Runeslinger
@runeslinger.bsky.social
Indistinguishable from Bacchus but without the wine and licentiousness. Lover of games, swords, potatoes, meat, heavy music, and dogs.
#RPG castingshadowsblog.com castingshadowspodcast.com
www.youtube.com/runeslinger
#RPG castingshadowsblog.com castingshadowspodcast.com
www.youtube.com/runeslinger
A Universe Parallel to the RPG Experience
Humans being humans, the way we express ourselves tends toward recognizable patterns which we can choose to hone. Looking at how an idea can be explored helps in ways that taking the idea doesn't...
Humans being humans, the way we express ourselves tends toward recognizable patterns which we can choose to hone. Looking at how an idea can be explored helps in ways that taking the idea doesn't...
A Universe Parallel to the RPG Experience
Humans being humans, the way we express ourselves tends toward recognizable patterns which we can choose to hone. Looking at how an idea can be explored helps in ways that taking the idea doesn't...
castingshadowsblog.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:45 AM
A Universe Parallel to the RPG Experience
Humans being humans, the way we express ourselves tends toward recognizable patterns which we can choose to hone. Looking at how an idea can be explored helps in ways that taking the idea doesn't...
Humans being humans, the way we express ourselves tends toward recognizable patterns which we can choose to hone. Looking at how an idea can be explored helps in ways that taking the idea doesn't...
Reposted by Runeslinger
This one's inspired by Anthony @runeslinger.bsky.social from the Casting Shadows realm of podcasting, YouTube, and blogging —> Three In-Character Preferences: shows.acast.com/roleplayresc...
Three In-Character Preferences | Roleplay Rescue
Inspired by Casting Shadows
shows.acast.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:26 AM
This one's inspired by Anthony @runeslinger.bsky.social from the Casting Shadows realm of podcasting, YouTube, and blogging —> Three In-Character Preferences: shows.acast.com/roleplayresc...
I was once again given assistance in the unboxing of some cool #RPG books. This time the books were from @thievesoftimegames.bsky.social and written by @grahamwalmsley.bsky.social
youtu.be/2UiAdGOyDAg
youtu.be/2UiAdGOyDAg
Cosmic Dark and Stealing Cthulhu (Unboxing)
YouTube video by Runeslinger
youtu.be
January 24, 2026 at 3:56 PM
I was once again given assistance in the unboxing of some cool #RPG books. This time the books were from @thievesoftimegames.bsky.social and written by @grahamwalmsley.bsky.social
youtu.be/2UiAdGOyDAg
youtu.be/2UiAdGOyDAg
Reposted by Runeslinger
I did a video, an 'unboxing' of the new Laundry RPG from Cubicle 7. I was the producer/lead writer on these, and it's cool to see the 'off the tops' fresh from the printer.
youtu.be/RMk-yui9_z8?...
youtu.be/RMk-yui9_z8?...
What's in the box? The Laundry RPG Second Edition
YouTube video by Autocratik
youtu.be
January 21, 2026 at 12:10 PM
I did a video, an 'unboxing' of the new Laundry RPG from Cubicle 7. I was the producer/lead writer on these, and it's cool to see the 'off the tops' fresh from the printer.
youtu.be/RMk-yui9_z8?...
youtu.be/RMk-yui9_z8?...
Here is that frightfully cheerful #ttrpg conversation with @orcusdorkus.bsky.social @thirdfloorwars.bsky.social and @seanpkelley.com I mentioned the other day about Horror, Comedy, and #RPGs
youtu.be/-6aV_IRHppM
youtu.be/-6aV_IRHppM
A Frightfully Cheerful Conversation with @RPGSean @ThirdFloorWars and @OrcusDorkus
YouTube video by Runeslinger
youtu.be
January 19, 2026 at 3:11 AM
Here is that frightfully cheerful #ttrpg conversation with @orcusdorkus.bsky.social @thirdfloorwars.bsky.social and @seanpkelley.com I mentioned the other day about Horror, Comedy, and #RPGs
youtu.be/-6aV_IRHppM
youtu.be/-6aV_IRHppM
Cosmic Dark from @grahamwalmsley.bsky.social has arrived here in South Korea, safe and sound, and will get the usual unboxing and exploration video in a few days. This delivery nearly went the way of that for Pendragon, but thanks to the alertness of Grace, I was in place to catch the flying box~
January 16, 2026 at 2:49 AM
Cosmic Dark from @grahamwalmsley.bsky.social has arrived here in South Korea, safe and sound, and will get the usual unboxing and exploration video in a few days. This delivery nearly went the way of that for Pendragon, but thanks to the alertness of Grace, I was in place to catch the flying box~
I had an opportunity for #RPG talk on the ebb and flow between horror and comedy with @thirdfloorwars.bsky.social , @orcusdorkus.bsky.social and @seanpkelley.com for a forthcoming episode. As usual, the hour-long chat took about 90 minutes, an delved into secrets humanity chuckles about not knowing~
a man in a brown shirt with a black ring around his waist
Alt: A gif from the film Army of Darkness, showing the main character Ash pantomiming that he wants someone to repeat what they said.
