Shannon Appelcline 🌮
@shannonappelcline.bsky.social
Author of the DESIGNERS & DRAGONS series of RPG histories, including THIS IS FREE TRADER BEOWULF: A SYSTEM HISTORY OF TRAVELLER. Science-fiction, fantasy, comic, and RPG fan.
Reposted by Shannon Appelcline 🌮
Kids, you don’t know how easy you have it. In my day, when someone bent the rules so kids could have fun with D&D, you couldn’t instantly rage post on your phone.
No, you went home, fired up the Smith-Corona, hammered out a salty editorial, and mailed it to 8 confused subscribers two months later. 😅
No, you went home, fired up the Smith-Corona, hammered out a salty editorial, and mailed it to 8 confused subscribers two months later. 😅
November 17, 2025 at 5:09 AM
Kids, you don’t know how easy you have it. In my day, when someone bent the rules so kids could have fun with D&D, you couldn’t instantly rage post on your phone.
No, you went home, fired up the Smith-Corona, hammered out a salty editorial, and mailed it to 8 confused subscribers two months later. 😅
No, you went home, fired up the Smith-Corona, hammered out a salty editorial, and mailed it to 8 confused subscribers two months later. 😅
And we've now hit 1,000 backers!
Thanks all for the interest in roleplaying history!
(The first character I ever made was an elf, written out on the green character sheets for Basic D&D.)
Thanks all for the interest in roleplaying history!
(The first character I ever made was an elf, written out on the green character sheets for Basic D&D.)
Who's up thinking about that first character they ever made?
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
November 15, 2025 at 6:42 AM
And we've now hit 1,000 backers!
Thanks all for the interest in roleplaying history!
(The first character I ever made was an elf, written out on the green character sheets for Basic D&D.)
Thanks all for the interest in roleplaying history!
(The first character I ever made was an elf, written out on the green character sheets for Basic D&D.)
My first RPG book was the B/X Basic set with the Erol Otus cover. The Dave Trampier covered Platers Handbook soon followed.
I thought that artwork was normal for the industry, didn't realize how innovative it was.
The first artist I really noticed: Tim Bradstreet.
I thought that artwork was normal for the industry, didn't realize how innovative it was.
The first artist I really noticed: Tim Bradstreet.
November 14, 2025 at 11:21 PM
My first RPG book was the B/X Basic set with the Erol Otus cover. The Dave Trampier covered Platers Handbook soon followed.
I thought that artwork was normal for the industry, didn't realize how innovative it was.
The first artist I really noticed: Tim Bradstreet.
I thought that artwork was normal for the industry, didn't realize how innovative it was.
The first artist I really noticed: Tim Bradstreet.
I appreciate John at Wyrd Science giving a shout-out to the Designers & Dragons: Origins Backerkit.
Gazetteer anyone? This week we get excited about where @tinstargames.bsky.social's new book is leading us, marvel at @shannonappelcline.bsky.social's new project exploring TSR's D&D output & we've one of the finest set of links for you to explore at your leisure that I think we've ever assembled.
Creation Myths
This week, worldbuiding, we love it. We also love Shannon Appelcline's new project exploring the building blocks of Dungeons & Dragons' many worlds and think you will too.
wyrd.science
November 14, 2025 at 9:30 PM
I appreciate John at Wyrd Science giving a shout-out to the Designers & Dragons: Origins Backerkit.
I'm pretty sure the first designer other than Gygax that I recognized was Mark Rein-Hagen, because I saw the continuity from Ars Magica to Vampire: The Masquerade (and bought the latter on that name recognition).
Also @jonathantweet.bsky.social , though Over the Edge was a year later.
Also @jonathantweet.bsky.social , though Over the Edge was a year later.
Conversation with @deadlyfredly.bsky.social has me trying to remember the first time I consciously remembered the name of an RPG designer who wasn’t Gygax. Embarrassingly, I am pretty sure it wasn’t until college, after I’d been playing for years and had been exposed to many games.
November 14, 2025 at 7:09 PM
I'm pretty sure the first designer other than Gygax that I recognized was Mark Rein-Hagen, because I saw the continuity from Ars Magica to Vampire: The Masquerade (and bought the latter on that name recognition).
Also @jonathantweet.bsky.social , though Over the Edge was a year later.
Also @jonathantweet.bsky.social , though Over the Edge was a year later.
I've said in recent interviews that I always find it dangerous to say something is the first. Exhibit A.
