Jerod Leupold | Paroxysm by Design
@jerodleupold.bsky.social
Freelance writer and publisher. Avid ttrpg gamer, disc golfer, and wrassl'n fan. Watch me struggle updating a website: https://paroxysmbydesign.com/ I mostly make light crunch rpgs. Trying to perfect the drama to crunch ratio!
I entered #raspyraven contest to write a minimalistic 3-page adventure for Dee Sanction judged by game creator @paulbaldowski.bsky.social!
I didn't win the whole enchilada, but I was featured during the event as a winner.
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
paroxysm-by-design.itch.io/only-a-fool
I didn't win the whole enchilada, but I was featured during the event as a winner.
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
paroxysm-by-design.itch.io/only-a-fool
November 13, 2025 at 1:17 AM
I entered #raspyraven contest to write a minimalistic 3-page adventure for Dee Sanction judged by game creator @paulbaldowski.bsky.social!
I didn't win the whole enchilada, but I was featured during the event as a winner.
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
paroxysm-by-design.itch.io/only-a-fool
I didn't win the whole enchilada, but I was featured during the event as a winner.
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
paroxysm-by-design.itch.io/only-a-fool
Honorbound Update!
21 mechanics and 1 adventure were play tested in September. Whew! Writing and art assets due Oct. 10th. Then, off to the layout and printing.
Books before Christmas? We'll see what Santa has to say.
paroxysmbydesign.com?p=783 New update in 2 weeks!
21 mechanics and 1 adventure were play tested in September. Whew! Writing and art assets due Oct. 10th. Then, off to the layout and printing.
Books before Christmas? We'll see what Santa has to say.
paroxysmbydesign.com?p=783 New update in 2 weeks!
September 29, 2025 at 3:03 AM
Honorbound Update!
21 mechanics and 1 adventure were play tested in September. Whew! Writing and art assets due Oct. 10th. Then, off to the layout and printing.
Books before Christmas? We'll see what Santa has to say.
paroxysmbydesign.com?p=783 New update in 2 weeks!
21 mechanics and 1 adventure were play tested in September. Whew! Writing and art assets due Oct. 10th. Then, off to the layout and printing.
Books before Christmas? We'll see what Santa has to say.
paroxysmbydesign.com?p=783 New update in 2 weeks!
Some many winters ago my cool Aunt Ruth bought be Bimbos of the Death Sun and my understanding of what fun fiction could be changed forever.
What was the book that ISN'T one of the touchstones of our era that hit you just right?
Shout out to Knight of Ghosts and Shadows!
What was the book that ISN'T one of the touchstones of our era that hit you just right?
Shout out to Knight of Ghosts and Shadows!
September 19, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Some many winters ago my cool Aunt Ruth bought be Bimbos of the Death Sun and my understanding of what fun fiction could be changed forever.
What was the book that ISN'T one of the touchstones of our era that hit you just right?
Shout out to Knight of Ghosts and Shadows!
What was the book that ISN'T one of the touchstones of our era that hit you just right?
Shout out to Knight of Ghosts and Shadows!
This article has brought a much-needed clarity I was missing.
I landed on three for playtesting this week;
1) Phases interspersed with Interruptions
2) Interruptions Only
3) The Zipper
I can't wait to see verbal barbs and flirtations to land before sword blows and mystical influences!
I landed on three for playtesting this week;
1) Phases interspersed with Interruptions
2) Interruptions Only
3) The Zipper
I can't wait to see verbal barbs and flirtations to land before sword blows and mystical influences!
September 2, 2025 at 1:49 AM
This article has brought a much-needed clarity I was missing.
I landed on three for playtesting this week;
1) Phases interspersed with Interruptions
2) Interruptions Only
3) The Zipper
I can't wait to see verbal barbs and flirtations to land before sword blows and mystical influences!
I landed on three for playtesting this week;
1) Phases interspersed with Interruptions
2) Interruptions Only
3) The Zipper
I can't wait to see verbal barbs and flirtations to land before sword blows and mystical influences!
