HansC - 2026 ENnies Judge
@hanscummingsvo.bsky.social
The Snarky Sophisticate -- voice over artist, high fantasy/sci-fi novelist, and cast member of I Should Roll. I've been playing TTRPGs and video games since the early '80s and I cook. 100% organic artisanal human. (He/him)
If you've been waiting for the next installment of the #ZackJackson series, book 5, The Ruins of Athos is here!
Signed print copies: hanscummings.com
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Zack-Jackson...
eBook: books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
Signed print copies: hanscummings.com
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Zack-Jackson...
eBook: books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
October 28, 2025 at 1:15 PM
If you've been waiting for the next installment of the #ZackJackson series, book 5, The Ruins of Athos is here!
Signed print copies: hanscummings.com
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Zack-Jackson...
eBook: books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
Signed print copies: hanscummings.com
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Zack-Jackson...
eBook: books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
Did you know I have a new book out? Zack Jackson & The Ruins of Athos! It's book 5 in the Zack Jackson YA sci-fi series.
It's available in
ebook: books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Zack-Jackson...
and Print: hanscummings.com
Plus, if you order it in print from me, you can have it signed!
It's available in
ebook: books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Zack-Jackson...
and Print: hanscummings.com
Plus, if you order it in print from me, you can have it signed!
October 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Did you know I have a new book out? Zack Jackson & The Ruins of Athos! It's book 5 in the Zack Jackson YA sci-fi series.
It's available in
ebook: books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Zack-Jackson...
and Print: hanscummings.com
Plus, if you order it in print from me, you can have it signed!
It's available in
ebook: books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Zack-Jackson...
and Print: hanscummings.com
Plus, if you order it in print from me, you can have it signed!
Day 4 of #GameHoleCon! Last day to buy my 100% human-made artisinal high fantasy and YA sci-fi novels from me in-person. Back left corner of the Dealer Hall where the naughty children are.
October 19, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Day 4 of #GameHoleCon! Last day to buy my 100% human-made artisinal high fantasy and YA sci-fi novels from me in-person. Back left corner of the Dealer Hall where the naughty children are.
Day 3 of #GameHoleCon! Rested and ready to talk to you about #ZackJackson, the World of #Calliome, and even the #MassEffect actual play podcast I'm on!
October 18, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Day 3 of #GameHoleCon! Rested and ready to talk to you about #ZackJackson, the World of #Calliome, and even the #MassEffect actual play podcast I'm on!
Beautiful cover by one of my podcast castmates.
October 18, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Beautiful cover by one of my podcast castmates.
Because I'm terrible at self-marketing, I should point out, that my latest novel, Zack Jackson & The Ruins of Athos (book 5 in the Zack Jackson series) came out on Thursday.
books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
October 18, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Because I'm terrible at self-marketing, I should point out, that my latest novel, Zack Jackson & The Ruins of Athos (book 5 in the Zack Jackson series) came out on Thursday.
books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
books2read.com/u/38pN1Z
I'm at #GameholeCon! Come talk to me about my books (maybe buy 1 or 2 or all), my voice over work, or just say "Hi!"
October 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM
I'm at #GameholeCon! Come talk to me about my books (maybe buy 1 or 2 or all), my voice over work, or just say "Hi!"
#Indianapolis folks: On October 2, 3, 4 and 9, 10, 11, the Garfield Shakespeare Company will be performing Macbeth at the Garfield Park Amphitheatre (2425 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46203). Performances are free to attend and start at 7:30PM.
September 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
#Indianapolis folks: On October 2, 3, 4 and 9, 10, 11, the Garfield Shakespeare Company will be performing Macbeth at the Garfield Park Amphitheatre (2425 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46203). Performances are free to attend and start at 7:30PM.
The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon.
(among many many others, not even counting the fantasy trilogy I wrote)
(among many many others, not even counting the fantasy trilogy I wrote)
September 19, 2025 at 10:32 PM
The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon.
(among many many others, not even counting the fantasy trilogy I wrote)
(among many many others, not even counting the fantasy trilogy I wrote)
If you're in Indianapolis, I'll be performing in Macbeth in just a few weeks. Admission is free to the public.
September 10, 2025 at 2:32 PM
If you're in Indianapolis, I'll be performing in Macbeth in just a few weeks. Admission is free to the public.
