ickmiester - the Arcane Binder
@ickmiester.bsky.social
TTRPG Bookbinder, game dev, and coder. Fulfilling the TTRPG Player Wrap Kickstarter now!
Arcane Bindery for books: https://www.arcanebindery.com
Drop in Dungeon for adventures: https://www.dropindungeon.com
Arcane Bindery for books: https://www.arcanebindery.com
Drop in Dungeon for adventures: https://www.dropindungeon.com
Reposted by ickmiester - the Arcane Binder
Megadungeons are intended for long-term play, with emergent narrative arising from the confluence of the random events, weird space, and player schemes. They need all three to function.
August 21, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Megadungeons are intended for long-term play, with emergent narrative arising from the confluence of the random events, weird space, and player schemes. They need all three to function.
Quick fourth of july blogpost on #TTRPG backstories again. Make sure that your backstory isnt cooler than what your character is now. don't say you've slain giants when you're level 1, unless your character is a rampant liar.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/your-ch...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/your-ch...
Backstory Betterment: your Character is the coolest They’ve ever been — Roleplay Resource
One of the easiest mistakes to make with a backstory is to make your character cooler in their past than they are now. If they have already killed demons and dragons, why are they now a level 1 wizar...
www.roleplayresource.com
July 4, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Quick fourth of july blogpost on #TTRPG backstories again. Make sure that your backstory isnt cooler than what your character is now. don't say you've slain giants when you're level 1, unless your character is a rampant liar.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/your-ch...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/your-ch...
Reposted by ickmiester - the Arcane Binder
Having your GM put the focus of a whole #TTRPG scene on you can be terrifying, overwhelming, and full of pressure. When they craft a scene to let you shine, try to take that attention in stride and remember: they're doing it for you.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/take-th...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/take-th...
Take the Spotlight With Grace — Roleplay Resource
As you play TTRPGs, you may notice that your GM isn’t a neutral game designer. Official published adventures have 15 ways to solve every scenario, so that your ranger with nature skills is exactly as...
www.roleplayresource.com
June 25, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Having your GM put the focus of a whole #TTRPG scene on you can be terrifying, overwhelming, and full of pressure. When they craft a scene to let you shine, try to take that attention in stride and remember: they're doing it for you.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/take-th...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/take-th...
Having your GM put the focus of a whole #TTRPG scene on you can be terrifying, overwhelming, and full of pressure. When they craft a scene to let you shine, try to take that attention in stride and remember: they're doing it for you.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/take-th...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/take-th...
Take the Spotlight With Grace — Roleplay Resource
As you play TTRPGs, you may notice that your GM isn’t a neutral game designer. Official published adventures have 15 ways to solve every scenario, so that your ranger with nature skills is exactly as...
www.roleplayresource.com
June 25, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Having your GM put the focus of a whole #TTRPG scene on you can be terrifying, overwhelming, and full of pressure. When they craft a scene to let you shine, try to take that attention in stride and remember: they're doing it for you.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/take-th...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/take-th...
I almost missed posting an article this week! So I wrote about missing your #TTRPG session. I no-showed on Tuesday, and that sucks. Next time I'll work to level up my communication.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/missing...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/missing...
Missing Your Session — Roleplay Resource
For six months now I’ve posted a TTRPG article weekly. I missed Tuesday and this is a makeup article, so my wife suggested that I own up to missing the post and post about missing! (It still counts a...
www.roleplayresource.com
June 21, 2025 at 8:11 PM
I almost missed posting an article this week! So I wrote about missing your #TTRPG session. I no-showed on Tuesday, and that sucks. Next time I'll work to level up my communication.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/missing...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/missing...
Whenever you find yourself getting frustrated with your #TTRPG system of choice, consider how you've built your character. There's lots of way to choose your abilities - maybe try going for the bit, or the fit!
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/choose-...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/choose-...
Choose Abilities Differently — Roleplay Resource
At a certain point in your TTRPG career, you are going to get burned by picking abilities that sound cool from their summary. Your going to get frustrated and angry with the unfairness of it all when...
www.roleplayresource.com
June 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Whenever you find yourself getting frustrated with your #TTRPG system of choice, consider how you've built your character. There's lots of way to choose your abilities - maybe try going for the bit, or the fit!
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/choose-...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/choose-...
Ran a #CityofMist one shot yesterday. Family was in town, and that system is GREAT for introducing new players. The 2d6+tags roll and tags=power is super easy to explain. Pregen characters can fit on an index card. Name, picture, 9 power tags (I did 6 for simplicity) and a couple weaknesses.
