Evil Hat
LightNews LightNews
banner
evilhat.bsky.social
Evil Hat
@evilhat.bsky.social
9.5K followers 210 following 970 posts
Turning Passion into Great Games! Publisher of Fate, Monster of the Week, Blades in the Dark, Thirsty Sword Lesbians, and other games. www.evilhat.com
Posts Replies Media Videos
evilhat.bsky.social
Every time Designers & Dragons: Origins hits a stretch, backers pick a new chapter to add to The Adventurers' Hoard. This exclusive PDF is now over twice the size of the 57-page free public preview!
We just launched a new poll. Back today and cast your vote!
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
A collage of the covers of the accessories in this latest backer poll. Includes REF3: The Book of Lairs (September 1986) Dungeon Master's Design Kit (September 1988) C6: The Official RPGA Tournament Handbook (March 1987) AC1: The Shady Dragon Inn (December 1983) AC3: 3-D Dragon Tiles featuring The Kidnapping of Princess Arelina (June 1984) AC4: The Book of Marvelous Magic (February 1985) AC1010: Poor Wizard's Almanac & Book of Facts (November 1992) AC1011: Poor Wizard's Almanac II & Book of Facts (November 1993) Player's Survival Kit (January 1995) and Joshuan's Almanac & Book of Facts (November 1995)
November 11, 2025 at 1:16 AM
evilhat.bsky.social
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...
A mockup of the four thick Designers & Dragons: Origins books adorned with colorful illustrations in gold and purple depicting dragons of various ages stalking and frolicking. In the background, a mosaic of product covers from TSR's early years.
November 7, 2025 at 5:46 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Designers & Dragons: Origins is @shannonappelcline.bsky.social's comprehensive effort to tell the history, design, and lore behind each and every product that TSR published for OD&D, Basic D&D, and AD&D 1E.
Find out more and download the free 57-page preview here:
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
A mockup of Volume 1 of Designers & Dragons: Origins. In the background, a blue dungeon map behind a large collage made up of the covers from each product explored in Volume 1.
November 5, 2025 at 7:29 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
You are Omen-class monsters.
The only one who can understand your power is someone who can command your power.
Apocalypse Keys.
evilhat.com/product-cate...
A purple and red monotone illustration by Lorne Colt depicts two DIVISION agents in the throes of an embrace. The Hungry opens their fanged mouth as a million other toothy maws erupt across their body. The Found, bearing a huge curly mohawk, gently leans their face in toward the Hungry's mouth. A swarm of silhouetted tentacles envelopes the couple.
October 31, 2025 at 5:57 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Power up your Monster of the Week game with the one-two punch of The Hunter's Journal and Slayer's Survival Kit.
More Hunter playbooks, Team playbooks, Weird moves and new ways to put your character in the bright spotlight of that crusty, pulsing tome.
Available now:
evilhat.com/product/slay...
An illustration of a raven-headed man in a white dress shirt, black tie, and black sports jacket wielding a staff over sheet inscribed with magical runes. Lightning dances off the page and up into the staff. Caption: Take an Advance. Better yet, take two.
October 29, 2025 at 7:32 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Backers of Designers & Dragons: Origins get access to an exclusive preview that's twice the size the free PDF we share on the page.
We call it the Adventurers' Hoard, because every time we hit a stretch goal, we add more entries to it.
Get in on the loot:
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
The cover of the Adventurers' Hoard PDF for Designers & Dragons: Origins. A gold dragon adorns the cover, spouting tufts of flame. Pages spill from the cover showing entries that cover the history of various D&D products by TSR (Monster Manual, Fiend Folio, Greyhawk, etc). Caption: Claim your share.
October 25, 2025 at 2:14 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
It's the perfect time to plan your Halloween One-Shot session. And @drivethrurpg.com comes through with 31% off all these great supplements and scenarios for Monster of the Week, Fate, Deathmatch Island, and more. Or try the insomnia-fueled Don't Rest Your Head. www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher...
An illustration of a haunted scarecrow standing in a corn field with wisps of eldritch power escaping from its hands and pumpkin head. Next to that a selection of items we have on sale at DriveThruRPG. Supplements for Fate, Monster of the Week, Apocalypse Keys, Fate of Cthulhu, and more. Caption: Halloween Sale
October 24, 2025 at 8:11 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
And we're funded!
In Designers & Dragons: Origins @shannonappelcline.bsky.social makes an epic march through the early TSR catalog. Learn the lore (and bumps) behind some of the most iconic products and adventures of our hobby's founding days.
Find out more here:
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
A mockup of four thick books adorned with colorful illustrations in gold and purple depicting dragons of various ages stalking and frolicking. In the background, a blue monotone dungeon map. Caption: Designers & Dragons Origins. Funded!