I can share the cover art for Zack Jackson & The Ruins of Athos (book 5 of the #ZackJackson series). The artwork was done by the talented Maria Damianou (one of my I Should Roll cast mates)
The odd texturing you may see (especially if you zoom in) will not appear on the actual covers.
The odd texturing you may see (especially if you zoom in) will not appear on the actual covers.
September 5, 2025 at 5:35 PM
I can share the cover art for Zack Jackson & The Ruins of Athos (book 5 of the #ZackJackson series). The artwork was done by the talented Maria Damianou (one of my I Should Roll cast mates)
The odd texturing you may see (especially if you zoom in) will not appear on the actual covers.
The odd texturing you may see (especially if you zoom in) will not appear on the actual covers.
#RPGaDay2025 Day 31: Reward
Punting to Mood d10 (8) Grateful.
I'm grateful for what #TTRPGs have brought to my life. Infinite realms of imagination and opportunities to exercise my creativity. Many of my closest friends I met due to our mutual love of RPGs. (1/2)
Punting to Mood d10 (8) Grateful.
I'm grateful for what #TTRPGs have brought to my life. Infinite realms of imagination and opportunities to exercise my creativity. Many of my closest friends I met due to our mutual love of RPGs. (1/2)
August 31, 2025 at 9:56 AM
#RPGaDay2025 Day 31: Reward
Punting to Mood d10 (8) Grateful.
I'm grateful for what #TTRPGs have brought to my life. Infinite realms of imagination and opportunities to exercise my creativity. Many of my closest friends I met due to our mutual love of RPGs. (1/2)
Punting to Mood d10 (8) Grateful.
I'm grateful for what #TTRPGs have brought to my life. Infinite realms of imagination and opportunities to exercise my creativity. Many of my closest friends I met due to our mutual love of RPGs. (1/2)
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 30: Experience
I've had a lot of experience play and running #TTRPGs, and I still have trouble learning new systems just from reading the books. My experience has taught me that systems are not as important as just playing a genre you enjoy w/people you enjoy spending time with.
I've had a lot of experience play and running #TTRPGs, and I still have trouble learning new systems just from reading the books. My experience has taught me that systems are not as important as just playing a genre you enjoy w/people you enjoy spending time with.
August 30, 2025 at 11:44 AM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 30: Experience
I've had a lot of experience play and running #TTRPGs, and I still have trouble learning new systems just from reading the books. My experience has taught me that systems are not as important as just playing a genre you enjoy w/people you enjoy spending time with.
I've had a lot of experience play and running #TTRPGs, and I still have trouble learning new systems just from reading the books. My experience has taught me that systems are not as important as just playing a genre you enjoy w/people you enjoy spending time with.
@RPGaDay2025 - Day 29: Connect
Connection, Connect 4, Connecticut, Connect-the-Dots, Love Connection. I could go on... but I won't.
I was going somewhere with this, but I've lost my train of thought. The neurons didn't fully CONNECT... or something. I guess.
Connection, Connect 4, Connecticut, Connect-the-Dots, Love Connection. I could go on... but I won't.
I was going somewhere with this, but I've lost my train of thought. The neurons didn't fully CONNECT... or something. I guess.
August 29, 2025 at 10:02 AM
@RPGaDay2025 - Day 29: Connect
Connection, Connect 4, Connecticut, Connect-the-Dots, Love Connection. I could go on... but I won't.
I was going somewhere with this, but I've lost my train of thought. The neurons didn't fully CONNECT... or something. I guess.
Connection, Connect 4, Connecticut, Connect-the-Dots, Love Connection. I could go on... but I won't.
I was going somewhere with this, but I've lost my train of thought. The neurons didn't fully CONNECT... or something. I guess.
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 28: Suspense
I have something really good for this prompt, just you wait...
It's coming soon...
I have something really good for this prompt, just you wait...
It's coming soon...
August 28, 2025 at 10:08 AM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 28: Suspense
I have something really good for this prompt, just you wait...
It's coming soon...
I have something really good for this prompt, just you wait...
It's coming soon...
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 27: Tactic
Tactics... strategy. I have no mind for strategy. I need the Man in Black. I'll punt to Subject d8... rolling... Accessory!