June 8, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Ran a #CityofMist one shot yesterday. Family was in town, and that system is GREAT for introducing new players. The 2d6+tags roll and tags=power is super easy to explain. Pregen characters can fit on an index card. Name, picture, 9 power tags (I did 6 for simplicity) and a couple weaknesses.
Reposted by ickmiester - the Arcane Binder
If you just want to add a tiny piece to your #TTRPG backstory that will really make it pop, consider a debt. Everyone loves debt!
Its like a sleeper agent passphrase you give your GM to get you to instantly do a quest.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/who-do-...
Its like a sleeper agent passphrase you give your GM to get you to instantly do a quest.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/who-do-...
Backstory Betterment: Who do you Owe? — Roleplay Resource
One of the easiest ways to make your backstory usable is to add in a debt of some kind. A debt is like a secret implanted suggestion in your character that the GM can activate in order to engage you ...
www.roleplayresource.com
June 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM
If you just want to add a tiny piece to your #TTRPG backstory that will really make it pop, consider a debt. Everyone loves debt!
Its like a sleeper agent passphrase you give your GM to get you to instantly do a quest.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/who-do-...
Its like a sleeper agent passphrase you give your GM to get you to instantly do a quest.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/who-do-...
If you just want to add a tiny piece to your #TTRPG backstory that will really make it pop, consider a debt. Everyone loves debt!
Its like a sleeper agent passphrase you give your GM to get you to instantly do a quest.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/who-do-...
Its like a sleeper agent passphrase you give your GM to get you to instantly do a quest.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/who-do-...
Backstory Betterment: Who do you Owe? — Roleplay Resource
One of the easiest ways to make your backstory usable is to add in a debt of some kind. A debt is like a secret implanted suggestion in your character that the GM can activate in order to engage you ...
www.roleplayresource.com
June 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM
If you just want to add a tiny piece to your #TTRPG backstory that will really make it pop, consider a debt. Everyone loves debt!
Its like a sleeper agent passphrase you give your GM to get you to instantly do a quest.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/who-do-...
Its like a sleeper agent passphrase you give your GM to get you to instantly do a quest.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/who-do-...
Reposted by ickmiester - the Arcane Binder
Funny, I was just writing about this: seaofstarsrpg.wordpress.com/2025/05/11/g...
Game Theory – What makes a Character Background useful?
So, if you are interested in good. friendly, and sometimes even useful RPG discussion, I recommend you visit RPGGeek where one of the things they do is a Question of the Day to spark discussion. R…
seaofstarsrpg.wordpress.com
May 28, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Funny, I was just writing about this: seaofstarsrpg.wordpress.com/2025/05/11/g...
Your #TTRPG backstory isn't a marvel movie. Dont write it to be all self contained. Its not a fanfic, don't write it to be fantasy fulfillment. It is a tool, a resource for others to use to make your game more fun. Write it for them.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/backsto...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/backsto...
Your Backstory is a Tool — Roleplay Resource
Backstories are a funny sticking point in TTRPG groups. Many people aren’t comfortable writing fiction at all. Others may be fine writing, but don’t feel the agency to “force” things into the game w...
www.roleplayresource.com
May 28, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Your #TTRPG backstory isn't a marvel movie. Dont write it to be all self contained. Its not a fanfic, don't write it to be fantasy fulfillment. It is a tool, a resource for others to use to make your game more fun. Write it for them.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/backsto...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/backsto...
Been playing with the City of Mist rules lately at my #TTRPG Table. Its surprisingly carefree, but still feels "crunchy" because I'm constantly reviewing my character sheet for my tags. I'm stacking +1's, but I only ever want to get to like +2-3. Fun experience!
May 27, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Been playing with the City of Mist rules lately at my #TTRPG Table. Its surprisingly carefree, but still feels "crunchy" because I'm constantly reviewing my character sheet for my tags. I'm stacking +1's, but I only ever want to get to like +2-3. Fun experience!
I normally ramble on about ways someone can improve themselves at the #TTRPG table, but it is good to temper your expectations. Building #DnD skills takes time, and splitting your attention can hurt as much as it helps. Work on one skill at a time.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/dont-ov...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/dont-ov...
Dont Overload Yourself With New Skills — Roleplay Resource
Every week I write an article about a new skill you can level up. I am a big believer that improving yourself over time is a noble goal. Especially when the skills you gain actually improve everyone...
www.roleplayresource.com
May 20, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I normally ramble on about ways someone can improve themselves at the #TTRPG table, but it is good to temper your expectations. Building #DnD skills takes time, and splitting your attention can hurt as much as it helps. Work on one skill at a time.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/dont-ov...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/dont-ov...