October 21, 2025 at 9:39 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
⚔️ NOW LIVE! ⚔️ Designers & Dragons: Origins!
Award-winning historian @shannonappelcline.bsky.social delves deep into the origins and design of every product TSR published for OD&D, Basic D&D, and AD&D 1E.
Pledge now and gain access to The Adventurers' Hoard
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/e...
A mockup of four thick books emerging from a slipcase. Colorful illustrations in gold and purple depict dragons of various ages stalking and frolicking. In the background, a blue monotone dungeon map. Caption: Designers & Dragons Origins. Now on BackerKit.
October 21, 2025 at 3:11 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Tomorrow we launch Designers & Dragons: Origins.
This massive 4-volume set covers each and every product TSR published for OD&D, Basic D&D, and AD&D 1e.
It's a detailed look at some of the hobby's most iconic adventures.
Sign up now to get notified when we go live:
www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
A mockup of Volume 1 of Designers & Dragons: Origins. In the background, a blue dungeon map behind a large collage made up of the covers from each product explored in Volume 1.
October 20, 2025 at 11:18 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Together, you've had some epic adventures.
Learn the history behind those adventures with Designers & Dragons: Origins.
@shannonappelcline.bsky.social examines the entire TSR catalog for OD&D, Basic D&D and AD&D 1e in this magnificent 4-volume set.
Follow it today:
www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
In the foreground, a worn blue d20. In the background, a collage of covers from various products for OD&D and AD&D 1E.
October 16, 2025 at 4:47 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
ATTENTION [competitor fname]
PRODUCTION has unearthed a cache of Limited Edition copies for DEATHMATCH ISLAND.
As of this writing there are ONLY 25 AVAILABLE.
Players wishing to secure a copy must use CHALLENGE BEAST Capabilities.
COMPETITORS. The event begins NOW:
evilhat.com/product-cate...
A photo of the limited edition of Deathmatch Island. A skull-and-globe logo floats in the middle of a group of orange concentric rings. The name of the game, author, and the phrase "The game is just the beginning" are all redacted out in black boxes.
October 10, 2025 at 5:26 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Historian @shannonappelcline.bsky.social spent nearly a decade researching the history behind each and every release TSR put out for OD&D, AD&D 1e, and Basic D&D.
How many products does Designers & Dragons: Origins cover?
Answer: this many.
Follow the project here:
www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
A tiled mosaic of over 320 products released by TSR for OD&D, AD&D 1e, and Basic D&D. From the first copy of Chainmail to the digital release of Orc's Head.
October 9, 2025 at 5:48 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Designers & Dragons: Origins covers the history and lore behind every single product produced by early TSR. The books are comprehensive but the entries are very digestible.
Find out for yourself with our free preview, available now on @drivethrurpg.com
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
The cover of Designers & Dragons Secret Door edition, the free preview available on DriveThruRPG. On the cover, a scaly dragon egg is surrounded by coins, gems, and crystals.
October 8, 2025 at 6:09 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Official cover reveal!
Lorne Colt did an outstanding job with all four volumes of Designers & Dragons: Origins.
We launch this mammoth collection of roleplaying history two weeks from today! Sign up here to get notified on launch: www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
The four covers for Designers & Dragons: Origins. Volume 1 shows an illustration of a scaly dragon egg surrounded by jewels. Volume 2 shows a young hatchling clutching a crystal. Volume 3 shows a young dragon frolicking as it breathes wisps of fire. Volume 4 shows and adult dragon stalking directly toward the viewer in a menacing prowl.
October 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Spooky season is here.
Keep those wicked thoughts safe and cozy with your very own evil hat.
Available now, on our webstore: evilhat.com/product/evil...
A woman with long brown hair and red lipstick wearing a black jumpsuit with big shiny zippers. Atop her head is a black beanie embroidered with red "evil" eyes and the words "Evil Hat" across the bottom brow.
October 2, 2025 at 4:54 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Nearly a decade in the making, @shannonappelcline.bsky.social brings you the origins behind some of the most iconic books and adventures of the 70s, 80s, and beyond.
In three weeks we launch Designers & Dragons: Origins.
Sign up now to get notified when it's live!
www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
In the background, various covers of products made in the early days of TSR. In the foreground, a mockup of the four volumes of Designers & Dragons: Origins. The cover of the first book has a red and yellow dragon egg on it which is surrounded by gems. Caption: Delve deep into history. Designers & Dragons: Origins. Coming soon on BackerKit.
September 29, 2025 at 11:19 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
20 great TTRPG titles for $25 - including our own Fate of Cthulhu. It's a deal that can't be beat and the proceeds go to global programs that advocate for LGBTIQ people. Part of Roll20 Con.
Act quickly - this bundle is only available through the weekend!