media.tenor.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:53 AM
I had an opportunity for #RPG talk on the ebb and flow between horror and comedy with @thirdfloorwars.bsky.social , @orcusdorkus.bsky.social and @seanpkelley.com for a forthcoming episode. As usual, the hour-long chat took about 90 minutes, an delved into secrets humanity chuckles about not knowing~
Reposted by Runeslinger
I just backed Swords Without Master on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/unw...
I first played this, oh I don't know, maybe a decade ago. Honestly surprised more games aren't built off its chassis. One of the formative titles in indie RPGs! Very happy to finally have a real book.
I first played this, oh I don't know, maybe a decade ago. Honestly surprised more games aren't built off its chassis. One of the formative titles in indie RPGs! Very happy to finally have a real book.
Swords Without Master
A ttrpg of strange sorceries, ferocious deeds, and astounding wonder by Epidiah Ravachol.
www.kickstarter.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:50 PM
I just backed Swords Without Master on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/unw...
I first played this, oh I don't know, maybe a decade ago. Honestly surprised more games aren't built off its chassis. One of the formative titles in indie RPGs! Very happy to finally have a real book.
I first played this, oh I don't know, maybe a decade ago. Honestly surprised more games aren't built off its chassis. One of the formative titles in indie RPGs! Very happy to finally have a real book.
Another topic skewed by the #ttrpg Story Divide is on the distribution of game learning prior to and during play, as well as that of creative responsibilities prior to and during play. It tends to obscure the reasons a group might choose a specific distribution *and* its biases imply one is better~
January 12, 2026 at 7:14 AM
Another topic skewed by the #ttrpg Story Divide is on the distribution of game learning prior to and during play, as well as that of creative responsibilities prior to and during play. It tends to obscure the reasons a group might choose a specific distribution *and* its biases imply one is better~
'Immersive experience' is seen as a positive in a cinema, video games, novels, etc. That experience is often not explained. In most cases, it does not matter that there is no clarification. We ‘just know’ what it means. Yay, us.
Of course, for an #RPG it does matter.
wp.me/pTI80-3ke
Of course, for an #RPG it does matter.
wp.me/pTI80-3ke
On Immersion and Engagement in RPG Play
To help explore the topic of what can be meant in general, and what we specifically mean in a given example when we wax eloquent about immersion, I like to separate things into two defined experien…
wp.me
January 12, 2026 at 7:01 AM
'Immersive experience' is seen as a positive in a cinema, video games, novels, etc. That experience is often not explained. In most cases, it does not matter that there is no clarification. We ‘just know’ what it means. Yay, us.
Of course, for an #RPG it does matter.
wp.me/pTI80-3ke
Of course, for an #RPG it does matter.
wp.me/pTI80-3ke
This year many latched onto the phrase 'culture of play' and assumed meanings for it. The playlist below has 4 videos, one each of 3 cultures of play, and a 4th video as a means of understanding and connecting with any that you find, or helping others do so with yours~
youtube.com/playlist?lis...
youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Seeking a Dao of Play - YouTube
youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:04 PM
This year many latched onto the phrase 'culture of play' and assumed meanings for it. The playlist below has 4 videos, one each of 3 cultures of play, and a 4th video as a means of understanding and connecting with any that you find, or helping others do so with yours~
youtube.com/playlist?lis...
youtube.com/playlist?lis...
