Play On Words Studios
@playonwords.bsky.social
Independent Game Studio
One World. Many Stories.
Shadow City Mysteries | Clockwork Noir
https://linktr.ee/playonwordsstudios
One World. Many Stories.
Shadow City Mysteries | Clockwork Noir
https://linktr.ee/playonwordsstudios
Reposted by Play On Words Studios
ONIGAMI
A Tabletop RPG of shinobi, monsters and wicked powers by Emanoel Melo and Luigi Calistrato.
SOON
A Tabletop RPG of shinobi, monsters and wicked powers by Emanoel Melo and Luigi Calistrato.
SOON
February 20, 2026 at 4:03 PM
ONIGAMI
A Tabletop RPG of shinobi, monsters and wicked powers by Emanoel Melo and Luigi Calistrato.
SOON
A Tabletop RPG of shinobi, monsters and wicked powers by Emanoel Melo and Luigi Calistrato.
SOON
Reposted by Play On Words Studios
This is how I finally understood that the point of gen AI is to play SimMiddleManager.
Token Anxiety
i think i mostly echo this for myself. with so much that can be done, i often feel like i *should* be doing something, always
i think i mostly echo this for myself. with so much that can be done, i often feel like i *should* be doing something, always
February 15, 2026 at 5:48 PM
This is how I finally understood that the point of gen AI is to play SimMiddleManager.
Matthew Asa Bell: Matthew is an actor, gamer, and father based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a love for sharing and telling stories.
Read more ‘‰ https://lttr.ai/AoEGm
#ActualPlay #TTRPG #ShadowCityMysteries
February 10, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Matthew Asa Bell: Matthew is an actor, gamer, and father based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a love for sharing and telling stories.
Read more ‘‰ https://lttr.ai/AoEGm
#ActualPlay #TTRPG #ShadowCityMysteries
Farank Tern (he/him) New to the job and eager to make a good impression, Farank reads the room, keeps conversations cool, and works to steer the family clear of trouble while keeping his own head above water. Played by Matthew Asa Bell.
Read more ‘‰ https://lttr.ai/AoBSp
#ActualPlay #TTRPG
February 9, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Farank Tern (he/him) New to the job and eager to make a good impression, Farank reads the room, keeps conversations cool, and works to steer the family clear of trouble while keeping his own head above water. Played by Matthew Asa Bell.
Read more ‘‰ https://lttr.ai/AoBSp
#ActualPlay #TTRPG
House of Skye weaves high society politics with the grit of street-level desperation. Grand balls echo with whispered betrayals and carefully veiled threats while back alleys churn with rumors that could topple dynasties.
Read more ‘‰ https://lttr.ai/AoACW
#ActualPlay #ShadowCityMysteries
February 9, 2026 at 4:15 AM
House of Skye weaves high society politics with the grit of street-level desperation. Grand balls echo with whispered betrayals and carefully veiled threats while back alleys churn with rumors that could topple dynasties.
Read more ‘‰ https://lttr.ai/AoACW
#ActualPlay #ShadowCityMysteries
An urban legend given flesh, The Smoker is the whispered puppeteer of Shadow City, his “case files” detail every secret, scandal, and power play.
Read more 👉 https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-8-spotlight-on-rise-of-the-rat-king-characters
Read more 👉 https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-8-spotlight-on-rise-of-the-rat-king-characters
February 2, 2026 at 12:41 AM
An urban legend given flesh, The Smoker is the whispered puppeteer of Shadow City, his “case files” detail every secret, scandal, and power play.
Read more 👉 https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-8-spotlight-on-rise-of-the-rat-king-characters
Read more 👉 https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-8-spotlight-on-rise-of-the-rat-king-characters
The Society of Ravens is Shadow City’s hidden aristocracy, few in number but unrivaled in wealth and influence. Membership is usually inherited, but exceptional newcomers can earn an invitation.
Read more 👉 https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-7-faction-spotlight-for-scm-the-roleplayi
Read more 👉 https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-7-faction-spotlight-for-scm-the-roleplayi
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
The Society of Ravens is Shadow City’s hidden aristocracy, few in number but unrivaled in wealth and influence. Membership is usually inherited, but exceptional newcomers can earn an invitation.
