Posts tagged #game-design

How tabletop systems actually shape play at the table. Encumbrance, economy, loot pacing, and the small design choices that change how a session feels.

6 posts found

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Mar 25, 2026 · 29 min read

The Psychology of Loot at the Table

Why rolled treasure feels better when probability, scarcity, reveal, and table politics all matter.

Feb 28, 2026 · 30 min read D&D 5e

How Many Magic Items Should I Give My Players?

The answer isn't a number. It's knowing what kind of power you're actually giving. A framework for evaluating magic items by impact, not rarity.

Feb 16, 2026 · 10 min read

Your Players Have Too Much Gold

Your TTRPG economy is running on one person's effort: yours. Gold sinks won't fix that. Tradeoffs will. Here's how to build an economy that works for you.

Jan 24, 2026 · 13 min read

Beyond the Vending Machine: TTRPG Shop Design

The design principles that separate forgettable shops from ones that make your entire economy come alive.

Jan 23, 2026 · 7 min read

You Don't Have to Grow Your Own Tomatoes

The myth of the wholly original GM is holding you back. Great GMs curate, adapt, and combine. The creativity is in the selection, not the raw materials.

Jan 22, 2026 · 9 min read

Encumbrance Punishes the Players Who Use It

The most dropped rule in TTRPGs fails because it penalizes engagement. The fix is giving players a reason to care.