(1/2)
Tactics... strategy. I have no mind for strategy. I need the Man in Black. I'll punt to Subject d8... rolling... Accessory!
(1/2)
August 27, 2025 at 11:13 AM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 27: Tactic
Tactics... strategy. I have no mind for strategy. I need the Man in Black. I'll punt to Subject d8... rolling... Accessory!
(1/2)
Tactics... strategy. I have no mind for strategy. I need the Man in Black. I'll punt to Subject d8... rolling... Accessory!
(1/2)
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 26: Nemesis
Don't fall in love w/a nemesis you've created for your players. Inevitably, they'll do the unexpected (see Day 21) & job them (in wrestling parlance), wrecking your prep. If you care about them, have an plan in case their first appearance is cut unexpectedly short.
Don't fall in love w/a nemesis you've created for your players. Inevitably, they'll do the unexpected (see Day 21) & job them (in wrestling parlance), wrecking your prep. If you care about them, have an plan in case their first appearance is cut unexpectedly short.
August 26, 2025 at 10:06 AM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 26: Nemesis
Don't fall in love w/a nemesis you've created for your players. Inevitably, they'll do the unexpected (see Day 21) & job them (in wrestling parlance), wrecking your prep. If you care about them, have an plan in case their first appearance is cut unexpectedly short.
Don't fall in love w/a nemesis you've created for your players. Inevitably, they'll do the unexpected (see Day 21) & job them (in wrestling parlance), wrecking your prep. If you care about them, have an plan in case their first appearance is cut unexpectedly short.
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 25: Challenge
These single word prompts have been more challenging than some of the prompts from previous years. Hence, why I'm approaching some of them with humor and sarcasm.
These single word prompts have been more challenging than some of the prompts from previous years. Hence, why I'm approaching some of them with humor and sarcasm.
August 25, 2025 at 11:02 AM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 25: Challenge
These single word prompts have been more challenging than some of the prompts from previous years. Hence, why I'm approaching some of them with humor and sarcasm.
These single word prompts have been more challenging than some of the prompts from previous years. Hence, why I'm approaching some of them with humor and sarcasm.
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 24: Reveal
Herein I shall reveal to you the secret to being a great GM:
Nah, not really. It's SECRET. I can keep a secret.
But the real secret is there is no secret formula. You just gotta know your players. What works for one may not work for another.
Herein I shall reveal to you the secret to being a great GM:
Nah, not really. It's SECRET. I can keep a secret.
But the real secret is there is no secret formula. You just gotta know your players. What works for one may not work for another.
August 24, 2025 at 11:19 AM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 24: Reveal
Herein I shall reveal to you the secret to being a great GM:
Nah, not really. It's SECRET. I can keep a secret.
But the real secret is there is no secret formula. You just gotta know your players. What works for one may not work for another.
Herein I shall reveal to you the secret to being a great GM:
Nah, not really. It's SECRET. I can keep a secret.
But the real secret is there is no secret formula. You just gotta know your players. What works for one may not work for another.
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 23: Recent
Recently (relatively, speaking as someone who started playing #TTRPGs in 1982), I find myself drawn towards rule-light narrative-driven games rather than those with detailed tactical systems. I used to love tons of crunch and nitty-gritty systems. Used to...
Recently (relatively, speaking as someone who started playing #TTRPGs in 1982), I find myself drawn towards rule-light narrative-driven games rather than those with detailed tactical systems. I used to love tons of crunch and nitty-gritty systems. Used to...
August 23, 2025 at 6:11 PM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 23: Recent
Recently (relatively, speaking as someone who started playing #TTRPGs in 1982), I find myself drawn towards rule-light narrative-driven games rather than those with detailed tactical systems. I used to love tons of crunch and nitty-gritty systems. Used to...
Recently (relatively, speaking as someone who started playing #TTRPGs in 1982), I find myself drawn towards rule-light narrative-driven games rather than those with detailed tactical systems. I used to love tons of crunch and nitty-gritty systems. Used to...
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 22: Ally
I think it's important for the PCs to have NPC allys, whether they're with the PCs on their adventures or not. If every NPC is unremittingly hostile, that's a tabletop version of an FPS, not an RPG. That playstyle may appeal to some, but it's not for me.
