.
No matter how hard people try to convince us that diversity is a weakness,
it is a strength.
No matter how hard people try to convince us that love is limited,
it is unlimited.
It’s been a good day. The pressure is on to deliver, but at least he’s getting the chance.
JUST IN: Mamdani, a democratic socialist and state assemblymember, will make history as the first Muslim and South Asian person — as well as the youngest in over a century — to serve as New York City mayor.
Mamdani wins New York City mayoral race, in a historic victory for progressives
Mamdani, a democratic socialist and state assemblymember, will make history as the first Muslim and South Asian person — as well as the youngest in over a century — to serve as New York City mayor.
n.pr
November 5, 2025 at 4:04 AM
It’s been a good day. The pressure is on to deliver, but at least he’s getting the chance.
Reposted by Mike Mearls
I address the first scandal of my political life—Momgate.
October 28, 2025 at 4:43 PM
I address the first scandal of my political life—Momgate.
5e has a metagame that we never talk about. The PHB provides the players with plenty of solutions to monsters. The Monster Manual... kind of ignores all of them? What if we thought about boss monsters as creatures equipped to deal with the realities of the PHB?
www.patreon.com/posts/boss-m...
www.patreon.com/posts/boss-m...
October 28, 2025 at 4:51 PM
5e has a metagame that we never talk about. The PHB provides the players with plenty of solutions to monsters. The Monster Manual... kind of ignores all of them? What if we thought about boss monsters as creatures equipped to deal with the realities of the PHB?
www.patreon.com/posts/boss-m...
www.patreon.com/posts/boss-m...
Reposted by Mike Mearls
A new adventure for RuneQuest! The Hunt for the Storm Calf is a stand-alone scenario that contains everything for a riveting adventure in the far east of Dragon Pass!
(And featuring vivid cover art by @ossihiekkala.bsky.social!)
(And featuring vivid cover art by @ossihiekkala.bsky.social!)
October 26, 2025 at 8:25 AM
A new adventure for RuneQuest! The Hunt for the Storm Calf is a stand-alone scenario that contains everything for a riveting adventure in the far east of Dragon Pass!
(And featuring vivid cover art by @ossihiekkala.bsky.social!)
(And featuring vivid cover art by @ossihiekkala.bsky.social!)
Reposted by Mike Mearls
We have a number of positions open within the D&D TRPG studio, including multiple Game Designer roles! If you're interested in joining our adventuring party, apply here and elsewhere on the Hasbro jobs portal: jobs.hasbro.com/job/Renton-G... #WOTCstaff #dnd
Game Designer - D&D
Game Designer - D&D
jobs.hasbro.com
October 19, 2025 at 8:16 PM
We have a number of positions open within the D&D TRPG studio, including multiple Game Designer roles! If you're interested in joining our adventuring party, apply here and elsewhere on the Hasbro jobs portal: jobs.hasbro.com/job/Renton-G... #WOTCstaff #dnd
I don't know this for sure, but it sounds right. 4e's flaw were all of process. There was never a design document or a single person who transparently managed design changes. It was a vibes-based approach.
Example: I think we had a month of design time for each of the first three adventures.
Example: I think we had a month of design time for each of the first three adventures.
I heard that just before 4e's release, someone (don't know who) decided that monsters didn't have enough HP and everything's HP was upped a significant amount (which then resulted in some painful HP bloat)- any truth to that bit of hearsay?
October 9, 2025 at 7:42 PM
I don't know this for sure, but it sounds right. 4e's flaw were all of process. There was never a design document or a single person who transparently managed design changes. It was a vibes-based approach.
Example: I think we had a month of design time for each of the first three adventures.
Example: I think we had a month of design time for each of the first three adventures.
If you run D&D 5e, you might find that your boss monsters die easily. There's actually a simple reason for that!
The game was built around the assumption that characters would engage in about 20 rounds of combat between long rests.
We were probably off by a factor of 5.
The game was built around the assumption that characters would engage in about 20 rounds of combat between long rests.
We were probably off by a factor of 5.
October 8, 2025 at 8:54 PM
If you run D&D 5e, you might find that your boss monsters die easily. There's actually a simple reason for that!
The game was built around the assumption that characters would engage in about 20 rounds of combat between long rests.
We were probably off by a factor of 5.
The game was built around the assumption that characters would engage in about 20 rounds of combat between long rests.
We were probably off by a factor of 5.
Reposted by Mike Mearls
THANK YOU, backers!
Only a few RPG crowdfunding campaigns not based on popular licenses or 5E have ever broken $1,000,000 in a crowdfunding campaign. We are beyond excited and humbled to see Cypher enter those ranks.
Thank you for making this an unforgettable campaign!
mymcg.info/cypher
Only a few RPG crowdfunding campaigns not based on popular licenses or 5E have ever broken $1,000,000 in a crowdfunding campaign. We are beyond excited and humbled to see Cypher enter those ranks.
