David Doughty
@sleepypenguin.bsky.social
Indie game, web & VR/AR/MR developer, TTRPG DM and author.
Maine, USA
Maine, USA
Reposted by David Doughty
⚠️ BREAKING:
Spain 🇪🇸 Reintroduces Mask Mandate as COVID-19 and Flu Surge Push Hospitals Toward Crisis
Spain 🇪🇸 Reintroduces Mask Mandate as COVID-19 and Flu Surge Push Hospitals Toward Crisis
November 30, 2025 at 1:38 AM
⚠️ BREAKING:
Spain 🇪🇸 Reintroduces Mask Mandate as COVID-19 and Flu Surge Push Hospitals Toward Crisis
Spain 🇪🇸 Reintroduces Mask Mandate as COVID-19 and Flu Surge Push Hospitals Toward Crisis
Reposted by David Doughty
Have you visited any Christmas market yet? They are starting! Maybe it's time for some gingerbread and hot cocoa?
#TTRPG #battlemaps #encountermap #VTT #DnDart #DnD
#TTRPG #battlemaps #encountermap #VTT #DnDart #DnD
November 30, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Have you visited any Christmas market yet? They are starting! Maybe it's time for some gingerbread and hot cocoa?
#TTRPG #battlemaps #encountermap #VTT #DnDart #DnD
#TTRPG #battlemaps #encountermap #VTT #DnDart #DnD
Reposted by David Doughty
UBI in the states would have to cover housing, food, & healthcare. With that covered, I’d sew & write & teach & volunteer & just do everything I could to help make my home, my town, my state, my country, my world a kinder, more creative, more vibrant place.
Honest question: If everyone got Universal Basic Income, no strings attached, what would YOU do with it?
Re-post with your quote or drop your take below.
Re-post with your quote or drop your take below.
November 29, 2025 at 10:32 PM
UBI in the states would have to cover housing, food, & healthcare. With that covered, I’d sew & write & teach & volunteer & just do everything I could to help make my home, my town, my state, my country, my world a kinder, more creative, more vibrant place.
Reposted by David Doughty
Just a reminder to leave a rating/review on all the games you’re picking up in these sales.
Taking two seconds to leave a 5 star rating can and will help that creator immensely.
That one rating you leave could be the tipping point in the algorithm that gets that game seen by far, far more people.
Taking two seconds to leave a 5 star rating can and will help that creator immensely.
That one rating you leave could be the tipping point in the algorithm that gets that game seen by far, far more people.
November 29, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Just a reminder to leave a rating/review on all the games you’re picking up in these sales.
Taking two seconds to leave a 5 star rating can and will help that creator immensely.
That one rating you leave could be the tipping point in the algorithm that gets that game seen by far, far more people.
Taking two seconds to leave a 5 star rating can and will help that creator immensely.
That one rating you leave could be the tipping point in the algorithm that gets that game seen by far, far more people.
Reposted by David Doughty
I wish I could say I learned through this just through my own insight and wisdom, but the truth is I smashed myself against the rocks several times and had my need for expression and love for design outweigh that need for validation. But I have learned some things i can share...
As someone who is new in this space, I definitely struggle with searching for validation in TTRPGs. Obviously it's bad for my mental health, but any tips that helped you learn that lesson?
November 29, 2025 at 4:37 PM
I wish I could say I learned through this just through my own insight and wisdom, but the truth is I smashed myself against the rocks several times and had my need for expression and love for design outweigh that need for validation. But I have learned some things i can share...
Reposted by David Doughty
Its hard to fully explain why in so few words, but GMing for my Daggerheart group is one of my favourite TTRPG experiences I've ever had.
Just the best people taking big swings, leaning into the narrative and genuinely engaging with everything that comes their way.
Adore them to bits.
Just the best people taking big swings, leaning into the narrative and genuinely engaging with everything that comes their way.
Adore them to bits.
November 26, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Its hard to fully explain why in so few words, but GMing for my Daggerheart group is one of my favourite TTRPG experiences I've ever had.
Just the best people taking big swings, leaning into the narrative and genuinely engaging with everything that comes their way.
Adore them to bits.
Just the best people taking big swings, leaning into the narrative and genuinely engaging with everything that comes their way.
Adore them to bits.