I think it's important for the PCs to have NPC allys, whether they're with the PCs on their adventures or not. If every NPC is unremittingly hostile, that's a tabletop version of an FPS, not an RPG. That playstyle may appeal to some, but it's not for me.
August 22, 2025 at 2:08 PM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 22: Ally
I think it's important for the PCs to have NPC allys, whether they're with the PCs on their adventures or not. If every NPC is unremittingly hostile, that's a tabletop version of an FPS, not an RPG. That playstyle may appeal to some, but it's not for me.
I think it's important for the PCs to have NPC allys, whether they're with the PCs on their adventures or not. If every NPC is unremittingly hostile, that's a tabletop version of an FPS, not an RPG. That playstyle may appeal to some, but it's not for me.
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 21: Unexpected
One thing I've found true across every game, every group, every table, every time: players are like Animaniacs and you must expect the unexpected. The only real way to prepare for this is by being willing to go with the flow and adopt the Improv mantra: Yes, and...
One thing I've found true across every game, every group, every table, every time: players are like Animaniacs and you must expect the unexpected. The only real way to prepare for this is by being willing to go with the flow and adopt the Improv mantra: Yes, and...
August 21, 2025 at 11:31 AM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 21: Unexpected
One thing I've found true across every game, every group, every table, every time: players are like Animaniacs and you must expect the unexpected. The only real way to prepare for this is by being willing to go with the flow and adopt the Improv mantra: Yes, and...
One thing I've found true across every game, every group, every table, every time: players are like Animaniacs and you must expect the unexpected. The only real way to prepare for this is by being willing to go with the flow and adopt the Improv mantra: Yes, and...
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 20: Enter
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."
NPCs and locations both benefit from memorable entrances. I have no clever advice for this; what's going to be memorable to one group may be very forgettable to another. As always, it all comes down to knowing your group.
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."
NPCs and locations both benefit from memorable entrances. I have no clever advice for this; what's going to be memorable to one group may be very forgettable to another. As always, it all comes down to knowing your group.
August 20, 2025 at 11:37 AM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 20: Enter
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."
NPCs and locations both benefit from memorable entrances. I have no clever advice for this; what's going to be memorable to one group may be very forgettable to another. As always, it all comes down to knowing your group.
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."
NPCs and locations both benefit from memorable entrances. I have no clever advice for this; what's going to be memorable to one group may be very forgettable to another. As always, it all comes down to knowing your group.
#RPGaDay 2025 - Day 19: Destiny
"Lorraine, I am your density..." I know it's a trope of fantasy fiction, but I really don't use destiny or prophecies. I think they're generally over-used in genre fiction. But, like many tropes, they're pizza topping. You do you.
"Lorraine, I am your density..." I know it's a trope of fantasy fiction, but I really don't use destiny or prophecies. I think they're generally over-used in genre fiction. But, like many tropes, they're pizza topping. You do you.
August 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM
#RPGaDay 2025 - Day 19: Destiny
"Lorraine, I am your density..." I know it's a trope of fantasy fiction, but I really don't use destiny or prophecies. I think they're generally over-used in genre fiction. But, like many tropes, they're pizza topping. You do you.
"Lorraine, I am your density..." I know it's a trope of fantasy fiction, but I really don't use destiny or prophecies. I think they're generally over-used in genre fiction. But, like many tropes, they're pizza topping. You do you.
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 18: Sign
Signs often point the way toward danger (Keep Out!), but can also promise succor and drinks (The Prancing Pony). Sometimes they are portents and omens. "This is it! This is the sign!" ... "It's a sign all right; we're going out of business."
Signs often point the way toward danger (Keep Out!), but can also promise succor and drinks (The Prancing Pony). Sometimes they are portents and omens. "This is it! This is the sign!" ... "It's a sign all right; we're going out of business."
August 18, 2025 at 3:25 PM
#RPGaDay2025 - Day 18: Sign
Signs often point the way toward danger (Keep Out!), but can also promise succor and drinks (The Prancing Pony). Sometimes they are portents and omens. "This is it! This is the sign!" ... "It's a sign all right; we're going out of business."
Signs often point the way toward danger (Keep Out!), but can also promise succor and drinks (The Prancing Pony). Sometimes they are portents and omens. "This is it! This is the sign!" ... "It's a sign all right; we're going out of business."