Ben Doherty
@spongeonmaster.bsky.social
He/Him
Irish TTRPG Writer/Editor
#1 Bestselling DM's Guild Contributor
Co-Founder of @emeraldcollective.bsky.social
Portfolio: https://bendohertyttrpg.com/
Irish TTRPG Writer/Editor
#1 Bestselling DM's Guild Contributor
Co-Founder of @emeraldcollective.bsky.social
Portfolio: https://bendohertyttrpg.com/
Reposted by Ben Doherty
🎅🏼Looking for a last minute gift for a geek in your life? We've got you covered!
🎟️Tickets to AthVentureCon will provide a day or two of adventure for your loved one AND raise funds for our amazing @athenryadventurers
🎟️Tickets to AthVentureCon will provide a day or two of adventure for your loved one AND raise funds for our amazing @athenryadventurers
December 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM
🎅🏼Looking for a last minute gift for a geek in your life? We've got you covered!
🎟️Tickets to AthVentureCon will provide a day or two of adventure for your loved one AND raise funds for our amazing @athenryadventurers
🎟️Tickets to AthVentureCon will provide a day or two of adventure for your loved one AND raise funds for our amazing @athenryadventurers
Book your spot at Keith's table as soon as bookings open—you won't regret it! And, as per the second message in the thread, if you wanna play D&D in a castle (of course you do!), follow his D+D Eire account for info on those events.
Next game up we've GM Keith A's own take on the Honey Heist system. Around this table however, the players assume the roles of monsters looking for the ultimate crime payday - stealing the invaluable AthVentureCon Cup!!
This was run last year and all players had a blast so expect more of the same!
This was run last year and all players had a blast so expect more of the same!
a group of stuffed animals including a frog and a dog
ALT: a group of stuffed animals including a frog and a dog
media.tenor.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Book your spot at Keith's table as soon as bookings open—you won't regret it! And, as per the second message in the thread, if you wanna play D&D in a castle (of course you do!), follow his D+D Eire account for info on those events.
Reposted by Ben Doherty
I'd like to say a couple of things about UKGE and their silence in regards to the whole AI debacle.
I'll start with a disclaimer: I know UKGE is a HUGE opportunity for many small businesses and publishers, and in the current unstable financial situation we're all in, skipping it because of ethical>
I'll start with a disclaimer: I know UKGE is a HUGE opportunity for many small businesses and publishers, and in the current unstable financial situation we're all in, skipping it because of ethical>
December 9, 2025 at 1:50 PM
I'd like to say a couple of things about UKGE and their silence in regards to the whole AI debacle.
I'll start with a disclaimer: I know UKGE is a HUGE opportunity for many small businesses and publishers, and in the current unstable financial situation we're all in, skipping it because of ethical>
I'll start with a disclaimer: I know UKGE is a HUGE opportunity for many small businesses and publishers, and in the current unstable financial situation we're all in, skipping it because of ethical>
It's been amazing to game with so many great people in 2025, and I still can't believe we made the Top 10%
A massive thank you to everyone who watches along and supports us--the EC community are a bunch o' legends!
A massive thank you to everyone who watches along and supports us--the EC community are a bunch o' legends!
What a year it’s been for us in The Emerald Collective!
We’ve been plugging away telling our stories and you all show up every week to be there with us!
Thanks for putting us in the Top 10% of both the Dungeons & Dragons & TTRPG categories IN THE WORLD on Twitch!
We’ve been plugging away telling our stories and you all show up every week to be there with us!
Thanks for putting us in the Top 10% of both the Dungeons & Dragons & TTRPG categories IN THE WORLD on Twitch!
December 8, 2025 at 8:56 PM
It's been amazing to game with so many great people in 2025, and I still can't believe we made the Top 10%
A massive thank you to everyone who watches along and supports us--the EC community are a bunch o' legends!
A massive thank you to everyone who watches along and supports us--the EC community are a bunch o' legends!
Reposted by Ben Doherty
Our statement on the recent layoffs affecting workers at Coatsink, Splash Damage, Glowmade & Square Enix, putting over 300 workers at risk of redundancy in the run up to Christmas.
