Mad Jay
@madjay.bsky.social
Plays Games Fearlessly. Often pretends with Strangers. A Game designer.
WIP: Lifted: Indomitable. Catch me on www.patreon.com/madjayzero and playfearless.substack.com #ttrpg
WIP: Lifted: Indomitable. Catch me on www.patreon.com/madjayzero and playfearless.substack.com #ttrpg
🤯 NICE!!
I'm all about UVG via Cairn but I've got Cairn-on-the-brain lately.
That said...UVG via Cairn sounds like fun.
I do have an Into the Oddish hack of UVG around here somewhere.
githyankidiaspora.com/2022/12/27/i...
That said...UVG via Cairn sounds like fun.
I do have an Into the Oddish hack of UVG around here somewhere.
githyankidiaspora.com/2022/12/27/i...
Into the UVG
Using Chris McDowall’s Into the Odd to explore Luka Rejec’s Ultraviolet Grasslands.
githyankidiaspora.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:38 PM
🤯 NICE!!
Veterans Day thoughts. I’m fine — still kicking the ass of diabetes — but a lot of veterans aren’t fine. If you’ve got time, check in with your local VA or social services. Small things matter. 💪🏽
Also: Apocalypse World in space, Wild Talents and a UVG mashup!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Also: Apocalypse World in space, Wild Talents and a UVG mashup!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Monday Musings #125 🤬
Musing on Veterans Day and Game prep
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Veterans Day thoughts. I’m fine — still kicking the ass of diabetes — but a lot of veterans aren’t fine. If you’ve got time, check in with your local VA or social services. Small things matter. 💪🏽
Also: Apocalypse World in space, Wild Talents and a UVG mashup!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Also: Apocalypse World in space, Wild Talents and a UVG mashup!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Normalize Sunday Morning RPG sessions!!
So, I am expected to get through a dreary Sunday without starting the morning by confronting knights and myths with @madjay.bsky.social and @newmadras.bsky.social?
Eff that, I need to get a Sunday morning game going.
Eff that, I need to get a Sunday morning game going.
November 9, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Normalize Sunday Morning RPG sessions!!
Re-Sharing an oldie PSA for Veteran’s Day weekend.
I’m doing fine, still kicking the asses of Diabetes, PTSD, and high BP. I got games to get to. But many veterans aren’t doing fine. Check in with your local VA and social service agencies to see how you can help out open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
I’m doing fine, still kicking the asses of Diabetes, PTSD, and high BP. I got games to get to. But many veterans aren’t doing fine. Check in with your local VA and social service agencies to see how you can help out open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Happy Veterans Day
A PSA from a cranky old vet.
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Re-Sharing an oldie PSA for Veteran’s Day weekend.
I’m doing fine, still kicking the asses of Diabetes, PTSD, and high BP. I got games to get to. But many veterans aren’t doing fine. Check in with your local VA and social service agencies to see how you can help out open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
I’m doing fine, still kicking the asses of Diabetes, PTSD, and high BP. I got games to get to. But many veterans aren’t doing fine. Check in with your local VA and social service agencies to see how you can help out open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Reposted by Mad Jay
Good morning #ttrpg folks! Thank you for the amazing launch for #AW3rd! Y’all have pushed us so far over the stretch goal for the digital e-zine of additional materials we’re going to have to think about what might come next. It’s a lovely day! Let’s see where this thing can go!
Here We GO! Come along, my dearies!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
Apocalypse World: Burned Over
The 3rd edition of the groundbreaking original.
www.kickstarter.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Played it! Mythic Bastionland.
My takeaway was this game's design focused on simplicity and emergent gameplay, encouraging players to create and play within streamlined frameworks.
AND THERE ARE 72 POEMS!!!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
My takeaway was this game's design focused on simplicity and emergent gameplay, encouraging players to create and play within streamlined frameworks.
AND THERE ARE 72 POEMS!!!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Played It: Mythic Bastionland
The Great Pearl Knight Saga
open.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Played it! Mythic Bastionland.
My takeaway was this game's design focused on simplicity and emergent gameplay, encouraging players to create and play within streamlined frameworks.
AND THERE ARE 72 POEMS!!!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
My takeaway was this game's design focused on simplicity and emergent gameplay, encouraging players to create and play within streamlined frameworks.
