Obviously, a Substack posting had to follow, and there's no better pursuit in your lunch hour than editing up a series of Blue Sky posts into something a little more substantial. Without more pictures.
#CorkBord #Playtesting #GameDevelopment #TTRPG #Substack
open.substack.com/pub/paulbald...
#CorkBord #Playtesting #GameDevelopment #TTRPG #Substack
open.substack.com/pub/paulbald...
January 26, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Obviously, a Substack posting had to follow, and there's no better pursuit in your lunch hour than editing up a series of Blue Sky posts into something a little more substantial. Without more pictures.
#CorkBord #Playtesting #GameDevelopment #TTRPG #Substack
open.substack.com/pub/paulbald...
#CorkBord #Playtesting #GameDevelopment #TTRPG #Substack
open.substack.com/pub/paulbald...
Now the job is to take what I learned, make targeted adjustments, tweak tables, refine the guidance, smooth the onboarding… and then run it again. The fire will blaze. The point isn’t to put it out when it flares. It’s to learn how to tend it. #CorkBord #Playtesting [11/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Now the job is to take what I learned, make targeted adjustments, tweak tables, refine the guidance, smooth the onboarding… and then run it again. The fire will blaze. The point isn’t to put it out when it flares. It’s to learn how to tend it. #CorkBord #Playtesting [11/11]
Especially for players who don’t yet know what the system is really doing. Playtesting on The Raspy Raven was the first time I got to see that dynamic in the open with players coming in "fresh" system-wise. That’s incredibly valuable data. #CorkBord #Playtesting [10/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Especially for players who don’t yet know what the system is really doing. Playtesting on The Raspy Raven was the first time I got to see that dynamic in the open with players coming in "fresh" system-wise. That’s incredibly valuable data. #CorkBord #Playtesting [10/11]
Their turn, their angle, their throw of the dice, while the group stay unified. But it also means story and conflict get mashed together into one mass. If you’re not prepared for that experience, it can be disconcerting as everything becomes punctuated with dice. #CorkBord #Playtesting [9/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Their turn, their angle, their throw of the dice, while the group stay unified. But it also means story and conflict get mashed together into one mass. If you’re not prepared for that experience, it can be disconcerting as everything becomes punctuated with dice. #CorkBord #Playtesting [9/11]
I keep thinking of it like a roundabout: everyone spins past the point where they can contribute, one by one, without anyone "stealing" the spotlight. It means asking questions and taking actions doesn’t become a competitive race. Everyone gets an equal measure #CorkBord #Playtesting [8/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
I keep thinking of it like a roundabout: everyone spins past the point where they can contribute, one by one, without anyone "stealing" the spotlight. It means asking questions and taking actions doesn’t become a competitive race. Everyone gets an equal measure #CorkBord #Playtesting [8/11]
Because Cörk Børd is more about what happens to the characters than what happens to the plot. The investigation is the backdrop; a framework for engagement, interaction, role-play, and moments of pressure. Mechanically, it’s built to keep the table moving as a whole. #CorkBord #Playtesting [7/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Because Cörk Børd is more about what happens to the characters than what happens to the plot. The investigation is the backdrop; a framework for engagement, interaction, role-play, and moments of pressure. Mechanically, it’s built to keep the table moving as a whole. #CorkBord #Playtesting [7/11]
Carry it forward into what you do next, rather than trying to dismantle what’s already "burning." What I came away with from these sessions wasn’t "rip it up and start again." It was mostly: explanation, definition, clarity, and GM support. #CorkBord #Playtesting [6/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Carry it forward into what you do next, rather than trying to dismantle what’s already "burning." What I came away with from these sessions wasn’t "rip it up and start again." It was mostly: explanation, definition, clarity, and GM support. #CorkBord #Playtesting [6/11]
You get feedback, and the temptation is to react fast. Rewrite rules, rebuild structures, overhaul the whole. Maybe something felt too intense, a player was distant, or events didn't go as planned. Instead, take feedback as information, not instruction. Let it settle. #CorkBord #Playtesting [5/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
You get feedback, and the temptation is to react fast. Rewrite rules, rebuild structures, overhaul the whole. Maybe something felt too intense, a player was distant, or events didn't go as planned. Instead, take feedback as information, not instruction. Let it settle. #CorkBord #Playtesting [5/11]
In that moment, the worst instinct is to panic and start stabbing at it with the poker, trying to "fix" it immediately. Poking around in a live fire is messy, and you’re more likely to burn yourself than improve anything. Playtesting can feel the same. #CorkBord #Playtesting [4/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
In that moment, the worst instinct is to panic and start stabbing at it with the poker, trying to "fix" it immediately. Poking around in a live fire is messy, and you’re more likely to burn yourself than improve anything. Playtesting can feel the same. #CorkBord #Playtesting [4/11]
The analogy that stuck for me (I like analogies!): building a fire in a fireplace. You’re a bit distracted, you turn away to grab more wood… and when you look back, the fire’s blazing. Maybe it’s too fierce and fuel-hungry. Maybe it’s "crooked." But it’s alive. #CorkBord #Playtesting [3/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
The analogy that stuck for me (I like analogies!): building a fire in a fireplace. You’re a bit distracted, you turn away to grab more wood… and when you look back, the fire’s blazing. Maybe it’s too fierce and fuel-hungry. Maybe it’s "crooked." But it’s alive. #CorkBord #Playtesting [3/11]
What the GM needs, what the players latch onto, and what actually keeps momentum at the table. I’ll share more about the system and the adventure another time. Today is more general: how you handle playtest feedback without knee-jerk redesigning everything. #CorkBord #Playtesting [2/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
What the GM needs, what the players latch onto, and what actually keeps momentum at the table. I’ll share more about the system and the adventure another time. Today is more general: how you handle playtest feedback without knee-jerk redesigning everything. #CorkBord #Playtesting [2/11]
This past week, I took part in "Borg Week," celebrating games inspired by (and based on) Mörk Borg. I ran two playtest sessions of Cörk Børd. It was a great chance to put the system through its paces and to stress-test the structure of investigative scenarios: #CorkBord #Playtesting [1/11]
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 AM
This past week, I took part in "Borg Week," celebrating games inspired by (and based on) Mörk Borg. I ran two playtest sessions of Cörk Børd. It was a great chance to put the system through its paces and to stress-test the structure of investigative scenarios: #CorkBord #Playtesting [1/11]
The Raspy Raven—a great place to hang out.
