Tan Shao Han
@bigprawn.bsky.social
Hello! I'm a Gold ENnie-winning (2024) writer and TTRPG designer. I run Curious Chimeras, an indie TTRPG company in Singapore, and freelance as a writer, editor, and consultant for Evil Hat, Paizo, Pelgrane, Renegade, and Wizards of the Coast.
Pinned
Tan Shao Han
@bigprawn.bsky.social
· Jan 2
Hi, I'm Shao Han, and I work on TTRPGs!
Here's some of my current projects:
Da Xia (WIP; FitD wuxia & gong'an short stories in WW2 Singapore)
Shrine (remaster in progress; Palanquin-based; xianxia, ghosts, death, karma, community)
Unnamed wuxia project (WIP; loneliness, melancholy, wandering)
Here's some of my current projects:
Da Xia (WIP; FitD wuxia & gong'an short stories in WW2 Singapore)
Shrine (remaster in progress; Palanquin-based; xianxia, ghosts, death, karma, community)
Unnamed wuxia project (WIP; loneliness, melancholy, wandering)
A bit of good cheer! Monster Core 2 for Pathfinder 2e just released, and I can talk about it; I'm happy to have worked on consulting and design for it!
1. Worked with @brianyaksha.bsky.social on Asuras; we had many convos trying to adapt Golarion metaphysics into Vedic and Dharmic cosmologies haha!
1. Worked with @brianyaksha.bsky.social on Asuras; we had many convos trying to adapt Golarion metaphysics into Vedic and Dharmic cosmologies haha!
November 6, 2025 at 8:03 AM
A bit of good cheer! Monster Core 2 for Pathfinder 2e just released, and I can talk about it; I'm happy to have worked on consulting and design for it!
1. Worked with @brianyaksha.bsky.social on Asuras; we had many convos trying to adapt Golarion metaphysics into Vedic and Dharmic cosmologies haha!
1. Worked with @brianyaksha.bsky.social on Asuras; we had many convos trying to adapt Golarion metaphysics into Vedic and Dharmic cosmologies haha!
Been quiet; in and out of hospitals and clinics (surgeries, medications, tests, therapies), mostly just trying to stay alive (and not become broke). Hopefully 2026 will be a bit easier. Making peace with quite a lotta pain, loss, disappointments; rather hard on my voice and confidence. But I'll try.
November 6, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Been quiet; in and out of hospitals and clinics (surgeries, medications, tests, therapies), mostly just trying to stay alive (and not become broke). Hopefully 2026 will be a bit easier. Making peace with quite a lotta pain, loss, disappointments; rather hard on my voice and confidence. But I'll try.
Always happy to work with @brianyaksha.bsky.social on consulting for and making creatures for ttrpgs, in this case, the Asuras and their lore for Pathfinder 2E's Monster Core 2!
Monster Core 2 is out, and I got to have a fun time consulting with @bigprawn.bsky.social on Asura matters. They still wish to obliterate reality, but now they're sort of unequivocally correct in their desires.
Enough to give your planar good guys some existential crisis via a false immaculate.
Enough to give your planar good guys some existential crisis via a false immaculate.
November 6, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Always happy to work with @brianyaksha.bsky.social on consulting for and making creatures for ttrpgs, in this case, the Asuras and their lore for Pathfinder 2E's Monster Core 2!
Good-bye to my teacher, my colleague, and above all, my friend. I have not finished the Maritime SEA Buddhist kingdoms rpg I was trying to build and gift you in spirit, to show how contemporary cultural expressions and media could be used to help foster knowledge and protection of Asia's heritage...
NUS emeritus professor and renowned archaeologist John Miksic dies at 79
He was Emeritus Professor of South-east Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
October 25, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Good-bye to my teacher, my colleague, and above all, my friend. I have not finished the Maritime SEA Buddhist kingdoms rpg I was trying to build and gift you in spirit, to show how contemporary cultural expressions and media could be used to help foster knowledge and protection of Asia's heritage...
Reposted by Tan Shao Han
Hello!! This is my most exciting zine project yet (to me). Sacrifice Theory is the work I am most proud of out of everything I've self published, and I would love to make this zine edition a success. Shares mean a lot!
ATTENTION physical media enthusiasts, zinesters, and gay vampire lovers‼️
My 5-star-rated trans MM vampire romance novelette, SACRIFICE THEORY, is now available as a half-page zine! $6, shipping included, US only, 18+.
Check it out here: payhip.com/b/w36hM
Boosts greatly appreciated! #zines 🌈📚
My 5-star-rated trans MM vampire romance novelette, SACRIFICE THEORY, is now available as a half-page zine! $6, shipping included, US only, 18+.
