Jacob Shelby
@thejacobshelby.bsky.social
Life is weird, I do my best to keep up 🤪
Father | Husband | Photography | Dungeons & Dragons
Father | Husband | Photography | Dungeons & Dragons
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
An old blog post on a topic near and dear to me - complexity in TTRPGs.
IMO too many people disparage games for complexity, they are missing out
dwelleroftheforbiddencity.blogspot.com/2021/02/comp...
IMO too many people disparage games for complexity, they are missing out
dwelleroftheforbiddencity.blogspot.com/2021/02/comp...
Dweller of the Forbidden City
Complexity in Gaming and Game Design This morning I woke up to a discussion of how having spell levels and characters levels is confusing (a...
dwelleroftheforbiddencity.blogspot.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:24 AM
An old blog post on a topic near and dear to me - complexity in TTRPGs.
IMO too many people disparage games for complexity, they are missing out
dwelleroftheforbiddencity.blogspot.com/2021/02/comp...
IMO too many people disparage games for complexity, they are missing out
dwelleroftheforbiddencity.blogspot.com/2021/02/comp...
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
Another friendly reminder my email is always open for indie ttrpgs who might want some press coverage!
November 18, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Another friendly reminder my email is always open for indie ttrpgs who might want some press coverage!
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
Sharing a quick preview of today's new video, where I look at 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗗&𝗗’𝘀 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲-𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀.
If you’ve ever wondered why humans got different treatment, the answer is more nuanced than you might remember.
Watch now: youtu.be/BtmeDlAglbo
If you’ve ever wondered why humans got different treatment, the answer is more nuanced than you might remember.
Watch now: youtu.be/BtmeDlAglbo
November 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Sharing a quick preview of today's new video, where I look at 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗗&𝗗’𝘀 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲-𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀.
If you’ve ever wondered why humans got different treatment, the answer is more nuanced than you might remember.
Watch now: youtu.be/BtmeDlAglbo
If you’ve ever wondered why humans got different treatment, the answer is more nuanced than you might remember.
Watch now: youtu.be/BtmeDlAglbo
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
For those geography enthusiasts out there:
A website that lets you select a country or state and move it around a Mercator projection map to yield better size comparisons.
thetruesize.com, created by James Talmage and Damon Maneice
thetruesize.com, created by James Talmage and Damon Maneice
November 18, 2025 at 8:48 PM
For those geography enthusiasts out there:
This is like catnip to GMs
Doing some planning for Tuesday's TTRPG session, and realized I needed to know what kind of birds are common in urban Istanbul. Quick google search gets me the answer, and sends me down an architectural rabbit-hole about kuş evleri, the bird houses built into mosques, madrasas, and other buildings.
November 17, 2025 at 5:40 AM
This is like catnip to GMs
Gah!!! D&D was so fun tonight! I didn’t want to call it when it was time. Can not wait for next week’s session.
November 16, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Gah!!! D&D was so fun tonight! I didn’t want to call it when it was time. Can not wait for next week’s session.
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
I think I'm going to stream some more Minecraft this evening. 7pm EST-ish?
November 14, 2025 at 8:54 PM
I think I'm going to stream some more Minecraft this evening. 7pm EST-ish?
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
![4-panel vertical comic. (1) 100 Years Ago [two people standing next to bicycle with small car nearby] PERSON 1: It’s too dangerous riding a bike with these cars around. I should get a car, too. (2) 50 Years Ago [two people between smaller car and bigger car] PERSON 2 with short hair: Small cars are less safe in collisions with larger vehicles, so I should get a bigger one. (3) Today [two people between big car and even bigger car] PERSON 1: Everyone has huge SUVs now. If I don’t get the biggest one, I’m putting my family at risk. (4) Soon [two people next to large armored car with spiked clubs attached] PERSON 2: If I don’t install more whirling spike clubs, I’ll be destroyed by all the other drivers who...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreiby6can6k76yzfmv2czxs4pu2l7zie7bqbrpswi7h3ifmiadkuqvu@jpeg)
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
Another martial class from Bhakashal is the Spartan, the Bhakashal Monk. Spartans are masters of body and mind, and they gain abilities related to both.
They are a fighter subclass, so they can handle themselves in combat
They are a fighter subclass, so they can handle themselves in combat
November 14, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Another martial class from Bhakashal is the Spartan, the Bhakashal Monk. Spartans are masters of body and mind, and they gain abilities related to both.