Tomorrow marks the first time back recording actual playtesting in two months! Getting back to my roots of my first published game; Goblyn Market.
Check it out here:
paroxysmbydesign.com?page_id=520
Check it out here:
paroxysmbydesign.com?page_id=520
August 24, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Tomorrow marks the first time back recording actual playtesting in two months! Getting back to my roots of my first published game; Goblyn Market.
Check it out here:
paroxysmbydesign.com?page_id=520
Check it out here:
paroxysmbydesign.com?page_id=520
Hope is a weapon.
Hope - Once per Affair, reroll a conflict that ends in Disaster! If given to another person it doubles but can never be handed back to someone who already has hope. Hope may be lost if the character is overcome with despair or some other mental or emotional fugue.
Hope - Once per Affair, reroll a conflict that ends in Disaster! If given to another person it doubles but can never be handed back to someone who already has hope. Hope may be lost if the character is overcome with despair or some other mental or emotional fugue.
July 22, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Hope is a weapon.
Hope - Once per Affair, reroll a conflict that ends in Disaster! If given to another person it doubles but can never be handed back to someone who already has hope. Hope may be lost if the character is overcome with despair or some other mental or emotional fugue.
Hope - Once per Affair, reroll a conflict that ends in Disaster! If given to another person it doubles but can never be handed back to someone who already has hope. Hope may be lost if the character is overcome with despair or some other mental or emotional fugue.
All thanks to the Game Jam itch.io/jam/wayfarer.... Look for A Place to Call Home after a couple playtests, hopefully on Raspy Raven!
This is also currently on sale: www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/4...
This is also currently on sale: www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/4...
July 19, 2025 at 2:14 PM
All thanks to the Game Jam itch.io/jam/wayfarer.... Look for A Place to Call Home after a couple playtests, hopefully on Raspy Raven!
This is also currently on sale: www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/4...
This is also currently on sale: www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/4...
Just when you think you are writing one thing it becomes another.
Frontier Justice for Legends of the Khurst Riders began as a straightforward 'keep the prisoner from being lynched/jail break (broken?)' is now a much larger conspiracy full of mystery, lore building, and a deadly duel.
Frontier Justice for Legends of the Khurst Riders began as a straightforward 'keep the prisoner from being lynched/jail break (broken?)' is now a much larger conspiracy full of mystery, lore building, and a deadly duel.
June 21, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Just when you think you are writing one thing it becomes another.
Frontier Justice for Legends of the Khurst Riders began as a straightforward 'keep the prisoner from being lynched/jail break (broken?)' is now a much larger conspiracy full of mystery, lore building, and a deadly duel.
Frontier Justice for Legends of the Khurst Riders began as a straightforward 'keep the prisoner from being lynched/jail break (broken?)' is now a much larger conspiracy full of mystery, lore building, and a deadly duel.
It's happening from the magnificent @salvaterra.bsky.social! Two 'profession' pencil sketches for Honorbound set to be inked. It's exciting to see everything come to life!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/gam...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/gam...
June 10, 2025 at 1:42 PM
It's happening from the magnificent @salvaterra.bsky.social! Two 'profession' pencil sketches for Honorbound set to be inked. It's exciting to see everything come to life!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/gam...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/gam...
Honorbound Checklist!
Writing - DONE!
Editor - hired and 50% done
Cover Artist - DONE!
Interior Artists - hired, waiting on 1st drafts
Layout Artist - hired, waiting on Editor and Interior Artists
Hard to believe this is so close to becoming a reality!
Writing - DONE!
Editor - hired and 50% done
Cover Artist - DONE!
Interior Artists - hired, waiting on 1st drafts
Layout Artist - hired, waiting on Editor and Interior Artists
Hard to believe this is so close to becoming a reality!
June 5, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Honorbound Checklist!
Writing - DONE!
Editor - hired and 50% done
Cover Artist - DONE!
