Marco A. Torres
@monarcwriter.bsky.social
Educator, writer, game designer. Here to promote my work, connect with others, and share the occasional musing on games, shows, pop culture, and education.
monarcwriter.substack.com
monarcwriter.carrd.co
monarcwriter.substack.com
monarcwriter.carrd.co
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Marco A. Torres
@monarcwriter.bsky.social
· Sep 27
MonarcWriter Storytelling Games Newsletter | Substack
The official newsletter of MonarcWriter Storytelling games! Game Design diaries, game reviews, and highlights of small press/self-published tabletop games. Click to read MonarcWriter Storytelling Game...
monarcwriter.substack.com
I just started a TTRPG newsletter. I’ll be writing designer diaries and announcements for my games, what inspires my design and play styles, and reviews of indie/small press games.
Mostly, it’s something to connect with and support my fellow players and designers.
monarcwriter.substack.com
Mostly, it’s something to connect with and support my fellow players and designers.
monarcwriter.substack.com
A review of the charming “Seasons of Magic” by @dungeonofthedragon.bsky.social (Chaosium’s 2024 BRP Challenge winner) in this week’s newsletter. Also, updates and a sale on school-themed MonarcWriter games!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/game-revie...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/game-revie...
Game Review: “Seasons of Magic”
Updates and sales from MonarcWriter, plus a review of “Seasons of Magic”!
monarcwriter.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:05 PM
A review of the charming “Seasons of Magic” by @dungeonofthedragon.bsky.social (Chaosium’s 2024 BRP Challenge winner) in this week’s newsletter. Also, updates and a sale on school-themed MonarcWriter games!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/game-revie...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/game-revie...
“Good Nature Scenario Decks” is today’s Deal of the Day on DrivethruCards! 80% off!
Designed to teach cooperation and social skills to kids, and great for the classroom! The cards are a great way for kids to run the game with minimal assistance.
www.drivethrucards.com/en/product/5...
Designed to teach cooperation and social skills to kids, and great for the classroom! The cards are a great way for kids to run the game with minimal assistance.
www.drivethrucards.com/en/product/5...
Good Nature Scenario Decks - MonarcWriter | DriveThruCards
GOOD NATURE is a cooperative storytelling game that uses simple dice-matching mechanics and journaling to encourage collaboration and creative problem-solving. It is designed to teach social skills in...
www.drivethrucards.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:15 PM
“Good Nature Scenario Decks” is today’s Deal of the Day on DrivethruCards! 80% off!
Designed to teach cooperation and social skills to kids, and great for the classroom! The cards are a great way for kids to run the game with minimal assistance.
www.drivethrucards.com/en/product/5...
Designed to teach cooperation and social skills to kids, and great for the classroom! The cards are a great way for kids to run the game with minimal assistance.
www.drivethrucards.com/en/product/5...
I finished painting my first set of Marvel United miniatures last weekend. It’s a lot of fun and very relaxing. My kiddo even helped with some of them! Yeah, this is my new hobby…
January 27, 2026 at 9:56 PM
I finished painting my first set of Marvel United miniatures last weekend. It’s a lot of fun and very relaxing. My kiddo even helped with some of them! Yeah, this is my new hobby…
I got a few board games with minis as Christmas gifts over the holidays, so I purchased some Speed Paints to color them and I guess I have a new hobby now.
January 17, 2026 at 5:16 AM
I got a few board games with minis as Christmas gifts over the holidays, so I purchased some Speed Paints to color them and I guess I have a new hobby now.
My local library has a maker space with free 3D printing. I have been having way too much fun printing up organizers and mods for my tabletop games over the last few weeks!
January 15, 2026 at 4:40 PM
My local library has a maker space with free 3D printing. I have been having way too much fun printing up organizers and mods for my tabletop games over the last few weeks!
A look back at MonarcWriter’s games, projects, and accomplishments from 2025; and a look ahead at games and projects in development for the new year in this week’s newsletter.
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/monarcwrit...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/monarcwrit...
MonarcWriter 2025 Highlights / 2026 Plans
A look back at highlights from 2025, and thoughts on what’s to come for MonarcWriter in 2026!
monarcwriter.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:18 PM
A look back at MonarcWriter’s games, projects, and accomplishments from 2025; and a look ahead at games and projects in development for the new year in this week’s newsletter.
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/monarcwrit...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/monarcwrit...
Reposted by Marco A. Torres
My games and books are all on sale!
50% off if you get the everything bundle, 30% off individual titles, and funds earned goes toward supporting TTRPGkids projects!
itch.io/s/170244/bla...
50% off if you get the everything bundle, 30% off individual titles, and funds earned goes toward supporting TTRPGkids projects!
itch.io/s/170244/bla...
November 28, 2025 at 2:18 PM
My games and books are all on sale!