Thank you for making this an unforgettable campaign!
mymcg.info/cypher
September 27, 2025 at 5:39 PM
THANK YOU, backers!
Only a few RPG crowdfunding campaigns not based on popular licenses or 5E have ever broken $1,000,000 in a crowdfunding campaign. We are beyond excited and humbled to see Cypher enter those ranks.
Thank you for making this an unforgettable campaign!
mymcg.info/cypher
Only a few RPG crowdfunding campaigns not based on popular licenses or 5E have ever broken $1,000,000 in a crowdfunding campaign. We are beyond excited and humbled to see Cypher enter those ranks.
Thank you for making this an unforgettable campaign!
mymcg.info/cypher
Reposted by Mike Mearls
omg a rare #WOTCStaff post from LaTia, could it be
in (almost) EXACTLY one (1) hour, I will be grilling @justiceraminarman.bsky.social on all things Heroes of the Borderlands, asking the hard-hitting (community sourced) questions that everyone wants the answers to.
you should come join us :)
in (almost) EXACTLY one (1) hour, I will be grilling @justiceraminarman.bsky.social on all things Heroes of the Borderlands, asking the hard-hitting (community sourced) questions that everyone wants the answers to.
you should come join us :)
Join the Dungeons & Dragons Discord Server!
The official server for the world’s greatest roleplaying game. Adventurers welcome! | 256790 members
discord.gg
September 17, 2025 at 5:01 PM
omg a rare #WOTCStaff post from LaTia, could it be
in (almost) EXACTLY one (1) hour, I will be grilling @justiceraminarman.bsky.social on all things Heroes of the Borderlands, asking the hard-hitting (community sourced) questions that everyone wants the answers to.
you should come join us :)
in (almost) EXACTLY one (1) hour, I will be grilling @justiceraminarman.bsky.social on all things Heroes of the Borderlands, asking the hard-hitting (community sourced) questions that everyone wants the answers to.
you should come join us :)
Reposted by Mike Mearls
Hello travellers! Inspired by MCDM's new Draw Steel adventure, this is my take on the Delian Tomb! This is fan art and not endorsed by MCDM in any way. Let me know what you think of the Knightly tomb.
September 10, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Hello travellers! Inspired by MCDM's new Draw Steel adventure, this is my take on the Delian Tomb! This is fan art and not endorsed by MCDM in any way. Let me know what you think of the Knightly tomb.
Most TTRPGs rely on vibes to function. Players and GMs get a vague understanding of how the game works and dive into play. When writing a game, consider how you can make Team Vibes and Team I Actually Read the Goddamn Book play nice.
www.patreon.com/posts/simpli...
www.patreon.com/posts/simpli...
Simplified 5e: Curating Spells | Mike Mearls Games
Get more from Mike Mearls Games on Patreon
www.patreon.com
August 29, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Most TTRPGs rely on vibes to function. Players and GMs get a vague understanding of how the game works and dive into play. When writing a game, consider how you can make Team Vibes and Team I Actually Read the Goddamn Book play nice.
www.patreon.com/posts/simpli...
www.patreon.com/posts/simpli...
Reposted by Mike Mearls
Dippin’ Dots is the most post apocalyptic of desserts because, as the “ice cream of the future” they imply something terrible happened to our ice cream of the present
August 8, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Dippin’ Dots is the most post apocalyptic of desserts because, as the “ice cream of the future” they imply something terrible happened to our ice cream of the present
Reposted by Mike Mearls
stories like this are basically free ads for Mamdani's campaign.
"NYC’s developers and landlords are in a mad scramble to block the socialist who wants to freeze rent. Zohran Mamdani struck fear across the business community...phones across the real-estate industry are ringing almost nonstop as panicked executives scrape together their contingency plans."
NYC Developers Gripped by Hysteria After Mamdani’s Sudden Rise
The reaction is a sign of how hard Mamdani will have to work to win over New York’s economic establishment after winning the Democratic primary for mayor.
www.wsj.com
June 27, 2025 at 1:26 AM
stories like this are basically free ads for Mamdani's campaign.
Reposted by Mike Mearls
he should be making merch RIGHT NOW
I'm not sure this nickname will have the impact they think it will
June 27, 2025 at 12:56 AM
he should be making merch RIGHT NOW
Backgrounds in 5e are fun, but after character creation they don't do a lot. For Odyssey, I want to make them to carry forward a bit better.
www.patreon.com/posts/backgr...
www.patreon.com/posts/backgr...
Background Check | Mike Mearls Games
Get more from Mike Mearls Games on Patreon
www.patreon.com
June 17, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Backgrounds in 5e are fun, but after character creation they don't do a lot. For Odyssey, I want to make them to carry forward a bit better.
www.patreon.com/posts/backgr...
www.patreon.com/posts/backgr...
