The Daily TTRPG

Ever wondered why people say TTRPGs (tabletop role-playing games) can make you more empathetic? If you’ve ever rolled a d20 or picked up a character sheet, you know that TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons are more than just games. They're a chance to be someone else for a while, to see the world through someone else’s eyes—even if that “someone” happens to be a rogue dwarf with a questionable moral code and a talent for trouble. So, let’s break down why embodying these fictional characters actually changes how we interact with people IRL and helps us flex that empathy muscle. 1. Stepping Into Another’s Shoes (Literally!) Role-playing is about adopting a totally different personality. Maybe your character is a smooth-talking bard, a hot-headed barbarian, or a wise druid with a soft spot for lost animals. The magic here is that you’re thinking and acting as someone else would, making choices based on their values, not necessarily yours. Think about it: when was the last time you h...

Designing a custom shirt can be an incredibly rewarding project, and with the right tools, anyone can create stunning designs. One tool that has become a favorite among designers, especially in the print-on-demand industry, is Vexels . Vexels provides an extensive library of customizable graphics and design elements, making it easier to create a standout design without needing advanced design skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on designing a shirt using Vexels, from selecting your graphic to prepping your file for printing. Step 1: Choose Your Theme and Concept If you're not a member yet, sign up to Vexels here:  Vexels Sign Up . Start by deciding on the theme for your shirt. Are you designing something trendy, seasonal, or niche-specific? Perhaps you’re looking to appeal to a particular audience, like TTRPG enthusiasts or fans of retro styles. Having a clear concept in mind will make it easier to choose the right graphics and stay consistent in your design choices. Tip : Look at ...

If you’re a fan of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Pathfinder , you’ve probably noticed that they’re about more than just slaying monsters and looting dungeons. Believe it or not, the skills you develop in these games—like budgeting, planning, and making tough decisions—can actually help you improve your personal finances. Let’s dive into how rolling dice and tracking loot can translate to better money management. 1. Budgeting, Pathfinder-Style In Pathfinder , you’re constantly juggling gold, gear, and potions to make sure you’re ready for the next big fight. You can’t just blow all your gold on a shiny new sword—you’ve gotta think ahead! This is a lot like how you manage your budget in real life. Do you splurge on that new gadget, or save up for something more essential down the line? IRL Lesson : Pathfinder’s resource management teaches you to prioritize, just like in real life. Balancing short-term wants and long-term needs is key to staying on track with your personal bu...

In the modern age, social media has become an integral part of everyday life. From Instagram stories to Twitter polls, our social interactions increasingly involve online engagement. So, why not bring that same connectivity into your Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaign? By incorporating social media into your tabletop role-playing game, you can create a more immersive, interactive, and even collaborative experience for players. In this blog, we’ll explore how to blend social media into the actual game mechanics, using D&D as an example case. 1. Real-Time Player-Driven Narratives on Social Media One of the most seamless ways to integrate social media into your D&D campaign is through player-driven chronicles and updates. As your campaign unfolds, your players can post on platforms like Instagram , Twitter , or Tumblr , documenting their character’s thoughts, adventures, and relationships in real-time. Here’s how this could work: Character Blogs or Instagram Diaries : Each...

Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) are often seen as a domain for fantasy adventurers, gritty warriors, and intergalactic explorers, but there’s no reason why these games can’t also embrace themes of fun, fashion, and fierce female empowerment. Inspired by Barbie —an iconic symbol of empowerment for girls everywhere—TTRPGs can become an exciting tool for encouraging leadership, creativity, and confidence among young girls and women alike. In this blog, we explore how merging the imaginative world of Barbie with TTRPGs creates opportunities for girls to step into the role of powerful protagonists and lead their own adventures, whether it’s in a magical kingdom or a modern cityscape. Barbie as an Empowering Archetype in RPGs From her debut in 1959, Barbie has continually redefined what it means to be a woman in society, showing that girls can be anything they want to be—from astronauts to presidents, scientists to athletes. Barbie’s versatility is one of her greatest strengths, and it...

Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) have long been a space for collaborative storytelling and creativity. Traditionally, they require a group of players led by a Game Master (GM) who acts as the storyteller and referee, guiding players through intricate adventures. But with recent advances in applied AI, the landscape of TTRPGs is evolving, particularly for solo players. In 2024, the rise of AI Dungeon Masters is giving solo adventurers the chance to experience immersive campaigns without needing a human GM. Let’s dive into how applied AI is shaping solo TTRPGs and transforming the gaming experience. The Rise of AI-Driven TTRPGs AI-driven storytelling isn't a new concept, but its application in TTRPGs is expanding dramatically. Thanks to advancements in machine learning, platforms like AI Dungeon have pioneered the use of AI Dungeon Masters, allowing solo players to experience dynamic, personalized adventures. Unlike traditional games that rely on predefined scripts or limited br...

