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
Copied to my #TTRPGTHOUGHTS list to tackle in future days.
But, with respect, disagree so much.
Most adventures are bought to read not to run? Sad.
Most games aren’t playtested? Heinous.
Playtesting isn’t necessary? PLAYING is.
You play something. Then you write it down neatly. Then you publish.
But, with respect, disagree so much.
Most adventures are bought to read not to run? Sad.
Most games aren’t playtested? Heinous.
Playtesting isn’t necessary? PLAYING is.
You play something. Then you write it down neatly. Then you publish.
IDK.
Pretty sure the majority (<50%) of adventure buyers read it for the plot with no intention to run.
I'm also pretty sure most games aren't play-tested.
I'm not even sure play testing is necessary. Helpful? Informative? Yes!
Necessary? Unsure.
Pretty sure the majority (<50%) of adventure buyers read it for the plot with no intention to run.
I'm also pretty sure most games aren't play-tested.
I'm not even sure play testing is necessary. Helpful? Informative? Yes!
Necessary? Unsure.
December 2, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Copied to my #TTRPGTHOUGHTS list to tackle in future days.
But, with respect, disagree so much.
Most adventures are bought to read not to run? Sad.
Most games aren’t playtested? Heinous.
Playtesting isn’t necessary? PLAYING is.
You play something. Then you write it down neatly. Then you publish.
But, with respect, disagree so much.
Most adventures are bought to read not to run? Sad.
Most games aren’t playtested? Heinous.
Playtesting isn’t necessary? PLAYING is.
You play something. Then you write it down neatly. Then you publish.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend, eh?
I’m in the UK and my impression is that I couldn’t be friends with some US people who hate Trump. Eg. Rabid democrats who hate him just because he’s “red” and they’re “blue” but still eschew universal healthcare, gun control and socialism.
I’m in the UK and my impression is that I couldn’t be friends with some US people who hate Trump. Eg. Rabid democrats who hate him just because he’s “red” and they’re “blue” but still eschew universal healthcare, gun control and socialism.
If you hate Donald Trump and everything he represents, let's be friends.
December 2, 2025 at 8:36 AM
The enemy of my enemy is my friend, eh?
I’m in the UK and my impression is that I couldn’t be friends with some US people who hate Trump. Eg. Rabid democrats who hate him just because he’s “red” and they’re “blue” but still eschew universal healthcare, gun control and socialism.
I’m in the UK and my impression is that I couldn’t be friends with some US people who hate Trump. Eg. Rabid democrats who hate him just because he’s “red” and they’re “blue” but still eschew universal healthcare, gun control and socialism.
This looks NICE!
Of course! www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/3...
Superheroes Vs The Cthulhu Mythos - Chaosium | CM Games | Miskatonic Repository | DriveThruRPG
This little diatribe gives rules for creating super heroes for use in a very different style of Call of Cthulhu. It is a mash-up between the Mythos and some of the crazies of a Gothamite’s Rogues Gall...
www.drivethrurpg.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:20 AM
This looks NICE!
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
System Agnostic Products - yeah or nay?
This is not a simple question to address, because there are several different types of agnostic products, different types of author and different sets of consumers.
Let’s define a system agnostic product first.
1
1
System Agnostic Products - yeah or nay?
This is not a simple question to address, because there are several different types of agnostic products, different types of author and different sets of consumers.
Let’s define a system agnostic product first.
1
December 2, 2025 at 7:29 AM
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
System Agnostic Products - yeah or nay?
This is not a simple question to address, because there are several different types of agnostic products, different types of author and different sets of consumers.
Let’s define a system agnostic product first.
1
1
System Agnostic Products - yeah or nay?
This is not a simple question to address, because there are several different types of agnostic products, different types of author and different sets of consumers.
Let’s define a system agnostic product first.
1
Open, honest and - I’m sure - incredibly useful to anyone retailing their TTRPGs.
And told simply with the minimum of fuss and embellishment which makes it interesting even to those of us that don’t.
More of this please, from everyone.
And told simply with the minimum of fuss and embellishment which makes it interesting even to those of us that don’t.
More of this please, from everyone.
Well, I promised I would, so I did!
Following in the footsteps of my esteemed colleague @byodinsbeardrpg.com (and several others), here is my write up (including all our numbers) of Dragonmeet 2025 and our experience tabling there.
Check it out and let me know what you think! shorturl.at/j9f9A
Following in the footsteps of my esteemed colleague @byodinsbeardrpg.com (and several others), here is my write up (including all our numbers) of Dragonmeet 2025 and our experience tabling there.