They are a fighter subclass, so they can handle themselves in combat
They are a fighter subclass, so they can handle themselves in combat
An inevitable fact of working in a creative field is that the clients who see the least value in your work always want more, want it faster, want it cheaper, and complain the loudest along the way.
😤🤬
😤🤬
November 13, 2025 at 5:09 PM
An inevitable fact of working in a creative field is that the clients who see the least value in your work always want more, want it faster, want it cheaper, and complain the loudest along the way.
😤🤬
😤🤬
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
It's #TTRPGRising which means it's time to help those smaller accounts find a wider audience and rise up!
If you're under 1000 Followers:
🧡 Like/retweet
💬 Post your stuff below
More than 1000 Followers:
🧡 Like/retweet
📣 Shoutout those below
🚫 No AI though!
If you're under 1000 Followers:
🧡 Like/retweet
💬 Post your stuff below
More than 1000 Followers:
🧡 Like/retweet
📣 Shoutout those below
🚫 No AI though!
November 13, 2025 at 10:59 AM
It's #TTRPGRising which means it's time to help those smaller accounts find a wider audience and rise up!
If you're under 1000 Followers:
🧡 Like/retweet
💬 Post your stuff below
More than 1000 Followers:
🧡 Like/retweet
📣 Shoutout those below
🚫 No AI though!
If you're under 1000 Followers:
🧡 Like/retweet
💬 Post your stuff below
More than 1000 Followers:
🧡 Like/retweet
📣 Shoutout those below
🚫 No AI though!
Not a fan of this, I hesitate to call it, design.
November 13, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Not a fan of this, I hesitate to call it, design.
Dutch person: I’m sorry, my English is not very good but I’ll try.
Proceeds to speak better English than 90% of native English speakers.
Proceeds to speak better English than 90% of native English speakers.
November 12, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Dutch person: I’m sorry, my English is not very good but I’ll try.
Proceeds to speak better English than 90% of native English speakers.
Proceeds to speak better English than 90% of native English speakers.
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
Looking for some interesting recipes to try this month? Check out Cooking With Dice by oddfishgames.bsky.social!
You'll play as an adventuring chef and do REAL LIFE COOKING based on rolls tables in the game!
Find my full review (and see what recipe we rolled up) here:
https://loom.ly/CE4JXug
You'll play as an adventuring chef and do REAL LIFE COOKING based on rolls tables in the game!
Find my full review (and see what recipe we rolled up) here:
https://loom.ly/CE4JXug
November 10, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Looking for some interesting recipes to try this month? Check out Cooking With Dice by oddfishgames.bsky.social!
You'll play as an adventuring chef and do REAL LIFE COOKING based on rolls tables in the game!
Find my full review (and see what recipe we rolled up) here:
https://loom.ly/CE4JXug
You'll play as an adventuring chef and do REAL LIFE COOKING based on rolls tables in the game!
Find my full review (and see what recipe we rolled up) here:
https://loom.ly/CE4JXug
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
Kids interested specifically in D&D?
Looking for something that's easier to run or a bit more on the kid-friendly side?
Check out my list of D&D for kids adventures, hacks, and rewrites here!
https://loom.ly/AElx2YY
#DnDkids #TTRPGkids
Looking for something that's easier to run or a bit more on the kid-friendly side?
Check out my list of D&D for kids adventures, hacks, and rewrites here!
https://loom.ly/AElx2YY
#DnDkids #TTRPGkids
November 9, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Kids interested specifically in D&D?
Looking for something that's easier to run or a bit more on the kid-friendly side?
Check out my list of D&D for kids adventures, hacks, and rewrites here!
https://loom.ly/AElx2YY
#DnDkids #TTRPGkids
Looking for something that's easier to run or a bit more on the kid-friendly side?
Check out my list of D&D for kids adventures, hacks, and rewrites here!
https://loom.ly/AElx2YY
#DnDkids #TTRPGkids
Astor met a sweet little kid at the library yesterday who told Astor that he likes dancing and singing, to which Astor replied, "I like monsters and killing stuff."
If they got together...
If they got together...
three skeletons are dancing together in a cemetery
ALT: three skeletons are dancing together in a cemetery
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Astor met a sweet little kid at the library yesterday who told Astor that he likes dancing and singing, to which Astor replied, "I like monsters and killing stuff."