Reposted by Mike Mearls
Happy Mothership Day 👽
Seven years ago today the Mothership Player’s Survival Guide debuted at Origins 2018! We only printed 50 copies and made a single post advertising it on G+ (rip). We sold out that weekend and it’s been an insane ride ever since. Thank you.
Seven years ago today the Mothership Player’s Survival Guide debuted at Origins 2018! We only printed 50 copies and made a single post advertising it on G+ (rip). We sold out that weekend and it’s been an insane ride ever since. Thank you.
June 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Happy Mothership Day 👽
Seven years ago today the Mothership Player’s Survival Guide debuted at Origins 2018! We only printed 50 copies and made a single post advertising it on G+ (rip). We sold out that weekend and it’s been an insane ride ever since. Thank you.
Seven years ago today the Mothership Player’s Survival Guide debuted at Origins 2018! We only printed 50 copies and made a single post advertising it on G+ (rip). We sold out that weekend and it’s been an insane ride ever since. Thank you.
Over on Patreon, I redesigned sneak attack so it no longer peters out past tier 1. The basic changes:
* Turn sneak attack into a resource pool spent each turn.
* Give the rogue more attacks.
www.patreon.com/posts/rethin...
* Turn sneak attack into a resource pool spent each turn.
* Give the rogue more attacks.
www.patreon.com/posts/rethin...
Rethinking Sneak Attack in 5e | Mike Mearls Games
Get more from Mike Mearls Games on Patreon
www.patreon.com
June 10, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Over on Patreon, I redesigned sneak attack so it no longer peters out past tier 1. The basic changes:
* Turn sneak attack into a resource pool spent each turn.
* Give the rogue more attacks.
www.patreon.com/posts/rethin...
* Turn sneak attack into a resource pool spent each turn.
* Give the rogue more attacks.
www.patreon.com/posts/rethin...
Reposted by Mike Mearls
Congratulations to Ashraf Braden, Diana Jones Award Emerging Designer!
Ashraf Braden is best known for Legends of Uganda, a DCC zine dedicated to bringing Ugandan myths and urban legends to the gaming table.
Read more: goodman-games.com/congratulati...
Ashraf Braden is best known for Legends of Uganda, a DCC zine dedicated to bringing Ugandan myths and urban legends to the gaming table.
Read more: goodman-games.com/congratulati...
June 5, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Congratulations to Ashraf Braden, Diana Jones Award Emerging Designer!
Ashraf Braden is best known for Legends of Uganda, a DCC zine dedicated to bringing Ugandan myths and urban legends to the gaming table.
Read more: goodman-games.com/congratulati...
Ashraf Braden is best known for Legends of Uganda, a DCC zine dedicated to bringing Ugandan myths and urban legends to the gaming table.
Read more: goodman-games.com/congratulati...
I know multiple DMs running Drakkenheim, and every one of them has had nothing but great things to say about it.
If you're still sleeping on Dungeons of Drakkenheim, wake up! I've probably run about ten 5e campaigns at this point and Drakkenheim is the most DM friendly, hands down. This is a book written by Dungeon Masters for Dungeon Masters.
youtu.be/sYeUWzoYuDc?...
youtu.be/sYeUWzoYuDc?...
Monsters of Drakkenheim is available NOW!
YouTube video by Dungeon Dudes
youtu.be
June 4, 2025 at 1:44 AM
I know multiple DMs running Drakkenheim, and every one of them has had nothing but great things to say about it.
Reposted by Mike Mearls
Tabletop Gaymers turns 10! We’re kicking off our anniversary celebration at Origins, June 18–22. It all starts with a fabulous party sponsored by @settlersofcatan! Join us for a celebration of LGBTQIA+ visibility and joy in tabletop gaming. Stay tuned for party details! #TabletopGaymers10 #CATAN
May 31, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Tabletop Gaymers turns 10! We’re kicking off our anniversary celebration at Origins, June 18–22. It all starts with a fabulous party sponsored by @settlersofcatan! Join us for a celebration of LGBTQIA+ visibility and joy in tabletop gaming. Stay tuned for party details! #TabletopGaymers10 #CATAN
Easily the best monster book I've seen. We could put it on every top 10 list published for the next 5 years and I'd still call it underrated.
No need for panic. We'll have The Monster Overhaul at PAX East, Origins Game Fair, and Gen Con, but otherwise we're down to our last 63 of the third printing. Fourth printing should arrive by the end of May.
www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/The-Mo...
www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/The-Mo...
May 6, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Easily the best monster book I've seen. We could put it on every top 10 list published for the next 5 years and I'd still call it underrated.
Reposted by Mike Mearls
i hope Trump watches Escape from New York next and asks for Manhattan to be returned to its 1997 state: a walled maximum security prison containing only prisoners and the worlds they have made.
May 6, 2025 at 12:27 AM
i hope Trump watches Escape from New York next and asks for Manhattan to be returned to its 1997 state: a walled maximum security prison containing only prisoners and the worlds they have made.