Check it out and let me know what you think! shorturl.at/j9f9A
Dragonmeet 2025 Running the Numbers — Three Sails Studios
I follow in the footsteps of my esteemed colleagues (primarily the brilliant Colin le Sueur of By Odin’s Beard RPG fame) in writing my very first post-convention report. My name is George, I’m the...
www.threesailsstudios.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Open, honest and - I’m sure - incredibly useful to anyone retailing their TTRPGs.
And told simply with the minimum of fuss and embellishment which makes it interesting even to those of us that don’t.
More of this please, from everyone.
And told simply with the minimum of fuss and embellishment which makes it interesting even to those of us that don’t.
More of this please, from everyone.
Star Trekking is a lot more coherent lyrically. Doctorin’ the Tardis is just (good) sounds.
Star Trekkin' vs. Doctorin' the Tardis
December 1, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Star Trekking is a lot more coherent lyrically. Doctorin’ the Tardis is just (good) sounds.
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
Bill Gates Epstein Files latest
From the new Private Eye, out now.
From the new Private Eye, out now.
December 1, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Bill Gates Epstein Files latest
From the new Private Eye, out now.
From the new Private Eye, out now.
Great call!
@johnlattaart.bsky.social is now definitely on my list. First look I don’t see anything suitable for a cover for me but there are some great interior b&w pieces.
@johnlattaart.bsky.social is now definitely on my list. First look I don’t see anything suitable for a cover for me but there are some great interior b&w pieces.
The snake round the leg one is deviating from your art style guidelines.
Honestly it's nice to see women being painted at all.
You've probably missed it, but I'll recommend @johnlattaart.bsky.social who does a similar but distinct vibe to the other chap but is notably better at alt text.
Honestly it's nice to see women being painted at all.
You've probably missed it, but I'll recommend @johnlattaart.bsky.social who does a similar but distinct vibe to the other chap but is notably better at alt text.
December 1, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Great call!
@johnlattaart.bsky.social is now definitely on my list. First look I don’t see anything suitable for a cover for me but there are some great interior b&w pieces.
@johnlattaart.bsky.social is now definitely on my list. First look I don’t see anything suitable for a cover for me but there are some great interior b&w pieces.
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
How much should you let going “on the cheap” for art affected the design of your printed product?
I write my games/products on an iPad in my bedroom.
I am an avowed miser.
I have never had an interest in or the skills for business.
So I do the art in my books on the cheap.
1
1
How much should you let going “on the cheap” for art affected the design of your printed product?
I write my games/products on an iPad in my bedroom.
I am an avowed miser.
I have never had an interest in or the skills for business.
So I do the art in my books on the cheap.
1
December 1, 2025 at 9:01 AM
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
How much should you let going “on the cheap” for art affected the design of your printed product?
I write my games/products on an iPad in my bedroom.
I am an avowed miser.
I have never had an interest in or the skills for business.
So I do the art in my books on the cheap.
1
1
How much should you let going “on the cheap” for art affected the design of your printed product?
I write my games/products on an iPad in my bedroom.
I am an avowed miser.
I have never had an interest in or the skills for business.
So I do the art in my books on the cheap.
1
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
COMING SOON: AI + Guy™
December 1, 2025 at 1:11 AM
COMING SOON: AI + Guy™
Everyone remembers Churchill.
It turns out that - in reality - everyone’s really Neville Chamberlain.
It turns out that - in reality - everyone’s really Neville Chamberlain.
I feel like one of the most underrated explanations for what's happening right now in global politics is that almost everyone has lost their minds.
November 30, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Everyone remembers Churchill.
It turns out that - in reality - everyone’s really Neville Chamberlain.
It turns out that - in reality - everyone’s really Neville Chamberlain.
The sliders seem to be a good idea if slightly lacking in aesthetics.
Would work well at conventions on the laminated character sheets you don‘t want written on. Just need to find a snazzy colourful alternative to the paper clips but I quick browse of a well stocked stationers site should find it.
Would work well at conventions on the laminated character sheets you don‘t want written on. Just need to find a snazzy colourful alternative to the paper clips but I quick browse of a well stocked stationers site should find it.
trying out the character sheet design
I guess it works? that is a lot of sliders, that's for sure
#ttrpg
I guess it works? that is a lot of sliders, that's for sure
#ttrpg
November 30, 2025 at 10:28 PM
The sliders seem to be a good idea if slightly lacking in aesthetics.