Interior Artists - hired, waiting on 1st drafts
Layout Artist - hired, waiting on Editor and Interior Artists
Hard to believe this is so close to becoming a reality!
Writing - DONE!
Editor - hired and 50% done
Cover Artist - DONE!
Interior Artists - hired, waiting on 1st drafts
Layout Artist - hired, waiting on Editor and Interior Artists
Hard to believe this is so close to becoming a reality!
Sadly, this rule has paid the editor's toll...
Ignoble Death
Sometimes it’s time to let the character move on. The player may say a few uninspiring words before leaving the game.
EXAMPLE
“I’ve never liked you.”
“These hats look stupid.”
“More like killsday, am I right?”
“The meaning of life is…”
Ignoble Death
Sometimes it’s time to let the character move on. The player may say a few uninspiring words before leaving the game.
EXAMPLE
“I’ve never liked you.”
“These hats look stupid.”
“More like killsday, am I right?”
“The meaning of life is…”
May 30, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Sadly, this rule has paid the editor's toll...
Ignoble Death
Sometimes it’s time to let the character move on. The player may say a few uninspiring words before leaving the game.
EXAMPLE
“I’ve never liked you.”
“These hats look stupid.”
“More like killsday, am I right?”
“The meaning of life is…”
Ignoble Death
Sometimes it’s time to let the character move on. The player may say a few uninspiring words before leaving the game.
EXAMPLE
“I’ve never liked you.”
“These hats look stupid.”
“More like killsday, am I right?”
“The meaning of life is…”
Honorbound Update:
Editing on the final draft has begun.
Layout artist contract is being finalized.
Some art has come back.
AND the top tier donator has created a new Ancestry to explore the stars:
The Sprixies
Amall, enigmatic nomads who delight in mischief and discovery.
Editing on the final draft has begun.
Layout artist contract is being finalized.
Some art has come back.
AND the top tier donator has created a new Ancestry to explore the stars:
The Sprixies
Amall, enigmatic nomads who delight in mischief and discovery.
May 27, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Honorbound Update:
Editing on the final draft has begun.
Layout artist contract is being finalized.
Some art has come back.
AND the top tier donator has created a new Ancestry to explore the stars:
The Sprixies
Amall, enigmatic nomads who delight in mischief and discovery.
Editing on the final draft has begun.
Layout artist contract is being finalized.
Some art has come back.
AND the top tier donator has created a new Ancestry to explore the stars:
The Sprixies
Amall, enigmatic nomads who delight in mischief and discovery.
Felon, 234 for first drive of the year. Good to be back throwing discs!
Pictured
(R) Oh look, you never know what you will find out in the rough! (after I put it there... 60 feet from the pin)
(L) Best shot all day and the only one under par from the same spot backhand ani around those trees!
Pictured
(R) Oh look, you never know what you will find out in the rough! (after I put it there... 60 feet from the pin)
(L) Best shot all day and the only one under par from the same spot backhand ani around those trees!
May 9, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Felon, 234 for first drive of the year. Good to be back throwing discs!
Pictured
(R) Oh look, you never know what you will find out in the rough! (after I put it there... 60 feet from the pin)
(L) Best shot all day and the only one under par from the same spot backhand ani around those trees!
Pictured
(R) Oh look, you never know what you will find out in the rough! (after I put it there... 60 feet from the pin)
(L) Best shot all day and the only one under par from the same spot backhand ani around those trees!
Thank you @illusionhorror.bsky.social for allowing me to run Legends of the Khurst Riders again for the con!
The players took the punch first, ask questions later tactic after guessing the correct area to explore in the second half of the adventure to great effect!
The players took the punch first, ask questions later tactic after guessing the correct area to explore in the second half of the adventure to great effect!
May 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Thank you @illusionhorror.bsky.social for allowing me to run Legends of the Khurst Riders again for the con!
The players took the punch first, ask questions later tactic after guessing the correct area to explore in the second half of the adventure to great effect!
The players took the punch first, ask questions later tactic after guessing the correct area to explore in the second half of the adventure to great effect!