If you work in the UK games industry, join our union today: iwgb.org.uk/en/join/game...
If you work in the UK games industry, join our union today: iwgb.org.uk/en/join/game...
December 8, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Our statement on the recent layoffs affecting workers at Coatsink, Splash Damage, Glowmade & Square Enix, putting over 300 workers at risk of redundancy in the run up to Christmas.
If you work in the UK games industry, join our union today: iwgb.org.uk/en/join/game...
If you work in the UK games industry, join our union today: iwgb.org.uk/en/join/game...
Reposted by Ben Doherty
I'd love it if we could get @imirt.bsky.social 's Curator Page on #Steam to 1000 followers before #Christmas !
#IrishGameDev #IndieDev #GameDev #IrishCreatives #IrishGameDomination #SpeirGhorm #IndieGame
store.steampowered.com/curator/4145...
#IrishGameDev #IndieDev #GameDev #IrishCreatives #IrishGameDomination #SpeirGhorm #IndieGame
store.steampowered.com/curator/4145...
Steam Curator: Games From Ireland
Games developed in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, from Irish creators, or playable in the Irish language (Gaeilge).
store.steampowered.com
December 7, 2025 at 11:28 AM
I'd love it if we could get @imirt.bsky.social 's Curator Page on #Steam to 1000 followers before #Christmas !
#IrishGameDev #IndieDev #GameDev #IrishCreatives #IrishGameDomination #SpeirGhorm #IndieGame
store.steampowered.com/curator/4145...
#IrishGameDev #IndieDev #GameDev #IrishCreatives #IrishGameDomination #SpeirGhorm #IndieGame
store.steampowered.com/curator/4145...
You love to see it!
Personally running Mausritter for the kids and Shadowdark for the big kids (a.k.a the "adults").
Roll on AthCon4! Can't wait
Personally running Mausritter for the kids and Shadowdark for the big kids (a.k.a the "adults").
Roll on AthCon4! Can't wait
45 game systems??? Is that even possible??? Are there even 45 different game systems out there????
Well....
1 - Alien
2 - Blade Runner
3 - Blades in the Dark
4 - CAIN
5 - Carin
6 - Call of Cthulhu
7 - Candela Obscura
8 - Cosmere
9 - Crimson Cutlass
10 - Curseborn
11 - CyBorg
12 - Goose System
Well....
1 - Alien
2 - Blade Runner
3 - Blades in the Dark
4 - CAIN
5 - Carin
6 - Call of Cthulhu
7 - Candela Obscura
8 - Cosmere
9 - Crimson Cutlass
10 - Curseborn
11 - CyBorg
12 - Goose System
count von count from sesame street holds his hand to his mouth
ALT: count von count from sesame street holds his hand to his mouth
media.tenor.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:51 PM
You love to see it!
Personally running Mausritter for the kids and Shadowdark for the big kids (a.k.a the "adults").
Roll on AthCon4! Can't wait
Personally running Mausritter for the kids and Shadowdark for the big kids (a.k.a the "adults").
Roll on AthCon4! Can't wait
Reposted by Ben Doherty
Our Shadowdark stream returns tonight!
The party passed through the Ashwood and into the hills on their journey to Tyred, and despite some grave omens, emerged unscathed. Will they make it safely to the market town or will death and destruction cross their path once more before they reach it?
The party passed through the Ashwood and into the hills on their journey to Tyred, and despite some grave omens, emerged unscathed. Will they make it safely to the market town or will death and destruction cross their path once more before they reach it?
December 2, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Our Shadowdark stream returns tonight!
The party passed through the Ashwood and into the hills on their journey to Tyred, and despite some grave omens, emerged unscathed. Will they make it safely to the market town or will death and destruction cross their path once more before they reach it?
The party passed through the Ashwood and into the hills on their journey to Tyred, and despite some grave omens, emerged unscathed. Will they make it safely to the market town or will death and destruction cross their path once more before they reach it?
Reposted by Ben Doherty
Our Shadowdark game 'Against the Crimson Queen' continues tonight at 7pm GMT!
On the journey to Tyred, the party passed through the mountains, aiding an injured explorer, avoiding a hungry horned giant, and fighting off the nocturnal attack of a flock of dire vultures. Next up—the Ashwood.