Would work well at conventions on the laminated character sheets you don‘t want written on. Just need to find a snazzy colourful alternative to the paper clips but I quick browse of a well stocked stationers site should find it.
Would work well at conventions on the laminated character sheets you don‘t want written on. Just need to find a snazzy colourful alternative to the paper clips but I quick browse of a well stocked stationers site should find it.
I disapprove of this thread.
Maybe they should labelled “Contains small parts. Keep out of the hands of children under 3 and role-players”
Maybe they should labelled “Contains small parts. Keep out of the hands of children under 3 and role-players”
Which die has the best mouth-feel?
November 30, 2025 at 7:43 PM
I disapprove of this thread.
Maybe they should labelled “Contains small parts. Keep out of the hands of children under 3 and role-players”
Maybe they should labelled “Contains small parts. Keep out of the hands of children under 3 and role-players”
A bit far out for my tastes esp. with the DLR being disrupted. The Elizabeth line is nice but the connections are a bit confusing.
The Excel is professional and good. Good staff, good food venues. But literally swallowed trade hall. Twice the size looking half as big? 1/2
The Excel is professional and good. Good staff, good food venues. But literally swallowed trade hall. Twice the size looking half as big? 1/2
Did everyone enjoy Dragonmeet? What was everyone's opinions on the new venue?
November 30, 2025 at 7:38 PM
A bit far out for my tastes esp. with the DLR being disrupted. The Elizabeth line is nice but the connections are a bit confusing.
The Excel is professional and good. Good staff, good food venues. But literally swallowed trade hall. Twice the size looking half as big? 1/2
The Excel is professional and good. Good staff, good food venues. But literally swallowed trade hall. Twice the size looking half as big? 1/2
YES! Exactly!
I’ve never used Garak but will now. In fact the entire DS9 make superb templates for NPCs.
I’ve never used Garak but will now. In fact the entire DS9 make superb templates for NPCs.
Akichi the lizardman, an honest haberdasher in foreign lands, kept my 14th level PCs tied up for four hours of play with nothing but shopwork and dinner.
(My GM notes basically just say "rip off Garak", and apparently I can do that for hours on end.)
(My GM notes basically just say "rip off Garak", and apparently I can do that for hours on end.)
November 30, 2025 at 7:30 PM
YES! Exactly!
I’ve never used Garak but will now. In fact the entire DS9 make superb templates for NPCs.
I’ve never used Garak but will now. In fact the entire DS9 make superb templates for NPCs.
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
My cartoon for this week’s New Scientist.
p.s. I have a new book of science cartoons: www.tomgauld.com/comic-books-v2
p.s. I have a new book of science cartoons: www.tomgauld.com/comic-books-v2
November 30, 2025 at 11:40 AM
My cartoon for this week’s New Scientist.
p.s. I have a new book of science cartoons: www.tomgauld.com/comic-books-v2
p.s. I have a new book of science cartoons: www.tomgauld.com/comic-books-v2
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
I just don't need to know what the Telegraph has written about Dungeons & Dragons. It's a newspaper for people who are frightened of samosas.
November 30, 2025 at 12:15 PM
I just don't need to know what the Telegraph has written about Dungeons & Dragons. It's a newspaper for people who are frightened of samosas.
When you get old, you keep mentioning your age.
And not in any vague way.
Specific.
Not: “I’m in my sixties, you know.”
No. It’s: “I’m 66 years old.”
And
I
Can’t
Stop
Doing
It.
And not in any vague way.
Specific.
Not: “I’m in my sixties, you know.”
No. It’s: “I’m 66 years old.”
And
I
Can’t
Stop
Doing
It.
November 30, 2025 at 1:07 PM
When you get old, you keep mentioning your age.
And not in any vague way.
Specific.
Not: “I’m in my sixties, you know.”
No. It’s: “I’m 66 years old.”
And
I
Can’t
Stop
Doing
It.
And not in any vague way.
Specific.
Not: “I’m in my sixties, you know.”
No. It’s: “I’m 66 years old.”
And
I
Can’t
Stop
Doing
It.
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
Would you - could you - bring yourself to run “Trumpton- the Role-playing Game” even it if had a completely inappropriate trad set of rules?
Yes, I’m in possession of a copy of the Trumpton TTRPG rules. (C) 1987. I don’t know if I have the rights to share. (Alas.)
1
1
Would you - could you - bring yourself to run “Trumpton- the Role-playing Game” even it if had a completely inappropriate trad set of rules?