Read more 👉 https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-7-faction-spotlight-for-scm-the-roleplayi
Read more 👉 https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-7-faction-spotlight-for-scm-the-roleplayi
Prismatic alignment at level 20 lets them invoke multiple color effects at once, granting invisibility to allies whose minds are unprepared while unleashing Prismatic Spray on a horror beyond sight.
Read more ‘‰ https://lttr.ai/AnQhf
#TTRPG #ShadowCityMysteries #GameDesign
January 21, 2026 at 4:53 AM
Prismatic alignment at level 20 lets them invoke multiple color effects at once, granting invisibility to allies whose minds are unprepared while unleashing Prismatic Spray on a horror beyond sight.
Read more ‘‰ https://lttr.ai/AnQhf
#TTRPG #ShadowCityMysteries #GameDesign
Known only by his title, the Rat King is Soreta’s underworld leader and the most feared criminal in Shadow City. His rule was built on brutality, precision, and an understanding of power that leaves little room for mercy. Few would dare challenge him, and fewer still would survive the attempt.
January 17, 2026 at 10:14 AM
Known only by his title, the Rat King is Soreta’s underworld leader and the most feared criminal in Shadow City. His rule was built on brutality, precision, and an understanding of power that leaves little room for mercy. Few would dare challenge him, and fewer still would survive the attempt.
Mystic (Wisdom) Spellcaster of the unseen: you tame the monochrome magic of Shadow City, attuning between stances to unlock otherworldly powers.
Read more ‘‰ https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-6-diving-into-classes-scm-the-roleplaying-game
January 16, 2026 at 12:54 AM
Mystic (Wisdom) Spellcaster of the unseen: you tame the monochrome magic of Shadow City, attuning between stances to unlock otherworldly powers.
Read more ‘‰ https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-6-diving-into-classes-scm-the-roleplaying-game
Elys Swift is the owner of the Curiosity Shop, a narrow little place tucked away on a street that seems to appear only when you are looking for something you cannot name. A devoted member of the Cult of Tenebrous, she trades in rare artifacts and the kind of trinkets that have stories.
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
January 15, 2026 at 11:07 AM
Elys Swift is the owner of the Curiosity Shop, a narrow little place tucked away on a street that seems to appear only when you are looking for something you cannot name. A devoted member of the Cult of Tenebrous, she trades in rare artifacts and the kind of trinkets that have stories.
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
When a rival faction clamps down on the party’s influence project, Sneaky Influence spends Sneak Attack dice to reclaim Progress, undermining competitors without ever picking a fight in broad daylight.
Read more 👉 https://lttr.ai/AgmG6
#ShadowCityMysteries #TTRPG #GameDesign
Read more 👉 https://lttr.ai/AgmG6
#ShadowCityMysteries #TTRPG #GameDesign
January 13, 2026 at 11:01 PM
When a rival faction clamps down on the party’s influence project, Sneaky Influence spends Sneak Attack dice to reclaim Progress, undermining competitors without ever picking a fight in broad daylight.
Read more 👉 https://lttr.ai/AgmG6
#ShadowCityMysteries #TTRPG #GameDesign
Read more 👉 https://lttr.ai/AgmG6
#ShadowCityMysteries #TTRPG #GameDesign
Jalithai Winters is the polished face of the Society of Ravens, a politician who can move between council chambers and glittering galas without missing a beat. Born into wealth and privilege, she has never known a day without comfort, and she wears it like armor.
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
January 12, 2026 at 6:56 AM
Jalithai Winters is the polished face of the Society of Ravens, a politician who can move between council chambers and glittering galas without missing a beat. Born into wealth and privilege, she has never known a day without comfort, and she wears it like armor.
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
Makers are some of the toughest people around. It’s hard to make a living in Shadow City without long nights and grueling days. Those folks that would take the mantle of “artisans” and build things that seem safe have put blood, sweat, and tears into their works.
