@hellstrommikael.bsky.social
Ph.D. political science. Outschool Teacher. Pro GM. Game-based learning. Opinions are my own.
Autism doesn’t limit my perception — it expands it. I notice the systems within systems. The way rules shape action. That’s where understanding starts.
November 6, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Autism doesn’t limit my perception — it expands it. I notice the systems within systems. The way rules shape action. That’s where understanding starts.
Gamified learning—quests instead of assignments, badges instead of grades—can make education feel like an adventure. I’m team XP over bell curve grades any day.
September 16, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Gamified learning—quests instead of assignments, badges instead of grades—can make education feel like an adventure. I’m team XP over bell curve grades any day.
Reposted
We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.
September 10, 2025 at 9:26 PM
We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.
Ever noticed how GM-ing a game session feels like facilitating a town hall? Same skills—narrative, agency, empathy.
September 11, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Ever noticed how GM-ing a game session feels like facilitating a town hall? Same skills—narrative, agency, empathy.
Everyone! Want to find like-minded people to talk about how to write better player characters or NPCs and make better stories together at the role-playing table?
I just opened a community for that! We can share resources and pick each others' brains! See you there!
www.skool.com/role-playing...
I just opened a community for that! We can share resources and pick each others' brains! See you there!
www.skool.com/role-playing...
Role-playing Explorer’s Club
A guild for role-playing gamers learning to bring dramatic, unforgettable stories to life at the table.
www.skool.com
August 18, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Everyone! Want to find like-minded people to talk about how to write better player characters or NPCs and make better stories together at the role-playing table?
I just opened a community for that! We can share resources and pick each others' brains! See you there!
www.skool.com/role-playing...
I just opened a community for that! We can share resources and pick each others' brains! See you there!
www.skool.com/role-playing...
If you're interested in learning more about how politics work through the lens of political science- I'm here for you!
www.skool.com/hellstroms-p...
www.skool.com/hellstroms-p...
Hellstrom’s Politics Lab
Using political science to explore how politics works—rigorous, respectful, and free from partisan flame wars. This is a place for learning.
www.skool.com
August 17, 2025 at 9:41 PM
If you're interested in learning more about how politics work through the lens of political science- I'm here for you!
www.skool.com/hellstroms-p...
www.skool.com/hellstroms-p...
The way players handle moral dilemmas in Delta Green says a lot about how they see authority, security, and humanity.
I’ve had better political debates at the table than in some seminars.
I’ve had better political debates at the table than in some seminars.
July 20, 2025 at 5:32 PM
The way players handle moral dilemmas in Delta Green says a lot about how they see authority, security, and humanity.
I’ve had better political debates at the table than in some seminars.
I’ve had better political debates at the table than in some seminars.
🌕 LIVE NOW: When the Wolfsbane Bloom 🌕
Tonight, the pack is sent on a grim errand—to track down Graveseeker, a missing Theurge whose mind may be shattered... or worse. 🔴 Tune in now on Twitch.tv/MythMachin3
#WerewolfTheApocalypse #TTRPG #ActualPlay #WorldOfDarkness #W5
Tonight, the pack is sent on a grim errand—to track down Graveseeker, a missing Theurge whose mind may be shattered... or worse. 🔴 Tune in now on Twitch.tv/MythMachin3
#WerewolfTheApocalypse #TTRPG #ActualPlay #WorldOfDarkness #W5
Mythmachin3 - Twitch
Rage Across New York: When the Wolfbane Blooms
Twitch.tv
July 19, 2025 at 7:03 PM
🌕 LIVE NOW: When the Wolfsbane Bloom 🌕
Tonight, the pack is sent on a grim errand—to track down Graveseeker, a missing Theurge whose mind may be shattered... or worse. 🔴 Tune in now on Twitch.tv/MythMachin3
#WerewolfTheApocalypse #TTRPG #ActualPlay #WorldOfDarkness #W5
Tonight, the pack is sent on a grim errand—to track down Graveseeker, a missing Theurge whose mind may be shattered... or worse. 🔴 Tune in now on Twitch.tv/MythMachin3
#WerewolfTheApocalypse #TTRPG #ActualPlay #WorldOfDarkness #W5
XCOM Ironman mode feels like being a political decision-maker during a national emergency.
Public trust. Limited resources. Every death matters.
Also, aliens.