Yes, I’m in possession of a copy of the Trumpton TTRPG rules. (C) 1987. I don’t know if I have the rights to share. (Alas.)
1
November 30, 2025 at 12:52 PM
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
Would you - could you - bring yourself to run “Trumpton- the Role-playing Game” even it if had a completely inappropriate trad set of rules?
Yes, I’m in possession of a copy of the Trumpton TTRPG rules. (C) 1987. I don’t know if I have the rights to share. (Alas.)
1
1
Would you - could you - bring yourself to run “Trumpton- the Role-playing Game” even it if had a completely inappropriate trad set of rules?
Yes, I’m in possession of a copy of the Trumpton TTRPG rules. (C) 1987. I don’t know if I have the rights to share. (Alas.)
1
That isn’t a bug.
It’s a feature.
It’s a feature.
November 30, 2025 at 11:29 AM
That isn’t a bug.
It’s a feature.
It’s a feature.
You’ve heard me saying this before:
When you portray an NPC keep a famous celebrity or character in your head when you do it.
You don’t have to do. A good impression. You should never tell the players who you’ve got in mind. But it keeps your portrayal consistent.
Yesterday….. 1/2
When you portray an NPC keep a famous celebrity or character in your head when you do it.
You don’t have to do. A good impression. You should never tell the players who you’ve got in mind. But it keeps your portrayal consistent.
Yesterday….. 1/2
How do you create memorable NPCs?
Please share your tips! Here’s a few from our DM @tcpatrick.bsky.social
Please share your tips! Here’s a few from our DM @tcpatrick.bsky.social
Five Tips for Creating Memorable NPCs in Your TTRPG - Dice Company Podcast
By Tom Patrick Creating memorable NPCs (Non-Player Characters) is one of the best ways to bring your tabletop RPG world to life. Whether you’re running…
dicecompanypodcast.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:23 AM
You’ve heard me saying this before:
When you portray an NPC keep a famous celebrity or character in your head when you do it.
You don’t have to do. A good impression. You should never tell the players who you’ve got in mind. But it keeps your portrayal consistent.
Yesterday….. 1/2
When you portray an NPC keep a famous celebrity or character in your head when you do it.
You don’t have to do. A good impression. You should never tell the players who you’ve got in mind. But it keeps your portrayal consistent.
Yesterday….. 1/2
#DRAGONMEET
Good day. 2 good games. Great players. Good referee. (I AM good.)
Good venue. The 8 tables in the perfect rooms worked well.
Trade hall packed but looked small. Lots of room to expand.
Good day. 2 good games. Great players. Good referee. (I AM good.)
Good venue. The 8 tables in the perfect rooms worked well.
Trade hall packed but looked small. Lots of room to expand.
November 29, 2025 at 6:11 PM
#DRAGONMEET
Good day. 2 good games. Great players. Good referee. (I AM good.)
Good venue. The 8 tables in the perfect rooms worked well.
Trade hall packed but looked small. Lots of room to expand.
Good day. 2 good games. Great players. Good referee. (I AM good.)
Good venue. The 8 tables in the perfect rooms worked well.
Trade hall packed but looked small. Lots of room to expand.
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 StabCon
My cartoon for this week’s @theguardian.com books.
Lots more here: www.theguardian.com/books/series/tom-gauld-s-cultural-cartoons
Lots more here: www.theguardian.com/books/series/tom-gauld-s-cultural-cartoons
November 29, 2025 at 11:59 AM
My cartoon for this week’s @theguardian.com books.
Lots more here: www.theguardian.com/books/series/tom-gauld-s-cultural-cartoons
Lots more here: www.theguardian.com/books/series/tom-gauld-s-cultural-cartoons
November 29, 2025 at 9:06 AM
#DRAGONMEET
You don’t want updates on my journey. But:
Euston again! I seem to keep passing through here!
The DLR is closed!
Diverted via the Elizabeth line. Wow! The 21st century is finally here! Very impressive.
You don’t want updates on my journey. But:
Euston again! I seem to keep passing through here!
The DLR is closed!
Diverted via the Elizabeth line. Wow! The 21st century is finally here! Very impressive.
November 29, 2025 at 8:19 AM
#DRAGONMEET
You don’t want updates on my journey. But:
Euston again! I seem to keep passing through here!
The DLR is closed!
Diverted via the Elizabeth line. Wow! The 21st century is finally here! Very impressive.
You don’t want updates on my journey. But:
Euston again! I seem to keep passing through here!
The DLR is closed!
Diverted via the Elizabeth line. Wow! The 21st century is finally here! Very impressive.