But, Aaron Allston's Strike Force was created with an intentionality that showed the insides of another GM's mind for the first time. Amazing innovation. I'll still go with it as the first AP.
But, Aaron Allston's Strike Force was created with an intentionality that showed the insides of another GM's mind for the first time. Amazing innovation. I'll still go with it as the first AP.
First Actual Play?
It occurs to me that there is some history to be written on literature influenced by gaming. Is changing your campaign memories into a novel also a contender?
Wild Cards had started by then and the Dragon Waiting felt gamish. Likely a PhD thesis to be had.
It occurs to me that there is some history to be written on literature influenced by gaming. Is changing your campaign memories into a novel also a contender?
Wild Cards had started by then and the Dragon Waiting felt gamish. Likely a PhD thesis to be had.
November 14, 2025 at 5:48 PM
I've said in recent interviews that I always find it dangerous to say something is the first. Exhibit A.
But, Aaron Allston's Strike Force was created with an intentionality that showed the insides of another GM's mind for the first time. Amazing innovation. I'll still go with it as the first AP.
But, Aaron Allston's Strike Force was created with an intentionality that showed the insides of another GM's mind for the first time. Amazing innovation. I'll still go with it as the first AP.
Reposted by Shannon Appelcline 🌮
Gazetteer anyone? This week we get excited about where @tinstargames.bsky.social's new book is leading us, marvel at @shannonappelcline.bsky.social's new project exploring TSR's D&D output & we've one of the finest set of links for you to explore at your leisure that I think we've ever assembled.
Creation Myths
This week, worldbuiding, we love it. We also love Shannon Appelcline's new project exploring the building blocks of Dungeons & Dragons' many worlds and think you will too.
wyrd.science
November 14, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Gazetteer anyone? This week we get excited about where @tinstargames.bsky.social's new book is leading us, marvel at @shannonappelcline.bsky.social's new project exploring TSR's D&D output & we've one of the finest set of links for you to explore at your leisure that I think we've ever assembled.
Reposted by Shannon Appelcline 🌮
This supplement left permanent marks on my young brain. I think it taught me more about how narrative breaks down than any high school english class.
And that winner was the Dungeon Master's Design Kit, which is really a fine bit of history. First major DM's advice from TSR, 14 years into their production, and by the late, great Aaron Allston, who'd previously authored Strike Force, the first mass-market Actual Play.
November 14, 2025 at 12:46 PM
This supplement left permanent marks on my young brain. I think it taught me more about how narrative breaks down than any high school english class.
The Sandman opened up my eyes to what comics can do. It was maybe not quite life-changing, but at least perspective-changing.
I haven't bothered watching season 2 of the TV show. I may never do so. I haven't completed my reread that I started in season 1.
Dude is a scumbag who can go to hell.
I haven't bothered watching season 2 of the TV show. I may never do so. I haven't completed my reread that I started in season 1.
Dude is a scumbag who can go to hell.
"What if one of YOUR favorite politicians/celebrities/etc is on the list?" Did you all not notice how quickly we dropped Neil Gaiman when we found out about the things he did? Do you know how beloved that guy used to be and how loathed he is now? I think that right there should answer your question.
November 14, 2025 at 6:59 AM
The Sandman opened up my eyes to what comics can do. It was maybe not quite life-changing, but at least perspective-changing.
I haven't bothered watching season 2 of the TV show. I may never do so. I haven't completed my reread that I started in season 1.
Dude is a scumbag who can go to hell.
I haven't bothered watching season 2 of the TV show. I may never do so. I haven't completed my reread that I started in season 1.
Dude is a scumbag who can go to hell.
Our fourth poll for Designers & Dragons: Origins is concluded. These polls are stretch goals determining what will go in the backer's-only preview.
@deadlyfredly.bsky.social had said there were three close vote-getters, and my guess for the 3 was: REF3, AC1, and AC4.
I got 2 and missed the winner!
@deadlyfredly.bsky.social had said there were three close vote-getters, and my guess for the 3 was: REF3, AC1, and AC4.
I got 2 and missed the winner!
November 14, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Our fourth poll for Designers & Dragons: Origins is concluded. These polls are stretch goals determining what will go in the backer's-only preview.
@deadlyfredly.bsky.social had said there were three close vote-getters, and my guess for the 3 was: REF3, AC1, and AC4.
I got 2 and missed the winner!
@deadlyfredly.bsky.social had said there were three close vote-getters, and my guess for the 3 was: REF3, AC1, and AC4.
I got 2 and missed the winner!
