Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
@squadronuk.bsky.social
Created/co-wrote Golden Heroes (it’s in Wikipedia). Write/publishes various other TTRPGs on an iPAD in his bedroom. Easing back into my gaming & TTRPG con addiction ATM.
My games:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/721/Simon-Burley-Productions
My games:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/721/Simon-Burley-Productions
I really like UKGE and have had great interactions with the people who organise it whenever I’ve met them. (A few years ago now TBH.)
But this seems a reasonable, balanced and well-argued thread.
(Personally I’d expect/hope discussions behind the scenes Going on ATM.)
But this seems a reasonable, balanced and well-argued thread.
(Personally I’d expect/hope discussions behind the scenes Going on ATM.)
I'd like to say a couple of things about UKGE and their silence in regards to the whole AI debacle.
I'll start with a disclaimer: I know UKGE is a HUGE opportunity for many small businesses and publishers, and in the current unstable financial situation we're all in, skipping it because of ethical>
I'll start with a disclaimer: I know UKGE is a HUGE opportunity for many small businesses and publishers, and in the current unstable financial situation we're all in, skipping it because of ethical>
December 9, 2025 at 2:18 PM
I really like UKGE and have had great interactions with the people who organise it whenever I’ve met them. (A few years ago now TBH.)
But this seems a reasonable, balanced and well-argued thread.
(Personally I’d expect/hope discussions behind the scenes Going on ATM.)
But this seems a reasonable, balanced and well-argued thread.
(Personally I’d expect/hope discussions behind the scenes Going on ATM.)
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
Can you even DO emergent world-building when playing a Superhero TTRPG?
I’m a hypocrite. I’ll make a statement one day and contradict it the next.
Alan Bennett famously said the English are world beaters at hypocrisy.
I’ve said many times that I don’t like world-building.
1
1
Can you even DO emergent world-building when playing a Superhero TTRPG?
I’m a hypocrite. I’ll make a statement one day and contradict it the next.
Alan Bennett famously said the English are world beaters at hypocrisy.
I’ve said many times that I don’t like world-building.
1
December 9, 2025 at 11:55 AM
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
Can you even DO emergent world-building when playing a Superhero TTRPG?
I’m a hypocrite. I’ll make a statement one day and contradict it the next.
Alan Bennett famously said the English are world beaters at hypocrisy.
I’ve said many times that I don’t like world-building.
1
1
Can you even DO emergent world-building when playing a Superhero TTRPG?
I’m a hypocrite. I’ll make a statement one day and contradict it the next.
Alan Bennett famously said the English are world beaters at hypocrisy.
I’ve said many times that I don’t like world-building.
1
So I did this “what character class are you thing”.
Got BARD.
Won’t 90% of TTRPG Referees?
Got BARD.
Won’t 90% of TTRPG Referees?
December 9, 2025 at 10:34 AM
So I did this “what character class are you thing”.
Got BARD.
Won’t 90% of TTRPG Referees?
Got BARD.
Won’t 90% of TTRPG Referees?
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
December 9, 2025 at 8:44 AM
It means they need someone to proofread their job adverts.
(It’s a mistake.)
(It’s a mistake.)
December 8, 2025 at 9:12 PM
It means they need someone to proofread their job adverts.
(It’s a mistake.)
(It’s a mistake.)
This is, of course, brilliant.
But I can’t help feeling there’s a gingerbread person missing somewhere….
But I can’t help feeling there’s a gingerbread person missing somewhere….
December 8, 2025 at 6:42 PM
This is, of course, brilliant.
But I can’t help feeling there’s a gingerbread person missing somewhere….
But I can’t help feeling there’s a gingerbread person missing somewhere….
A photograph of Liz Truss labelled “A Legacy of Excellence”.
And apparently meant NOT to be an ironic statement.
😂
And apparently meant NOT to be an ironic statement.
😂
Wow. Everything, from font to seal to layout, is an attempt to brand her as a former President. 56th Prime Minister? We don't do that.
December 8, 2025 at 10:22 AM
A photograph of Liz Truss labelled “A Legacy of Excellence”.
And apparently meant NOT to be an ironic statement.
😂
And apparently meant NOT to be an ironic statement.
😂
Informative and insightful response to my thought of the day. Thought was worth a quote post as it’s put so well.
Are us gamers spoilt by having such a good-value hobby?
What factors would need to change to increase attendance?
Are us gamers spoilt by having such a good-value hobby?
What factors would need to change to increase attendance?
Well, it all starts with the organisers providing an Invitation To Treat and ends with punters deciding if they got a value proposition 😁
At one particular Expo there was also a comicon thing happening and one of my friends wanted to go. He took a "day off" expo to go and do that. 1/x
At one particular Expo there was also a comicon thing happening and one of my friends wanted to go. He took a "day off" expo to go and do that. 1/x
December 8, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Informative and insightful response to my thought of the day. Thought was worth a quote post as it’s put so well.