I've enjoyed the company and the games. And it was a lot of fun to run Cörk Børd twice this week (and maybe a third time in the near future) as part of the Borg Season.
#TTRPG #CorkBord #MorkBorg
I've enjoyed the company and the games. And it was a lot of fun to run Cörk Børd twice this week (and maybe a third time in the near future) as part of the Borg Season.
#TTRPG #CorkBord #MorkBorg
[1/4] A quick update on The Raspy Raven schedule of #TTRPG games, we are deep into Sue's Borg Season and have games stretching out to March. Our next season will be OSR III from @elevatedpachyderm.bsky.social
Join us. Link in bio.
Join us. Link in bio.
January 22, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Bad weather, shoe-based accidents on the scene, furniture malfunctions...
But, at the same time, a missing girl with a dark fascination to explore the wilds of Gotland. The distractions of youth suddenly filed to a sharp and dangerous edge by... what?
Well, this team will never know.
#CorkBord
But, at the same time, a missing girl with a dark fascination to explore the wilds of Gotland. The distractions of youth suddenly filed to a sharp and dangerous edge by... what?
Well, this team will never know.
#CorkBord
a man standing in front of a fence with the words i lost my shoe written above him
ALT: a man standing in front of a fence with the words i lost my shoe written above him
media.tenor.com
January 21, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Bad weather, shoe-based accidents on the scene, furniture malfunctions...
But, at the same time, a missing girl with a dark fascination to explore the wilds of Gotland. The distractions of youth suddenly filed to a sharp and dangerous edge by... what?
Well, this team will never know.
#CorkBord
But, at the same time, a missing girl with a dark fascination to explore the wilds of Gotland. The distractions of youth suddenly filed to a sharp and dangerous edge by... what?
Well, this team will never know.
#CorkBord
Working on tightening the boundaries and ensuring I have all I need to run playtests.
Not nearly ready to provide the final toolbox I plan to publish, but sufficient to check if what exists is watertight.
You'll have it when I'm comfortable. That's a tough gauge to measure...
#CörkBørd
Not nearly ready to provide the final toolbox I plan to publish, but sufficient to check if what exists is watertight.
You'll have it when I'm comfortable. That's a tough gauge to measure...
#CörkBørd
January 3, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Working on tightening the boundaries and ensuring I have all I need to run playtests.
Not nearly ready to provide the final toolbox I plan to publish, but sufficient to check if what exists is watertight.
You'll have it when I'm comfortable. That's a tough gauge to measure...
#CörkBørd
Not nearly ready to provide the final toolbox I plan to publish, but sufficient to check if what exists is watertight.
You'll have it when I'm comfortable. That's a tough gauge to measure...
#CörkBørd
The format of the #CorkBord character sheet will inevitably change over time, but everything has to start somewhere.
As I'm progressing through playtesting, I'll keep you all informed with random updates to various elements, random fluctuations, and administrative reviews.
#TTRPG #CharGen
As I'm progressing through playtesting, I'll keep you all informed with random updates to various elements, random fluctuations, and administrative reviews.
#TTRPG #CharGen
January 2, 2026 at 4:39 PM
November 29, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Confounded by another murder or wondering where the next drink is coming from to speed the day and the crippling gloom.
Come along to @allrolledup.bsky.social on Stand G1 – 5 for a #CorkBord moment at #Dragonmeet today.
#MorkBorg #NordicNoir #TTRPG
Come along to @allrolledup.bsky.social on Stand G1 – 5 for a #CorkBord moment at #Dragonmeet today.