Highlights from playing in the introductory escapade for Honorbound playtest:
- The bar mascot mugwump is actually imprisoned for a failed coup attempt on his home planet.
- Scarlet (player) betrayed the rest of us for love...and the fake map.
- One of our covenant members is forbidden AI.
- The bar mascot mugwump is actually imprisoned for a failed coup attempt on his home planet.
- Scarlet (player) betrayed the rest of us for love...and the fake map.
- One of our covenant members is forbidden AI.
April 19, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Highlights from playing in the introductory escapade for Honorbound playtest:
- The bar mascot mugwump is actually imprisoned for a failed coup attempt on his home planet.
- Scarlet (player) betrayed the rest of us for love...and the fake map.
- One of our covenant members is forbidden AI.
- The bar mascot mugwump is actually imprisoned for a failed coup attempt on his home planet.
- Scarlet (player) betrayed the rest of us for love...and the fake map.
- One of our covenant members is forbidden AI.
I think I stumbled upon a fitting description of Honorbound:
Baroque Sci-Fi
Hmmm, might be a little too dark but the Charles Dickens twists often become very dramatic in the midst of a bright adventurous escapade. The contrast between the two is exhilarating!
Baroque Sci-Fi
Hmmm, might be a little too dark but the Charles Dickens twists often become very dramatic in the midst of a bright adventurous escapade. The contrast between the two is exhilarating!
April 4, 2025 at 4:28 PM
I think I stumbled upon a fitting description of Honorbound:
Baroque Sci-Fi
Hmmm, might be a little too dark but the Charles Dickens twists often become very dramatic in the midst of a bright adventurous escapade. The contrast between the two is exhilarating!
Baroque Sci-Fi
Hmmm, might be a little too dark but the Charles Dickens twists often become very dramatic in the midst of a bright adventurous escapade. The contrast between the two is exhilarating!
Sometimes you come across a game mechanic so good you realize it should be in a LOT more of the game. The easiest way to explain the Honorbound Twist:
A devil's bargain BUT the players take turns offering the worse outcomes along with the GM.
Competitive storytelling, GO!
A devil's bargain BUT the players take turns offering the worse outcomes along with the GM.
Competitive storytelling, GO!
March 25, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Sometimes you come across a game mechanic so good you realize it should be in a LOT more of the game. The easiest way to explain the Honorbound Twist:
A devil's bargain BUT the players take turns offering the worse outcomes along with the GM.
Competitive storytelling, GO!
A devil's bargain BUT the players take turns offering the worse outcomes along with the GM.
Competitive storytelling, GO!
3. Also, here the latest progress of the cover art...SQUEEEEE!! Be still my beating heart!
March 13, 2025 at 3:12 PM
3. Also, here the latest progress of the cover art...SQUEEEEE!! Be still my beating heart!
7 days until end of kickstarter
We have the first couple pieces of art for our Lineages! The Iliod have the 'crystalborn' trait. Players can interpret that to grow spikes or create haunting melodies for unique gameplay. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
We have the first couple pieces of art for our Lineages! The Iliod have the 'crystalborn' trait. Players can interpret that to grow spikes or create haunting melodies for unique gameplay. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
February 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
7 days until end of kickstarter
We have the first couple pieces of art for our Lineages! The Iliod have the 'crystalborn' trait. Players can interpret that to grow spikes or create haunting melodies for unique gameplay. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
We have the first couple pieces of art for our Lineages! The Iliod have the 'crystalborn' trait. Players can interpret that to grow spikes or create haunting melodies for unique gameplay. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
The night before the Honorbound kickstarter I am preparing handouts for Goblyn Market and Legends of the Khurst Riders.
Even though I've run games dozens of times with strangers at this point; convention nerves outweigh the kickstarter butterflies!
Join Us - Honorbound
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
Even though I've run games dozens of times with strangers at this point; convention nerves outweigh the kickstarter butterflies!