Check it out here: payhip.com/b/w36hM
Boosts greatly appreciated! #zines 🌈📚
September 16, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Hello!! This is my most exciting zine project yet (to me). Sacrifice Theory is the work I am most proud of out of everything I've self published, and I would love to make this zine edition a success. Shares mean a lot!
if u see this quote with the energy u bring to blue sky
September 16, 2025 at 7:41 AM
if u see this quote with the energy u bring to blue sky
Reposted by Tan Shao Han
Sword Opera, and a sweet map of San Mercurio are now available as Print On Demand at DriveThruRPG!
It is still BYO Sword and Flowers, however. ⚔️🥀
It is still BYO Sword and Flowers, however. ⚔️🥀
September 15, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Sword Opera, and a sweet map of San Mercurio are now available as Print On Demand at DriveThruRPG!
It is still BYO Sword and Flowers, however. ⚔️🥀
It is still BYO Sword and Flowers, however. ⚔️🥀
Great game, great cause
My game of melancholy and legacy is on sale this September!
All proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders.
Let me use this thread to share why I love this game so much.
itch.io/s/160185/wha...
All proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders.
Let me use this thread to share why I love this game so much.
itch.io/s/160185/wha...
What Dust Remains for Doctors Without Borders by momatoes
A sale by momatoes, 40% off What Dust Remains
itch.io
September 15, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Great game, great cause
Woot woot we broke 85k!!!!
A [🎊 WE BROKE 85K ANNOUNCEMENT 🎊] blocks your way! #dnd #pf2e #Pathfinder2e
Support Asian artists 👇🫰
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/n...
Support Asian artists 👇🫰
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/n...
September 14, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Woot woot we broke 85k!!!!
Reposted by Tan Shao Han
MUD GHOST ESTATE REDUX TTRPG contributor spotlight:
Weird Slime (/@slime_is_weird.rar on Instagram) is illustrating a new cover for the game! He's a Hong Kong illustrator and graffiti artist who creates TTRPG and D&D-themed artwork. ✨
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
Weird Slime (/@slime_is_weird.rar on Instagram) is illustrating a new cover for the game! He's a Hong Kong illustrator and graffiti artist who creates TTRPG and D&D-themed artwork. ✨
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
September 14, 2025 at 7:55 AM
MUD GHOST ESTATE REDUX TTRPG contributor spotlight:
Weird Slime (/@slime_is_weird.rar on Instagram) is illustrating a new cover for the game! He's a Hong Kong illustrator and graffiti artist who creates TTRPG and D&D-themed artwork. ✨
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
Weird Slime (/@slime_is_weird.rar on Instagram) is illustrating a new cover for the game! He's a Hong Kong illustrator and graffiti artist who creates TTRPG and D&D-themed artwork. ✨
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
So, about my recent participation in the delegation of the Task Force on ASEAN Migrant Workers (TF-AML); this is a CSO that advises and supports the ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML).
This year's session, the 18th Forum, was held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 9th and 10th of September 2025.
This year's session, the 18th Forum, was held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 9th and 10th of September 2025.
September 14, 2025 at 12:50 PM
So, about my recent participation in the delegation of the Task Force on ASEAN Migrant Workers (TF-AML); this is a CSO that advises and supports the ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML).
This year's session, the 18th Forum, was held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 9th and 10th of September 2025.
This year's session, the 18th Forum, was held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 9th and 10th of September 2025.
Reposted by Tan Shao Han
the worlds largest global recipient of govt handouts is on a global tour trying to overthrow elected govts
September 13, 2025 at 7:08 PM
the worlds largest global recipient of govt handouts is on a global tour trying to overthrow elected govts
Reposted by Tan Shao Han
2 more backers until 800!! We would love to count your support!
When existence ends in one realm, life begins elsewhere. Without beginning or end, Demon Lord Mara smirks at the unabated repetition of death, of mortals and gods. #dnd #pf2e #Pathfinder2e
Illust: @dettanarts.bsky.social
👇 Rich in worldbuilding
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/n...
Illust: @dettanarts.bsky.social
👇 Rich in worldbuilding
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/n...
September 12, 2025 at 7:23 PM
2 more backers until 800!! We would love to count your support!
I wrote the Underworld of "A Lingering in Lilac" for "Sword Opera"! Inspirations or resonances include Water Margin, Longest Day in Chang'an, Brotherhood of Blades, Blades of the Guardians, The Litchi Road; along with historical travelogues of Wang Dayuan's Daoyi Zhilüe and Zhao Rukuo's Zhu Fan Zhi!
SWORD OPERA SUPER THREAD
Digital + Print (soon): www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Digital: mythicgazetteer.itch.io/sword-opera
How to Play: youtu.be/4mAekodbIcI?...