What does a timeline reveal about history? My new Designers & Dragons article looks at the OD&D + AD&D 1e timeline and breaks down some of the patterns it depicts.
The OD&D and AD&D 1e Timeline: 1974-1988 – Designers & Dragons
www.designers-and-dragons.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:28 PM
What does a timeline reveal about history? My new Designers & Dragons article looks at the OD&D + AD&D 1e timeline and breaks down some of the patterns it depicts.
I had no idea that Analog, Asimov's, and MoF&SF had come under new ownership that is issuing predatory contracts to writers, including rights grabs for producing things like toys based on stories (seriously!) and putting the writer in the hot seat for out-of-court settlements they arbitrarily make.
November 12, 2025 at 10:49 PM
I had no idea that Analog, Asimov's, and MoF&SF had come under new ownership that is issuing predatory contracts to writers, including rights grabs for producing things like toys based on stories (seriously!) and putting the writer in the hot seat for out-of-court settlements they arbitrarily make.
Reposted by Shannon Appelcline 🌮
Last I looked there was a tight race for the top three in this poll. Wonder how it'll settle out?
November 12, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Last I looked there was a tight race for the top three in this poll. Wonder how it'll settle out?
Yesterday I had a live talk with Wes Allen at DM Tales about Designers & Dragons: Origins and roleplaying history.
www.youtube.com/live/Ap5a4Pg...
www.youtube.com/live/Ap5a4Pg...
Designers & Dragons author Shannon Appelcline
YouTube video by DM Tales
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Yesterday I had a live talk with Wes Allen at DM Tales about Designers & Dragons: Origins and roleplaying history.
www.youtube.com/live/Ap5a4Pg...
www.youtube.com/live/Ap5a4Pg...
Reposted by Shannon Appelcline 🌮
Apocalypse World has had a bigger impact on my life than any other roleplaying game. It's just a phenomenal game, designed by phenomenal people. You should pick up a copy of the new edition!
Here We GO! Come along, my dearies!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
Apocalypse World: Burned Over
The 3rd edition of the groundbreaking original.
www.kickstarter.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Apocalypse World has had a bigger impact on my life than any other roleplaying game. It's just a phenomenal game, designed by phenomenal people. You should pick up a copy of the new edition!
Woot! Been waiting for this!
The fans asked for it, we made it happen!
Expansion 6: Faithful Friends is now available from DriveThruCards in a print-on-demand format. New cases, new character decks and more await Harry in this 56-card expansion for the Dresden Files board game!
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Expansion 6: Faithful Friends is now available from DriveThruCards in a print-on-demand format. New cases, new character decks and more await Harry in this 56-card expansion for the Dresden Files board game!
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
November 11, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Woot! Been waiting for this!
The fourth stretch goal poll for Designers & Dragons: Origins is now up. These polls are adding content to the backers-only preview book. So what accessory would you like to see the history of?
Designers & Dragons: Origins Project Update: Backer Poll - The Weird World of D&D Accessories!
Hey friends, Over the weekend we sliced through our $140k stretch so it's time to add another chapter to our backer-exclusive PDF.
This round we're focusing on some of the a...
www.backerkit.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM
The fourth stretch goal poll for Designers & Dragons: Origins is now up. These polls are adding content to the backers-only preview book. So what accessory would you like to see the history of?
Reposted by Shannon Appelcline 🌮
Anyone have any good book recommendations on Storytelling more related to business/leadership and less on things like RPGs? I have a friend looking for a place to start. (thanks!)
November 10, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Anyone have any good book recommendations on Storytelling more related to business/leadership and less on things like RPGs? I have a friend looking for a place to start. (thanks!)
Last week I talked with Ben Riggs in what I think will be my next-to-last interview for Designers & Dragons: Origins. We talked a bit about the books themselves, but mainly we talked about our individual views of early Dungeons & Dragons history, which we've now both written about.
This is an RPG historian you have to hear from- A conversation with Shannon Appelcline Episode 78
YouTube video by Reading D&D Aloud
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Last week I talked with Ben Riggs in what I think will be my next-to-last interview for Designers & Dragons: Origins. We talked a bit about the books themselves, but mainly we talked about our individual views of early Dungeons & Dragons history, which we've now both written about.
As a freelance writer I have an ACA plan.
It's jumping from $800/mo to $1,000/mo for 2026, which has gotten to the point where I need to see if I can get a better plan through my LLC or else reduce my benefits.
The price increases are largely thanks to GOP attacks on the ACA reducing the pool.