Reposted by David Doughty
![Comic. Panels up to the 10-year point are grayed out. New panels since the Ten Years comic, which chronicles the first ten years of PERSON 1's journey with cancer: (1) [two people in bed] PERSON 1 (woman): One more chapter? PERSON 2 (man): Don’t we both have to get up early? PERSON 1: Nnnnnggggh PERSON 2: Sure, good point. (2) [many people wearing masks, walking while looking at graphs on their phones] (3) [birds landing on people] PERSON 2 in beanie and scarf: Hah! They like *my* seeds best. PERSON 1 in scarf holding phone with a bird sitting on it: Wait, how do I take a picture of this one? (4) [two people rowing boats with tree landscape] (5) [Person 1 carries overflowing stack of things to Person 2 in bed] PERSON 1: I brought you honey lemon tea, more pillows, a cinnamon roll, Tylenol, another blanket, a– PERSON 2: It was just Appendicitis, I’m really– PERSON 1: *It is my turn to take care of you and I am going to do it right!* (6) [Two people in car] (7) [still in car) PERSON 1: Oh my god. PERSON 2: Oh my god. (8) [car driving] PERSON 1: Pull over! PERSON 2: I am! (9) [both people get out of car] (10) [Large colored panel of aurora borealis over water with both people looking on] (11) [Person 1 sits against tree while Person 2 lies on the ground] PERSON 1: Fifteen years. No sign of the cancer. (12) I *am* having some weird symptoms. Joint pain. Fatigue. I think I’m losing my close-up vision. PERSON 2: Yeah. Me too. (13) PERSON 2: I think we’re getting old. (14) PERSON 1: I guess that’s okay. PERSON 2: It’s all I wanted.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreihwhjblp5lyiwp63ouar7ocfea7evmckytoeo7rkfuoo4gw5rnrra@jpeg)
November 26, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Reposted by David Doughty
I don't think we're going to have a successful Amazon boycott till we break their monopoly on indie books.
They have a clever strategy to build their monopoly, which any functional government would have banned: if you want your indie book listed in Kindle Unlimited, you have to be exclusive. 🧵
They have a clever strategy to build their monopoly, which any functional government would have banned: if you want your indie book listed in Kindle Unlimited, you have to be exclusive. 🧵
November 26, 2025 at 2:49 PM
I don't think we're going to have a successful Amazon boycott till we break their monopoly on indie books.
They have a clever strategy to build their monopoly, which any functional government would have banned: if you want your indie book listed in Kindle Unlimited, you have to be exclusive. 🧵
They have a clever strategy to build their monopoly, which any functional government would have banned: if you want your indie book listed in Kindle Unlimited, you have to be exclusive. 🧵
Reposted by David Doughty
Already tested negative for covid for my first test and no symptoms of anything else. Wearing a mask helps prevents more than just Covid.
Don’t want Con Crud? Wear a mask.
Don’t want Con Crud? Wear a mask.
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Already tested negative for covid for my first test and no symptoms of anything else. Wearing a mask helps prevents more than just Covid.
Don’t want Con Crud? Wear a mask.
Don’t want Con Crud? Wear a mask.
Reposted by David Doughty
A few days out and I'm in the clear. No sickness from PAX.
Wear a mask nerds.
Wear a mask nerds.
November 26, 2025 at 10:18 PM
A few days out and I'm in the clear. No sickness from PAX.
Wear a mask nerds.
Wear a mask nerds.
Reposted by David Doughty
Remember your favorite creator possibly might be struggling with imposter syndrome and doubt and this timeline sucks.. so if you find yourself thinking “wow I really relate to this persons work” or that persons work gives you joy, you should probably tell them. It’s a hard time to be a creative.
November 26, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Remember your favorite creator possibly might be struggling with imposter syndrome and doubt and this timeline sucks.. so if you find yourself thinking “wow I really relate to this persons work” or that persons work gives you joy, you should probably tell them. It’s a hard time to be a creative.
Reposted by David Doughty
1. I see elsewhere on Bluesky that the discourse has turned toward telling writers not to be ashamed to admit they have day jobs or other sources of income (or spousal/family financial support), and you know what, that's 100% correct. Day jobs and support from loved ones are great if you have them!
November 26, 2025 at 12:35 AM
1. I see elsewhere on Bluesky that the discourse has turned toward telling writers not to be ashamed to admit they have day jobs or other sources of income (or spousal/family financial support), and you know what, that's 100% correct. Day jobs and support from loved ones are great if you have them!