If you've ever played a #TTRPG with excitable nerds, you know how easily it is for everyone to get distracted, and how easily people can get ignored in tabletalk. If you ever feel like you get bulldozed at the table, try this:
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/stop-ge...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/stop-ge...
Stop Getting Bulldozed at Your table — Roleplay Resource
Feeling like you’re always getting bulldozed during session? Like you often offer your opinions to the group, and for some reason, no one listens to you? It happens to a lot of us, but there are w...
www.roleplayresource.com
May 13, 2025 at 5:05 PM
If you've ever played a #TTRPG with excitable nerds, you know how easily it is for everyone to get distracted, and how easily people can get ignored in tabletalk. If you ever feel like you get bulldozed at the table, try this:
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/stop-ge...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/stop-ge...
You're probably just as political at the #TTRPG table as people you disagree with. We should practice how to identify our differences in opinions, and how to approach or avoid confronting them. Here's a tabletop politics primer.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/dealing...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/dealing...
Dealing with Politics at your table — Roleplay Resource
Politics is one of those weird things that seeps in to your games in both intentional and unintentional ways. Most TTRPG characters are caricatures, taking their chosen traits to wild extremes. This...
www.roleplayresource.com
April 29, 2025 at 7:26 PM
You're probably just as political at the #TTRPG table as people you disagree with. We should practice how to identify our differences in opinions, and how to approach or avoid confronting them. Here's a tabletop politics primer.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/dealing...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/dealing...
We've all seen #TTRPG horror stories online. People bringing taboo subject to their table, and causing player harm. With so much neurodivergence in the community,
I think we need to spell out what to avoid. We may not think of it ahead of time.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/we-can-...
I think we need to spell out what to avoid. We may not think of it ahead of time.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/we-can-...
We can stop RPG Horror Stories — Roleplay Resource
We are, or at least can be , good friends at the gaming table. When you don’t focus on people, it can be all too easy to fail to be friends around the table. All you need to do to find proof is hea...
www.roleplayresource.com
April 22, 2025 at 5:44 PM
We've all seen #TTRPG horror stories online. People bringing taboo subject to their table, and causing player harm. With so much neurodivergence in the community,
I think we need to spell out what to avoid. We may not think of it ahead of time.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/we-can-...
I think we need to spell out what to avoid. We may not think of it ahead of time.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/we-can-...
Reposted by ickmiester - the Arcane Binder
A Message To You.
youtu.be/q89Kz3QJpFk
Lighthearted video around the importance of community and attending your friend's game night.
youtu.be/q89Kz3QJpFk
Lighthearted video around the importance of community and attending your friend's game night.
Not Just A Game Night... A Message To You
YouTube video by kovray
youtu.be
April 17, 2025 at 5:21 PM
A Message To You.
youtu.be/q89Kz3QJpFk
Lighthearted video around the importance of community and attending your friend's game night.
youtu.be/q89Kz3QJpFk
Lighthearted video around the importance of community and attending your friend's game night.
The quality of your #TTRPG experience is the sum total of what everyone at your table brings to it. Make sure you're bringing the right stuff. If a character causes problems for others, the player is responsible.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/you-cho...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/you-cho...
You Choose what you Bring to Your table — Roleplay Resource
TTRPGs are a collaborative storytelling game. When you collaborate in writing the story of your table, you are the author. You make the authorial choice of what to bring to the game. In a world wit...
www.roleplayresource.com
April 15, 2025 at 5:04 PM
The quality of your #TTRPG experience is the sum total of what everyone at your table brings to it. Make sure you're bringing the right stuff. If a character causes problems for others, the player is responsible.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/you-cho...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/you-cho...
Want everyone to respect you at the #TTRPG table? Want to instantly seem smarter, more good looking? Try taking notes today! Your notes can solve everyone's problems.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/everyon...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/everyon...
Everyone loves the person taking notes — Roleplay Resource
In early editions of DnD, taking notes was considered such an important thing at the table that they suggested nominating a note taker for the group. This site is all about personally leveling up tho...
www.roleplayresource.com
April 9, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Want everyone to respect you at the #TTRPG table? Want to instantly seem smarter, more good looking? Try taking notes today! Your notes can solve everyone's problems.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/everyon...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/everyon...
I haven't done a #ttrpg freaky friday session in a long long time, but I think it is a perfect thing to try out if your session happens to land on #AprilFools! Swap sheets and have yourself a classic hijinks session.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/april-f...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/april-f...