I've wanted to turn into a classroom simulation for some time.
Public trust. Limited resources. Every death matters.
Also, aliens.
I've wanted to turn into a classroom simulation for some time.
July 19, 2025 at 2:17 PM
XCOM Ironman mode feels like being a political decision-maker during a national emergency.
Public trust. Limited resources. Every death matters.
Also, aliens.
I've wanted to turn into a classroom simulation for some time.
Public trust. Limited resources. Every death matters.
Also, aliens.
I've wanted to turn into a classroom simulation for some time.
As someone autistic, I’ve found TTRPGs offer structured social engagement with creative freedom.
It’s part system, part story.
Feels like home. Anyone else find this kind of play uniquely comfortable?
It’s part system, part story.
Feels like home. Anyone else find this kind of play uniquely comfortable?
July 17, 2025 at 7:36 PM
As someone autistic, I’ve found TTRPGs offer structured social engagement with creative freedom.
It’s part system, part story.
Feels like home. Anyone else find this kind of play uniquely comfortable?
It’s part system, part story.
Feels like home. Anyone else find this kind of play uniquely comfortable?
One reason I love Vampire and Delta Green: they’re emotional simulations and political ones.
You don’t just manage power—you navigate fear, loyalty, and corruption.
A political scientist’s dream sandbox.
You don’t just manage power—you navigate fear, loyalty, and corruption.
A political scientist’s dream sandbox.
July 15, 2025 at 5:35 PM
One reason I love Vampire and Delta Green: they’re emotional simulations and political ones.
You don’t just manage power—you navigate fear, loyalty, and corruption.
A political scientist’s dream sandbox.
You don’t just manage power—you navigate fear, loyalty, and corruption.
A political scientist’s dream sandbox.
🧛♀️ We're LIVE! 🧛♂️
Vampire: the Masquerade – Paper Chase Part 10 starts NOW!
The hunters made their move.
The Coterie struck back.
Blood was spilled. Secrets exposed.
Now the city holds its breath.
📺 twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#VampireTheMasquerade #TTRPG #ActualPlay #WorldOfDarkness #ChicagoByNight #V5
Vampire: the Masquerade – Paper Chase Part 10 starts NOW!
The hunters made their move.
The Coterie struck back.
Blood was spilled. Secrets exposed.
Now the city holds its breath.
📺 twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#VampireTheMasquerade #TTRPG #ActualPlay #WorldOfDarkness #ChicagoByNight #V5
Mythmachin3 - Twitch
Chicago by Night: Paper Chase p10
twitch.tv
June 21, 2025 at 7:03 PM
🧛♀️ We're LIVE! 🧛♂️
Vampire: the Masquerade – Paper Chase Part 10 starts NOW!
The hunters made their move.
The Coterie struck back.
Blood was spilled. Secrets exposed.
Now the city holds its breath.
📺 twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#VampireTheMasquerade #TTRPG #ActualPlay #WorldOfDarkness #ChicagoByNight #V5
Vampire: the Masquerade – Paper Chase Part 10 starts NOW!
The hunters made their move.
The Coterie struck back.
Blood was spilled. Secrets exposed.
Now the city holds its breath.
📺 twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#VampireTheMasquerade #TTRPG #ActualPlay #WorldOfDarkness #ChicagoByNight #V5
I’ve seen players develop real emotional awareness through roleplay.
Games aren’t just stories—they’re social labs.
Anyone else see emotional growth at the table?
Games aren’t just stories—they’re social labs.
Anyone else see emotional growth at the table?
June 19, 2025 at 9:50 PM
I’ve seen players develop real emotional awareness through roleplay.
Games aren’t just stories—they’re social labs.
Anyone else see emotional growth at the table?
Games aren’t just stories—they’re social labs.
Anyone else see emotional growth at the table?
Have you ever brought something from a game table (like facilitation, empathy, or scenario planning) into your professional life? I ended up turning my classroom into a live-action role-play.
June 14, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Have you ever brought something from a game table (like facilitation, empathy, or scenario planning) into your professional life? I ended up turning my classroom into a live-action role-play.
👾 XCOM nerds, humor me:
Design a new alien.
What’s it called? What’s the worst thing it can do to you?
Bonus points if it’s even more irritating than a Sectopod.
Design a new alien.
What’s it called? What’s the worst thing it can do to you?