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Graphic for the Roll20 Con 2025 Charity Bundle showing the covers of Fate of Cthulhu, Masks, and the Trinity Continuum Core Book. Caption: Over $200 worth of PDFs at 90% off for Roll20Con. Proceeds supporting Outright International.
September 26, 2025 at 4:55 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Whether you're curious about the early days of roleplaying or a devoted fan of the original ENnie award-winning Designers & Dragons series, you'll find new insights into the origins of our hobby.
Crowdfunding starts soon. Sign up now to get notified on launch!
www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
3/3
A spread of the chapters in Volume 1: OD&D: The Original Game OD&D - The Original Accessories AD&D - The 1E Core Greyhawk - The Gygax Seven AD&D - More Early Accessories Greyhawk - TSR Designs Greyhawk - The Great Campaign AD&D - More Monsters Greyhawk - Divergent Designs AD&D - The RPGA Adventures Greyhawk - The Return of Gygax
September 23, 2025 at 3:26 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Nearly a decade of work went into this huge four-volume set. From the Birth of Roleplaying to the Discovery of the Forgotten Realms, from the Rise of Basic D&D to the Fall of Mystara, Shannon examines some of the most iconic products of the 70s, 80s, and beyond.
www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
2/3
Two sample spreads from the books. On the left a spread showing the AD&D Players Handbook along with sections for Artwork & Design and Origins & Other Stories. On the right, a sample spread for Chainmail with those same subsections.
September 23, 2025 at 3:22 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
A screen cap of the Nature Witch Playbook from Thirsty Sword Lesbians. On the left, a young woman with brown skin and short brown hair is dressed in a yellow tunic and purple pantaloons. She holds a large sword of green wood with a spiderweb in the middle of the blade and a tiny dragon curled around the hilt. On the right is the text for the play book with a purple arrow and circle around the Example Archetype of "Plant Geek Babygay". The full text reads as follows: The Nature Witch is deeply connected to their environment and less experienced when it comes to people. They’re either new to socializing or are newly exploring what it feels like to socialize as their true self. Their central conflict revolves around the growth that their explorations will require from them and those who love them. Example Archetypes: ª Oblivious Horse Girl ª Beacon of Kindness ª Plant Geek Babygay Aesthetics (circle or invent one for each) ª Innocent demeanor, wise demeanor, sad demeanor ª Modest clothes, rough clothes, simple clothes ª A wooden sword, a harmless sword, an elemental sword
September 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
Your game, reforged!
Blades in the Dark: Deep Cuts adds new lore, technology, and more to your game. Customize the rules to suit your tastes with alternate mechanics!
Preorders now open:
blades-in-the-dark-deep-cuts.backerkit.com/survey_stores
*Please note: physical rewards will only ship to the US*
On the left, a mockup of the Blades in the Dark RPG. On the right, a mockup of the Deep Cuts expansion. Between them are a pair of glowing tanto-style daggers getting struck with a crackling lightning bolt.
September 12, 2025 at 6:07 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
You are The Shade.
Death speaks to you. Your power is enlightening, coldly logical, and ephemeral.
You can save the world, or destroy it.
Which do you choose?
Apocalypse Keys.
evilhat.com/product-cate...
On the right, an illustration of a spectral skull contained in a bulky pressure suit outfitted with various hoses and vents and topped with a clear globe for a helmet. On the left, a prompt from the Playbook for The Shade: What does the darkness demand of you? (choose 2): - to fall in love with the destroyer of worlds - to break the veil between the living and the dead - to kill Death - to consume every psychic in the world - to destroy anything resembling friendship - to reinvigorate an ancestral curse - something else that would make me give up on my soul
September 9, 2025 at 5:09 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
New Hunter playbooks, additional Team playbooks, more Weird moves and new ways to put your character under the bright spotlight.
The Hunter's Journal and Slayer's Survival Kit.
Supercharge your Monster of the Week game.
Available now from your FLGS or direct from us:
evilhat.com/product/slay...
On the left, copies of the Hunter's Journal and Slayer's Survival Kit for Monster of the Week. Caption: Upgrade your arsenal. On the right, a triptych of Monster of the Week characters: a person in a long trenchcoat sprouts tentacles from their mouth, eyes, and ears, a woman suspended from a zipline points twin pistols straight down and fires them, a shirtless bald man stands with his back to us, his spin covered in cybernetic implants.
September 5, 2025 at 7:26 PM
evilhat.bsky.social
We commissioned some cool premium rewards for the Stewpot crowdfunding campaign: custom dice, coins, even a deck of beautifully illustrated cards.
If you missed out on the initial project, we have a limited amount of overstock we're now releasing to the general public.
evilhat.com/product-cate...
A collage of the premium rewards for Stewpot: A hardcover copy of the game, a custom wooden die, a deck of cards with game art on the face cards, and a 40mm copper coin.
September 2, 2025 at 7:22 PM