Played The Black Sword Hack
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to try many other ttrpgs as often as I would like. Conventions are a great way to sample other RPG systems and settings. And there are always Discord channels or Start Playing to try different flavors and mechanics. I...
Rethinking The Last Candle for Shadowdark with Chubby Funster
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Welcome back, friends! Prolific TTRPG publisher and writer Greg Christopher, aka "Chubby Funster," joined me last week on a YouTube live stream to discuss his French medieval-themed setting for Shadowdark - 'The Last Candle'. Originally, a setting for his own ttrpg system, Ambition & Avarice, Chubby...
Mounted Combat Rules for Shadowdark
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Shadowdark doesn't have many rules for combats involving mounted riders or knights charging and fighting from horseback. I worked up a table of common situations that players might encounter in open melees. Of course, it's helpful if you have already bought Erudite ZINE No. 1...
We’re coming soon to DriveThruRPG
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][EDIT JUNE 26, 2025: As of today, EruditeDM products are now for sale on DriveThruRPG.com.] At North Texas RPG Con in early June, I spoke with several other RPG authors and game writers. I learned much about getting started in writing my zine, kickstarters, and finding...
WARHORSE Zine review for Shadowdark RPG
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here is a walk-thru of my new Zine #1 "WARHORSE" written for #Shadowdark, including the one-shot adventure, Horselord of Tanishorn. Introducing warhorses and other mounted travel stats, the new Knight Lancer Class, Jousting rules, NPC tables, maps, new monsters, equine magic, spells, and magic items!...
Reflecting on mounted combat in Shadowdark
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last week, I DM'd my Horselord of Tanishorn one-shot from EruditeZINE No. 1 aka "WARHORSE". I was curious about fleshing out the mechanics and rules for my new Knight Lancer Class and Jousting, plus mounted combat rules as well. The one-shot has the PCs mounted,...
North Texas RPG 2025 was a hit!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Attending the heralded North Texas RPG Con in Dallas, Texas was a goal for me this year, and I can honestly say the reputation and hype around this event were well-deserved. I just got home to Houston yesterday, and I am worn out. Only had...
Merry Mushmen’s Knock! #5 Zine is coming
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]RAISE THE ALARM! THE FRENCH ARE COMING! From France, the Merry Mushmen publishes fantastic third-party supplements for TTRPG and several that can be used with Shadowdark RPG. I am a big fan of their Knock! zine series of fanciful and esoteric tables and articles for GMs....
Make an easy d66 table for exploration
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I believe that travel and exploration can be an entertaining part of your TTRPG. And most RPG and OSR systems are woefully lacking with fun, playable mechanics for effective travel and hex crawls. It takes a little organization, planning, and flexibility. I have always enjoyed GMing...
Awesome medieval melee combat in RPGs
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Director Roman Polanski brought Shakespeare's "Macbeth" to the big screen in 1971. And the final fight sequence of men in plate armor with swords, axes, and daggers is still one of the best ever caught on film. It shows the grit and ingenuity of two men...