It's jumping from $800/mo to $1,000/mo for 2026, which has gotten to the point where I need to see if I can get a better plan through my LLC or else reduce my benefits.
The price increases are largely thanks to GOP attacks on the ACA reducing the pool.
Reminder that, unless a creative freelancer has a spouse with a day job that offers health insurance, they likely have an ACA plan. And with the hits to creative industries the past few years, I'm guessing many qualify for subsidies.
Related reminder that comic creators are freelancers.
Related reminder that comic creators are freelancers.
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
November 10, 2025 at 8:35 AM
As a freelance writer I have an ACA plan.
It's jumping from $800/mo to $1,000/mo for 2026, which has gotten to the point where I need to see if I can get a better plan through my LLC or else reduce my benefits.
The price increases are largely thanks to GOP attacks on the ACA reducing the pool.
It's jumping from $800/mo to $1,000/mo for 2026, which has gotten to the point where I need to see if I can get a better plan through my LLC or else reduce my benefits.
The price increases are largely thanks to GOP attacks on the ACA reducing the pool.
Die #9 was one of my favorite comics ever, for its revelations of the Brontes as early roleplayers, an idea I wasn't particularly familiar with before!
So, I'm thrilled to see what Gillen has up his sleeve in the new Die: Loaded.
So, I'm thrilled to see what Gillen has up his sleeve in the new Die: Loaded.
It's (deep breath) DIE: LOADED #1, DIE RPG QUICKSTART and THE POWER FANTASY #13 week! #comics @imagecomics.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Die #9 was one of my favorite comics ever, for its revelations of the Brontes as early roleplayers, an idea I wasn't particularly familiar with before!
So, I'm thrilled to see what Gillen has up his sleeve in the new Die: Loaded.
So, I'm thrilled to see what Gillen has up his sleeve in the new Die: Loaded.
Reposted by Shannon Appelcline 🌮
Probably a good way to tell right now if the job you’re applying for is run by absolute dumbfucks is to ask if they’re using AI.
"The AI industry’s most important product at this moment is not a chatbot or a video generator; it’s the story the AI industry is telling about itself.... According to an MIT study, 95% of businesses that have deployed generative AI have gotten no value from it." www.theringer.com/2025/11/04/t...
How Catastrophic Is It If the AI Bubble Bursts? An FAQ.
The AI industry's most important product is not a chatbot or a video generator; it's the story the AI industry is telling about itself
www.theringer.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:12 AM
Probably a good way to tell right now if the job you’re applying for is run by absolute dumbfucks is to ask if they’re using AI.
Woot! We have topped $140k for Designers & Dragons: Origins.
Thanks to backers! It's great knowing that I'm not the only one interested in roleplaying history (and that I can publish books on the topic as a result!).
Thanks to backers! It's great knowing that I'm not the only one interested in roleplaying history (and that I can publish books on the topic as a result!).
Less than $70 away from our next stretch👇
Delve into the early history of the hobby. Designers & Dragons: Origins examines the inspiration, design, lore, and stumbles behind *each and every product* TSR published for OD&D, Basic D&D, and AD&D 1E.
Pledge today to access the expanded 140 page backer-only PDF!
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
Pledge today to access the expanded 140 page backer-only PDF!
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
November 9, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Woot! We have topped $140k for Designers & Dragons: Origins.
Thanks to backers! It's great knowing that I'm not the only one interested in roleplaying history (and that I can publish books on the topic as a result!).
Thanks to backers! It's great knowing that I'm not the only one interested in roleplaying history (and that I can publish books on the topic as a result!).
Reposted by Shannon Appelcline 🌮
Less than $70 away from our next stretch👇
Delve into the early history of the hobby. Designers & Dragons: Origins examines the inspiration, design, lore, and stumbles behind *each and every product* TSR published for OD&D, Basic D&D, and AD&D 1E.
Pledge today to access the expanded 140 page backer-only PDF!
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
Pledge today to access the expanded 140 page backer-only PDF!
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
November 8, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Less than $70 away from our next stretch👇
The Designers & Dragons: Origins stretch goals add new content to the backers-only preview, offering reading material for you while we all wait for the books to be printed. The fourth one closed out last week with G3: Hall of the Fire Giant King as the winner.
November 8, 2025 at 12:28 AM
The Designers & Dragons: Origins stretch goals add new content to the backers-only preview, offering reading material for you while we all wait for the books to be printed. The fourth one closed out last week with G3: Hall of the Fire Giant King as the winner.