Phil. A. Ménard (AKA The Chatty DM)
@chattydm.bsky.social
Dynamically-priced Gen X Gamer Dad. 40 years as a GM, 2.95 years sober. Full-time narrative designer@VibrantStudios (D&D: The Immersive Quest, Transformers (in creation)). Retired award-winning freelance #TTRPG designer. He/Him. FR/EN
Interacted with Celine Dion while I was a teenaged clerk at a grocery store. She asked me what spices went in a Bolognese sauce.
What is YOUR most mundane celebrity encounter?
Belle and Sebastian asked me to hold the elevator for them at a Holiday Inn in Paris, after a gig...
Belle and Sebastian asked me to hold the elevator for them at a Holiday Inn in Paris, after a gig...
February 11, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Interacted with Celine Dion while I was a teenaged clerk at a grocery store. She asked me what spices went in a Bolognese sauce.
I just backed Swords Without Master on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/unw...
Because @epidiah.bsky.social is cool, and he's been telling us about SwM for a while now.
Go fren!
Because @epidiah.bsky.social is cool, and he's been telling us about SwM for a while now.
Go fren!
Swords Without Master
A ttrpg of strange sorceries, ferocious deeds, and astounding wonder by Epidiah Ravachol.
www.kickstarter.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:36 PM
I just backed Swords Without Master on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/unw...
Because @epidiah.bsky.social is cool, and he's been telling us about SwM for a while now.
Go fren!
Because @epidiah.bsky.social is cool, and he's been telling us about SwM for a while now.
Go fren!
This truck is a mood.
February 9, 2026 at 9:01 PM
This truck is a mood.
The neologism of the day:
Satisfiction.
An Orwellian one if ever.
Satisfiction.
An Orwellian one if ever.
February 9, 2026 at 3:13 PM
The neologism of the day:
Satisfiction.
An Orwellian one if ever.
Satisfiction.
An Orwellian one if ever.
If I would distil my 950 or so Chatty DM blog posts in one sentence it would be:
"Celebrate the free time of those ready to share it with you, including yours; but remember that it's forever your prime responsibility as a Game Master"
"Celebrate the free time of those ready to share it with you, including yours; but remember that it's forever your prime responsibility as a Game Master"
I strongly believe that somewhere in the last 40 years, with the advent of "easier gaming" (Computers, golden age of board game), an awakening to "the value of players free time" has occurred.
It's one of the reason while I'm WAY more of a fan of my D&D players Antics than I was when I started out
It's one of the reason while I'm WAY more of a fan of my D&D players Antics than I was when I started out
In hindsight, playing F&E just as F&E and SFB just as SFB is probably a wayyy better time for everyone involved.
(I wish I could have convinced my F&E/SFB pals of that logic--instead I was forced to play battle after battle with wild force imbalances to the point where I abandoned it all).
(I wish I could have convinced my F&E/SFB pals of that logic--instead I was forced to play battle after battle with wild force imbalances to the point where I abandoned it all).
February 6, 2026 at 8:10 PM
If I would distil my 950 or so Chatty DM blog posts in one sentence it would be:
"Celebrate the free time of those ready to share it with you, including yours; but remember that it's forever your prime responsibility as a Game Master"
"Celebrate the free time of those ready to share it with you, including yours; but remember that it's forever your prime responsibility as a Game Master"
I don't know if its a sign of times, but I keep writing "Star screams" instead of "Starscream" in my documents.
I'm dealing with a Lovecraftian take on Cybertronians. I guess I should read those 2 Void Walkers trade paperback I keep putting off.
I'm dealing with a Lovecraftian take on Cybertronians. I guess I should read those 2 Void Walkers trade paperback I keep putting off.
February 6, 2026 at 8:04 PM
I don't know if its a sign of times, but I keep writing "Star screams" instead of "Starscream" in my documents.