AND THERE ARE 72 POEMS!!!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Reposted by Mad Jay
November 6, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Reposted by Mad Jay
Apocalypse World: Burned Over
The 3rd edition of the groundbreaking original.
www.kickstarter.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:32 PM
IT HAS BEGUN!! Y'all know what to do!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
Apocalypse World: Burned Over
The 3rd edition of the groundbreaking original.
www.kickstarter.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:46 PM
IT HAS BEGUN!! Y'all know what to do!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
You are too kind!! Loved this episode and now I gotta go listen to the rest! 💪🏾
New Smiling Fox 🦊 from @gthynk.bsky.social, Horst, and me.
Here's a section I like, where @newmadras.bsky.social says that not all myths are spills in the supermarket.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=wReO...
Shout out to @juddthelibrarian.bsky.social and @madjay.bsky.social for their epic AP with Thomas! 🙌
Here's a section I like, where @newmadras.bsky.social says that not all myths are spills in the supermarket.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=wReO...
Shout out to @juddthelibrarian.bsky.social and @madjay.bsky.social for their epic AP with Thomas! 🙌
Ep 4 - Storytelling
YouTube video by The Smiling Fox
m.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:51 PM
You are too kind!! Loved this episode and now I gotta go listen to the rest! 💪🏾
“Man is a tool-using animal. Without tools he is nothing, with tools he is all.” —Thomas Carlyle
This week, I wrote about the tools that keep my games running and my ideas organized — and the secret to keeping them sharp!
Good Monday, Gamer!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
This week, I wrote about the tools that keep my games running and my ideas organized — and the secret to keeping them sharp!
Good Monday, Gamer!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Monday Musings #124 🤬
Musing on auditing the toolbox
open.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:31 PM
“Man is a tool-using animal. Without tools he is nothing, with tools he is all.” —Thomas Carlyle
This week, I wrote about the tools that keep my games running and my ideas organized — and the secret to keeping them sharp!
Good Monday, Gamer!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
This week, I wrote about the tools that keep my games running and my ideas organized — and the secret to keeping them sharp!
Good Monday, Gamer!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
I love Campaign Wrap Chats - Normalize this!!
Got together one more time with @newmadras.bsky.social and @madjay.bsky.social to talk about our two runs of Mythic Bastionland.
tl;dr - Playing in a Mythic Bastionland realm with friends was a lovely way to spend Sunday mornings
youtu.be/pU-2GsVq_dc
tl;dr - Playing in a Mythic Bastionland realm with friends was a lovely way to spend Sunday mornings
youtu.be/pU-2GsVq_dc
Mythic Bastionland Reflections and End
YouTube video by Actual Play
youtu.be
November 2, 2025 at 10:59 PM
I love Campaign Wrap Chats - Normalize this!!
Reposted by Mad Jay
T minus 3!
We've got just a few add-ons planned for the campaign, but they're pretty cool. I'm working hard today to pull together the preview for one of them.
I can't wait to show you!
(If you're on our Patreon, you'll see it early, just saying...)
We've got just a few add-ons planned for the campaign, but they're pretty cool. I'm working hard today to pull together the preview for one of them.
I can't wait to show you!
(If you're on our Patreon, you'll see it early, just saying...)
Get more from Vincent Baker on Patreon
Creating a window into game design
www.patreon.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:23 PM
T minus 3!
We've got just a few add-ons planned for the campaign, but they're pretty cool. I'm working hard today to pull together the preview for one of them.
I can't wait to show you!
(If you're on our Patreon, you'll see it early, just saying...)
We've got just a few add-ons planned for the campaign, but they're pretty cool. I'm working hard today to pull together the preview for one of them.
I can't wait to show you!
(If you're on our Patreon, you'll see it early, just saying...)
🚀 One Mo'gin
The Apocalypse World 3rd Edition Kickstarter is on the horizon — but before it lands, I’m running one last campaign with Burned Over 2E.
This is my farewell tour for AW:Burned Over 2E — a love letter to the game that changed how we gamed.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
The Apocalypse World 3rd Edition Kickstarter is on the horizon — but before it lands, I’m running one last campaign with Burned Over 2E.
This is my farewell tour for AW:Burned Over 2E — a love letter to the game that changed how we gamed.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
One Last Run Before the Third Apocalypse
AW:BO One Mo'gin.
open.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:29 PM
🚀 One Mo'gin
The Apocalypse World 3rd Edition Kickstarter is on the horizon — but before it lands, I’m running one last campaign with Burned Over 2E.