Actual Play:
1️⃣ youtu.be/nNs7478Gj2Y
2️⃣ youtu.be/TmjbbSUVfFk
Podcast Review: aroundthehearth.openhearthgaming.com/episodes/ope...
Digital + Print (soon): www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Digital: mythicgazetteer.itch.io/sword-opera
How to Play: youtu.be/4mAekodbIcI?...
Actual Play:
1️⃣ youtu.be/nNs7478Gj2Y
2️⃣ youtu.be/TmjbbSUVfFk
Podcast Review: aroundthehearth.openhearthgaming.com/episodes/ope...
Sword Opera - Mythic Gazetteer, LLC | DriveThruRPG
The daring drama of the clash of steel.
The thrill of the rubber meeting the road.
The forlorn silence of a decadent garden after a lover's quarrel.
In Sword Opera, you play as skilled paragons bala...
www.drivethrurpg.com
September 13, 2025 at 7:28 AM
I wrote the Underworld of "A Lingering in Lilac" for "Sword Opera"! Inspirations or resonances include Water Margin, Longest Day in Chang'an, Brotherhood of Blades, Blades of the Guardians, The Litchi Road; along with historical travelogues of Wang Dayuan's Daoyi Zhilüe and Zhao Rukuo's Zhu Fan Zhi!
The amazing Sword Opera by @ericfarmer.bsky.social and Eli Kurtz is out! I'm glad for the chance not only to write for this book, but also for @nightjargames.bsky.social's awesomely mood-setting art to accompany the section I worked on, an Underworld evoking decadently doomed Tang dynasty romance!
Folks!
Eric Farmer & Eli Kurtz have completed their symphony of swordplay! If you had the misfortune to miss out on the funding campaign, then here is your chance!
(Also some art of mine is in there, but nothing half as sick as that incredible cover)
mythicgazetteer.itch.io/sword-opera
Eric Farmer & Eli Kurtz have completed their symphony of swordplay! If you had the misfortune to miss out on the funding campaign, then here is your chance!
(Also some art of mine is in there, but nothing half as sick as that incredible cover)
mythicgazetteer.itch.io/sword-opera
Sword Opera by Mythic Gazetteer
An RPG of melodramatic relationships and violent confrontations
mythicgazetteer.itch.io
September 13, 2025 at 1:00 AM
The amazing Sword Opera by @ericfarmer.bsky.social and Eli Kurtz is out! I'm glad for the chance not only to write for this book, but also for @nightjargames.bsky.social's awesomely mood-setting art to accompany the section I worked on, an Underworld evoking decadently doomed Tang dynasty romance!
Join us for a chat in just under an hour!!
TONIGHT! We are going to have a livestream on our youtube channel where we discuss "The Black Market Guide to Immortality" with the fantastic writers that have helped us out on this project. 🔮
Join us on our youtube channel at 5pm PT / 7pm ET: www.youtube.com/@nineheavens...
Join us on our youtube channel at 5pm PT / 7pm ET: www.youtube.com/@nineheavens...
September 11, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Join us for a chat in just under an hour!!
Reposted by Tan Shao Han
Mud Ghost Estate, a spooky tumbling tower TTRPG I made for #FolkloreJam 2024, is getting an updated version! Please give it a follow on Kickstarter! 👻
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
Coming soon: Mud Ghost Estate Redux—A Spooky Tumbling Tower TTRPG
A spooky tumbling block tower-based TTRPG inspired by Hong Kong folklore; now with revised text, new cover art and extra content!
www.kickstarter.com
September 8, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Mud Ghost Estate, a spooky tumbling tower TTRPG I made for #FolkloreJam 2024, is getting an updated version! Please give it a follow on Kickstarter! 👻
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
Ok it's time to roll my Adulting check lol. This year, I'm with the "Task Force on Asian Migrant Workers" in a specialist and observer role, and we are seated right in front with the ASEAN Secretariat, the International Labour Organization, the International Organization for Migration, and UN Women.
September 9, 2025 at 1:11 AM
Ok it's time to roll my Adulting check lol. This year, I'm with the "Task Force on Asian Migrant Workers" in a specialist and observer role, and we are seated right in front with the ASEAN Secretariat, the International Labour Organization, the International Organization for Migration, and UN Women.
In Kuala Lumpur for a bit as part of the Task Force on ASEAN Migrant Workers, providing support to regional civil society organisations in facilitating and drafting policy recommendations. Been a while since I did this kinda thing, packed my suit.. I guess I'm sorta? Maybe? An ASEAN delegate? Haha.
