Phil (2026 edition)
@thedicemechanic.bsky.social
Geek, gamer, whingebag (he/him)
'Dicemechanic' on Discord.
Blogs rarely at dicemechanic.wordpress.com
I block often. Nothing personal, but this is my walled garden.
'Dicemechanic' on Discord.
Blogs rarely at dicemechanic.wordpress.com
I block often. Nothing personal, but this is my walled garden.
Supposedly, Harold Godwinson was buried on the cliffs at Hastings, with a headstone stating "By the Duke’s command, Harold, you rest here to guard the sea and shore"
What power would come to one who found the headstone? Could it be twisted to evil purposes for Ars Magica, Liminal, Acthung Cthulhu?
What power would come to one who found the headstone? Could it be twisted to evil purposes for Ars Magica, Liminal, Acthung Cthulhu?
February 16, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Supposedly, Harold Godwinson was buried on the cliffs at Hastings, with a headstone stating "By the Duke’s command, Harold, you rest here to guard the sea and shore"
What power would come to one who found the headstone? Could it be twisted to evil purposes for Ars Magica, Liminal, Acthung Cthulhu?
What power would come to one who found the headstone? Could it be twisted to evil purposes for Ars Magica, Liminal, Acthung Cthulhu?
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
At long last!
The Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age Kickstarter is coming on March 17th.
Spread the word.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/reb...
The Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age Kickstarter is coming on March 17th.
Spread the word.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/reb...
Coming soon: Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age
A fantasy RPG for the brave, or foolhardy, adventurer. Explore the uncharted, unearth the unknown, but don't disturb the trolls!
www.kickstarter.com
February 16, 2026 at 2:12 PM
At long last!
The Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age Kickstarter is coming on March 17th.
Spread the word.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/reb...
The Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age Kickstarter is coming on March 17th.
Spread the word.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/reb...
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
While sudden cliff falls at Birling Gap (near my home town of Eastbourne) are no joke, I really love how much it looks like we’ve roused a grumpy, sleepy sea-wizard.
January 27, 2026 at 9:36 PM
While sudden cliff falls at Birling Gap (near my home town of Eastbourne) are no joke, I really love how much it looks like we’ve roused a grumpy, sleepy sea-wizard.
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
If Game of Thrones ran on DramaSystem, who would owe who a favor? Who would push, concede, or burn a bridge for leverage?
See how shifting emotional stakes and character goals reshape the story at the table.
#DramaSystem #TTRPG #RPGDesign
bit.ly/468AaBS
See how shifting emotional stakes and character goals reshape the story at the table.
#DramaSystem #TTRPG #RPGDesign
bit.ly/468AaBS
February 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM
If Game of Thrones ran on DramaSystem, who would owe who a favor? Who would push, concede, or burn a bridge for leverage?
See how shifting emotional stakes and character goals reshape the story at the table.
#DramaSystem #TTRPG #RPGDesign
bit.ly/468AaBS
See how shifting emotional stakes and character goals reshape the story at the table.
#DramaSystem #TTRPG #RPGDesign
bit.ly/468AaBS
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
This.
Brewdog is your classic failed "first-mover."
They entered the market, at scale, when that market (something slightly better/edgier in mainstream shops and bars) was wide open.
Their offering was above-average and sometimes great (e.g. their non-alcs). But they made the classic mistake /1
Brewdog is your classic failed "first-mover."
They entered the market, at scale, when that market (something slightly better/edgier in mainstream shops and bars) was wide open.
Their offering was above-average and sometimes great (e.g. their non-alcs). But they made the classic mistake /1
I think Keith’s spot on here. People want Brewdog’s beers to be bad for moral reasons, but while they’re not as exciting as they were, they’re still fine (though taste is subjective and clearly if you despise the brewers that will affect your enjoyment). As I said yesterday, I hope a buyer is found.
February 16, 2026 at 9:28 AM
This.
Brewdog is your classic failed "first-mover."
They entered the market, at scale, when that market (something slightly better/edgier in mainstream shops and bars) was wide open.
Their offering was above-average and sometimes great (e.g. their non-alcs). But they made the classic mistake /1
Brewdog is your classic failed "first-mover."
They entered the market, at scale, when that market (something slightly better/edgier in mainstream shops and bars) was wide open.
Their offering was above-average and sometimes great (e.g. their non-alcs). But they made the classic mistake /1
Watched the new Superman film last night.