50% off if you get the everything bundle, 30% off individual titles, and funds earned goes toward supporting TTRPGkids projects!
itch.io/s/170244/bla...
50% off if you get the everything bundle, 30% off individual titles, and funds earned goes toward supporting TTRPGkids projects!
itch.io/s/170244/bla...
The final set of reviews from @dmsguild.com’s recent Game Jam in this week’s MonarcWriter newsletter. 5 more adventures featuring Baldur’s Gate!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
Baldur’s Gate Game Jam 2025 Reviews - Week 3
Final batch of reviews from DMsGuild’s 2025 Baldur’s Gate Game Jam! This week, 5 more adventures!
monarcwriter.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The final set of reviews from @dmsguild.com’s recent Game Jam in this week’s MonarcWriter newsletter. 5 more adventures featuring Baldur’s Gate!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
@dmsguild.com is also having their Black Friday sale, including my newest collaborative release, The Sorcerer's Slam Book, at its lowest price ever! Pick up this amazing Strixhaven anthology by 9 amazing game designers at a 30% discount!
www.dmsguild.com/en/product/5...
www.dmsguild.com/en/product/5...
The Sorcerer's Slam Book - Dungeon Masters Guild | Dungeon Masters Guild
Lifelong Friends and Bitter Rivals! Who is Who at Strixhaven U?
The students of Strixhaven University lead lives full of aspiration, magic, and drama! Get to know them with this collection of relation...
www.dmsguild.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:02 PM
@dmsguild.com is also having their Black Friday sale, including my newest collaborative release, The Sorcerer's Slam Book, at its lowest price ever! Pick up this amazing Strixhaven anthology by 9 amazing game designers at a 30% discount!
www.dmsguild.com/en/product/5...
www.dmsguild.com/en/product/5...
Black Friday Sale at DrivethruRPG! All of my original games and card decks are currently at 30% off as part of @drivethrurpg.com’s Black Friday Sale! Pick up a copy of Good Nature, Into the Starlit Sky, Vanity, GEMS, or A Dream of Thorns and Roses!
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher...
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher...
November 25, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Black Friday Sale at DrivethruRPG! All of my original games and card decks are currently at 30% off as part of @drivethrurpg.com’s Black Friday Sale! Pick up a copy of Good Nature, Into the Starlit Sky, Vanity, GEMS, or A Dream of Thorns and Roses!
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher...
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher...
Reposted by Marco A. Torres
This review roundup of the Game Jam made my day! The section on The Gate’s Old Wound captures the adventure so well. Give it a read and check out the other amazing creators who took part!
More reviews of projects from @dmsguild.com recent Game Jam in this week’s MonarcWriter newsletter. 4 more adventures and 2 more supplements featuring Baldur’s Gate!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
Baldur’s Gate Game Jam 2025 Reviews - Week 2
More reviews of DMsGuild’s 2025 Baldur’s Gate Game Jam! This week, 6 more adventures and supplements!
monarcwriter.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:02 PM
This review roundup of the Game Jam made my day! The section on The Gate’s Old Wound captures the adventure so well. Give it a read and check out the other amazing creators who took part!
More reviews of projects from @dmsguild.com recent Game Jam in this week’s MonarcWriter newsletter. 4 more adventures and 2 more supplements featuring Baldur’s Gate!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
Baldur’s Gate Game Jam 2025 Reviews - Week 2
More reviews of DMsGuild’s 2025 Baldur’s Gate Game Jam! This week, 6 more adventures and supplements!
monarcwriter.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:21 PM
More reviews of projects from @dmsguild.com recent Game Jam in this week’s MonarcWriter newsletter. 4 more adventures and 2 more supplements featuring Baldur’s Gate!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
You can help me support Team Feed and donate to Feeding America here:
teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/participants...
I committed to releasing previews of my game, “A Name For Nobody,” for every $50 milestone of donations. With over $100 raised so far, here are the first two previews!
teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/participants...
I committed to releasing previews of my game, “A Name For Nobody,” for every $50 milestone of donations. With over $100 raised so far, here are the first two previews!
November 18, 2025 at 6:47 PM
You can help me support Team Feed and donate to Feeding America here:
teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/participants...
I committed to releasing previews of my game, “A Name For Nobody,” for every $50 milestone of donations. With over $100 raised so far, here are the first two previews!
teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/participants...
I committed to releasing previews of my game, “A Name For Nobody,” for every $50 milestone of donations. With over $100 raised so far, here are the first two previews!
Reposted by Marco A. Torres
The Mystery Business (by @lysander03.bsky.social) and Good Nature (by @monarcwriter.bsky.social) are on sale right now!
Find my reviews below with links to the sale pages!
The Mystery Business:
www.ttrpgkids.com/2024/03/07/r...
Good Nature:
www.ttrpgkids.com/2022/09/28/r...
Find my reviews below with links to the sale pages!
