Alex Keane
@squishymage42.bsky.social
Attorney and speculative fiction enthusiast. Enjoy reading and playing role-playing games.
I run a blog where I talk about games and stories at https://alexanderkeane.com
I run a blog where I talk about games and stories at https://alexanderkeane.com
Gaming in Review 2025
Last week, I did a general review of stuff from 2025, but seeing Endies posts from the Indie RPG Newsletter and Cannibal Halfling Games inspired me to think some more about which games I managed to get to the table this year. My gaming schedule can get a bit sparse from…
Last week, I did a general review of stuff from 2025, but seeing Endies posts from the Indie RPG Newsletter and Cannibal Halfling Games inspired me to think some more about which games I managed to get to the table this year. My gaming schedule can get a bit sparse from…
Gaming in Review 2025
Last week, I did a general review of stuff from 2025, but seeing Endies posts from the Indie RPG Newsletter and Cannibal Halfling Games inspired me to think some more about which games I managed to get to the table this year. My gaming schedule can get a bit sparse from hectic other things, like the spring and fall softball schedules but I still had a good time with a few different campaigns.
alexanderkeane.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Gaming in Review 2025
Last week, I did a general review of stuff from 2025, but seeing Endies posts from the Indie RPG Newsletter and Cannibal Halfling Games inspired me to think some more about which games I managed to get to the table this year. My gaming schedule can get a bit sparse from…
Last week, I did a general review of stuff from 2025, but seeing Endies posts from the Indie RPG Newsletter and Cannibal Halfling Games inspired me to think some more about which games I managed to get to the table this year. My gaming schedule can get a bit sparse from…
Last spring I reread one of my favorite books, Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone.
It's a great fantasy story about necromancer lawyers.
It's a great fantasy story about necromancer lawyers.
Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone
This post originally appeared on the previous incarnation of this blog on April 23, 2024. This was not my first time reading Three Parts Dead. In fact, I pre-ordered it when it first came out and read it then. Max Gladstone just released the second book of a sequel series to the original Craft Sequence books and in getting ready to read the Craft Wars books, I decided to go back and read the original Craft Sequence.
alexanderkeane.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Last spring I reread one of my favorite books, Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone.
It's a great fantasy story about necromancer lawyers.
It's a great fantasy story about necromancer lawyers.
I watched some Dragonball Z, Gundam Wing, and Zoids, and I was totally into both Pokémon and Digimon. But when I really started watching in college, it was Fullmetal Alchemist that got me.
December 17, 2025 at 10:35 PM
I watched some Dragonball Z, Gundam Wing, and Zoids, and I was totally into both Pokémon and Digimon. But when I really started watching in college, it was Fullmetal Alchemist that got me.
Film Rewatch: The Spy Who Dumped Me
Film Rewatch: The Spy Who Dumped Me
I've been reading John Scalzi's Comfort Watch posts this month and really enjoying his take on film critique of a certain type of favorite film and why it clicks with him. My wife and I have stressful jobs that we've described to others as "all of other people's problems become our problems." So stress is kind of a given for us on a good portion of days.
alexanderkeane.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Film Rewatch: The Spy Who Dumped Me
My daughter does competitive dance and is currently reenacting fight scenes from K-Pop Demon Hunters in the living room.
Would love to introduce her to the excellent InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire, but alas she is seven and was scared during the Gabby's Dollhouse movie.
Would love to introduce her to the excellent InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire, but alas she is seven and was scared during the Gabby's Dollhouse movie.
December 17, 2025 at 12:22 AM
My daughter does competitive dance and is currently reenacting fight scenes from K-Pop Demon Hunters in the living room.
Would love to introduce her to the excellent InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire, but alas she is seven and was scared during the Gabby's Dollhouse movie.
Would love to introduce her to the excellent InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire, but alas she is seven and was scared during the Gabby's Dollhouse movie.
I've been using the Mass Effect soundtracks as ambience for playing Ironsworn Starforged.
