Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
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zakbfree.bsky.social
Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
@zakbfree.bsky.social
Award-winning TTRPG Creator & Writer based in the UK
(he/they) 🏳️‍🌈

animonstory.com | http://ko-fi.com/zakbfree | http://zak-barouh.itch.io | https://twitch.tv/zakbfree |
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I've been reminded to do intros...

I'm Zak! I make Animon Story, the #TTRPG about Kids & their Monster friends, inspired by #Digimon, #Pokémon, and more.

Create a Kid Character, then build your perfect Animon companion, and set out on your own adventure!

Follow & find out more at:
animonstory.com
First 2026 session of Soulbound this evening and we wrapped up our undead lesbian wedding encounter. Great to be back.
January 14, 2026 at 10:39 PM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
I day dream of a future where I've actually finished more than one project. Doing mock ups helps me manifest. 🧘💪🕺
January 14, 2026 at 11:08 AM
First session of Coriolis: The Great Dark this evening and it was an absolute banger. In love with the dark sci-fi vibe of this game!
January 13, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Leo made fun of me for posting like I’m a Pokémon NPC
i love to play good games with good people!
January 12, 2026 at 1:29 PM
i love to play good games with good people!
January 12, 2026 at 9:56 AM
I've put up a very exciting poll on Ko-fi to decide the course of this year's bonus releases. I have some thoughts for a different direction this year and would like to hear your thoughts!

Do you want to see a year of multi-part volumes building up into a greater whole?

ko-fi.com/polls/What-d...
What do you want to see in 2026? - Click to view on Ko-fi
Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY added a poll for members!
ko-fi.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
Obviously, people are free to run their business however they want, but I think as consumers we should start to question those creators and companies who never say anything about their politics. It just feels like we're in a moment where we deserve to know who's on side and who's not.
January 8, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Regular reminder that fascists are not welcome in my vicinity.

There is so much heinous shit going on around the world right now. I try to focus locally because I feel that is often more productive than yelling online - but I need people to know who is and isn't welcome in my 'online community'.
January 8, 2026 at 12:29 PM
My resolution for 2026 is to be emboldened by the flame of ambition
January 7, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
Played Deadline by @wanderers-tome.bsky.social this evening and had so much fun! Such a great way to create a city by creating a newspaper for it. The style is so good, everything feels like a newspaper and I really want to play in the city we made.
January 2, 2026 at 10:32 PM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
Zak is like "ok I will try having the puppy in my office for a while" and then from downstairs I hear a comical amount of banging and "Vincent! No!" And I feel like I'm having my own little cartoon entertainment
January 5, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
The Outer Bounds Vol. 2 is now available to all Ko-fi Members!

We dive back into this Digimon World inspired setting, exploring multiple starting points for adventures offering different game experiences, and look in more detail at the Lost Shore in the northwest.

ko-fi.com/post/The-Out...
December 31, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Happy New Year!
January 1, 2026 at 1:06 AM
The Outer Bounds Vol. 2 is now available to all Ko-fi Members!

We dive back into this Digimon World inspired setting, exploring multiple starting points for adventures offering different game experiences, and look in more detail at the Lost Shore in the northwest.

ko-fi.com/post/The-Out...
December 31, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
Ooh, let's see if I can remember everything I played/ran this year...

Vaesen, Doomsong, Animon Story, AOS: Soulbound, The One Ring, Dragonbane, Salvage Union, Yazeba's B&B, Fabula Ultima, Cy_Borg, Mythic Bastionland, Orbital Blues, When the Walls Fall, RUNE, Dragon Dowser

15 is the number to beat!
TTRPGs I played/ran in 2025: PF2e, Delta Green, Dolmenwood, Mothership, T&T: ANA, The One Ring, English Eerie, This Is Where The Stars Died, some system I janked together last minute
December 30, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Ooh, let's see if I can remember everything I played/ran this year...

Vaesen, Doomsong, Animon Story, AOS: Soulbound, The One Ring, Dragonbane, Salvage Union, Yazeba's B&B, Fabula Ultima, Cy_Borg, Mythic Bastionland, Orbital Blues, When the Walls Fall, RUNE, Dragon Dowser

15 is the number to beat!
TTRPGs I played/ran in 2025: PF2e, Delta Green, Dolmenwood, Mothership, T&T: ANA, The One Ring, English Eerie, This Is Where The Stars Died, some system I janked together last minute
December 30, 2025 at 12:18 PM
I am not available in starter packs. To follow me you have to open random boosters until you pull the right handle.
December 28, 2025 at 10:49 AM
I’ve realised that when I play RPGs I really like having a character sheet full of fun buttons to push. Abilities to activate, points and resources to spend, mechanics that let you push to re-roll etc.

I think this is why I’ve always felt disconnected from the OSR “player skill” above all mindset.
December 26, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
YES
December 25, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
it's crazy to use AI in CONCEPT ART bcuz it will never be able to CREATE its own CONCEPTS. so not only are you saying you're too lazy to pay someone or to do the work yourself, you're also saying your okay with building all of your shit on unoriginal ideas and almagamation of existing work.
December 22, 2025 at 11:23 AM
It’s a personal goal of mine to fundraise for Jingle Jam next year - which means kicking up some more streaming throughout the year to prepare!

JJ has been part of my Christmas tradition since it started. About time I got involved!
With all the fundraisers tallied up, Jingle Jam 2025 has officially raised over £3.4 million for charity - absolutely insane stuff. Thank you so, so much! We hope you enjoyed our two weeks of festive fundraising. Now, off to sleep ‘til 2026!
December 20, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
I love people dedicated to their craft. I love people who put in the time and effort. I love people who live, breathe and eat their artform. You have so much to offer the world with your creativity that will make someone feel something, inspire and move people. I love what you do.

Keep going!
December 19, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
BIG NEWS! We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Son of Oak to bring Beyond the Woods to the acclaimed Legend in the Mist system! The Kickstarter will launch in February 2026, and you can follow the link below to make sure you don't miss out!

www.kickstarter.com/projects/old...

#ttrpg
December 5, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Reposted by Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY
One of my goals this year was to reach £500/month from my Ko-fi Memberships. So far, we haven't got to that point, but have stayed consistently in the £400-450 zone, which is already amazing!

To help me reach the goal, and get a huge amount of animon material in one go, consider joining!
Buy Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY a Coffee
Hi, I'm Zak Barouh. I'm a writer and Tabletop RPG designer. My latest big release is Animon Story, and TTRPG about Kids & their Monster friends!
ko-fi.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:24 AM
One of my goals this year was to reach £500/month from my Ko-fi Memberships. So far, we haven't got to that point, but have stayed consistently in the £400-450 zone, which is already amazing!

To help me reach the goal, and get a huge amount of animon material in one go, consider joining!
Buy Zak Barouh | ANIMON STORY a Coffee
Hi, I'm Zak Barouh. I'm a writer and Tabletop RPG designer. My latest big release is Animon Story, and TTRPG about Kids & their Monster friends!
ko-fi.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:24 AM