Just as good as it was at the cinema. Brilliant uplifting heroic fun.
Recommended.
Just as good as it was at the cinema. Brilliant uplifting heroic fun.
Recommended.
February 16, 2026 at 9:25 AM
Watched the new Superman film last night.
Just as good as it was at the cinema. Brilliant uplifting heroic fun.
Recommended.
Just as good as it was at the cinema. Brilliant uplifting heroic fun.
Recommended.
@impq.bsky.social Best Intro EVER 😁🤣
February 16, 2026 at 8:03 AM
@impq.bsky.social Best Intro EVER 😁🤣
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
USING WEATHER MINDFULLY IN RPGS
Many RPGs have random weather tables, for when you're out exploring the wild, or if you're in downtown Seattle in a grungy karaoke joint waiting to hear back from your cyber-fixer (85% of the table is "rain"). But just like movies and books, you can...
+
Many RPGs have random weather tables, for when you're out exploring the wild, or if you're in downtown Seattle in a grungy karaoke joint waiting to hear back from your cyber-fixer (85% of the table is "rain"). But just like movies and books, you can...
+
February 16, 2026 at 5:33 AM
USING WEATHER MINDFULLY IN RPGS
Many RPGs have random weather tables, for when you're out exploring the wild, or if you're in downtown Seattle in a grungy karaoke joint waiting to hear back from your cyber-fixer (85% of the table is "rain"). But just like movies and books, you can...
+
Many RPGs have random weather tables, for when you're out exploring the wild, or if you're in downtown Seattle in a grungy karaoke joint waiting to hear back from your cyber-fixer (85% of the table is "rain"). But just like movies and books, you can...
+
Took an hour yesterday to finally unpack #WFRP3 Hero's Call.
So now this is the complete* WFRP3 gubbins (except4 Print on Demand sets)
Only just got it all in!
I love it, but honestly, half of these cards should be rollable tables or written on the character sheet.
*inc 2 copies of core set
So now this is the complete* WFRP3 gubbins (except4 Print on Demand sets)
Only just got it all in!
I love it, but honestly, half of these cards should be rollable tables or written on the character sheet.
*inc 2 copies of core set
February 15, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Took an hour yesterday to finally unpack #WFRP3 Hero's Call.
So now this is the complete* WFRP3 gubbins (except4 Print on Demand sets)
Only just got it all in!
I love it, but honestly, half of these cards should be rollable tables or written on the character sheet.
*inc 2 copies of core set
So now this is the complete* WFRP3 gubbins (except4 Print on Demand sets)
Only just got it all in!
I love it, but honestly, half of these cards should be rollable tables or written on the character sheet.
*inc 2 copies of core set
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
And they say romance is dead.
February 14, 2026 at 5:32 PM
And they say romance is dead.
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
I think a lot about how relationship maps can drive design and play. Here's a map for a six-character game that includes lines of affinity and also primary motivations proximal to characters. Everyone but the king has at least one one-sided relationship. Everyone knows exactly what to do.
February 14, 2026 at 5:11 AM
I think a lot about how relationship maps can drive design and play. Here's a map for a six-character game that includes lines of affinity and also primary motivations proximal to characters. Everyone but the king has at least one one-sided relationship. Everyone knows exactly what to do.
Reading the excellent and intriguing Sea of Tranquility and a character just said "immigrate to"
I've had to stop reading until my grammar pedant goes back to sleep.
I've had to stop reading until my grammar pedant goes back to sleep.
February 14, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Reading the excellent and intriguing Sea of Tranquility and a character just said "immigrate to"
I've had to stop reading until my grammar pedant goes back to sleep.
I've had to stop reading until my grammar pedant goes back to sleep.
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
OSR: Here's a serious manifesto for serious dungeon crawling.
BOSR: Here's a copy of the Dandy and a VHS of Keeping Up Appearances. Roll 2d6
BOSR: Here's a copy of the Dandy and a VHS of Keeping Up Appearances. Roll 2d6
February 14, 2026 at 7:14 AM
OSR: Here's a serious manifesto for serious dungeon crawling.