On the journey to Tyred, the party passed through the mountains, aiding an injured explorer, avoiding a hungry horned giant, and fighting off the nocturnal attack of a flock of dire vultures. Next up—the Ashwood.
November 18, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Our Shadowdark game 'Against the Crimson Queen' continues tonight at 7pm GMT!
On the journey to Tyred, the party passed through the mountains, aiding an injured explorer, avoiding a hungry horned giant, and fighting off the nocturnal attack of a flock of dire vultures. Next up—the Ashwood.
On the journey to Tyred, the party passed through the mountains, aiding an injured explorer, avoiding a hungry horned giant, and fighting off the nocturnal attack of a flock of dire vultures. Next up—the Ashwood.
Reposted by Ben Doherty
We’re LIVE with our Daggerheart Finale over on Twitch now!
Join the gang as they set their sights on the centre of the Dreamsphere and seek to end the threat to Horizon’s Hollow once and for all.
www.twitch.tv/emerald_coll...
Join the gang as they set their sights on the centre of the Dreamsphere and seek to end the threat to Horizon’s Hollow once and for all.
www.twitch.tv/emerald_coll...
October 26, 2025 at 8:35 PM
We’re LIVE with our Daggerheart Finale over on Twitch now!
Join the gang as they set their sights on the centre of the Dreamsphere and seek to end the threat to Horizon’s Hollow once and for all.
www.twitch.tv/emerald_coll...
Join the gang as they set their sights on the centre of the Dreamsphere and seek to end the threat to Horizon’s Hollow once and for all.
www.twitch.tv/emerald_coll...
Reposted by Ben Doherty
That's the 5k goal hit for @projecthopeorg.bsky.social! 😱
Thanks to our GM @spongeonmaster.bsky.social and all of our players tonight!
As well as tonight's prize donors @arcdreampublishing.bsky.social and @dungeondepths.bsky.social 🥰
We'll see you next week for round 2 and a new goal! 💸
Thanks to our GM @spongeonmaster.bsky.social and all of our players tonight!
As well as tonight's prize donors @arcdreampublishing.bsky.social and @dungeondepths.bsky.social 🥰
We'll see you next week for round 2 and a new goal! 💸
August 15, 2025 at 10:19 PM
That's the 5k goal hit for @projecthopeorg.bsky.social! 😱
Thanks to our GM @spongeonmaster.bsky.social and all of our players tonight!
As well as tonight's prize donors @arcdreampublishing.bsky.social and @dungeondepths.bsky.social 🥰
We'll see you next week for round 2 and a new goal! 💸
Thanks to our GM @spongeonmaster.bsky.social and all of our players tonight!
As well as tonight's prize donors @arcdreampublishing.bsky.social and @dungeondepths.bsky.social 🥰
We'll see you next week for round 2 and a new goal! 💸
Reposted by Ben Doherty
Introducing our panelists for Disability Representation in TTRPGS!
@pennyblake.bsky.social is a Romani, genderfluid, disabled Creator. They're an editor, writer, designer, sensitivity reader, and activist, and a joyful and supportive member of our community.
Buy his games! pennyblake.itch.io
@pennyblake.bsky.social is a Romani, genderfluid, disabled Creator. They're an editor, writer, designer, sensitivity reader, and activist, and a joyful and supportive member of our community.
Buy his games! pennyblake.itch.io
July 22, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Introducing our panelists for Disability Representation in TTRPGS!
@pennyblake.bsky.social is a Romani, genderfluid, disabled Creator. They're an editor, writer, designer, sensitivity reader, and activist, and a joyful and supportive member of our community.
Buy his games! pennyblake.itch.io
@pennyblake.bsky.social is a Romani, genderfluid, disabled Creator. They're an editor, writer, designer, sensitivity reader, and activist, and a joyful and supportive member of our community.
Buy his games! pennyblake.itch.io
Proud to be working on yet another one of the awesome @jeffstevensgames.bsky.social books, but even moreso than usual since it's the first of his Shadowdark supplements! We're in the final few hours, so back while you still can!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/587...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/587...