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
January 12, 2026 at 6:53 AM
Makers are some of the toughest people around. It’s hard to make a living in Shadow City without long nights and grueling days. Those folks that would take the mantle of “artisans” and build things that seem safe have put blood, sweat, and tears into their works.
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
Join us tonight at 9 PM Eastern on Twitch and YouTube for a special episode of Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye.
GM Christopher Mifsud runs two one-on-one sessions blending in-character play with out-of-character discussion.
Katie Downey joins first as Quinn, followed by Mandy as Raven.
GM Christopher Mifsud runs two one-on-one sessions blending in-character play with out-of-character discussion.
Katie Downey joins first as Quinn, followed by Mandy as Raven.
January 12, 2026 at 6:48 AM
Join us tonight at 9 PM Eastern on Twitch and YouTube for a special episode of Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye.
GM Christopher Mifsud runs two one-on-one sessions blending in-character play with out-of-character discussion.
Katie Downey joins first as Quinn, followed by Mandy as Raven.
GM Christopher Mifsud runs two one-on-one sessions blending in-character play with out-of-character discussion.
Katie Downey joins first as Quinn, followed by Mandy as Raven.
In the game, characters may consult these very same monochrome cards to glean insights about conspiracies and hidden plots. Meanwhile, on your own table, you can replicate that experience by performing actual Tarot readings.
Read more ‘‰ https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-5-spotlight
January 11, 2026 at 11:39 PM
In the game, characters may consult these very same monochrome cards to glean insights about conspiracies and hidden plots. Meanwhile, on your own table, you can replicate that experience by performing actual Tarot readings.
Read more ‘‰ https://playonwordsstudios.com/dev-blog/f/dev-blog-5-spotlight
Live tonight at 9 PM ET on Twitch and YouTube.
Special House of Skye episode of Shadow City Mysteries featuring one-on-one sessions with Matthew Bell as Farank and Matt Walsh as Ignatus.
In character play, out of character discussion, and Level 3 subclass choices live.
#ActualPlay
Special House of Skye episode of Shadow City Mysteries featuring one-on-one sessions with Matthew Bell as Farank and Matt Walsh as Ignatus.
In character play, out of character discussion, and Level 3 subclass choices live.
#ActualPlay
January 10, 2026 at 1:29 PM
Live tonight at 9 PM ET on Twitch and YouTube.
Special House of Skye episode of Shadow City Mysteries featuring one-on-one sessions with Matthew Bell as Farank and Matt Walsh as Ignatus.
In character play, out of character discussion, and Level 3 subclass choices live.
#ActualPlay
Special House of Skye episode of Shadow City Mysteries featuring one-on-one sessions with Matthew Bell as Farank and Matt Walsh as Ignatus.
In character play, out of character discussion, and Level 3 subclass choices live.
#ActualPlay
Savants are the smartest folks in Shadow City, or at least the ones that insist on everyone knowing it. It’s hard to keep such prodigious minds from wandering across a multitude of disciplines, and even the most strait-laced among them pick up a tremendous store of clever tricks.
#ttrpg
#ttrpg
January 10, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Savants are the smartest folks in Shadow City, or at least the ones that insist on everyone knowing it. It’s hard to keep such prodigious minds from wandering across a multitude of disciplines, and even the most strait-laced among them pick up a tremendous store of clever tricks.
#ttrpg
#ttrpg
Tonight at 9 PM ET on Twitch and YouTube.
Special episode of Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye featuring one-on-one sessions with Winston C as Peryn and Ariel Kasten as Reggie.
A mix of in-character play, out-of-character reflection, and live Level 3 subclass choices.
#TTRPG
Special episode of Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye featuring one-on-one sessions with Winston C as Peryn and Ariel Kasten as Reggie.
A mix of in-character play, out-of-character reflection, and live Level 3 subclass choices.
#TTRPG
January 9, 2026 at 5:51 AM
Tonight at 9 PM ET on Twitch and YouTube.
Special episode of Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye featuring one-on-one sessions with Winston C as Peryn and Ariel Kasten as Reggie.