If they got together...
If they got together...
Sunday morning puzzle. I’ve never seen a puzzle with different size pieces so the entire family could participate. It was a big hit!
November 9, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Sunday morning puzzle. I’ve never seen a puzzle with different size pieces so the entire family could participate. It was a big hit!
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
Bhakashal has a variety of arcane spell casting classes.
They have different spell selections, casting mechanics and abilities.
They have different spell selections, casting mechanics and abilities.
November 9, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Bhakashal has a variety of arcane spell casting classes.
They have different spell selections, casting mechanics and abilities.
They have different spell selections, casting mechanics and abilities.
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
Appreciate the space! I have some #indierpg I'm pretty proud of, including a one-page RPG that uses Scrabble tiles balianironguard.itch.io/lexis-arcana
Lexis Arcana by Balianironguard
A one-page game about saying the magic word
balianironguard.itch.io
November 8, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Appreciate the space! I have some #indierpg I'm pretty proud of, including a one-page RPG that uses Scrabble tiles balianironguard.itch.io/lexis-arcana
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
Happy #SelfPromoSaturday folks!
Today I want to see your #ttrpg content today, whether it's #dnd #pathfinder or #indierpg And don't forget;
👍 Like cool stuff
🗨 Engage with folks
🔃 Repost your favorites
🚫 No A.I Though
Today I want to see your #ttrpg content today, whether it's #dnd #pathfinder or #indierpg And don't forget;
👍 Like cool stuff
🗨 Engage with folks
🔃 Repost your favorites
🚫 No A.I Though
November 8, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Happy #SelfPromoSaturday folks!
Today I want to see your #ttrpg content today, whether it's #dnd #pathfinder or #indierpg And don't forget;
👍 Like cool stuff
🗨 Engage with folks
🔃 Repost your favorites
🚫 No A.I Though
Today I want to see your #ttrpg content today, whether it's #dnd #pathfinder or #indierpg And don't forget;
👍 Like cool stuff
🗨 Engage with folks
🔃 Repost your favorites
🚫 No A.I Though
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
Are you a TTRPG self-publisher going to Pax Unplugged?
Meet other creators and have a common spot/time to say hi to friends at the Self Pub Meet Up hosted by TTRPGkids!
Let me know if you'll be there, and I'm looking forward to seeing folks at the con!
#PaxU #PaxUnplugged #selfpub #TTRPG
Meet other creators and have a common spot/time to say hi to friends at the Self Pub Meet Up hosted by TTRPGkids!
Let me know if you'll be there, and I'm looking forward to seeing folks at the con!
#PaxU #PaxUnplugged #selfpub #TTRPG
November 7, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Are you a TTRPG self-publisher going to Pax Unplugged?
Meet other creators and have a common spot/time to say hi to friends at the Self Pub Meet Up hosted by TTRPGkids!
Let me know if you'll be there, and I'm looking forward to seeing folks at the con!
#PaxU #PaxUnplugged #selfpub #TTRPG
Meet other creators and have a common spot/time to say hi to friends at the Self Pub Meet Up hosted by TTRPGkids!
Let me know if you'll be there, and I'm looking forward to seeing folks at the con!
#PaxU #PaxUnplugged #selfpub #TTRPG
First Christmas movie of the season! 🎄
November 7, 2025 at 5:29 PM
First Christmas movie of the season! 🎄
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
Does anyone wanna help me put something together for German academia finally? Open letter…? I‘m so fed up.
apache.be/2025/10/24/b...
apache.be/2025/10/24/b...
Belgian AI scientists resist the use of AI in academia
Several AI scientists have published an open letter calling for a ban on AI use by students.
apache.be
November 5, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Does anyone wanna help me put something together for German academia finally? Open letter…? I‘m so fed up.
apache.be/2025/10/24/b...
apache.be/2025/10/24/b...
Reposted by Jacob Shelby
🚨 Please help boost this in the German bluesky-sphere 🚨
Does anyone wanna help me put something together for German academia finally? Open letter…? I‘m so fed up.
apache.be/2025/10/24/b...
apache.be/2025/10/24/b...
Belgian AI scientists resist the use of AI in academia
Several AI scientists have published an open letter calling for a ban on AI use by students.
apache.be
November 5, 2025 at 10:17 PM
🚨 Please help boost this in the German bluesky-sphere 🚨