This is my farewell tour for AW:Burned Over 2E — a love letter to the game that changed how we gamed.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
The Apocalypse World 3rd Edition Kickstarter is on the horizon — but before it lands, I’m running one last campaign with Burned Over 2E.
This is my farewell tour for AW:Burned Over 2E — a love letter to the game that changed how we gamed.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
kept on looking for a sign in the middle of the night...
October 29, 2025 at 9:07 PM
kept on looking for a sign in the middle of the night...
Reposted by Mad Jay
Working on the AW3rd kickstarter (T minus 6 btw) and I notice that listed under Meg's and my name it says "11 created • 347 backed."
Okay first of all, 347 backed, wowie.
But of those 347, probably around 300 have been PbtA. That's a lot to be confronted with on a Tuesday morning.
Okay first of all, 347 backed, wowie.
But of those 347, probably around 300 have been PbtA. That's a lot to be confronted with on a Tuesday morning.
Coming soon: Apocalypse World: Burned Over
The 3rd edition of the groundbreaking original.
www.kickstarter.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Working on the AW3rd kickstarter (T minus 6 btw) and I notice that listed under Meg's and my name it says "11 created • 347 backed."
Okay first of all, 347 backed, wowie.
But of those 347, probably around 300 have been PbtA. That's a lot to be confronted with on a Tuesday morning.
Okay first of all, 347 backed, wowie.
But of those 347, probably around 300 have been PbtA. That's a lot to be confronted with on a Tuesday morning.
Reposted by Mad Jay
There was a time we backed every #pbta #ttrpg project. Then folk's creative drive outpaced our capacity, as well as our shelf-space. It was a wicked cool moment. In 6 days, we're hoping you'll back #AW3rd, and keep the momentum rolling!
Working on the AW3rd kickstarter (T minus 6 btw) and I notice that listed under Meg's and my name it says "11 created • 347 backed."
Okay first of all, 347 backed, wowie.
But of those 347, probably around 300 have been PbtA. That's a lot to be confronted with on a Tuesday morning.
Okay first of all, 347 backed, wowie.
But of those 347, probably around 300 have been PbtA. That's a lot to be confronted with on a Tuesday morning.
Coming soon: Apocalypse World: Burned Over
The 3rd edition of the groundbreaking original.
www.kickstarter.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Reposted by Mad Jay
Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History: Ep. 5 Base Raiders
This episode jumps to just after the d20 crash. @madjay.bsky.social & Lowell go over what the game is, gaming history, what was going on in comics media; and general discussion. They cover adaptation and Fate history.
#ttrpg
This episode jumps to just after the d20 crash. @madjay.bsky.social & Lowell go over what the game is, gaming history, what was going on in comics media; and general discussion. They cover adaptation and Fate history.
#ttrpg
Around the Hearth | Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History: Ep. 5 Base Raiders
Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History jumps forward significantly in time to just after the d20 boom/bust cycle. Today's focus is Ross Payton's independently produced and Kickstarted Base Raiders. ...
aroundthehearth.openhearthgaming.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History: Ep. 5 Base Raiders
This episode jumps to just after the d20 crash. @madjay.bsky.social & Lowell go over what the game is, gaming history, what was going on in comics media; and general discussion. They cover adaptation and Fate history.
#ttrpg
This episode jumps to just after the d20 crash. @madjay.bsky.social & Lowell go over what the game is, gaming history, what was going on in comics media; and general discussion. They cover adaptation and Fate history.
#ttrpg
What do a speed-dating event and a TTRPG session have in common?
Facilitation.
This week’s Monday Muse connects the dots between hosting, and gaming, plus updates on Cairn 2E, Flying Circus, and Apocalypse World: Burned Over. open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
Facilitation.
This week’s Monday Muse connects the dots between hosting, and gaming, plus updates on Cairn 2E, Flying Circus, and Apocalypse World: Burned Over. open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
Monday Musings #123 🤬
Musing about Speed Dating, the 40+ Edition.
open.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:31 PM
What do a speed-dating event and a TTRPG session have in common?
Facilitation.
This week’s Monday Muse connects the dots between hosting, and gaming, plus updates on Cairn 2E, Flying Circus, and Apocalypse World: Burned Over. open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
Facilitation.