This has had the side effect of reminding me about the stupid ending of genocide, become a robo-slaver, and genocide but with extra steps.
Right after finishing the "genophage was bad actually" arc.
This has had the side effect of reminding me about the stupid ending of genocide, become a robo-slaver, and genocide but with extra steps.
Right after finishing the "genophage was bad actually" arc.
December 16, 2025 at 10:55 PM
I've been using the Mass Effect soundtracks as ambience for playing Ironsworn Starforged.
This has had the side effect of reminding me about the stupid ending of genocide, become a robo-slaver, and genocide but with extra steps.
Right after finishing the "genophage was bad actually" arc.
This has had the side effect of reminding me about the stupid ending of genocide, become a robo-slaver, and genocide but with extra steps.
Right after finishing the "genophage was bad actually" arc.
Reposted by Alex Keane
If you've been picking up the new e-releases of the Keeper Chronicles, book three LONG HOT SUMMONING is now available! ::and the crowd goes wild:: These are the links I have currently. More links to come.
Amazon: amzn.to/44q7DH9
Apple: apple.co/4ajpvHn
Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/...
Amazon: amzn.to/44q7DH9
Apple: apple.co/4ajpvHn
Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/...
December 16, 2025 at 10:43 PM
If you've been picking up the new e-releases of the Keeper Chronicles, book three LONG HOT SUMMONING is now available! ::and the crowd goes wild:: These are the links I have currently. More links to come.
Amazon: amzn.to/44q7DH9
Apple: apple.co/4ajpvHn
Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/...
Amazon: amzn.to/44q7DH9
Apple: apple.co/4ajpvHn
Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/...
The Princess Bride, My Personal Comfort Film
Sunday night, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their home. I never met Mr. Reiner but his work was such an immense part of my childhood, especially The Princess Bride. I was nine the first time I saw The Princess Bride, watching…
Sunday night, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their home. I never met Mr. Reiner but his work was such an immense part of my childhood, especially The Princess Bride. I was nine the first time I saw The Princess Bride, watching…
The Princess Bride, My Personal Comfort Film
Sunday night, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their home. I never met Mr. Reiner but his work was such an immense part of my childhood, especially The Princess Bride. I was nine the first time I saw The Princess Bride, watching it at a friend's house in a double-feature with Spaceballs both introduced as "two of the best movies" that I absolutely needed to see.
alexanderkeane.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The Princess Bride, My Personal Comfort Film
Sunday night, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their home. I never met Mr. Reiner but his work was such an immense part of my childhood, especially The Princess Bride. I was nine the first time I saw The Princess Bride, watching…
Sunday night, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their home. I never met Mr. Reiner but his work was such an immense part of my childhood, especially The Princess Bride. I was nine the first time I saw The Princess Bride, watching…
I've got Princess Bride on. This entire movie is just exquisitely done.
we should all watch a rob reiner movie tomorrow, this entire site, just pick one and put it on at like 8pm est
December 16, 2025 at 2:25 AM
I've got Princess Bride on. This entire movie is just exquisitely done.
Reposted by Alex Keane
UW is taking on NC State in the men’s national championship right now. www.espn.ph/watch/player...
Washington vs. #15 NC State (Championship) 12/16/25 - Stream the Match Live - Watch ESPN
Stream the NCAA Men's Soccer Match Washington vs. #15 NC State (Championship) live from ESPNU on Watch ESPN. Live stream on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
www.espn.ph
December 16, 2025 at 12:10 AM
UW is taking on NC State in the men’s national championship right now. www.espn.ph/watch/player...
