Scott Fitzgerald Gray
@scottfgray.bsky.social
9th-level layabout, vindictive good. He/him. Worked on a whole bunch of D&D. Working on a new game at CORE20RPG.com. Human rights aren’t political. Fuck Trump.
Pinned
Twenty years ago today, February 6, 2004, I started work on my first freelance editing assignment for Wizards of the Coast — the 3.5e sourcebook “Complete Arcane.”
What a long, fantastic trip it’s been.
1/
What a long, fantastic trip it’s been.
1/
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
Scott offers wonderful advice here!
And timely for me too as I'm putting the final touches on my chapter for how to design Dangers and Encounters in Adirondark's Superintendents' Guidebook. And in a wilderness survival horror game... it may be wise to avoid combat.
#Adirondark
#FlamingBrainGames
And timely for me too as I'm putting the final touches on my chapter for how to design Dangers and Encounters in Adirondark's Superintendents' Guidebook. And in a wilderness survival horror game... it may be wise to avoid combat.
#Adirondark
#FlamingBrainGames
FRPG GM Tip: Conflict is what drives story much of the time, but conflict in a fantasy game doesn’t always have to mean combat. Conducting a strategy session in which the players and characters come up with a plan to avoid an encounter can be just as much fun as fighting.
November 11, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Scott offers wonderful advice here!
And timely for me too as I'm putting the final touches on my chapter for how to design Dangers and Encounters in Adirondark's Superintendents' Guidebook. And in a wilderness survival horror game... it may be wise to avoid combat.
#Adirondark
#FlamingBrainGames
And timely for me too as I'm putting the final touches on my chapter for how to design Dangers and Encounters in Adirondark's Superintendents' Guidebook. And in a wilderness survival horror game... it may be wise to avoid combat.
#Adirondark
#FlamingBrainGames
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
No, using AI generated stuff as a "placeholder" on your crowdfunding campaign is not OK either.
If the visuals are THAT important to getting your project funded, then you need to pay a person up front for those key visuals and deliver a consistent end product to your backers.
If the visuals are THAT important to getting your project funded, then you need to pay a person up front for those key visuals and deliver a consistent end product to your backers.
November 11, 2025 at 1:55 AM
No, using AI generated stuff as a "placeholder" on your crowdfunding campaign is not OK either.
If the visuals are THAT important to getting your project funded, then you need to pay a person up front for those key visuals and deliver a consistent end product to your backers.
If the visuals are THAT important to getting your project funded, then you need to pay a person up front for those key visuals and deliver a consistent end product to your backers.
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
Every time Designers & Dragons: Origins hits a stretch, backers pick a new chapter to add to The Adventurers' Hoard. This exclusive PDF is now over twice the size of the 57-page free public preview!
We just launched a new poll. Back today and cast your vote!
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
We just launched a new poll. Back today and cast your vote!
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
November 11, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Every time Designers & Dragons: Origins hits a stretch, backers pick a new chapter to add to The Adventurers' Hoard. This exclusive PDF is now over twice the size of the 57-page free public preview!
We just launched a new poll. Back today and cast your vote!
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
We just launched a new poll. Back today and cast your vote!
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
It's the ABCs of ADHD today, in a new DORK TOWER MONDAY (Tuesday Edition). Up now at the Mothership:
www.dorktower.com/2025/11/10/a...
Repost/Reblog/Repeat, please and thank you!
www.dorktower.com/2025/11/10/a...
Repost/Reblog/Repeat, please and thank you!
November 11, 2025 at 1:52 PM
It's the ABCs of ADHD today, in a new DORK TOWER MONDAY (Tuesday Edition). Up now at the Mothership:
www.dorktower.com/2025/11/10/a...
Repost/Reblog/Repeat, please and thank you!
www.dorktower.com/2025/11/10/a...
Repost/Reblog/Repeat, please and thank you!