Reposted by David Doughty
It's that time again!
That's right, it's time for Solo But Not Alone, our annual fundraiser bundle for @takethis.org! If you have written a singleplayer-capable TTRPG that hasn't been in the bundle before, come join us for the bundle event of the year.
forms.gle/atnazSa6TzL6...
That's right, it's time for Solo But Not Alone, our annual fundraiser bundle for @takethis.org! If you have written a singleplayer-capable TTRPG that hasn't been in the bundle before, come join us for the bundle event of the year.
forms.gle/atnazSa6TzL6...
Solo But Not Alone 5 Signup
If you have a singleplayer TTRPG you've never submitted to Solo But Not Alone before, this is the place!
Solo But Not Alone is a bundle of singleplayer TTRPGs of all kinds, sold for $10 to benefit m...
forms.gle
November 24, 2025 at 9:11 PM
It's that time again!
That's right, it's time for Solo But Not Alone, our annual fundraiser bundle for @takethis.org! If you have written a singleplayer-capable TTRPG that hasn't been in the bundle before, come join us for the bundle event of the year.
forms.gle/atnazSa6TzL6...
That's right, it's time for Solo But Not Alone, our annual fundraiser bundle for @takethis.org! If you have written a singleplayer-capable TTRPG that hasn't been in the bundle before, come join us for the bundle event of the year.
forms.gle/atnazSa6TzL6...
Reposted by David Doughty
If you like an author's work, the best thing you can do is buy it. The second best thing you can do is ask your local library to buy it. Or, do both!
A reminder that the median book deal for a debut author in the UK is £7000, paid over 12-18 months. (from 2022 Society of Authors report). Some of your favourite writers are struggling. societyofauthors.org/2022/12/06/a....
A profession struggling to sustain itself - The Society of Authors
ALCS report on author incomes shows 60% drop in median incomes since 2006
societyofauthors.org
November 24, 2025 at 5:39 PM
If you like an author's work, the best thing you can do is buy it. The second best thing you can do is ask your local library to buy it. Or, do both!
Reposted by David Doughty
I'm gonna try to pitch for the first time and if you're reading this. You should too! Be my first time pitch buddy?
Writers! Particularly TTRPG writers, but anyone comfortable with fantasy: The Gauntlet Pitch Day is coming December 6th!
Details at the link below.
www.gauntlet-rpg.com/pitch-day.html
Details at the link below.
www.gauntlet-rpg.com/pitch-day.html
Pitch Day
Pitch Day: The Great Forest We’re taking pitches for our upcoming game, The Lands Remaining ! Pitch Day will be December 6th, 2025. There will be three different Zoom calls you can join to make...
www.gauntlet-rpg.com
November 22, 2025 at 10:20 PM
I'm gonna try to pitch for the first time and if you're reading this. You should too! Be my first time pitch buddy?
Reposted by David Doughty
Yes! This is so important! Machine Learning is doing wonderful things like mapping Martian craters and analyzing microbe genomes. LLMs are a very specific form & it’s them doing these huge amounts of harm. I also sometimes say “Gen AI”
when I mean both LLMs and art generators; I try to never say AI
when I mean both LLMs and art generators; I try to never say AI
Journalist challenge: Use “Machine Learning” when you mean machine learning and “LLM” when you mean LLM. Ditch “AI” as a catch-all term, it’s not useful for readers and it helps companies trying to confuse the public by obscuring the roles played by different technologies. 🧪
November 22, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Yes! This is so important! Machine Learning is doing wonderful things like mapping Martian craters and analyzing microbe genomes. LLMs are a very specific form & it’s them doing these huge amounts of harm. I also sometimes say “Gen AI”
when I mean both LLMs and art generators; I try to never say AI
when I mean both LLMs and art generators; I try to never say AI
Reposted by David Doughty
props to WSJ for once on a useful notion, ADMIN PARTY for everybody
November 15, 2025 at 2:11 PM
props to WSJ for once on a useful notion, ADMIN PARTY for everybody
Reposted by David Doughty
Core to the Motif approach is dice labels (or "flavors" in Motif-speak). It's really one of my favorite things! (And I love seeing other designers use dice labels.) Each die is a unique factor. Explore these #TTRPGThoughts with me!
thoughtpunks.com/dic...
#TTRPG #IndieDev
thoughtpunks.com/dic...