Voyages of the Vigilant: An Ironsworn Starforged Campaign Pt. 1
Introduction to the Forge In the distant future, humanity has fled its homeworld and taken refuge in the Forge, a globular cluster situated 1,700 light-years above the galactic plane. Generations ago, interdimensional beings possessed…
Introduction to the Forge In the distant future, humanity has fled its homeworld and taken refuge in the Forge, a globular cluster situated 1,700 light-years above the galactic plane. Generations ago, interdimensional beings possessed…
Voyages of the Vigilant: An Ironsworn Starforged Campaign Pt. 1
Introduction to the Forge In the distant future, humanity has fled its homeworld and taken refuge in the Forge, a globular cluster situated 1,700 light-years above the galactic plane. Generations ago, interdimensional beings possessed the dead of Earth and turned them against their friends and their families. When the situation seemed its bleakest, an iron pillar was discovered on Luna pointing humanity to mysterious gates among the stars.
alexanderkeane.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Voyages of the Vigilant: An Ironsworn Starforged Campaign Pt. 1
Introduction to the Forge In the distant future, humanity has fled its homeworld and taken refuge in the Forge, a globular cluster situated 1,700 light-years above the galactic plane. Generations ago, interdimensional beings possessed…
Introduction to the Forge In the distant future, humanity has fled its homeworld and taken refuge in the Forge, a globular cluster situated 1,700 light-years above the galactic plane. Generations ago, interdimensional beings possessed…
Reposted by Alex Keane
I am sure someone else has already come to this realization, but Gandalf is basically a neighborhood cat.
He has different names for everyone who knows him, disappears for worrisomely long periods, shows up whenever he wants, and no one knows where he comes from, but everyone loves him.
He has different names for everyone who knows him, disappears for worrisomely long periods, shows up whenever he wants, and no one knows where he comes from, but everyone loves him.
December 14, 2025 at 5:57 PM
I am sure someone else has already come to this realization, but Gandalf is basically a neighborhood cat.
He has different names for everyone who knows him, disappears for worrisomely long periods, shows up whenever he wants, and no one knows where he comes from, but everyone loves him.
He has different names for everyone who knows him, disappears for worrisomely long periods, shows up whenever he wants, and no one knows where he comes from, but everyone loves him.
Reposted by Alex Keane
Just saying, I'll do a book cover illustration for $200.
www.shaenon.com
www.shaenon.com
December 14, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Just saying, I'll do a book cover illustration for $200.
www.shaenon.com
www.shaenon.com
Reposted by Alex Keane
As noted by the author, @marthawells.com (who for some reason disabled quote-skeets, so I can't include the link to it), All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries, the first book in the Murderbot series, is on US ebook sale for $3. So here are 5 US Kindle copies!
#KindleBookGiveaway
#KindleBookGiveaway
December 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
As noted by the author, @marthawells.com (who for some reason disabled quote-skeets, so I can't include the link to it), All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries, the first book in the Murderbot series, is on US ebook sale for $3. So here are 5 US Kindle copies!
#KindleBookGiveaway
#KindleBookGiveaway
Reposted by Alex Keane
Five views in five days on this but no downloads AND IT'S FREE!
What is so difficult about clicking something?
When a free game or scenario shows up on my skyline: I repost it, I click it, I download it, and sometimes I even leave a star rating.
It's so little effort, but boosts small creators.
What is so difficult about clicking something?
When a free game or scenario shows up on my skyline: I repost it, I click it, I download it, and sometimes I even leave a star rating.
It's so little effort, but boosts small creators.
And here is how the End begins:
"Once upon the End of Time, the Last Princess was about to die for the very last time..."
Happy December all!
Here's my "Holiday Season" pattern for #PrincessWorld!
It's a scenario that explores the dark origins of Santa Claus!
kpetker.itch.io/princess-wor...
"Once upon the End of Time, the Last Princess was about to die for the very last time..."
Happy December all!
Here's my "Holiday Season" pattern for #PrincessWorld!
It's a scenario that explores the dark origins of Santa Claus!
kpetker.itch.io/princess-wor...
Princess World - Marion Bright is Missing! by K. Petker
A holiday framework for Princess World.
kpetker.itch.io
December 14, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Five views in five days on this but no downloads AND IT'S FREE!
What is so difficult about clicking something?
When a free game or scenario shows up on my skyline: I repost it, I click it, I download it, and sometimes I even leave a star rating.
It's so little effort, but boosts small creators.