Treasures from the Dark - for the Shadowdark RPG
Magic weapons and items, including creations that increase in power! Designed for use with Shadowdark RPG. OSR / 5E D&D Compatible.
www.kickstarter.com
July 15, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Proud to be working on yet another one of the awesome @jeffstevensgames.bsky.social books, but even moreso than usual since it's the first of his Shadowdark supplements! We're in the final few hours, so back while you still can!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/587...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/587...
Reposted by Ben Doherty
Join us and @hexesandvexes.bsky.social for D8DungeonDrive: D8ing My Hex — a 48-hour TTRPG charity marathon in support of @projecthopeorg.bsky.social
Sign up now to grab a seat at the table:
forms.gle/8wurxcKYJUdC...
#D8DungeonDrive #TTRPG #CharityGaming #ProjectHOPE #Tabletop
Sign up now to grab a seat at the table:
forms.gle/8wurxcKYJUdC...
#D8DungeonDrive #TTRPG #CharityGaming #ProjectHOPE #Tabletop
July 15, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Join us and @hexesandvexes.bsky.social for D8DungeonDrive: D8ing My Hex — a 48-hour TTRPG charity marathon in support of @projecthopeorg.bsky.social
Sign up now to grab a seat at the table:
forms.gle/8wurxcKYJUdC...
#D8DungeonDrive #TTRPG #CharityGaming #ProjectHOPE #Tabletop
Sign up now to grab a seat at the table:
forms.gle/8wurxcKYJUdC...
#D8DungeonDrive #TTRPG #CharityGaming #ProjectHOPE #Tabletop
Super excited to play in this one tonight!
Join GM @reprobategamer.bsky.social & the gang at 7:30PM BST for another one shot!
The Black Mine is the only local source of stone to maintain fortifications against monstrous incursions.
But a Kobold Trapper now calls it home.
It’s just 1 Kobold. Be grand right?
www.twitch.tv/emerald_coll...
The Black Mine is the only local source of stone to maintain fortifications against monstrous incursions.
But a Kobold Trapper now calls it home.
It’s just 1 Kobold. Be grand right?
www.twitch.tv/emerald_coll...
July 1, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Super excited to play in this one tonight!
Reposted by Ben Doherty
@jogbrogzin.bsky.social is getting my vote for the #CRITAwards' Best Map Designer.
It was a tough choice to make since the other nominees are also incredibly accomplished artists whose work I admire, but Jog won out for me this year!
It was a tough choice to make since the other nominees are also incredibly accomplished artists whose work I admire, but Jog won out for me this year!
I am really quite honoured to be a finalist for the CRIT Awards 2025 Best Map Designer.
Look at these amazing artists who were also nominated. Just to be considered along side them is humbling. Best of luck to everyone.
@salvaterra.bsky.social
@marcomaps.bsky.social
@czepeku.bsky.social
Look at these amazing artists who were also nominated. Just to be considered along side them is humbling. Best of luck to everyone.
@salvaterra.bsky.social
@marcomaps.bsky.social
@czepeku.bsky.social
June 4, 2025 at 2:10 PM
@jogbrogzin.bsky.social is getting my vote for the #CRITAwards' Best Map Designer.
It was a tough choice to make since the other nominees are also incredibly accomplished artists whose work I admire, but Jog won out for me this year!
It was a tough choice to make since the other nominees are also incredibly accomplished artists whose work I admire, but Jog won out for me this year!
Excited to get back to the campaign! Been away from the Shadowdark for too long 🔥
We're back with our Shadowdark campaign tonight! Following an intense showdown against the Crimson Queen's enforcers, the party have little time to lick their wounds—they must pursue their surviving enemies itno the ancient, accursed crypts beneath Stonehome...
June 3, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Excited to get back to the campaign! Been away from the Shadowdark for too long 🔥
Reposted by Ben Doherty
Against the Crimson queen returns tonight! After a pitched battle against goblin invaders, the party are bloodied and bruised. But there is no time to rest and so they must push on once more, deeper into the Shadowdark...
May 20, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Against the Crimson queen returns tonight! After a pitched battle against goblin invaders, the party are bloodied and bruised. But there is no time to rest and so they must push on once more, deeper into the Shadowdark...