I'm dealing with a Lovecraftian take on Cybertronians. I guess I should read those 2 Void Walkers trade paperback I keep putting off.
I'm dealing with a Lovecraftian take on Cybertronians. I guess I should read those 2 Void Walkers trade paperback I keep putting off.
I sense that a dad joke I just made here a few minutes ago will explode. I'm so sorry... ;)
February 6, 2026 at 7:58 PM
I sense that a dad joke I just made here a few minutes ago will explode. I'm so sorry... ;)
I strongly believe that somewhere in the last 40 years, with the advent of "easier gaming" (Computers, golden age of board game), an awakening to "the value of players free time" has occurred.
It's one of the reason while I'm WAY more of a fan of my D&D players Antics than I was when I started out
It's one of the reason while I'm WAY more of a fan of my D&D players Antics than I was when I started out
In hindsight, playing F&E just as F&E and SFB just as SFB is probably a wayyy better time for everyone involved.
(I wish I could have convinced my F&E/SFB pals of that logic--instead I was forced to play battle after battle with wild force imbalances to the point where I abandoned it all).
(I wish I could have convinced my F&E/SFB pals of that logic--instead I was forced to play battle after battle with wild force imbalances to the point where I abandoned it all).
February 6, 2026 at 7:55 PM
I strongly believe that somewhere in the last 40 years, with the advent of "easier gaming" (Computers, golden age of board game), an awakening to "the value of players free time" has occurred.
It's one of the reason while I'm WAY more of a fan of my D&D players Antics than I was when I started out
It's one of the reason while I'm WAY more of a fan of my D&D players Antics than I was when I started out
"5 min loop of named Transformers (Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee, Megatron, etc.) transforming from one form to the next in various times and places interspaced with sequences of Bumblebee doing bad break dancing. "
I'm 99% sure this won't make the cut, but my boss has a very naive love for Bumblebee.
I'm 99% sure this won't make the cut, but my boss has a very naive love for Bumblebee.
February 6, 2026 at 7:16 PM
"5 min loop of named Transformers (Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee, Megatron, etc.) transforming from one form to the next in various times and places interspaced with sequences of Bumblebee doing bad break dancing. "
I'm 99% sure this won't make the cut, but my boss has a very naive love for Bumblebee.
I'm 99% sure this won't make the cut, but my boss has a very naive love for Bumblebee.
I love how it seems it needs be said that New Brunswick is one of our provinces. :)
Also, go Premier Holt!
Also, go Premier Holt!
First, New Brunswick. Soon, the world.
New Brunswick, an east coast Canadian province of about 900,000 people, will no longer use billionaire Elon Musk’s social media platform X for routine government communications, its leader announced
February 6, 2026 at 7:03 PM
I love how it seems it needs be said that New Brunswick is one of our provinces. :)
Also, go Premier Holt!
Also, go Premier Holt!
Reposted by Phil. A. Ménard (AKA The Chatty DM)
Ex-Husband
Watch my dark comedy short film
It's the story of a mean-ass lady boss who learns a hard lesson after getting hit with bad news.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBCF...
Watch my dark comedy short film
It's the story of a mean-ass lady boss who learns a hard lesson after getting hit with bad news.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBCF...
February 6, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Ex-Husband
Watch my dark comedy short film
It's the story of a mean-ass lady boss who learns a hard lesson after getting hit with bad news.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBCF...
Watch my dark comedy short film
It's the story of a mean-ass lady boss who learns a hard lesson after getting hit with bad news.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBCF...
This magnificent exhibits deals 1d4+1 MDC to my FOMO! :)
Detroit Historical Museum is having an exhibit on the ttrpg RIFTS?!?