Are us gamers spoilt by having such a good-value hobby?
What factors would need to change to increase attendance?
Are us gamers spoilt by having such a good-value hobby?
What factors would need to change to increase attendance?
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
When is it acceptable to say: “Just entertain yourselves”?
I’ve written in other thoughts about how I dislike Comicons (especially MCM comicons) because they’re set up just to give punters stuff to consume whilst the organisers just sit back and rake in the money.
1
1
When is it acceptable to say: “Just entertain yourselves”?
I’ve written in other thoughts about how I dislike Comicons (especially MCM comicons) because they’re set up just to give punters stuff to consume whilst the organisers just sit back and rake in the money.
1
December 8, 2025 at 9:27 AM
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
When is it acceptable to say: “Just entertain yourselves”?
I’ve written in other thoughts about how I dislike Comicons (especially MCM comicons) because they’re set up just to give punters stuff to consume whilst the organisers just sit back and rake in the money.
1
1
When is it acceptable to say: “Just entertain yourselves”?
I’ve written in other thoughts about how I dislike Comicons (especially MCM comicons) because they’re set up just to give punters stuff to consume whilst the organisers just sit back and rake in the money.
1
Another great write-up.
I’m never seen so many reports on one event.
I’m never seen so many reports on one event.
The second part of my Dragonmeet write-up, where I ramble on about how it went:
lunarshadow.net/2025/12/07/d...
lunarshadow.net/2025/12/07/d...
Dragonmeet 2025 part 2: Thoughts
Ok, cards on the table. I’m writing this first part a couple of days before the event even happens. Why? Because right now I’m honestly not really looking forward to it. Which is stupid…
lunarshadow.net
December 8, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Another great write-up.
I’m never seen so many reports on one event.
I’m never seen so many reports on one event.
It’s National Simon day.
I’m a Simon and always have been.
I’m a Simon and always have been.
It's National Simon Day
A shout out to all the Simon's. Say hi if you're a Simon.
A shout out to all the Simon's. Say hi if you're a Simon.
December 8, 2025 at 9:11 AM
It’s National Simon day.
I’m a Simon and always have been.
I’m a Simon and always have been.
Movie you've watched more than six times with a gif. Hard Mode: no Stars (Wars or Trek), LOTR, or Marvel.
December 7, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Movie you've watched more than six times with a gif. Hard Mode: no Stars (Wars or Trek), LOTR, or Marvel.
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
My latest cartoon for @newscientist.com
December 7, 2025 at 8:56 AM
My latest cartoon for @newscientist.com
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
Keep a blog of your campaign.
Most people talk about keeping a journal of their campaign. Most people don’t get around to doing it.
I have no data/evidence for that statement. It just feels right.
This makes sense. Most people don’t keep diaries. I suspect those that do….
1
1
Keep a blog of your campaign.
Most people talk about keeping a journal of their campaign. Most people don’t get around to doing it.
I have no data/evidence for that statement. It just feels right.
This makes sense. Most people don’t keep diaries. I suspect those that do….
1
December 7, 2025 at 10:34 AM
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
Keep a blog of your campaign.
Most people talk about keeping a journal of their campaign. Most people don’t get around to doing it.
I have no data/evidence for that statement. It just feels right.
This makes sense. Most people don’t keep diaries. I suspect those that do….
1
1
Keep a blog of your campaign.
Most people talk about keeping a journal of their campaign. Most people don’t get around to doing it.
I have no data/evidence for that statement. It just feels right.
This makes sense. Most people don’t keep diaries. I suspect those that do….
1
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
Found when sorting an old drive. I still, very occasionally, say 'not many badgers in the House of Lords' and this is why:
February 8, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Found when sorting an old drive. I still, very occasionally, say 'not many badgers in the House of Lords' and this is why:
This looks brilliant. So brilliant that I looked at my calendar. I do have an opening that weekend.
But I’ve done a quick costing and c. £400 from Birmingham UK is a bit much for my first convention abroad.
If anyone is bit nearer I’d recommend taking a look.
But I’ve done a quick costing and c. £400 from Birmingham UK is a bit much for my first convention abroad.
If anyone is bit nearer I’d recommend taking a look.
Too much choice? Pahvto that I say!
We'll have 110 TTRPG tables at @AthCon4 !!
With over 50 different GMs and 45 (and counting) different game systems we've something for everybody!
And that's not including the u12s games and The Never Ending Gory table (oooh you're gonna love that!).
We'll have 110 TTRPG tables at @AthCon4 !!
With over 50 different GMs and 45 (and counting) different game systems we've something for everybody!