What is so difficult about clicking something?
When a free game or scenario shows up on my skyline: I repost it, I click it, I download it, and sometimes I even leave a star rating.
It's so little effort, but boosts small creators.
Reposted by Alex Keane
And here is how the End begins:
"Once upon the End of Time, the Last Princess was about to die for the very last time..."
Happy December all!
Here's my "Holiday Season" pattern for #PrincessWorld!
It's a scenario that explores the dark origins of Santa Claus!
kpetker.itch.io/princess-wor...
"Once upon the End of Time, the Last Princess was about to die for the very last time..."
Happy December all!
Here's my "Holiday Season" pattern for #PrincessWorld!
It's a scenario that explores the dark origins of Santa Claus!
kpetker.itch.io/princess-wor...
Princess World - Marion Bright is Missing! by K. Petker
A holiday framework for Princess World.
kpetker.itch.io
December 1, 2025 at 3:38 PM
And here is how the End begins:
"Once upon the End of Time, the Last Princess was about to die for the very last time..."
Happy December all!
Here's my "Holiday Season" pattern for #PrincessWorld!
It's a scenario that explores the dark origins of Santa Claus!
kpetker.itch.io/princess-wor...
"Once upon the End of Time, the Last Princess was about to die for the very last time..."
Happy December all!
Here's my "Holiday Season" pattern for #PrincessWorld!
It's a scenario that explores the dark origins of Santa Claus!
kpetker.itch.io/princess-wor...
Reposted by Alex Keane
Some day I want to produce an actual play where we play a half-dozen or so worldbuilding/character-focused one-shots using various games (For the Queen, Revolt!, Kingdom, A Land Once Magic, etc.) to build the setting before the main campaign ala @friends-table.bsky.social's "Road to" model
December 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Some day I want to produce an actual play where we play a half-dozen or so worldbuilding/character-focused one-shots using various games (For the Queen, Revolt!, Kingdom, A Land Once Magic, etc.) to build the setting before the main campaign ala @friends-table.bsky.social's "Road to" model
Reposted by Alex Keane
Science has yet to properly explain why two goblins are measurably stupider than one goblin
November 26, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Science has yet to properly explain why two goblins are measurably stupider than one goblin
Doing some organization in my office and came across a boxing glove that made me think of a story about my mom.
When I was younger, she was a single mom working as a waitress to raise my sister and me.
One night, Sugar Ray Leonard and his crew come in after a bout and are eating at the restaurant.
When I was younger, she was a single mom working as a waitress to raise my sister and me.
One night, Sugar Ray Leonard and his crew come in after a bout and are eating at the restaurant.
August 29, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Doing some organization in my office and came across a boxing glove that made me think of a story about my mom.
When I was younger, she was a single mom working as a waitress to raise my sister and me.
One night, Sugar Ray Leonard and his crew come in after a bout and are eating at the restaurant.
When I was younger, she was a single mom working as a waitress to raise my sister and me.
One night, Sugar Ray Leonard and his crew come in after a bout and are eating at the restaurant.
Which 3 #TTRPGs were (1) your intro; (2) the one that made you fall in love and (3) the one that opened your eyes to possibility?
Intro: D&D 3.5
Love (to DM): Swords and Wizardry
Possibilities: Shadowrun 4
Intro: D&D 3.5
Love (to DM): Swords and Wizardry
Possibilities: Shadowrun 4
August 27, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Which 3 #TTRPGs were (1) your intro; (2) the one that made you fall in love and (3) the one that opened your eyes to possibility?
