JP is writing. Thoughts about TTRPGs, game design and how to tell stories together. {{ posts|content:True }}...
I'm in the process of trying to write a solo TTRPG, Near, and I am learning a lot. I've not really found a solo game that scratches a very specific itch for me. I like the authorship and narrative drive of these games, but I also like to play around with rules, structure and engines. The result has been something that I am very uncertain of. The old fear rises that I have made something that has…
My name is JP Bradley, I write fiction, design roleplaying games and am attending UKGE 2026. I know for many of my peers in the industry, especially those who are going as exhibitors, cons are work that you have to do. Me? I don't get to do things like this that often, so I'm still pretty excited about it and am looking forward to seeing you all. So, if you see me on the floor please do say hello;…
Sleeper’s Bough A broken fragment of the white blossoming tree of sighs. Used in tinctures by apothecaries and invoked by those attuned to its magic. The pollen of this tree lies heavy about it, inducing sleep so deep that waking is as a dream and never to be trusted. As a Magic action you may snap the bough to invoke its effect, destroying it. Each creature of your choice in a 5-foot-radius…
Vulgarian’s Bardiche A heavy polearm built from pig iron and spite. The Vulgarian crusade was born of legitimate concerns and executed with reclaimed ploughshares and a makeshift gallows. Halberd, Marial Weapon, Melee Weapon , 1d10 slashing, Heavy, Reach, Two-Handed, Mastery: Graze. Vicious: This weapon deals an extra 2d6 Slashing damage to any creature it hit
Cursebearer’s Gauntlets Hide and mail gloves worn by the acolytes of the One Eyed Curse. The death of all things is a vanishing point only known through sacrifice. Losoros the Jigant gave up his eye and too late knew he chose the wrong one. Wondrous Item, Uncommon (Requires Attunement) Your Strength score is 19 while you wear these gauntlets. They have no effect on you if your Strength is 19 or…
As a writing exercise I am currently writing a series of objects, magic items and spells for Dungeons & Dragons in the style of Dark Souls or Elden Ring equipment. Philtre of Timeless Ash The arcane schema preserving the Moment works tirelessly to hold at bay the long night. The ashes of this labour can force time’s retreat from the body, though maladies can only be arrested. This time must come…
I started to like 1d20 roll under for a couple of reasons. It keeps the maths simple, with 5% increments that feel meaningful but aren't as fiddly as d%. By using an over/under system; rolling under your stat but over a difficulty rating of 5 or 10 (with exact numbers being a crit success) we end up with a core mechanic that is pretty direct and you can pack most of the stuff players need to make…