The Mystery Business:
www.ttrpgkids.com/2024/03/07/r...
Good Nature:
www.ttrpgkids.com/2022/09/28/r...
November 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM
The Mystery Business (by @lysander03.bsky.social) and Good Nature (by @monarcwriter.bsky.social) are on sale right now!
Find my reviews below with links to the sale pages!
The Mystery Business:
www.ttrpgkids.com/2024/03/07/r...
Good Nature:
www.ttrpgkids.com/2022/09/28/r...
Find my reviews below with links to the sale pages!
The Mystery Business:
www.ttrpgkids.com/2024/03/07/r...
Good Nature:
www.ttrpgkids.com/2022/09/28/r...
All month long, the MonarcWriter newsletter will be reviewing and highlighting projects from DMsGuild’s recent Game Jam. This first week of reviews features 4 adventures and 2 supplements set in Baldur’s Gate!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
Baldur’s Gate Game Jam 2025 Reviews - Week 1
Reviews of DMsGuild’s 2025 Baldur’s Gate Game Jam! This week, 4 adventures and 2 supplements!
monarcwriter.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:33 PM
All month long, the MonarcWriter newsletter will be reviewing and highlighting projects from DMsGuild’s recent Game Jam. This first week of reviews features 4 adventures and 2 supplements set in Baldur’s Gate!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/baldurs-ga...
The first week of the Feeding America fundraiser has brought in over $100 of donations! Here's a preview of the game I'm writing for donations:
A Name For Nobody
“Explore a realm of folktales in search of your stolen name, while bringing hope to the forgotten by granting them names of their own.”
A Name For Nobody
“Explore a realm of folktales in search of your stolen name, while bringing hope to the forgotten by granting them names of their own.”
November 7, 2025 at 6:42 PM
The first week of the Feeding America fundraiser has brought in over $100 of donations! Here's a preview of the game I'm writing for donations:
A Name For Nobody
“Explore a realm of folktales in search of your stolen name, while bringing hope to the forgotten by granting them names of their own.”
A Name For Nobody
“Explore a realm of folktales in search of your stolen name, while bringing hope to the forgotten by granting them names of their own.”
I've joined @storytellingco.bsky.social to help end hunger in America by supporting Team Feed. Support by donating any amount! If I reach my goal: I'll create a deck of cards for the game I'm writing, available to all donors as thanks!
teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/participants...
teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/participants...
I'm supporting Feeding America!
To feed America’s hungry through food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger
teamfeed.feedingamerica.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:55 PM
I've joined @storytellingco.bsky.social to help end hunger in America by supporting Team Feed. Support by donating any amount! If I reach my goal: I'll create a deck of cards for the game I'm writing, available to all donors as thanks!
teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/participants...
teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/participants...
For the MonarcWriter Halloween newsletter, I look back at the design process for my fairy-tale horror game, "Vanity: Glass & Stone." Also: a new release, a Halloween sale, and a charity fundraiser!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/design-dia...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/design-dia...
Design Diary: Vanity - Glass & Stone
A look at the design process for my horror game, Vanity: Glass & Stone. Also: A new release, Halloween sale, and a charity fundraiser!
monarcwriter.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:16 PM
For the MonarcWriter Halloween newsletter, I look back at the design process for my fairy-tale horror game, "Vanity: Glass & Stone." Also: a new release, a Halloween sale, and a charity fundraiser!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/design-dia...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/design-dia...
Reposted by Marco A. Torres
I wrote a lil summer camp foray in this. :D
The Sorcerer’s Slam Book is now available @dmsguild.com!
9 designers have crafted this collection of over 100 pages of Relationship-focused encounters for the “Fellow Student” NPCs from Strixhaven.
To celebrate, a 25% discount is available for a limited time!
site.dmsguild.com/product/5412...
9 designers have crafted this collection of over 100 pages of Relationship-focused encounters for the “Fellow Student” NPCs from Strixhaven.
To celebrate, a 25% discount is available for a limited time!
site.dmsguild.com/product/5412...
The Sorcerer's Slam Book - Dungeon Masters Guild | Dungeon Masters Guild
Special Release Week discount: Click here for 25% off!
Lifelong Friends and Bitter Rivals! Who is Who at Strixhaven U?
site.dmsguild.com
October 20, 2025 at 6:46 PM
I wrote a lil summer camp foray in this. :D
The Sorcerer’s Slam Book is now available @dmsguild.com!
9 designers have crafted this collection of over 100 pages of Relationship-focused encounters for the “Fellow Student” NPCs from Strixhaven.
To celebrate, a 25% discount is available for a limited time!
site.dmsguild.com/product/5412...
9 designers have crafted this collection of over 100 pages of Relationship-focused encounters for the “Fellow Student” NPCs from Strixhaven.
To celebrate, a 25% discount is available for a limited time!
site.dmsguild.com/product/5412...