National Tripartite Preparatory Workshops for the 18th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour
National tripartite preparatory workshops for the 18th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML) will be conducted in several ASEAN member states to assess stakeholders' progress in implementing the previo...
www.ilo.org
September 8, 2025 at 12:28 AM
In Kuala Lumpur for a bit as part of the Task Force on ASEAN Migrant Workers, providing support to regional civil society organisations in facilitating and drafting policy recommendations. Been a while since I did this kinda thing, packed my suit.. I guess I'm sorta? Maybe? An ASEAN delegate? Haha.
What I've been up to; well, or rather, how I've been doing
Intense emotional, mental, and physical strain"; I'm slowly coming to terms with near-constant pain and anxiety. on the bright side, I'm taking steps to change the conditions which pile onto my, frankly, quite ridiculous level of stress.
Intense emotional, mental, and physical strain"; I'm slowly coming to terms with near-constant pain and anxiety. on the bright side, I'm taking steps to change the conditions which pile onto my, frankly, quite ridiculous level of stress.
September 6, 2025 at 12:15 PM
What I've been up to; well, or rather, how I've been doing
Intense emotional, mental, and physical strain"; I'm slowly coming to terms with near-constant pain and anxiety. on the bright side, I'm taking steps to change the conditions which pile onto my, frankly, quite ridiculous level of stress.
Intense emotional, mental, and physical strain"; I'm slowly coming to terms with near-constant pain and anxiety. on the bright side, I'm taking steps to change the conditions which pile onto my, frankly, quite ridiculous level of stress.
back to school, not to teach, but to study; taking grad diploma in expressive arts therapy on weekends. lecturer is a Vienna-trained psychotherapist, so I feel safe enough to talk about my affective work with RPGs!
Also bumped into my philo and soci students from last year, who're happy to see me?!
Also bumped into my philo and soci students from last year, who're happy to see me?!
September 6, 2025 at 10:15 AM
back to school, not to teach, but to study; taking grad diploma in expressive arts therapy on weekends. lecturer is a Vienna-trained psychotherapist, so I feel safe enough to talk about my affective work with RPGs!
Also bumped into my philo and soci students from last year, who're happy to see me?!
Also bumped into my philo and soci students from last year, who're happy to see me?!
Very happy and excited to work with @nineheavenspress.bsky.social on the "Black Market Guide to Immortality", and bring my take on Buddhist, Confucianist, and Daoist cultivation, folklore, and rituals to this project! Please back this book, and help us hit more goals so we can make more cool stuff!!
Black Market Guide to Immortality (A 5e/PF2e Sourcebook)
What are you willing to become for eternal life? The Black Market Guide is a 5e/PF2e East Asian sourcebook expanding the worldbuilding of Undying Corruption. Subclasses, ancestries, bestiary, and a ne...
www.backerkit.com
September 6, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Very happy and excited to work with @nineheavenspress.bsky.social on the "Black Market Guide to Immortality", and bring my take on Buddhist, Confucianist, and Daoist cultivation, folklore, and rituals to this project! Please back this book, and help us hit more goals so we can make more cool stuff!!
Reposted by Tan Shao Han
Such a huge fan of @bigprawn.bsky.social's ability to just take you on a walk through Singapore and casually explain the history of various neighbourhoods. Aspirational, honestly.
If anyone visits Chennai, I will do this for you but I'll have to discreetly study hard the previous night.
If anyone visits Chennai, I will do this for you but I'll have to discreetly study hard the previous night.
July 8, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Such a huge fan of @bigprawn.bsky.social's ability to just take you on a walk through Singapore and casually explain the history of various neighbourhoods. Aspirational, honestly.
If anyone visits Chennai, I will do this for you but I'll have to discreetly study hard the previous night.
If anyone visits Chennai, I will do this for you but I'll have to discreetly study hard the previous night.
kilns, anvils, brutish iron
made from, and for, crushing stars
a thousand frustrations, a million indignities
cannot tear the shadow of suns from our grasp
the skull becomes thicker than even the spine
corpses of demons, the fruiting on the vine
they ask, "Will you be tamed by a name, little one?"
made from, and for, crushing stars
a thousand frustrations, a million indignities
cannot tear the shadow of suns from our grasp
the skull becomes thicker than even the spine
corpses of demons, the fruiting on the vine
they ask, "Will you be tamed by a name, little one?"
May 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM
kilns, anvils, brutish iron
made from, and for, crushing stars
a thousand frustrations, a million indignities
cannot tear the shadow of suns from our grasp
the skull becomes thicker than even the spine
corpses of demons, the fruiting on the vine
they ask, "Will you be tamed by a name, little one?"
made from, and for, crushing stars
a thousand frustrations, a million indignities
cannot tear the shadow of suns from our grasp
the skull becomes thicker than even the spine
corpses of demons, the fruiting on the vine
they ask, "Will you be tamed by a name, little one?"