A mix of in-character play, out-of-character reflection, and live Level 3 subclass choices.
#TTRPG
Special episode of Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye featuring one-on-one sessions with Winston C as Peryn and Ariel Kasten as Reggie.
A mix of in-character play, out-of-character reflection, and live Level 3 subclass choices.
#TTRPG
Mystics shouldn’t exist, at least according to modern scientific thought. Certainly people that believe in the mystical exist (there’s whole factions full of them, after all), but modernity demands that religion is metaphor.
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
January 9, 2026 at 5:50 AM
Mystics shouldn’t exist, at least according to modern scientific thought. Certainly people that believe in the mystical exist (there’s whole factions full of them, after all), but modernity demands that religion is metaphor.
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
Heavies are the strongest people on the streets of Shadow City. While everyone that has to work for a living may need to use their two fists to get them through from time to time, for Heavies it’s their first choice.
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
January 9, 2026 at 5:48 AM
Heavies are the strongest people on the streets of Shadow City. While everyone that has to work for a living may need to use their two fists to get them through from time to time, for Heavies it’s their first choice.
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
Infiltrators are the people you call when you need something done unnoticed and unseen. There are a lot of laws, rules, and understandings in Shadow City, and some of them are meaningfully enforced. If you need something on the other side of one, then it’s important that nobody ever finds out
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
January 9, 2026 at 5:47 AM
Infiltrators are the people you call when you need something done unnoticed and unseen. There are a lot of laws, rules, and understandings in Shadow City, and some of them are meaningfully enforced. If you need something on the other side of one, then it’s important that nobody ever finds out
#TTRPG
#TTRPG
Faces love to talk. Anybody that freelances on the streets of Shadow City learns to use their words before their fists if they want to survive long, but, for a Face, conversation is their first, second, and third choice. Even in a shootout, their lips are still flapping.
#ttrpg
#ttrpg
January 5, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Faces love to talk. Anybody that freelances on the streets of Shadow City learns to use their words before their fists if they want to survive long, but, for a Face, conversation is their first, second, and third choice. Even in a shootout, their lips are still flapping.
#ttrpg
#ttrpg
Reposted by Play On Words Studios
Activate the Obelisk! 👾😀
Play the Demo on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/2512850/...
#indiegame #gamedev #scifi #laserknights #game #zeldalike #cartoon 🎮
Play the Demo on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/2512850/...
#indiegame #gamedev #scifi #laserknights #game #zeldalike #cartoon 🎮
January 5, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Activate the Obelisk! 👾😀
Play the Demo on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/2512850/...
#indiegame #gamedev #scifi #laserknights #game #zeldalike #cartoon 🎮
Play the Demo on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/2512850/...
#indiegame #gamedev #scifi #laserknights #game #zeldalike #cartoon 🎮
Reposted by Play On Words Studios
Updated Bastion Special Facilities, part 2
Today in Harbinger of Doom, I'm continuing my rework of Bastion Special Facilities from the 2024 DMG, this time covering the Workshop, Gaming Hall, Laboratory, Sacristy, and Scriptorium.
Backers get it now, everyone else in 3 days!
Today in Harbinger of Doom, I'm continuing my rework of Bastion Special Facilities from the 2024 DMG, this time covering the Workshop, Gaming Hall, Laboratory, Sacristy, and Scriptorium.
Backers get it now, everyone else in 3 days!
Updated Bastion Special Facilities, Part Two | William Brandes Stoddard
Get more from William Brandes Stoddard on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 4, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Updated Bastion Special Facilities, part 2
Today in Harbinger of Doom, I'm continuing my rework of Bastion Special Facilities from the 2024 DMG, this time covering the Workshop, Gaming Hall, Laboratory, Sacristy, and Scriptorium.
Backers get it now, everyone else in 3 days!
Today in Harbinger of Doom, I'm continuing my rework of Bastion Special Facilities from the 2024 DMG, this time covering the Workshop, Gaming Hall, Laboratory, Sacristy, and Scriptorium.
Backers get it now, everyone else in 3 days!