This week’s Monday Muse connects the dots between hosting, and gaming, plus updates on Cairn 2E, Flying Circus, and Apocalypse World: Burned Over. open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
Reposted by Mad Jay
T minus 10! We have a lot to do by November 3rd, when we will be launching the 3rd edition of our best-known #ttrpg, the one that started #PBTA.
If you know or have heard of #ApocalypseWorld, check out #AW3RD !
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
If you know or have heard of #ApocalypseWorld, check out #AW3RD !
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
Coming soon: Apocalypse World: Burned Over
The 3rd edition of the groundbreaking original.
www.kickstarter.com
October 26, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Reposted by Mad Jay
T minus 9!!
Next up, undoubtedly reworking something! Getting our bloody fingerprints all over everything, tinkering with all the bits.
Next up, undoubtedly reworking something! Getting our bloody fingerprints all over everything, tinkering with all the bits.
T minus 10! We have a lot to do by November 3rd, when we will be launching the 3rd edition of our best-known #ttrpg, the one that started #PBTA.
If you know or have heard of #ApocalypseWorld, check out #AW3RD !
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
If you know or have heard of #ApocalypseWorld, check out #AW3RD !
www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
Coming soon: Apocalypse World: Burned Over
The 3rd edition of the groundbreaking original.
www.kickstarter.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:53 PM
T minus 9!!
Next up, undoubtedly reworking something! Getting our bloody fingerprints all over everything, tinkering with all the bits.
Next up, undoubtedly reworking something! Getting our bloody fingerprints all over everything, tinkering with all the bits.
Fighting off a cold last week gave me an excuse to dive into a pile of RPG PDFs: Cold City 2E, Ware Blades, Ghost in the Shell and the surprise of Ars Magica going Creative Commons.
This week’s Monday Muse is all about making the most of a snotty week. #ttrpg open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
This week’s Monday Muse is all about making the most of a snotty week. #ttrpg open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Monday Musings #122 🤬
Musing about sick days
open.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Fighting off a cold last week gave me an excuse to dive into a pile of RPG PDFs: Cold City 2E, Ware Blades, Ghost in the Shell and the surprise of Ars Magica going Creative Commons.
This week’s Monday Muse is all about making the most of a snotty week. #ttrpg open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
This week’s Monday Muse is all about making the most of a snotty week. #ttrpg open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
This week I’m thinking about branded games — the ones that carry big licenses and even bigger expectations. Ghost in the Shell and Invincible just dropped, and I’m wondering if they can break the curse of “safe” licensed RPGs.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Monday Musings #121 🤬
Musings on Branded Games™️
open.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:50 PM
This week I’m thinking about branded games — the ones that carry big licenses and even bigger expectations. Ghost in the Shell and Invincible just dropped, and I’m wondering if they can break the curse of “safe” licensed RPGs.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Every now and again, the universe drops an event that feels tailor-made for TTRPGs.
Meet 3I/ATLAS — an interstellar visitor with weird outgassing, a Sun-side blackout, and a trail of mysteries.
Read it before the invasion starts.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
#ttrpg #astronomy
Meet 3I/ATLAS — an interstellar visitor with weird outgassing, a Sun-side blackout, and a trail of mysteries.
Read it before the invasion starts.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
#ttrpg #astronomy
Monday Musings #120 🤬
Musings on 3I/ATLAS
open.substack.com
October 6, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Every now and again, the universe drops an event that feels tailor-made for TTRPGs.
Meet 3I/ATLAS — an interstellar visitor with weird outgassing, a Sun-side blackout, and a trail of mysteries.
Read it before the invasion starts.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
#ttrpg #astronomy
Meet 3I/ATLAS — an interstellar visitor with weird outgassing, a Sun-side blackout, and a trail of mysteries.
Read it before the invasion starts.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
#ttrpg #astronomy
It's early, but we're live!
Bright and early with @newmadras.bsky.social and @madjay.bsky.social for an Elf Hunt.
Need to listen to the last bit of the previous session at the High Lord's keep to brush up.
Knights hunt the Elf. The Order hunts the Lich.
Who will prevail?
1/3
Need to listen to the last bit of the previous session at the High Lord's keep to brush up.
Knights hunt the Elf. The Order hunts the Lich.
Who will prevail?
1/3
October 5, 2025 at 12:10 PM
It's early, but we're live!