As any tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) enthusiast knows, the right accessories can elevate your gaming experience. One of the most essential, yet often overlooked tools, is the dice rolling tray. If you’re serious about your game and want to add both functionality and flair to your setup, a genuine leather dice rolling tray is a must-have. Here are five reasons why every TTRPG player should invest in one: 1. Superior Durability for Long-Term Use Genuine leather is renowned for its durability, making it a perfect material for long-lasting accessories. Unlike fabric or plastic trays that can wear down or crack over time, a leather dice tray holds its shape and even looks better with age. Leather products are designed to last, and with proper care, they can be an investment that enhances your gaming sessions for years to come (Leather Naturally, 2021). Whether you’re rolling dice for a weekly campaign or during intense tournament sessions, a leather tray will stand the test of time an...

Ah, the 90s. A decade filled with iconic music that spans genres, from grunge and alternative rock to hip-hop and R&B. For many, it’s the sound of youthful rebellion, raw emotion, and unforgettable anthems. As a Game Master (GM), why not infuse your next TTRPG campaign session with the power of a 90s soundtrack? Music has the power to elevate a role-playing session by setting the tone, building emotional resonance, and guiding the pacing of the story. Whether your players are navigating dark dungeons or unraveling political intrigue, the 90s have the perfect musical mood for every moment. Let’s break down how you can assign a 90s soundtrack to different parts of a typical TTRPG campaign session—combat, exploration, social encounters, and climactic moments—with track suggestions that will leave your players feeling like they’re in the heart of a cinematic adventure. 1. The Prelude: Setting the Scene (Atmosphere) Every campaign session starts with establishing the world your players ...

When it comes to tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), Halloween holds a special place in the hearts of players and game masters alike. Both offer opportunities to dive into realms of mystery, horror, and the unknown. The overlap between Halloween and TTRPGs is no accident. From the eerie dungeons of early Dungeons & Dragons campaigns to the chilling modern worlds of Call of Cthulhu and Vampire: The Masquerade , TTRPGs have long embraced the spine-tingling atmosphere of All Hallows' Eve. But how did this tradition of spooky gameplay during Halloween come to be? Let’s take a journey into the history of how TTRPGs and Halloween became such an iconic, bone-chilling pair. The Origins of Horror in Tabletop Role-Playing Games While fantasy and adventure often take center stage in TTRPGs, horror has been an essential part of the genre from the beginning. In fact, some of the earliest campaigns in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) were inspired by Gothic literature, horror movies, an...

In the wake of natural disasters like hurricanes, the immediate focus is often on providing physical aid—shelter, food, medical care. While these are critical needs, another crucial aspect of recovery is mental health. Survivors of hurricanes frequently endure trauma that can have long-lasting emotional and psychological impacts. In recent years, an unexpected but highly effective tool has emerged in therapeutic circles: tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). These collaborative storytelling games, like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), offer a unique space for individuals to process their emotions, build resilience, and regain a sense of control in the aftermath of disaster. This blog explores how storytelling and character immersion in TTRPGs can support emotional recovery for hurricane victims, and how partnerships between TTRPG designers and mental health professionals could foster healing through role-playing. The Therapeutic Power of Storytelling Storytelling has long been recogn...

Welcome to Election Day , a tabletop role-playing campaign where the stakes are high, and every decision could shape the future of a nation. This adventure plunges your players into the cutthroat world of politics, alliances, and public opinion, set in the final days before a general election. Whether you're playing as campaign strategists, candidates, or even media influencers, each player has a role to play in this tense and thrilling race for power. Setting the Scene The campaign takes place in the fictional country of The Republic of Valoria , a democratic nation on the brink of one of the most pivotal elections in its history. The current ruling party, the United Valorian Coalition (UVC) , has held power for the past decade but is now facing a formidable challenger in the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) , a populist movement rising from the grassroots. Valoria’s society is divided, and every region has its own critical issues: economic disparity in the industrial north, env...

Adding a banking system to your TTRPG world can introduce an extra layer of strategy and immersion for your players. This system doesn't have to be overly complex; it can provide depth and new narrative possibilities, allowing players to make more thoughtful financial decisions. 1. Setting Up the Bank Introduce a prominent bank in your world, possibly run by powerful merchant families, religious orders, or influential guilds. These institutions can be found in large cities or trade hubs, and their services range from holding valuables to offering loans for adventurers looking to fund risky expeditions or secure magical items. Bank Services: Deposits: Players can deposit their gold to avoid the risk of losing it during their adventures. Introduce a small interest rate for long-term deposits, encouraging players to store rather than carry all their wealth. Loans: Banks can provide loans to players for big purchases (like a new stronghold or expensive magic items). However, these lo...

When it comes to tabletop gaming, three major franchises reign supreme: Magic: The Gathering (MTG) , Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) , and Warhammer . Each of these games has shaped the hobbyist landscape in unique ways, offering a different flavor of gameplay, community, and fantasy immersion. In this blog, we’ll compare the core aspects of each game to help players and newcomers understand their differences, similarities, and which one might be the right fit for them. Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering is a collectible card game (CCG) that has dominated the scene since its release in 1993. Designed by Richard Garfield and published by Wizards of the Coast, MTG offers a unique blend of strategy, deck-building, and competitive play. Key Features: Deck Building : Players create decks from a massive pool of cards, each representing spells, creatures, or artifacts. MTG cards are bought in boosters, leading to a culture of collecting rare and valuable cards. Competitive Nature : M...