BOSR: Here's a copy of the Dandy and a VHS of Keeping Up Appearances. Roll 2d6
BOSR: Here's a copy of the Dandy and a VHS of Keeping Up Appearances. Roll 2d6
Need Friday night booze, and the cupboard is down to the leftovers
Found a recipe for "Marzipane Old Fashioned", which is basically brandy and amaretto
Recipe suggested 1:1 plus a tea spoon of sugar. Just made it with half the recommended amaretto and no sugar and it's still sickly sweet 😫
Found a recipe for "Marzipane Old Fashioned", which is basically brandy and amaretto
Recipe suggested 1:1 plus a tea spoon of sugar. Just made it with half the recommended amaretto and no sugar and it's still sickly sweet 😫
February 13, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Need Friday night booze, and the cupboard is down to the leftovers
Found a recipe for "Marzipane Old Fashioned", which is basically brandy and amaretto
Recipe suggested 1:1 plus a tea spoon of sugar. Just made it with half the recommended amaretto and no sugar and it's still sickly sweet 😫
Found a recipe for "Marzipane Old Fashioned", which is basically brandy and amaretto
Recipe suggested 1:1 plus a tea spoon of sugar. Just made it with half the recommended amaretto and no sugar and it's still sickly sweet 😫
Update: there are no more cookies
Bought some Coop black forest cookies
First cookie: Eeew. Not a good flavour combination.
<bite> I guess you get used to it
<bite> om nom nom
Second cookie: I'm just waiting for the pot to boil, that's all
Third cookie: LEAVE THE KITCHEN NOW! DANGER! DANGER!
First cookie: Eeew. Not a good flavour combination.
<bite> I guess you get used to it
<bite> om nom nom
Second cookie: I'm just waiting for the pot to boil, that's all
Third cookie: LEAVE THE KITCHEN NOW! DANGER! DANGER!
February 13, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Update: there are no more cookies
Question for people who use #BGA
A conceded a game early, and then was told this was poor form because it messed up my opponent's stats and could ultimately lead me to being banned.
However, couldn't find anything in the site rule to that effect.
Any ideas? Or just a jobsworth?
A conceded a game early, and then was told this was poor form because it messed up my opponent's stats and could ultimately lead me to being banned.
However, couldn't find anything in the site rule to that effect.
Any ideas? Or just a jobsworth?
February 13, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Question for people who use #BGA
A conceded a game early, and then was told this was poor form because it messed up my opponent's stats and could ultimately lead me to being banned.
However, couldn't find anything in the site rule to that effect.
Any ideas? Or just a jobsworth?
A conceded a game early, and then was told this was poor form because it messed up my opponent's stats and could ultimately lead me to being banned.
However, couldn't find anything in the site rule to that effect.
Any ideas? Or just a jobsworth?
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
#Introduction: I start gaming *mumble mumble* years ago and was involved in the UK #TTRPG scene until 8 years ago but stepped back for mental health reasons. Currently working on #LiminalLincolnshire, a campaign for the #Liminal #RPG, and also mulling ideas for a new edition of #ModusOperandiRPG.
February 12, 2026 at 9:20 PM
#Introduction: I start gaming *mumble mumble* years ago and was involved in the UK #TTRPG scene until 8 years ago but stepped back for mental health reasons. Currently working on #LiminalLincolnshire, a campaign for the #Liminal #RPG, and also mulling ideas for a new edition of #ModusOperandiRPG.
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
Why games journalism is important: I’m pretty plugged in to TTRPGs, I love D&D style games, and I’d never heard of this. I’m really glad this crossed my timeline!
I'm trying to give indie TTRPGs some love on Polygon but it's tough because they don't do the sort of traffic as D&D stories. But one of the best part of my job is talking to game developers about their passion for the hobby. Here's a piece on Nimble: www.polygon.com/nimble-dunge...
D&D alternative Nimble returns to Kickstarter with a big expansion
Designer Evan Diaz talks about respecting everyone's time and making memories
www.polygon.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Why games journalism is important: I’m pretty plugged in to TTRPGs, I love D&D style games, and I’d never heard of this. I’m really glad this crossed my timeline!
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
just want to give him a carrot
February 13, 2026 at 12:42 PM
just want to give him a carrot
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
Laundry Files TRRPG Specials for the Kickstarter backers who've been waiting are now signed (and awaiting despatch from Limerick) — adding alt text makes this bsky client crash reliably, so the pic is a photo of an office boardroom table stacked five layers deep in slipcased RPG rule books.
February 13, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Laundry Files TRRPG Specials for the Kickstarter backers who've been waiting are now signed (and awaiting despatch from Limerick) — adding alt text makes this bsky client crash reliably, so the pic is a photo of an office boardroom table stacked five layers deep in slipcased RPG rule books.