I have little interest in fantasy settings, and almost none in dungeoncrawling, but this post is an excellent example of how to frame GM advice for a specific system to reduce friction, decrease time spent adjusting to that system, and improve enjoyment~
I forgot I wrote a whole post in 2024 about GMing Errant.
"You’re not here to protect a plot, or a story, you’re here to protect player agency.... Your role is making sure the actions they’re doing to survive are recognized and counted for."
bankuei.wordpress.com/2024/11/22/s...
"You’re not here to protect a plot, or a story, you’re here to protect player agency.... Your role is making sure the actions they’re doing to survive are recognized and counted for."
bankuei.wordpress.com/2024/11/22/s...
Start Running Errant
Let’s talk GMing Errant and how to get started.The Big PictureThere’s a lot of rules in Errant, but here’s the important part – this is a game about dungeoncrawling foremost…
bankuei.wordpress.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:32 AM
I have little interest in fantasy settings, and almost none in dungeoncrawling, but this post is an excellent example of how to frame GM advice for a specific system to reduce friction, decrease time spent adjusting to that system, and improve enjoyment~
This post serves up a look at the Story Divide through how it can cause friction in a group, between the group and the system, and erode some of the fun. It also offers examples and suggestions for working with a system - in this case one on the Story-as-Byproduct side of the divide~
An old blog post on, “letting it happen” at the game table, rather than tweaking results to, “serve the story”.
dwelleroftheforbiddencity.blogspot.com/2022/06/buil...
dwelleroftheforbiddencity.blogspot.com/2022/06/buil...
Dweller of the Forbidden City
Building Bhakashal - Riding the Horse versus Spinning the Plates I see a lot of posts on Twitter that talk about tweaking the results to mak...
dwelleroftheforbiddencity.blogspot.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:10 AM
This post serves up a look at the Story Divide through how it can cause friction in a group, between the group and the system, and erode some of the fun. It also offers examples and suggestions for working with a system - in this case one on the Story-as-Byproduct side of the divide~
If Inigo Montoya were a roleplayer exposed to as many #rpg #ttrpg experiences as sword techniques, he would remark about "There is/isn't a right way to play" rather than the meaning of "inconceivable."
Bruce Lee told us this when he spoke of water, but couldn't beat Inigo's impact~
wp.me/pTI80-22G
Bruce Lee told us this when he spoke of water, but couldn't beat Inigo's impact~
wp.me/pTI80-22G
“You are doing it wrong…”
We can all make mistakes. An expression of which I am particularly fond is that even monkeys fall from trees. We can trip while walking upstairs, we can fumble with our keys, spill our drinks, and …
wp.me
January 5, 2026 at 3:28 AM
If Inigo Montoya were a roleplayer exposed to as many #rpg #ttrpg experiences as sword techniques, he would remark about "There is/isn't a right way to play" rather than the meaning of "inconceivable."
Bruce Lee told us this when he spoke of water, but couldn't beat Inigo's impact~
wp.me/pTI80-22G
Bruce Lee told us this when he spoke of water, but couldn't beat Inigo's impact~
wp.me/pTI80-22G
Reposted by Runeslinger
Bryan and @eyedotter.bsky.social announce their next graphic novel, Lo! An Amazon!
In the Age of Revolutions demanding greater liberties for mankind, Mary Wollstonecraft spoke out for the other “’one-half of the human race”: that of womankind.
1/4
In the Age of Revolutions demanding greater liberties for mankind, Mary Wollstonecraft spoke out for the other “’one-half of the human race”: that of womankind.
1/4
January 4, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Bryan and @eyedotter.bsky.social announce their next graphic novel, Lo! An Amazon!
In the Age of Revolutions demanding greater liberties for mankind, Mary Wollstonecraft spoke out for the other “’one-half of the human race”: that of womankind.
1/4
In the Age of Revolutions demanding greater liberties for mankind, Mary Wollstonecraft spoke out for the other “’one-half of the human race”: that of womankind.
1/4
The finale of #StrangerThings put me in mind of this episode of my podcast featuring @roleplayrescue.com.web.brid.gy with how it focuses on being a part of handing down the #ttrpg hobby to the next generation - and what it was like to not have that help.
castingshadowspodcast.com/2025/10/28/e...
castingshadowspodcast.com/2025/10/28/e...