Join Us - Honorbound
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
February 1, 2025 at 12:31 AM
The night before the Honorbound kickstarter I am preparing handouts for Goblyn Market and Legends of the Khurst Riders.
Even though I've run games dozens of times with strangers at this point; convention nerves outweigh the kickstarter butterflies!
Join Us - Honorbound
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
Even though I've run games dozens of times with strangers at this point; convention nerves outweigh the kickstarter butterflies!
Join Us - Honorbound
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
1 day until Launch
Rejoice! I was hoping we'd have the finalized art assets for the cover and a couple of the lineage cultures but alas, you musn't hurry creation. Instead gaze upon this and despair.
Tomorrow is the day, and I can't thank enough people to help get us here!
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
Rejoice! I was hoping we'd have the finalized art assets for the cover and a couple of the lineage cultures but alas, you musn't hurry creation. Instead gaze upon this and despair.
Tomorrow is the day, and I can't thank enough people to help get us here!
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
January 31, 2025 at 3:50 PM
1 day until Launch
Rejoice! I was hoping we'd have the finalized art assets for the cover and a couple of the lineage cultures but alas, you musn't hurry creation. Instead gaze upon this and despair.
Tomorrow is the day, and I can't thank enough people to help get us here!
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
Rejoice! I was hoping we'd have the finalized art assets for the cover and a couple of the lineage cultures but alas, you musn't hurry creation. Instead gaze upon this and despair.
Tomorrow is the day, and I can't thank enough people to help get us here!
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
For those of you that are fans of Goblyn Market, I have written a bunch of new curses to be tried out this weekend at a local convention!
I hope to have a couple small releases this year to help fill out playable character of the betwixt; witches and fairies! AND knock on wood, an evolving market.
I hope to have a couple small releases this year to help fill out playable character of the betwixt; witches and fairies! AND knock on wood, an evolving market.
January 30, 2025 at 7:27 PM
For those of you that are fans of Goblyn Market, I have written a bunch of new curses to be tried out this weekend at a local convention!
I hope to have a couple small releases this year to help fill out playable character of the betwixt; witches and fairies! AND knock on wood, an evolving market.
I hope to have a couple small releases this year to help fill out playable character of the betwixt; witches and fairies! AND knock on wood, an evolving market.
2 days until Launch
I started adding permissions to use feedback from playtesters as a way to get testimonials.
Just like the mechanics in Honorbound, if you trust to give the players the spotlight, they will always surprise you with greatness.
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
I started adding permissions to use feedback from playtesters as a way to get testimonials.
Just like the mechanics in Honorbound, if you trust to give the players the spotlight, they will always surprise you with greatness.
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
January 30, 2025 at 7:22 PM
2 days until Launch
I started adding permissions to use feedback from playtesters as a way to get testimonials.
Just like the mechanics in Honorbound, if you trust to give the players the spotlight, they will always surprise you with greatness.
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
I started adding permissions to use feedback from playtesters as a way to get testimonials.
Just like the mechanics in Honorbound, if you trust to give the players the spotlight, they will always surprise you with greatness.
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
23 days until Launch
To succeed; discover what your shared destiny is before it happens. To live; compete to fulfill dangerous contracts handed out by the great guild houses. To thrive; navigate dramatic secret histories threatening to tear at the bonds of unity.
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
To succeed; discover what your shared destiny is before it happens. To live; compete to fulfill dangerous contracts handed out by the great guild houses. To thrive; navigate dramatic secret histories threatening to tear at the bonds of unity.
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
January 8, 2025 at 6:26 PM
23 days until Launch
To succeed; discover what your shared destiny is before it happens. To live; compete to fulfill dangerous contracts handed out by the great guild houses. To thrive; navigate dramatic secret histories threatening to tear at the bonds of unity.
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp
To succeed; discover what your shared destiny is before it happens. To live; compete to fulfill dangerous contracts handed out by the great guild houses. To thrive; navigate dramatic secret histories threatening to tear at the bonds of unity.
Join Us
bit.ly/4fGxOMp