To all my fellow TTRPG publishing folks (or creators of all kinds, really), make sure you avail of this *phenomenal* deal while you have the chance. Unlimited commercial use of over $18,000 worth of fonts for under $20? Insane! You've got until Sunday to snag 'em!
Calling all artists, game devs, graphic designers, etc. - Our All Fonts Pack, which contains all 1200+ of our fonts for commercial use - is on sale again at only $19 for the next 2 weeks! Use them in as many weird & wonderful projects as you want! ci.itch.io/all-fonts-pack #artists #art #gamedev
May 14, 2025 at 10:25 AM
To all my fellow TTRPG publishing folks (or creators of all kinds, really), make sure you avail of this *phenomenal* deal while you have the chance. Unlimited commercial use of over $18,000 worth of fonts for under $20? Insane! You've got until Sunday to snag 'em!
Reposted by Ben Doherty
Another excellent piece by the Journal on trans healthcare in Ireland. The "National Gender Service" sends threatening letters to GPs to stop trans people easily accessing blood tests which are a routine safety measure when taking hormones. I know it's hard to believe but it's true! #speirgorm
May 1, 2025 at 6:36 AM
Another excellent piece by the Journal on trans healthcare in Ireland. The "National Gender Service" sends threatening letters to GPs to stop trans people easily accessing blood tests which are a routine safety measure when taking hormones. I know it's hard to believe but it's true! #speirgorm
I'm both excited and reticent to return to Candlekeep tonight after what went down last session... The aftermath is gonna be a doozie!
Candlekeep Mysteries continues at 7:30PM IST
A centuries old calamity has returned to the Library of Candlekeep, infecting all who get too close
With their minds overcome, some party members have turned on each other with devastating results
www.twitch.tv/emerald_coll...
youtu.be/m0LyOyE5tGo?...
A centuries old calamity has returned to the Library of Candlekeep, infecting all who get too close
With their minds overcome, some party members have turned on each other with devastating results
www.twitch.tv/emerald_coll...
youtu.be/m0LyOyE5tGo?...
Candlekeep Mysteries - Ironmind, Ironheart.
YouTube video by The Emerald Collective
youtu.be
May 1, 2025 at 12:19 PM
I'm both excited and reticent to return to Candlekeep tonight after what went down last session... The aftermath is gonna be a doozie!
Reposted by Ben Doherty
It's starting to feel a bit real and the excitement is beginning to bubble!
On Friday night, I'll be GMing Blades in Dark with @emeraldcollective.bsky.social live on stream.
Sharing the game I love with the people I like!
On Friday night, I'll be GMing Blades in Dark with @emeraldcollective.bsky.social live on stream.
Sharing the game I love with the people I like!
May 1, 2025 at 9:56 AM
It's starting to feel a bit real and the excitement is beginning to bubble!
On Friday night, I'll be GMing Blades in Dark with @emeraldcollective.bsky.social live on stream.
Sharing the game I love with the people I like!
On Friday night, I'll be GMing Blades in Dark with @emeraldcollective.bsky.social live on stream.
Sharing the game I love with the people I like!
Reposted by Ben Doherty
On Nakba Day as Israel continues its relentless genocide of the Palestinian people, join Mahmoud Nawaja, General Coordinator of the Palestinian BDS Movement, for an urgent discussion on Ireland’s role in the global struggle for Palestinian liberation.
May 15th, 7.15pm, Pearse Centre, Dublin 2
May 15th, 7.15pm, Pearse Centre, Dublin 2
May 1, 2025 at 11:15 AM
On Nakba Day as Israel continues its relentless genocide of the Palestinian people, join Mahmoud Nawaja, General Coordinator of the Palestinian BDS Movement, for an urgent discussion on Ireland’s role in the global struggle for Palestinian liberation.
May 15th, 7.15pm, Pearse Centre, Dublin 2
May 15th, 7.15pm, Pearse Centre, Dublin 2
Reposted by Ben Doherty
Best description of ChatGPT
At long last, tech CEOs have what they've always wanted: a yes-man who will attempt to change objective reality rather than give you an answer you don't want to hear
May 1, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Best description of ChatGPT