February 6, 2026 at 3:28 PM
This magnificent exhibits deals 1d4+1 MDC to my FOMO! :)
Reposted by Phil. A. Ménard (AKA The Chatty DM)
Me on every project
Kids, if you're making a game and want to run it on a steamdeck or switch
your text size needs to be bigger
no, bigger
c'mon coward, bigger!
what is this, A GAME FOR ANTS? BIGGER
your text size needs to be bigger
no, bigger
c'mon coward, bigger!
what is this, A GAME FOR ANTS? BIGGER
February 6, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Me on every project
You know what warms my heart when I come here? Seeing old friends, people I haven't seen in years, sharing about their passions, geek outs, fears, concerns.
I really miss going to the US and hang out at cons.
But remaining in touch with all y'all helps me believe that this too shall pass.
I really miss going to the US and hang out at cons.
But remaining in touch with all y'all helps me believe that this too shall pass.
February 6, 2026 at 3:21 PM
You know what warms my heart when I come here? Seeing old friends, people I haven't seen in years, sharing about their passions, geek outs, fears, concerns.
I really miss going to the US and hang out at cons.
But remaining in touch with all y'all helps me believe that this too shall pass.
I really miss going to the US and hang out at cons.
But remaining in touch with all y'all helps me believe that this too shall pass.
Reposted by Phil. A. Ménard (AKA The Chatty DM)
Magic: The Gathering players came together and raised over $110,000 for Trans Lifeline in less than 24 hours.
We are going until Saturday at 10am Pacific so be sure to Donate--> give.translifeline.org/tcc
Our expanded prize list can be found here: bsky.app/profile/tola...
#MagicTheGathering
We are going until Saturday at 10am Pacific so be sure to Donate--> give.translifeline.org/tcc
Our expanded prize list can be found here: bsky.app/profile/tola...
#MagicTheGathering
February 5, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Magic: The Gathering players came together and raised over $110,000 for Trans Lifeline in less than 24 hours.
We are going until Saturday at 10am Pacific so be sure to Donate--> give.translifeline.org/tcc
Our expanded prize list can be found here: bsky.app/profile/tola...
#MagicTheGathering
We are going until Saturday at 10am Pacific so be sure to Donate--> give.translifeline.org/tcc
Our expanded prize list can be found here: bsky.app/profile/tola...
#MagicTheGathering
Dungeons & Dragons: The Immersive Quest closes in Plano Texas this weekend; not enough ticket sales for an extension.
It seems it's the end for this Immersive show as there's not enough mainstream demand on it to extend the tour for 5 years and not lose money.
It seems it's the end for this Immersive show as there's not enough mainstream demand on it to extend the tour for 5 years and not lose money.
February 5, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Dungeons & Dragons: The Immersive Quest closes in Plano Texas this weekend; not enough ticket sales for an extension.
It seems it's the end for this Immersive show as there's not enough mainstream demand on it to extend the tour for 5 years and not lose money.
It seems it's the end for this Immersive show as there's not enough mainstream demand on it to extend the tour for 5 years and not lose money.
Today's job: Doing a "Scope of Work" document for potential Game Design vendors for a yet to be announced Outdoor Immersive Adventure. Asking them to design gameplay over a dozen physical interactive stations and tie everything together with a "Quest Journal" the guest will have in their possession.
February 5, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Today's job: Doing a "Scope of Work" document for potential Game Design vendors for a yet to be announced Outdoor Immersive Adventure. Asking them to design gameplay over a dozen physical interactive stations and tie everything together with a "Quest Journal" the guest will have in their possession.
While Jill's and my job exist in different industries, I 100% agree with her. There's nothing like mapping story elements, active dialogues, establishing backgrounds, and creating layers for an immersive experience that aims at a wide range audience.
I don't say this enough: narrative design is just so neat. Coolest job. Nothing else like it. Happy to immerse myself in tangling and untangling story logic, constraints, team dynamics and player experience. The conditions lately are tough, but the work is still the best.
February 5, 2026 at 3:24 PM
While Jill's and my job exist in different industries, I 100% agree with her. There's nothing like mapping story elements, active dialogues, establishing backgrounds, and creating layers for an immersive experience that aims at a wide range audience.