Ha! For a while, ASOIAF was my favourite fantasy RPG.
Didn't realise it was designed by Rob Schwalb, of Demon Lord/Weird Wizard fame.
Tho now I think of it, I can picture his name front and centre on the cover of the rulebook. Sometimes brains just don't brain
Didn't realise it was designed by Rob Schwalb, of Demon Lord/Weird Wizard fame.
Tho now I think of it, I can picture his name front and centre on the cover of the rulebook. Sometimes brains just don't brain
Very reminiscent of Game of Thrones, and I always like ASOIAF RPG, so this is the nudge I needed to finally buy Green Ronin's generic version
(ran a bit of ASoIAF. Dunno if this fixed its few flaws or just filed off the Winteros)
/end
greenroninstore.com/products/swo...
(ran a bit of ASoIAF. Dunno if this fixed its few flaws or just filed off the Winteros)
/end
greenroninstore.com/products/swo...
Sword Chronicle: Feudal Fantasy Roleplaying (PDF)
Sword Chronicle: Feudal Fantasy Roleplaying is fantasy roleplaying in Green Ronin’s Chronicle System, now customized for you to bring in your own worlds of intrigue-laden fantasy.
greenroninstore.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:50 AM
Ha! For a while, ASOIAF was my favourite fantasy RPG.
Didn't realise it was designed by Rob Schwalb, of Demon Lord/Weird Wizard fame.
Tho now I think of it, I can picture his name front and centre on the cover of the rulebook. Sometimes brains just don't brain
Didn't realise it was designed by Rob Schwalb, of Demon Lord/Weird Wizard fame.
Tho now I think of it, I can picture his name front and centre on the cover of the rulebook. Sometimes brains just don't brain
Listening to Rest is History episodes about the lead up to 1066, and it's really quite surprising there's no fantasy RPG set in quasi Anglo-Danish world
We have bronze age
We have high medieval tolkienesque
We have renaissance
But can't think of anything in that period
1/
We have bronze age
We have high medieval tolkienesque
We have renaissance
But can't think of anything in that period
1/
February 13, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Listening to Rest is History episodes about the lead up to 1066, and it's really quite surprising there's no fantasy RPG set in quasi Anglo-Danish world
We have bronze age
We have high medieval tolkienesque
We have renaissance
But can't think of anything in that period
1/
We have bronze age
We have high medieval tolkienesque
We have renaissance
But can't think of anything in that period
1/
Bought some Coop black forest cookies
First cookie: Eeew. Not a good flavour combination.
<bite> I guess you get used to it
<bite> om nom nom
Second cookie: I'm just waiting for the pot to boil, that's all
Third cookie: LEAVE THE KITCHEN NOW! DANGER! DANGER!
First cookie: Eeew. Not a good flavour combination.
<bite> I guess you get used to it
<bite> om nom nom
Second cookie: I'm just waiting for the pot to boil, that's all
Third cookie: LEAVE THE KITCHEN NOW! DANGER! DANGER!
February 13, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Bought some Coop black forest cookies
First cookie: Eeew. Not a good flavour combination.
<bite> I guess you get used to it
<bite> om nom nom
Second cookie: I'm just waiting for the pot to boil, that's all
Third cookie: LEAVE THE KITCHEN NOW! DANGER! DANGER!
First cookie: Eeew. Not a good flavour combination.
<bite> I guess you get used to it
<bite> om nom nom
Second cookie: I'm just waiting for the pot to boil, that's all
Third cookie: LEAVE THE KITCHEN NOW! DANGER! DANGER!
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
PwC somehow more lucid on AI and education than most university leaders these days
February 13, 2026 at 6:52 AM
PwC somehow more lucid on AI and education than most university leaders these days
Are they making me buy more 13th Age scenarios? The bastards...
Friday the 13th Age is here.
Take 13% off all supplements and power up your campaign. New allies. New enemies. New legends waiting to rise.
Use code: fridaythe13thage
bit.ly/4rip3im
Valid this weekend.
#13thAge #TTRPG #RPGSale
Take 13% off all supplements and power up your campaign. New allies. New enemies. New legends waiting to rise.
Use code: fridaythe13thage
bit.ly/4rip3im
Valid this weekend.
#13thAge #TTRPG #RPGSale
February 12, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Are they making me buy more 13th Age scenarios? The bastards...