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
Your favorite RPG freelancers and many indie devs are, in America at last, allowed to have this job because of the ACA. Your games will get worse if it's killed. The brain drain will be immense.
I was freelancing before the ACA. It was harrowing. It’s saved so many lives.
After being laid off I rely solely on ACA marketplace plans to help cover my medications and some of my doctors.
If I can't afford my medication, I will die.
This is not an exaggeration.
If I can't afford my medication, I will die.
This is not an exaggeration.
November 10, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Your favorite RPG freelancers and many indie devs are, in America at last, allowed to have this job because of the ACA. Your games will get worse if it's killed. The brain drain will be immense.
“I wish I could relax
I just can’t stop my mind
I wish I could collapse
But my body’s not that kind…”
Radio Free Isheridar.
I just can’t stop my mind
I wish I could collapse
But my body’s not that kind…”
Radio Free Isheridar.
Anxiety (Get Nervous)
YouTube video by Pat Benatar - Topic
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:20 PM
“I wish I could relax
I just can’t stop my mind
I wish I could collapse
But my body’s not that kind…”
Radio Free Isheridar.
I just can’t stop my mind
I wish I could collapse
But my body’s not that kind…”
Radio Free Isheridar.
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
My Go-To Technique for RPG Character Intros!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYZm...
The character montage is my favorite character introduction technique for #DnD or any other #ttrpg . See examples, how to explain it to players, and even how to use it for travel, to resolve a scene, and much more!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYZm...
The character montage is my favorite character introduction technique for #DnD or any other #ttrpg . See examples, how to explain it to players, and even how to use it for travel, to resolve a scene, and much more!
November 10, 2025 at 5:55 PM
My Go-To Technique for RPG Character Intros!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYZm...
The character montage is my favorite character introduction technique for #DnD or any other #ttrpg . See examples, how to explain it to players, and even how to use it for travel, to resolve a scene, and much more!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYZm...
The character montage is my favorite character introduction technique for #DnD or any other #ttrpg . See examples, how to explain it to players, and even how to use it for travel, to resolve a scene, and much more!
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
Hey, if you’ve checked out Critical Lit and like what we do, we have bonus episodes on Pateon where currently we watch and discuss movies.
This month is The Princess Bride!
This month is The Princess Bride!
November bonus content on Patreon! Close your eyes and picture a castle in a low-fantasy setting. A forest of thieves. Giant rats. A sword duel. Chances are you're actually picturing this movie, even if you don't remember you are.
www.patreon.com/posts/prince...
www.patreon.com/posts/prince...
The Princess Bride (Part 1) - November 2025 Bonus Episode | Critical Lit
Get more from Critical Lit on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Hey, if you’ve checked out Critical Lit and like what we do, we have bonus episodes on Pateon where currently we watch and discuss movies.
This month is The Princess Bride!
This month is The Princess Bride!
FRPG GM and Player Tip: Especially if you’re playing a game that tries to define the things characters can do by focusing first and foremost on the mechanics of action types, feel free to ignore that. Let characters and foes choose what they want to do, then figure out what action covers that.
November 10, 2025 at 3:46 PM
FRPG GM and Player Tip: Especially if you’re playing a game that tries to define the things characters can do by focusing first and foremost on the mechanics of action types, feel free to ignore that. Let characters and foes choose what they want to do, then figure out what action covers that.
FRPG GM Tip: Conflict is what drives story much of the time, but conflict in a fantasy game doesn’t always have to mean combat. Conducting a strategy session in which the players and characters come up with a plan to avoid an encounter can be just as much fun as fighting.
November 9, 2025 at 5:06 PM
FRPG GM Tip: Conflict is what drives story much of the time, but conflict in a fantasy game doesn’t always have to mean combat. Conducting a strategy session in which the players and characters come up with a plan to avoid an encounter can be just as much fun as fighting.
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
FRPG GM and Player Tip: Even if you’re not playing in theater-of-the-mind style, feel free to ignore fixed distances on tactical maps in favor of deciding, “Yeah, that looks about right.” As long as the characters and their enemies are playing by the same distance and area rules, it’s all good.