Bonus points if it’s even more irritating than a Sectopod.
June 3, 2025 at 12:51 PM
👾 XCOM nerds, humor me:
Design a new alien.
What’s it called? What’s the worst thing it can do to you?
Bonus points if it’s even more irritating than a Sectopod.
Design a new alien.
What’s it called? What’s the worst thing it can do to you?
Bonus points if it’s even more irritating than a Sectopod.
🛸 The Resistance Needs You — XCOM 2 Live Now! 🛸
Join me on the frontlines as humanity fights back against the alien occupation! 💥
📍 Tune in now: www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#XCOM2 #TacticalGaming #TwitchStream #TurnBasedStrategy #MythMachineLive #SaveHumanity
Join me on the frontlines as humanity fights back against the alien occupation! 💥
📍 Tune in now: www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#XCOM2 #TacticalGaming #TwitchStream #TurnBasedStrategy #MythMachineLive #SaveHumanity
Mythmachin3 - Twitch
XCOM2 Ironman campaign, ep 25
www.twitch.tv
May 27, 2025 at 10:52 PM
🛸 The Resistance Needs You — XCOM 2 Live Now! 🛸
Join me on the frontlines as humanity fights back against the alien occupation! 💥
📍 Tune in now: www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#XCOM2 #TacticalGaming #TwitchStream #TurnBasedStrategy #MythMachineLive #SaveHumanity
Join me on the frontlines as humanity fights back against the alien occupation! 💥
📍 Tune in now: www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#XCOM2 #TacticalGaming #TwitchStream #TurnBasedStrategy #MythMachineLive #SaveHumanity
You came to do a job. Instead, you lit the fuse on prophecy, politics, and powers older than the Empire itself. Oops.
Play the most epic fantasy campaign you never heard of!
startplaying.games/adventure/cm...
Play the most epic fantasy campaign you never heard of!
startplaying.games/adventure/cm...
Join Brimstone Winter - Part 1 of The Conflux Saga - Discord / Foundry VTT - Dragonbane | StartPlaying Games
"They told you it was routine."
Experience the legendary Swedish campaign that defined a generation of roleplayers—now available in English for the first time.
You arrive on the Empire’s most remote...
startplaying.games
May 27, 2025 at 5:29 PM
You came to do a job. Instead, you lit the fuse on prophecy, politics, and powers older than the Empire itself. Oops.
Play the most epic fantasy campaign you never heard of!
startplaying.games/adventure/cm...
Play the most epic fantasy campaign you never heard of!
startplaying.games/adventure/cm...
Cosmic horror fans:
You need to read this.
“In the Hands of the Unknown” by A.E. Hellstorm is one of the most chilling, well-written horror books I’ve read in a long time.
Incredible atmosphere. Terrifying slow burn. Characters that stick with you.
www.amazon.ca/Hands-Field-...
You need to read this.
“In the Hands of the Unknown” by A.E. Hellstorm is one of the most chilling, well-written horror books I’ve read in a long time.
Incredible atmosphere. Terrifying slow burn. Characters that stick with you.
www.amazon.ca/Hands-Field-...
Amazon.ca
www.amazon.ca
May 23, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Cosmic horror fans:
You need to read this.
“In the Hands of the Unknown” by A.E. Hellstorm is one of the most chilling, well-written horror books I’ve read in a long time.
Incredible atmosphere. Terrifying slow burn. Characters that stick with you.
www.amazon.ca/Hands-Field-...
You need to read this.
“In the Hands of the Unknown” by A.E. Hellstorm is one of the most chilling, well-written horror books I’ve read in a long time.
Incredible atmosphere. Terrifying slow burn. Characters that stick with you.
www.amazon.ca/Hands-Field-...
I don’t “mask” when I GM, I'm in the zone!
With empathy, and obsession-level prep, the world comes to life.
And my tables are better for it.
With empathy, and obsession-level prep, the world comes to life.
And my tables are better for it.
May 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM
I don’t “mask” when I GM, I'm in the zone!
With empathy, and obsession-level prep, the world comes to life.
And my tables are better for it.
With empathy, and obsession-level prep, the world comes to life.
And my tables are better for it.
The best lesson plans? Half-designed, half-improvised.
Just like a good campaign arc.
Just like a good campaign arc.