Episode 48: On Mentors and Peers in RPG Learning
Che Webster of Roleplay Rescue, leader of a school RPG club, was kind enough to return to the podcast for another exploratory conversation about learning and guiding others in their learning of RPG…
castingshadowspodcast.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:28 PM
The finale of #StrangerThings put me in mind of this episode of my podcast featuring @roleplayrescue.com.web.brid.gy with how it focuses on being a part of handing down the #ttrpg hobby to the next generation - and what it was like to not have that help.
castingshadowspodcast.com/2025/10/28/e...
castingshadowspodcast.com/2025/10/28/e...
Hello to those who have recently followed me here on BlueSky. Thanks for doing so. Get to know me, beyond my being 1/2 of the RPGaDAY team, in this #rpg #ttrpg video~
youtu.be/z1EgIITKUg4?...
youtu.be/z1EgIITKUg4?...
Things Gamers Say...
YouTube video by Runeslinger
youtu.be
December 29, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Hello to those who have recently followed me here on BlueSky. Thanks for doing so. Get to know me, beyond my being 1/2 of the RPGaDAY team, in this #rpg #ttrpg video~
youtu.be/z1EgIITKUg4?...
youtu.be/z1EgIITKUg4?...
Reposted by Runeslinger
Gauging interest in starting a game group from scratch using the setting & rules for All For One, from Triple Ace Games. Immersive, historically...adjacent, but supernatural. All suitable PC types. Trying to find 4-5 mature people who'd commit to regular sessions (2x/month?) by February or March?
December 20, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Gauging interest in starting a game group from scratch using the setting & rules for All For One, from Triple Ace Games. Immersive, historically...adjacent, but supernatural. All suitable PC types. Trying to find 4-5 mature people who'd commit to regular sessions (2x/month?) by February or March?
Continuing the zoomed in examination of consequences in the aftermath of the chaos at Smalls Antiques on fashionable Newbury Street, mob hitman Jimmy Calloway makes his run from cops, rival gangs, and the dark presence in the grimoire he has stolen...
youtu.be/JZzmwzKFRDw
#ttrpg #CallOfCthulhu
youtu.be/JZzmwzKFRDw
#ttrpg #CallOfCthulhu
Call of Cthulhu: Turn of a New Leaf - Session 38
YouTube video by Runeslinger
youtu.be
December 20, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Continuing the zoomed in examination of consequences in the aftermath of the chaos at Smalls Antiques on fashionable Newbury Street, mob hitman Jimmy Calloway makes his run from cops, rival gangs, and the dark presence in the grimoire he has stolen...
youtu.be/JZzmwzKFRDw
#ttrpg #CallOfCthulhu
youtu.be/JZzmwzKFRDw
#ttrpg #CallOfCthulhu
Episode 69: On the Idea of a Better Game
This episode is another review of a post from the Casting Shadows blog, though this time the Wayback Machine is just taking us five short years (and a few decades of observation and experience) into the past. This time we look at a post based on the…
This episode is another review of a post from the Casting Shadows blog, though this time the Wayback Machine is just taking us five short years (and a few decades of observation and experience) into the past. This time we look at a post based on the…
Episode 69: On the Idea of a Better Game
This episode is another review of a post from the Casting Shadows blog, though this time the Wayback Machine is just taking us five short years (and a few decades of observation and experience) into the past. This time we look at a post based on the increasingly narrowing rhetoric around the technique of the Session 0 which tries to restore the balance required in that technique for long-term play. This time, the full post is presented before I get into any commentary from the present of the time of recording. Among the things in that commentary is a link to an earlier video on the same theme, but slightly different topic. It is linked below and is called Theories & Practices. It's almost a rant. One of two I may have recorded in all my time sharing RPG ideas.
castingshadowspodcast.com
December 20, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Episode 69: On the Idea of a Better Game
This episode is another review of a post from the Casting Shadows blog, though this time the Wayback Machine is just taking us five short years (and a few decades of observation and experience) into the past. This time we look at a post based on the…
This episode is another review of a post from the Casting Shadows blog, though this time the Wayback Machine is just taking us five short years (and a few decades of observation and experience) into the past. This time we look at a post based on the…
We do not need to frame roleplaying games in a permission model. Rather than granting consent to someone to present a desired experience within specified limits, a group of players determines what they *all* like, they find a game for that, and they adjust play if needed - as peers - in consensus.