November 8, 2025 at 8:55 PM
FRPG GM and Player Tip: Even if you’re not playing in theater-of-the-mind style, feel free to ignore fixed distances on tactical maps in favor of deciding, “Yeah, that looks about right.” As long as the characters and their enemies are playing by the same distance and area rules, it’s all good.
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
Public playtest of the Beastheart for Draw Steel is now available: www.patreon.com/posts/143079...
Public Playtest: Beastheart for Draw Steel | MCDM Productions
Get more from MCDM Productions on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Public playtest of the Beastheart for Draw Steel is now available: www.patreon.com/posts/143079...
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
Well now, would you look at that?
A massive study of NEARLY 300,000 people in the United States found that receiving an updated 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine REDUCED people’s risk of severe disease AND death in ALL age groups, REGARDLESS of immunity from prior infection or vaccination.
A massive study of NEARLY 300,000 people in the United States found that receiving an updated 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine REDUCED people’s risk of severe disease AND death in ALL age groups, REGARDLESS of immunity from prior infection or vaccination.
November 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Well now, would you look at that?
A massive study of NEARLY 300,000 people in the United States found that receiving an updated 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine REDUCED people’s risk of severe disease AND death in ALL age groups, REGARDLESS of immunity from prior infection or vaccination.
A massive study of NEARLY 300,000 people in the United States found that receiving an updated 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine REDUCED people’s risk of severe disease AND death in ALL age groups, REGARDLESS of immunity from prior infection or vaccination.
FRPG Player Tip: From useful terrain features to the potential for other creatures to shake up roleplaying, the GM probably hasn’t thought about lots of potential benefits that might play out in an encounter. But most GMs are quick to grant benefits to players who ask about them, so always ask.
November 7, 2025 at 5:50 PM
FRPG Player Tip: From useful terrain features to the potential for other creatures to shake up roleplaying, the GM probably hasn’t thought about lots of potential benefits that might play out in an encounter. But most GMs are quick to grant benefits to players who ask about them, so always ask.
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
From our silent auction: Bid on a retreat to Tuscany in 2026! pulpliterature.com/retreat-to-t...
Retreat to Tuscany in 2026! - PULP Literature
Plan your own retreat Have you ever dreamed of taking a week to write, or create, or just relax in Italy with friends? In partnership [...]
pulpliterature.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:49 PM
From our silent auction: Bid on a retreat to Tuscany in 2026! pulpliterature.com/retreat-to-t...
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
Wondering why no one likes your posts anymore, even among your friends? It's because @jay.bsky.team and team have decided to hide a huge amount of content from all of our feeds by default.
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
November 6, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Wondering why no one likes your posts anymore, even among your friends? It's because @jay.bsky.team and team have decided to hide a huge amount of content from all of our feeds by default.
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
“One never notices what has been done; one can only see what
remains to be done.”
— Marie Curie, writing about my creative life, wow that’s weird.
remains to be done.”
— Marie Curie, writing about my creative life, wow that’s weird.
November 7, 2025 at 3:25 PM
“One never notices what has been done; one can only see what
remains to be done.”
— Marie Curie, writing about my creative life, wow that’s weird.
remains to be done.”
— Marie Curie, writing about my creative life, wow that’s weird.
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
I fully believe in the corporate death penalty and believe we would be a better world if OpenAI lost its corporate charter and was forcibly dissolved.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/u...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/u...
ChatGPT encouraged college graduate to commit suicide, family claims in lawsuit against OpenAI | CNN
A 23-year-old man killed himself in Texas after ChatGPT ‘goaded’ him to commit suicide, his family says in a lawsuit.
www.cnn.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:12 AM
I fully believe in the corporate death penalty and believe we would be a better world if OpenAI lost its corporate charter and was forcibly dissolved.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/u...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/u...