April Fools Freaky Friday Session — Roleplay Resource
A classic story. The party does a high five in a magical place, and the sheer awesomeness released by the moment causes their brains to all swap into each others’ bodies. For a wild April Fools Sess...
www.roleplayresource.com
April 1, 2025 at 5:02 PM
I haven't done a #ttrpg freaky friday session in a long long time, but I think it is a perfect thing to try out if your session happens to land on #AprilFools! Swap sheets and have yourself a classic hijinks session.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/april-f...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/april-f...
Want to pay more #DnD? Consider becoming your table's champion. It is easy for campaigns to fall apart when no one is responsible for scheduling, or confirming the play location. It doesn't have to be the DM at your #TTRPG, it can be an engaged player.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/be-your...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/be-your...
Be Your table Champion — Roleplay Resource
Every group needs that one person who is the glue, and holds it all together. Game night’s “hype man,” who is out there, making sure everyone is is ready for session. Someone who starts the scheduli...
www.roleplayresource.com
March 26, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Want to pay more #DnD? Consider becoming your table's champion. It is easy for campaigns to fall apart when no one is responsible for scheduling, or confirming the play location. It doesn't have to be the DM at your #TTRPG, it can be an engaged player.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/be-your...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/be-your...
Whats the Cringe-est Character statement you've ever heard at the #TTRPG table? I think i figured out what makes it that way. It has to do with whether or not the statement aligns with what has been done at the table or what is just in the person's head.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/build-f...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/build-f...
Build from What you Establish — Roleplay Resource
What makes a good character statement? Why do we cringe when the level 1 fighter says to call them ghoulsbane because “They once single handedly slew a pack of them?” Why don’t we cringe as much when...
www.roleplayresource.com
March 19, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Whats the Cringe-est Character statement you've ever heard at the #TTRPG table? I think i figured out what makes it that way. It has to do with whether or not the statement aligns with what has been done at the table or what is just in the person's head.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/build-f...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/build-f...
Reposted by ickmiester - the Arcane Binder
Hello #ttrpgsky!
I'm planning to do some spring cleaning today on my #ttrpg #starterpack, removing a few inactive accounts and adding some new and exciting folk.
Does anyone have any recommendations on who to add?
go.bsky.app/89AfVdN #dnd #ttrpgCommunity
I'm planning to do some spring cleaning today on my #ttrpg #starterpack, removing a few inactive accounts and adding some new and exciting folk.
Does anyone have any recommendations on who to add?
go.bsky.app/89AfVdN #dnd #ttrpgCommunity
March 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Hello #ttrpgsky!
I'm planning to do some spring cleaning today on my #ttrpg #starterpack, removing a few inactive accounts and adding some new and exciting folk.
Does anyone have any recommendations on who to add?
go.bsky.app/89AfVdN #dnd #ttrpgCommunity
I'm planning to do some spring cleaning today on my #ttrpg #starterpack, removing a few inactive accounts and adding some new and exciting folk.
Does anyone have any recommendations on who to add?
go.bsky.app/89AfVdN #dnd #ttrpgCommunity
A decade ago, a Facebook group started for my home #TTRPG game. Having a place to talk with my group out of session ABOUT the game transformed it. Extra RP moments, session reminders, and general hype elevated our table. I hope it can for y'all too.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/start-a...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/start-a...
Shaky Campaign? Fix it with a group chat. — Roleplay Resource
When an RPG campaign first gets going, scheduling your next session can be the biggest issue preventing you from getting forward momentum. The best way to make sure that everyone saves the date on th...
www.roleplayresource.com
March 14, 2025 at 3:38 PM
A decade ago, a Facebook group started for my home #TTRPG game. Having a place to talk with my group out of session ABOUT the game transformed it. Extra RP moments, session reminders, and general hype elevated our table. I hope it can for y'all too.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/start-a...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/start-a...
Making a character in a #TTRPG has so much going on, it can cause analysis paralysis. If you don't know what to make for your next character, use this framework and steal your way to a unique build.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/charact...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/charact...
Making Characters when you’re not a “creative person” — Roleplay Resource
Not everyone feels comfortable creating a whole new character with a whole personality and motivations and relationships. It is overwhelming! I hardly even know my own motivations, much less my char...
www.roleplayresource.com
March 5, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Making a character in a #TTRPG has so much going on, it can cause analysis paralysis. If you don't know what to make for your next character, use this framework and steal your way to a unique build.
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/charact...
www.roleplayresource.com/blog/charact...