Intro: D&D 3.5
Love (to DM): Swords and Wizardry
Possibilities: Shadowrun 4
Intro: D&D 3.5
Love (to DM): Swords and Wizardry
Possibilities: Shadowrun 4
1. First #ttrpg you ever played - D&D 3.5
2. First you ever ran - Swords and Wizardry
3. Played the most - D&D 5e
4. Run the most - Shadowrun 4
5. Favourite - Pathfinder 2e
6. Most recently played - D&D 5e 2024
7. Most recently run - Magical Kitties Save the Day
2. First you ever ran - Swords and Wizardry
3. Played the most - D&D 5e
4. Run the most - Shadowrun 4
5. Favourite - Pathfinder 2e
6. Most recently played - D&D 5e 2024
7. Most recently run - Magical Kitties Save the Day
Late to the party on this one, but:
1. First #ttrpg you ever played - D&D 4e
2. First you ever ran - D&D 4e
3. Played the most - D&D 5e
4. Run the most - Ars Magica 5e
5. Favourite - Ars Magica 5e
6. Most recently played - Dungeon Crawl Classics
7. Most recently run - Vampire: The Requiem 2e
1. First #ttrpg you ever played - D&D 4e
2. First you ever ran - D&D 4e
3. Played the most - D&D 5e
4. Run the most - Ars Magica 5e
5. Favourite - Ars Magica 5e
6. Most recently played - Dungeon Crawl Classics
7. Most recently run - Vampire: The Requiem 2e
August 22, 2025 at 10:11 AM
1. First #ttrpg you ever played - D&D 3.5
2. First you ever ran - Swords and Wizardry
3. Played the most - D&D 5e
4. Run the most - Shadowrun 4
5. Favourite - Pathfinder 2e
6. Most recently played - D&D 5e 2024
7. Most recently run - Magical Kitties Save the Day
2. First you ever ran - Swords and Wizardry
3. Played the most - D&D 5e
4. Run the most - Shadowrun 4
5. Favourite - Pathfinder 2e
6. Most recently played - D&D 5e 2024
7. Most recently run - Magical Kitties Save the Day
Reposted by Alex Keane
"For the vanilla, butter, and sugar, I added these in the EXACT AMOUNTS, except instead of vanilla, I used almond extract; instead of butter, I used coconut oil; and instead of sugar, I used raw chicken breast."
I Didn’t Follow the Recipe, and I’m Appalled It Turned Out So Awful
ONE STAR. If I could, I’d give it zero stars. I cannot believe I wasted six hours making this so-called banana bread. I did everything right. I fol...
buff.ly
August 20, 2025 at 1:00 AM
"For the vanilla, butter, and sugar, I added these in the EXACT AMOUNTS, except instead of vanilla, I used almond extract; instead of butter, I used coconut oil; and instead of sugar, I used raw chicken breast."
Been drinking my teas from @fridaytea.com all summer.
All have been fantastic.
But Hot-Headed, from their Avatar selection, is the one I need to reorder before I run out. A roasted oolong with turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger, and peppercorns.
www.fridaytea.com/products/hot...
All have been fantastic.
But Hot-Headed, from their Avatar selection, is the one I need to reorder before I run out. A roasted oolong with turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger, and peppercorns.
www.fridaytea.com/products/hot...
Hot-Headed
This blend is inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender. Check out the entire delicious collection here! If you can’t take the heat, this isn’t the tea for you! Sophisticated orchid notes sing through ch...
www.fridaytea.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Been drinking my teas from @fridaytea.com all summer.
All have been fantastic.
But Hot-Headed, from their Avatar selection, is the one I need to reorder before I run out. A roasted oolong with turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger, and peppercorns.
www.fridaytea.com/products/hot...
All have been fantastic.
But Hot-Headed, from their Avatar selection, is the one I need to reorder before I run out. A roasted oolong with turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger, and peppercorns.
www.fridaytea.com/products/hot...
Reposted by Alex Keane
"Bluesky is dying"
Oh yeah? Then explain why this GIF always does numbers.
Oh yeah? Then explain why this GIF always does numbers.
two men are standing next to each other holding guns in a field .
ALT: two men are standing next to each other holding guns in a field .
media.tenor.com
August 7, 2025 at 6:37 PM
"Bluesky is dying"
Oh yeah? Then explain why this GIF always does numbers.
Oh yeah? Then explain why this GIF always does numbers.