#TTRPG #IndieDev
Dice Labels: The Heart of the Motif Approach
Thinking About Dice Labels and Narrative Dice in Motif
Also check out the free RPG I was inspired to share from my slushpile by this post!
When it comes to TTRPGs, rolling dice is often about success and failure. But what if the dice could do more? What if they could weave a rich, story-driv
thoughtpunks.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Core to the Motif approach is dice labels (or "flavors" in Motif-speak). It's really one of my favorite things! (And I love seeing other designers use dice labels.) Each die is a unique factor. Explore these #TTRPGThoughts with me!
thoughtpunks.com/dic...
#TTRPG #IndieDev
thoughtpunks.com/dic...
#TTRPG #IndieDev
Reposted by David Doughty
Want to get your character done before Christmas? I'm down to my LAST TWO SLOTS, and I already started booking larger commissions to 2026.
Book here for 30% off: flygohr.com#booking
I'm also offering FLYGOHR GIFT COUPONS, valid all year 2026 🙌🏻
All info: ckarchive.com/b/n4uohvhxro...
Book here for 30% off: flygohr.com#booking
I'm also offering FLYGOHR GIFT COUPONS, valid all year 2026 🙌🏻
All info: ckarchive.com/b/n4uohvhxro...
November 11, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Want to get your character done before Christmas? I'm down to my LAST TWO SLOTS, and I already started booking larger commissions to 2026.
Book here for 30% off: flygohr.com#booking
I'm also offering FLYGOHR GIFT COUPONS, valid all year 2026 🙌🏻
All info: ckarchive.com/b/n4uohvhxro...
Book here for 30% off: flygohr.com#booking
I'm also offering FLYGOHR GIFT COUPONS, valid all year 2026 🙌🏻
All info: ckarchive.com/b/n4uohvhxro...
So proud to be working on this!
November 10, 2025 at 2:26 AM
So proud to be working on this!
Reposted by David Doughty
Games industry veteran Alyssa Kollgaard has put together a tool called Publisher Pathfinder, which guides developers towards publishing partners and investors that match their game's needs.
www.gamesindustry.biz/publisher-pa...
www.gamesindustry.biz/publisher-pa...
Publisher Pathfinder is a new tool to help developers find publishing partners and investors
Styled as an old-school text adventure game, the tool includes a database of nearly 800 companies
www.gamesindustry.biz
November 7, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Games industry veteran Alyssa Kollgaard has put together a tool called Publisher Pathfinder, which guides developers towards publishing partners and investors that match their game's needs.
www.gamesindustry.biz/publisher-pa...
www.gamesindustry.biz/publisher-pa...
Reposted by David Doughty
Though we’ve always struggled to keep our heads just above water, I’m so grateful to still be making ttrpgs full time, creating worlds inspired by my favourite media, and working with some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Creativity is so important in this capitalist nightmare. Keep exploring! 💛
November 7, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Though we’ve always struggled to keep our heads just above water, I’m so grateful to still be making ttrpgs full time, creating worlds inspired by my favourite media, and working with some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Creativity is so important in this capitalist nightmare. Keep exploring! 💛
Reposted by David Doughty
"Postcards from Ancient #Mars: Isotopes Illuminate Early Martian Climate"
New analysis of chemical signatures measured by NASA's #Curiosity Rover gives a peek at Mars' past to a time, some 3.7 billion years ago, when it was warmer and wetter.
#RedPlanet #Caltech
New analysis of chemical signatures measured by NASA's #Curiosity Rover gives a peek at Mars' past to a time, some 3.7 billion years ago, when it was warmer and wetter.
#RedPlanet #Caltech
Postcards from Ancient Mars: Isotopes Illuminate Early Martian Climate
Oxygen isotopes measured by the Curiosity Rover signify a lake evaporating on Mars around 3.7 billion years ago.
www.caltech.edu
November 5, 2025 at 8:17 PM
"Postcards from Ancient #Mars: Isotopes Illuminate Early Martian Climate"
New analysis of chemical signatures measured by NASA's #Curiosity Rover gives a peek at Mars' past to a time, some 3.7 billion years ago, when it was warmer and wetter.
#RedPlanet #Caltech
New analysis of chemical signatures measured by NASA's #Curiosity Rover gives a peek at Mars' past to a time, some 3.7 billion years ago, when it was warmer and wetter.
#RedPlanet #Caltech
Blustery down by the river today.
November 4, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Blustery down by the river today.