The Sorcerer's Slam Book - Dungeon Masters Guild | Dungeon Masters Guild
Special Release Week discount: Click here for 25% off!
Lifelong Friends and Bitter Rivals! Who is Who at Strixhaven U?
site.dmsguild.com
October 20, 2025 at 6:44 PM
The Sorcerer’s Slam Book is now available @dmsguild.com!
9 designers have crafted this collection of over 100 pages of Relationship-focused encounters for the “Fellow Student” NPCs from Strixhaven.
To celebrate, a 25% discount is available for a limited time!
site.dmsguild.com/product/5412...
9 designers have crafted this collection of over 100 pages of Relationship-focused encounters for the “Fellow Student” NPCs from Strixhaven.
To celebrate, a 25% discount is available for a limited time!
site.dmsguild.com/product/5412...
I recently adapted two of my card-based TTRPGs (GEMS and Vanity) to be playable in Tabletop Simulator! I write about the process in this week’s newsletter, and share links to add the games to TTS for free!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/design-dia...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/design-dia...
Design Diary: Adapting Card-based TTRPGs for Tabletop Simulator
This week, a discussion on the process of adapting card-based TTRPGs for play in Tabletop Simulator. Plus, links to add two of my games to TTS for free!
monarcwriter.substack.com
October 3, 2025 at 7:04 PM
I recently adapted two of my card-based TTRPGs (GEMS and Vanity) to be playable in Tabletop Simulator! I write about the process in this week’s newsletter, and share links to add the games to TTS for free!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/design-dia...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/design-dia...
I have a few books in the Strixhaven sale going on at @dmsguild.com right now! Look for “Fantastic Field Studies” and “Fantasy Couture for Magical Galas” at big discounts!
School is now in session...the Strixhaven September Sale is on now!
Shop deals here: tinyurl.com/bddm7dd7
Includes A Syllabus of Sorcery, Strixhaven Faculty Handbook, Mimsy's Strixhaven Shop of Treasures, The Pub that Crawls, and more!
#dnd5e #dungeonsanddragons #ttrpgs
Shop deals here: tinyurl.com/bddm7dd7
Includes A Syllabus of Sorcery, Strixhaven Faculty Handbook, Mimsy's Strixhaven Shop of Treasures, The Pub that Crawls, and more!
#dnd5e #dungeonsanddragons #ttrpgs
September 20, 2025 at 11:38 PM
I have a few books in the Strixhaven sale going on at @dmsguild.com right now! Look for “Fantastic Field Studies” and “Fantasy Couture for Magical Galas” at big discounts!
The MonarcWriter newsletter is back from its summer hiatus! This week, I reflect on a year of reviews of TTRPGs and writing about game design and my creative process. Also, some highlights from my summer!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/news-anniv...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/news-anniv...
News: Anniversary & Summer Highlights
A look ahead to Year 2 of the newsletter, and some news and highlights from MonarcWriter’s summer activities!
monarcwriter.substack.com
September 19, 2025 at 4:22 PM
The MonarcWriter newsletter is back from its summer hiatus! This week, I reflect on a year of reviews of TTRPGs and writing about game design and my creative process. Also, some highlights from my summer!
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/news-anniv...
monarcwriter.substack.com/p/news-anniv...
Reposted by Marco A. Torres
ICYMI, yesterday the pre-launch page went live for Little but Fierce, the rewrite of D&D 5th Edition for kids as young as six.
Please share with parents, teachers and other guardians of small people :)
www.kickstarter.com/projects/dcb...
Please share with parents, teachers and other guardians of small people :)
www.kickstarter.com/projects/dcb...
Coming soon: Little but Fierce: Streamlined 5E for Children of All Ages
Little but Fierce is a rewrite of 5th Edition with streamlined rules, simplified language and a family friendly tone
www.kickstarter.com
August 29, 2025 at 2:43 PM
ICYMI, yesterday the pre-launch page went live for Little but Fierce, the rewrite of D&D 5th Edition for kids as young as six.
Please share with parents, teachers and other guardians of small people :)
www.kickstarter.com/projects/dcb...
Please share with parents, teachers and other guardians of small people :)
www.kickstarter.com/projects/dcb...
Took my kid to a K-Pop Demon Hunters sing-along showing today.
We already loved the movie, but watching it with such an energetic crowd who sang along to every lyric with their whole heart was such a joyful experience!
We already loved the movie, but watching it with such an energetic crowd who sang along to every lyric with their whole heart was such a joyful experience!
August 24, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Took my kid to a K-Pop Demon Hunters sing-along showing today.
We already loved the movie, but watching it with such an energetic crowd who sang along to every lyric with their whole heart was such a joyful experience!
We already loved the movie, but watching it with such an energetic crowd who sang along to every lyric with their whole heart was such a joyful experience!