May 16, 2025 at 7:19 PM
The best lesson plans? Half-designed, half-improvised.
Just like a good campaign arc.
Just like a good campaign arc.
Clan power structures. Bureaucratic inertia.
Different stories, same gears turning.
That’s why I GM and teach policy—it’s all systems within systems.
Different stories, same gears turning.
That’s why I GM and teach policy—it’s all systems within systems.
May 15, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Clan power structures. Bureaucratic inertia.
Different stories, same gears turning.
That’s why I GM and teach policy—it’s all systems within systems.
Different stories, same gears turning.
That’s why I GM and teach policy—it’s all systems within systems.
🔥 Time to suit up, Soldiers!
🎯 XCOM2: Tactical Chaos & Hard Choices
🎥 LIVE now on Twitch → www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
High-stakes missions. Brutal decisions. 95% misses.
Let’s lose soldiers together.
#XCOM2 #TurnBasedStrategy #TwitchStreamer #TacticalGaming
🎯 XCOM2: Tactical Chaos & Hard Choices
🎥 LIVE now on Twitch → www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
High-stakes missions. Brutal decisions. 95% misses.
Let’s lose soldiers together.
#XCOM2 #TurnBasedStrategy #TwitchStreamer #TacticalGaming
Mythmachin3 - Twitch
XCOM2 Ironman campaign Ep23
www.twitch.tv
May 14, 2025 at 10:53 PM
🔥 Time to suit up, Soldiers!
🎯 XCOM2: Tactical Chaos & Hard Choices
🎥 LIVE now on Twitch → www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
High-stakes missions. Brutal decisions. 95% misses.
Let’s lose soldiers together.
#XCOM2 #TurnBasedStrategy #TwitchStreamer #TacticalGaming
🎯 XCOM2: Tactical Chaos & Hard Choices
🎥 LIVE now on Twitch → www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
High-stakes missions. Brutal decisions. 95% misses.
Let’s lose soldiers together.
#XCOM2 #TurnBasedStrategy #TwitchStreamer #TacticalGaming
Chicago by Night Paper Chase 5- The Mystery Deepens
YouTube video by TheMythMachine
youtu.be
May 12, 2025 at 1:28 PM
🟢 Delta Green Twitch Announcement – “The Briefing” Begins
A mansion in St. Louis blows up.
Delta Green now has to clean up.
🧬 Delta Green: The Briefing – LIVE in 5
🎥 Z Cell is on the scene.
🔴 www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#DeltaGreen #TTRPG #CosmicHorror #ActualPlay #MythMachin3
A mansion in St. Louis blows up.
Delta Green now has to clean up.
🧬 Delta Green: The Briefing – LIVE in 5
🎥 Z Cell is on the scene.
🔴 www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#DeltaGreen #TTRPG #CosmicHorror #ActualPlay #MythMachin3
Mythmachin3 - Twitch
Professional GM & storyteller with 30+ years of experience. Actual Plays, strategy, and immersive roleplay. Vampire, Delta Green, XCOM2 & more. Come for the drama, stay for the chaos. 🧛♂️🎲
www.twitch.tv
May 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
🟢 Delta Green Twitch Announcement – “The Briefing” Begins
A mansion in St. Louis blows up.
Delta Green now has to clean up.
🧬 Delta Green: The Briefing – LIVE in 5
🎥 Z Cell is on the scene.
🔴 www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#DeltaGreen #TTRPG #CosmicHorror #ActualPlay #MythMachin3
A mansion in St. Louis blows up.
Delta Green now has to clean up.
🧬 Delta Green: The Briefing – LIVE in 5
🎥 Z Cell is on the scene.
🔴 www.twitch.tv/mythmachin3
#DeltaGreen #TTRPG #CosmicHorror #ActualPlay #MythMachin3
RPGs need mechanics that cater to all 4 of Bartle's player types: Killers (physical combat), Achievers (Using that Intelligence stat), Socializers (social combat), Explorers (mechanics for foraging in the wild).
Propose your own weird mechanics.
Propose your own weird mechanics.
May 7, 2025 at 7:01 PM
RPGs need mechanics that cater to all 4 of Bartle's player types: Killers (physical combat), Achievers (Using that Intelligence stat), Socializers (social combat), Explorers (mechanics for foraging in the wild).
Propose your own weird mechanics.
Propose your own weird mechanics.