And that's not including the u12s games and The Never Ending Gory table (oooh you're gonna love that!).
cookie monster is sitting at a table with a tray of food and the words choices written on it
ALT: cookie monster is sitting at a table with a tray of food and the words choices written on it
media.tenor.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:07 PM
This looks brilliant. So brilliant that I looked at my calendar. I do have an opening that weekend.
But I’ve done a quick costing and c. £400 from Birmingham UK is a bit much for my first convention abroad.
If anyone is bit nearer I’d recommend taking a look.
But I’ve done a quick costing and c. £400 from Birmingham UK is a bit much for my first convention abroad.
If anyone is bit nearer I’d recommend taking a look.
#GROGMEET
I’ve just had a lovely hour signing up for games at Grogmeet in January. So many classic scenarios on offer!
I’ve gone:
Mothership (never played), Golden Heroes (Designer Bombing), Dee Sanction (never played), Code of the Spacelanes (refereeing), DungeonWorld (Never played).
Fun!
I’ve just had a lovely hour signing up for games at Grogmeet in January. So many classic scenarios on offer!
I’ve gone:
Mothership (never played), Golden Heroes (Designer Bombing), Dee Sanction (never played), Code of the Spacelanes (refereeing), DungeonWorld (Never played).
Fun!
December 6, 2025 at 5:55 PM
#GROGMEET
I’ve just had a lovely hour signing up for games at Grogmeet in January. So many classic scenarios on offer!
I’ve gone:
Mothership (never played), Golden Heroes (Designer Bombing), Dee Sanction (never played), Code of the Spacelanes (refereeing), DungeonWorld (Never played).
Fun!
I’ve just had a lovely hour signing up for games at Grogmeet in January. So many classic scenarios on offer!
I’ve gone:
Mothership (never played), Golden Heroes (Designer Bombing), Dee Sanction (never played), Code of the Spacelanes (refereeing), DungeonWorld (Never played).
Fun!
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
Breaking. Liz Truss wins this year's FIFA Prize for Economics.
December 6, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Breaking. Liz Truss wins this year's FIFA Prize for Economics.
I can do the “don’t care about”.
I can’t do the “nor have opinions about”.
I am opinionated.
I can’t do the “nor have opinions about”.
I am opinionated.
Ok, I’m venting some spleen elsethread, so here’s something a bit more positive: a quick health check for your brain and reality.
Name three things which are genuinely important which you do not personally care about, nor have opinions about.
It might be easy, or it might be tricky.
Name three things which are genuinely important which you do not personally care about, nor have opinions about.
It might be easy, or it might be tricky.
December 6, 2025 at 5:10 PM
I can do the “don’t care about”.
I can’t do the “nor have opinions about”.
I am opinionated.
I can’t do the “nor have opinions about”.
I am opinionated.
O,D&D post-Greyhawk with home brew rules (not mine) eg. Spell Points, Delta Doubling.
It being so early the 2nd as probably Traveller.
D&D I remember fondly or the resource management and zero to hero arc. Traveller, no. Trading goods? Ugh!
No I don’t play either. Of course I’ve outgrown them.
It being so early the 2nd as probably Traveller.
D&D I remember fondly or the resource management and zero to hero arc. Traveller, no. Trading goods? Ugh!
No I don’t play either. Of course I’ve outgrown them.
Hey #ttrpgCommunity!
What were the first two #ttrpgs you played? Do you remember either of those games fondly? Do you still play them? Have you outgrown them?
#tttrpg #dnd #rpg
What were the first two #ttrpgs you played? Do you remember either of those games fondly? Do you still play them? Have you outgrown them?
#tttrpg #dnd #rpg
December 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM
O,D&D post-Greyhawk with home brew rules (not mine) eg. Spell Points, Delta Doubling.
It being so early the 2nd as probably Traveller.
D&D I remember fondly or the resource management and zero to hero arc. Traveller, no. Trading goods? Ugh!
No I don’t play either. Of course I’ve outgrown them.
It being so early the 2nd as probably Traveller.
D&D I remember fondly or the resource management and zero to hero arc. Traveller, no. Trading goods? Ugh!
No I don’t play either. Of course I’ve outgrown them.
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
The Nobel Prize committee should announce the World Cup winner tomorrow
December 6, 2025 at 4:29 AM
The Nobel Prize committee should announce the World Cup winner tomorrow
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
NERD!
(Love it!)
(Love it!)
Just caught the first notable anachronism in Stranger Things, but it’s very niche.
One character tells another that wizards learn magic from books but sorcerers have innate magic.
That didn’t come up in D&D until 3E in 2000.
One character tells another that wizards learn magic from books but sorcerers have innate magic.
That didn’t come up in D&D until 3E in 2000.
December 6, 2025 at 12:40 PM
NERD!
(Love it!)
(Love it!)