December 18, 2025 at 2:27 AM
We do not need to frame roleplaying games in a permission model. Rather than granting consent to someone to present a desired experience within specified limits, a group of players determines what they *all* like, they find a game for that, and they adjust play if needed - as peers - in consensus.
The Silent Majority
When I reflect on this blog and what my projects under the name of Runeslinger are, it is inescapable to conclude that in the beginning, these endeavors were rooted in an effort to maintain a conversation with the dead.
When I reflect on this blog and what my projects under the name of Runeslinger are, it is inescapable to conclude that in the beginning, these endeavors were rooted in an effort to maintain a conversation with the dead.
The Silent Majority
When I reflect on this blog and what my projects under the name of Runeslinger are, it is inescapable to conclude that in the beginning, these endeavors were rooted in an effort to maintain a conversation with the dead.
castingshadowsblog.com
December 14, 2025 at 6:17 AM
The Silent Majority
When I reflect on this blog and what my projects under the name of Runeslinger are, it is inescapable to conclude that in the beginning, these endeavors were rooted in an effort to maintain a conversation with the dead.
When I reflect on this blog and what my projects under the name of Runeslinger are, it is inescapable to conclude that in the beginning, these endeavors were rooted in an effort to maintain a conversation with the dead.
What happened in the aftermath of the previous sessions' explosive conclusion? Answers for some of the survivors are provided this week in our #rpg release of Session 37 for #CallOfCthulhu
youtu.be/2vswBaq6Ez0
youtu.be/2vswBaq6Ez0
Call of Cthulhu: Turn of a New Leaf - Session 37
YouTube video by Runeslinger
youtu.be
December 14, 2025 at 12:43 AM
What happened in the aftermath of the previous sessions' explosive conclusion? Answers for some of the survivors are provided this week in our #rpg release of Session 37 for #CallOfCthulhu
youtu.be/2vswBaq6Ez0
youtu.be/2vswBaq6Ez0
Episode 67: On What Might Be in a Name
This episode includes a call from Jason Connerley in regard to the Episode 65 with the Arcane Alienist, about RPGs and memory, and then sets the Wayback Machine for 2010 and a fresh look at an old post called By any other name~ and the town that got away.
This episode includes a call from Jason Connerley in regard to the Episode 65 with the Arcane Alienist, about RPGs and memory, and then sets the Wayback Machine for 2010 and a fresh look at an old post called By any other name~ and the town that got away.
Episode 67: On What Might Be in a Name
This episode includes a call from Jason Connerley in regard to the Episode 65 with the Arcane Alienist, about RPGs and memory, and then sets the Wayback Machine for 2010 and a fresh look at an old post called By any other name~ and the town that got away.
castingshadowspodcast.com
December 13, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Episode 67: On What Might Be in a Name
This episode includes a call from Jason Connerley in regard to the Episode 65 with the Arcane Alienist, about RPGs and memory, and then sets the Wayback Machine for 2010 and a fresh look at an old post called By any other name~ and the town that got away.
This episode includes a call from Jason Connerley in regard to the Episode 65 with the Arcane Alienist, about RPGs and memory, and then sets the Wayback Machine for 2010 and a fresh look at an old post called By any other name~ and the town that got away.
Part 2 of the intense cross-over event which brought most of the independent threads of the campaign together in a tiny antiques store to devastating results is now available:
#CallOfCthulhu #rpg
youtu.be/99BIo4ZQjjs
#CallOfCthulhu #rpg
youtu.be/99BIo4ZQjjs
Call of Cthulhu: Turn of a New Leaf - Session 36B
YouTube video by Runeslinger
youtu.be
December 6, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Part 2 of the intense cross-over event which brought most of the independent threads of the campaign together in a tiny antiques store to devastating results is now available:
#CallOfCthulhu #rpg
youtu.be/99BIo4ZQjjs
#CallOfCthulhu #rpg
youtu.be/99BIo4ZQjjs