#MorkBorg #NordicNoir #TTRPG
November 29, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Confounded by another murder or wondering where the next drink is coming from to speed the day and the crippling gloom.
Come along to @allrolledup.bsky.social on Stand G1 – 5 for a #CorkBord moment at #Dragonmeet today.
#MorkBorg #NordicNoir #TTRPG
Come along to @allrolledup.bsky.social on Stand G1 – 5 for a #CorkBord moment at #Dragonmeet today.
#MorkBorg #NordicNoir #TTRPG
Late backing remains open for #CorkBord, but you missed an opportunity if you were holding off...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
November 26, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Late backing remains open for #CorkBord, but you missed an opportunity if you were holding off...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
Corkboard Clues & December Chaos
A Cörk Børd update for backers and all. Late pledging remains open, for the moment, but time is running out.
#NordicNoir #MorkBorg #CorkBord
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
A Cörk Børd update for backers and all. Late pledging remains open, for the moment, but time is running out.
#NordicNoir #MorkBorg #CorkBord
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
November 25, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Corkboard Clues & December Chaos
A Cörk Børd update for backers and all. Late pledging remains open, for the moment, but time is running out.
#NordicNoir #MorkBorg #CorkBord
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
A Cörk Børd update for backers and all. Late pledging remains open, for the moment, but time is running out.
#NordicNoir #MorkBorg #CorkBord
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
I know this is my crazy theory corkbord web of strings going but the lack of even stickers, the fact that if Adeline and the Sisters were playable and the Sisters were one character they would make the roster a complete square, and are the only Dream Friends not present-
November 24, 2025 at 9:20 PM
I know this is my crazy theory corkbord web of strings going but the lack of even stickers, the fact that if Adeline and the Sisters were playable and the Sisters were one character they would make the roster a complete square, and are the only Dream Friends not present-
How will you know me at #Dragonmeet next weekend?
Well, I'll be on the @allrolledup.bsky.social stand, which starts at G1, near one of the walls.
And you will know me by my #CörkBord or corkboard (packed and ready for travel).
Late pledges remain open! 🔪🚓🐑🇸🇪
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
Well, I'll be on the @allrolledup.bsky.social stand, which starts at G1, near one of the walls.
And you will know me by my #CörkBord or corkboard (packed and ready for travel).
Late pledges remain open! 🔪🚓🐑🇸🇪
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
November 23, 2025 at 4:47 PM
How will you know me at #Dragonmeet next weekend?
Well, I'll be on the @allrolledup.bsky.social stand, which starts at G1, near one of the walls.
And you will know me by my #CörkBord or corkboard (packed and ready for travel).
Late pledges remain open! 🔪🚓🐑🇸🇪
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
Well, I'll be on the @allrolledup.bsky.social stand, which starts at G1, near one of the walls.
And you will know me by my #CörkBord or corkboard (packed and ready for travel).
Late pledges remain open! 🔪🚓🐑🇸🇪
www.kickstarter.com/projects/all...
There's a positive aspect to the six monthly dental appointment—crossing the road to the Oxfam to check out the books.
Score! A couple of Wallanders that I hadn't picked up yet, plus Old Manchester Tales, with this delightfully titles final chapter.
#TheDeeSanction #CörkBord #NordicNoir #BookSky
Score! A couple of Wallanders that I hadn't picked up yet, plus Old Manchester Tales, with this delightfully titles final chapter.
#TheDeeSanction #CörkBord #NordicNoir #BookSky
November 7, 2025 at 10:23 AM
There's a positive aspect to the six monthly dental appointment—crossing the road to the Oxfam to check out the books.
Score! A couple of Wallanders that I hadn't picked up yet, plus Old Manchester Tales, with this delightfully titles final chapter.
#TheDeeSanction #CörkBord #NordicNoir #BookSky
Score! A couple of Wallanders that I hadn't picked up yet, plus Old Manchester Tales, with this delightfully titles final chapter.
#TheDeeSanction #CörkBord #NordicNoir #BookSky
Well, @richardcoles.bsky.social debuted his Faroese jumper on the 1505 to London this afternoon. It was knitted by the same lady who knitted Sarah Lund’s jumper on The Killing.
Alas, Richard hasn't Skeeted for 11 months, so I'll post on his behalf.
Big time jumper envy 😍
#CörkBord #Knitwear
Alas, Richard hasn't Skeeted for 11 months, so I'll post on his behalf.
Big time jumper envy 😍
#CörkBord #Knitwear
November 3, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Well, @richardcoles.bsky.social debuted his Faroese jumper on the 1505 to London this afternoon. It was knitted by the same lady who knitted Sarah Lund’s jumper on The Killing.
Alas, Richard hasn't Skeeted for 11 months, so I'll post on his behalf.
Big time jumper envy 😍
#CörkBord #Knitwear
Alas, Richard hasn't Skeeted for 11 months, so I'll post on his behalf.
Big time jumper envy 😍
#CörkBord #Knitwear