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
It's a VERY NORMAL Dork Tower Wednesday (Thursday Edition)! No pretending - new strip up now, over at the Mothership:
www.dorktower.com/2025/11/05/1...
Repost/Reblog/Repeat (please and thank you!)
www.dorktower.com/2025/11/05/1...
Repost/Reblog/Repeat (please and thank you!)
November 6, 2025 at 11:36 PM
It's a VERY NORMAL Dork Tower Wednesday (Thursday Edition)! No pretending - new strip up now, over at the Mothership:
www.dorktower.com/2025/11/05/1...
Repost/Reblog/Repeat (please and thank you!)
www.dorktower.com/2025/11/05/1...
Repost/Reblog/Repeat (please and thank you!)
FRPG GM Tip: When choosing foes to build an encounter, make sure to not accidentally end up with everyone imposing similar conditions or effects. When a couple of creatures can limit the heroes’ movement, it’s a threat. When all the creatures can, it’s a slog.
November 6, 2025 at 7:24 PM
FRPG GM Tip: When choosing foes to build an encounter, make sure to not accidentally end up with everyone imposing similar conditions or effects. When a couple of creatures can limit the heroes’ movement, it’s a threat. When all the creatures can, it’s a slog.
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
From our silent auction: Get a one hour consultation with author Finnian Burnett!
app.galabid.com/kpr2025/item...
app.galabid.com/kpr2025/item...
November 6, 2025 at 7:05 PM
From our silent auction: Get a one hour consultation with author Finnian Burnett!
app.galabid.com/kpr2025/item...
app.galabid.com/kpr2025/item...
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
The truly maddening thing is that, unlike when I was a young man in science and the materials and engineering just weren’t there yet, the future is *right there.* The problem is *solved*. What’s holding us back is not just greed, but this bizarre nostalgia, an obsession with petro- masculinity.
Australia has so much electricity from solar power that it is going to start offering free electricity to everyone for at least three hours during the day as the wholesale price of power goes negative
electrek.co/2025/11/04/a...
electrek.co/2025/11/04/a...
Australia has so much solar that it's offering everyone free electricity
Australia's extensive solar power penetration makes so much energy that the government wants to offer free electricity at peak hours.
electrek.co
November 6, 2025 at 2:08 PM
The truly maddening thing is that, unlike when I was a young man in science and the materials and engineering just weren’t there yet, the future is *right there.* The problem is *solved*. What’s holding us back is not just greed, but this bizarre nostalgia, an obsession with petro- masculinity.
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
I was thrilled to talk with Teos and Shawn at @masteringdnd.bsky.social this week. We talked about Designers & Dragons: Origins, of course, but dug into some nice history too: Greyhawk's dungeons, Jack Fred, Palace of the Silver Princess! (The show is nicely indexed, so you can hear what you want!)
Shannon Appelcline and Designers & Dragons Origins! (MD 265)
YouTube video by Mastering Dungeons
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:16 AM
I was thrilled to talk with Teos and Shawn at @masteringdnd.bsky.social this week. We talked about Designers & Dragons: Origins, of course, but dug into some nice history too: Greyhawk's dungeons, Jack Fred, Palace of the Silver Princess! (The show is nicely indexed, so you can hear what you want!)
Reposted by Scott Fitzgerald Gray
Terrific in-depth discussion here with @shannonappelcline.bsky.social on @masteringdnd.bsky.social. Not just about Designers & Dragons: Origins but also covering Shannon's early career in gaming and how he got started documenting the history of TTRPGs.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f6v...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f6v...
Shannon Appelcline and Designers & Dragons Origins! (MD 265)
YouTube video by Mastering Dungeons
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Terrific in-depth discussion here with @shannonappelcline.bsky.social on @masteringdnd.bsky.social. Not just about Designers & Dragons: Origins but also covering Shannon's early career in gaming and how he got started documenting the history of TTRPGs.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f6v...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f6v...