Black Dragon Dungeon Company

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Hey yall. We at Black Dragon Dungeon Company are expanding to Tumblr. We are a TTRPG and DnD design company writing games, back stories, one shots, and just having fun.

We also run the Lonely TTRPG Podcast, a solo actual play and review pod on all your favorite pod sites and YouTube.

So if you want to find some great solo games or listen to ramblings on ttrpg game design, follow along.

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Game loops are game loops

First and foremost, yes. This is a response to the recent posts about game loops from FariRPGs and Cezar. Second, I love both of those creators. This is my broken ass brain looking at the language of how different mediums define themselves and craft, NOT a criticism of them. I love their works. I love their designs and philosophies. I enjoy every interaction I have with them. There is no beef…

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Fae Lore

The Fae occupy an interesting place in Wanderer lore. Where most races have some type of mirror in another race, the Fae mirror themselves. Fae courts are always set up in some form of dichotomy with each side holding the opposite theme. Now this does not mean that the Fae from different courts cannot find agreement or common ground. In fact, most courts will find that they are in agreement on…

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Exploring the Depths of 'Godspark' - A Playtest Review

Venturing into the immersive realm of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), ‘Godspark’ by M. Allen Hall promises a captivating journey through its evocative narrative and innovative mechanics. As a playtest participant, I had the opportunity to dive into this intriguing world. From the outset, the game exudes a compelling vibe that draws players into its mystical setting. Hall’s knack for…

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Spellslinger EP 1 - Critter Creek

Day 1 Legend – 12 Spells – 6 Shooting – 6 Critter creek runs between me and Hellsmaw. I have to cross the Creek in order to get to town And that means going to the ford just down yonder.  Oracle Is the ford passable? 1 vs 6. No. Why is the ford not passable? 5 for Spells, 3 for Shootin. Magical. Ford don’t seem to safe right here, but it ain’t normal. Something magical is at play here, but…

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Lonely TTRPG EP 58 Dead Stick by Croaker RPGs

Croker, known for his thought-provoking games, delivers yet another impactful experience with ‘Dead Stick.’ Despite its heavy subject matter, particularly in today’s world, the game boldly confronts the reality that not every story has a good ending. This unapologetic approach sets the stage for a unique and immersive narrative. The standout feature of ‘Dead Stick’ is the war progress tracker, a…

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Lonely TTRPG EP 57 - This Is Your Death by Innocent Goblin and Jack Harding

Diving into ‘This Is Your Death’ is like embarking on a mysterious journey through a burial mound—a fun and intriguing mini RPG experience that defies the conventional boundaries of traditional games. What sets it apart is its departure from the standard gaming elements: no hit points, no objectives, and certainly no fail or success states. Instead, you have the freedom to spend however long you…

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Lonely TTRPG EP 56 - TENSION by Lamiao Game Studio

Today, we’re diving into ‘Tension,’ a compact yet fascinating role-playing game that provides an intriguing glimpse into the AI and robot trope. As the title suggests, this game centers around managing your character’s tension, which depletes as tasks become more challenging. It’s a single pamphlet experience with straightforward rules, making it an accessible and enjoyable tabletop…

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Adventure Design Notes

The following is my thoughts on adventure design as it pertains to the Black Dragon Dungeon Company. Of course, there are always more ways to design an adventure, this is just my preference. Please understand that whenever I say “should,” “will,” or “must” or some similar form of absolute, that it merely pertains to my thoughts and how I want to build adventures. Adventures should follow the…

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Lonely TTRPG EP 55 - Don't Play This Game

Let’s talk about “Don’t Play This Game.” In the demo version, the gameplay might strike you as quite slim. It’s reminiscent of a tabletop adaptation of a visual novel, where you have a modicum of agency, make some choices, and influence the direction of the narrative, but the story itself follows a predominantly linear path. Surprisingly, this isn’t a drawback. For some, the term “railroading”…

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Lonely TTRPG EP 54 - Sneaky Witches by M. Allen Hall

Dive into the enchanting world of “Sneaky Witches,” a game that combines magic, strategy, and a touch of whimsy. This delightful one-page RPG offers a unique and adorable concept that’s reminiscent of the beloved “Swamp Troll Witches” crafting game. In “Sneaky Witches,” you’ll find yourself on a quest to banish a rival coven, and it’s an adventure that’s easy to fall in love with. The game’s…

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Lonely TTRPG EP 53 - Hit The Road Jack by Kyle Tam

"🏁 "Hit the Road Jack" - A tabletop chase game that revs up excitement! Chase your thrill-seeking dreams in this speedy adventure. While it could use more balance, the thrill of the chase is undeniable. 🚗💨 #TabletopGaming #HitTheRoadJack"

Hit The Road Jack is a unique and captivating game offers an intriguing chase concept that keeps players on the edge of their seats. While my experience with it was solo, I can’t help but imagine how it would truly shine with two players. One standout mechanic is the use of reversed cards, which can either aid Nimble or Quick, adding a layer of strategy and cooperation. It’s easy to find…

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Lonely TTRPG EP 52 - Rift by Eric Dill

Venturing into Eric Dill’s creation, ‘Rift’, has been a delight. With a unique system for combat based on GilaRPG’s Rune, the game’s mechanics provide a refreshing approach to point crawls and combat dynamics. The meticulously crafted combat and point crawl systems are truly commendable. Originally built around a dark fantasy genre, Eric has ingeniously transformed ‘Rift’ into a sci-fi gem. The…

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TTRPGs, Traps, Puzzles and 1997's Cube

So I’ve been thinking the past few days about doing a solo run for TikTok and YouTube shorts. Basically every day is a room, and that room is a trap. Think 1997’s movie Cube. Spoilers for an almost 20 year old movie. Then I watched that movie again last night and realized it would be boring as hell, but it got me thinking. Normally, I’m not a fan of save or suck traps. I find them boring and…

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Lonely TTRPG EP 51 - Tears of Cassandra

"Dive into the emotionally intense realm of 'Tears of Cassandra' by John McKinstry. A unique tabletop experience that explores darkness, demands introspection, and offers a strangely cathartic journey. Not your typical RPG. #solorpg #ttrpg

Tonight, we dipped into “Tears of Cassandra” by John McKinstry. A shortened play session just to give you a glimpse of what it’s about. Unexpectedly, it took a dark turn—much darker than anticipated. A reminder, tabletop RPGs offer therapeutic elements but aren’t therapy. This game’s emotional depth surprised me. Unlike other prompt games I’ve tried, its prompts are less open-ended, almost…

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Tweaking Mechanics

There’s an interesting thing that starts to happen when you design games. You start looking at how often certain things should happen. How often should an attack hit? How often should a spell work? How often should I find something? Ultimately, this is why mechanics get made. To generate that “how often.” Of course, as a game designer, I want you to find things and do things. But there has to be…

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Lonely TTRPG EP 50 - O Captain by Leon Barillaro

Ahoy, fellow adventurers! Get ready to roll the dice, consult the tables, and jot down your prompts, because “O Captain” offers a refreshing take on an exciting tabletop experience, all set amidst the wonders of the sea life. The game is a treasure trove of creativity, immersing players in the swashbuckling world of maritime mysteries. The well-crafted prompts and stunning artwork add an extra…

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