Brain: "There will be a Wreckoning!"
Me: Okay, let's save that for a potential post-apocalyptic setting or adventure.
Brain: Nah, I was just bored, go get me another coffee, meat doll.
Me: Okay, let's save that for a potential post-apocalyptic setting or adventure.
Brain: Nah, I was just bored, go get me another coffee, meat doll.
February 5, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Brain: "There will be a Wreckoning!"
Me: Okay, let's save that for a potential post-apocalyptic setting or adventure.
Brain: Nah, I was just bored, go get me another coffee, meat doll.
Me: Okay, let's save that for a potential post-apocalyptic setting or adventure.
Brain: Nah, I was just bored, go get me another coffee, meat doll.
Looking for some Occult Action? Checkout Tanya's Kickstarter!
Get this occult action thriller ttRPG for 1-7 people. Perfect if you enjoy playing powerful undead revenants embroiled in breakneck action, interpersonal drama, and occult investigation. Soundtrack by @mollynoise.bsky.social and human-made art by @stregawolf.art. Jump in now for early bird deals!
Coming soon: The Thunder Perfect Mind
An Occult Action Thriller Tabletop RPG
www.kickstarter.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:21 PM
Looking for some Occult Action? Checkout Tanya's Kickstarter!
Things I didn't expect to write in a messaging app today:
"Your eldest takes Eldritch Shits that Lovecraft would write about were he still alive."
"Your eldest takes Eldritch Shits that Lovecraft would write about were he still alive."
February 4, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Things I didn't expect to write in a messaging app today:
"Your eldest takes Eldritch Shits that Lovecraft would write about were he still alive."
"Your eldest takes Eldritch Shits that Lovecraft would write about were he still alive."
The pink urinal puck at my office's closest bathroom shows, with its central circular indentation, that penis haver, no matter how old, will always be destructive toddlers.
February 4, 2026 at 6:47 PM
The pink urinal puck at my office's closest bathroom shows, with its central circular indentation, that penis haver, no matter how old, will always be destructive toddlers.
D&D night highlight:
My 9th level players charged a Behir and dealt it 100 HP total in the 1st round.
Then the creature inflicted 300 total HP in lightning damage and told the party's Barbarian, "This could be done differently, adventurer."
A parlay ensued.
Everyone lived.
#TTRPG
My 9th level players charged a Behir and dealt it 100 HP total in the 1st round.
Then the creature inflicted 300 total HP in lightning damage and told the party's Barbarian, "This could be done differently, adventurer."
A parlay ensued.
Everyone lived.
#TTRPG
January 31, 2026 at 2:49 AM
D&D night highlight:
My 9th level players charged a Behir and dealt it 100 HP total in the 1st round.
Then the creature inflicted 300 total HP in lightning damage and told the party's Barbarian, "This could be done differently, adventurer."
A parlay ensued.
Everyone lived.
#TTRPG
My 9th level players charged a Behir and dealt it 100 HP total in the 1st round.
Then the creature inflicted 300 total HP in lightning damage and told the party's Barbarian, "This could be done differently, adventurer."
A parlay ensued.
Everyone lived.
#TTRPG
Is there a point in a TTRPG geek's life where unread gamebooks become something to be proud of? Like can I say that mechanics and setting get better with age, therefore making my unread collection like a wine cellar?
I still haven't read Numenera. Bought the 1st edition.
I still haven't read Numenera. Bought the 1st edition.
January 30, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Is there a point in a TTRPG geek's life where unread gamebooks become something to be proud of? Like can I say that mechanics and setting get better with age, therefore making my unread collection like a wine cellar?
I still haven't read Numenera. Bought the 1st edition.
I still haven't read Numenera. Bought the 1st edition.
I refused to adult tonight but I still had potatoes to use before they took root in their hutch.
So I chose spite instead.
Image 1: Pan-fried diced potatoes and baloney with garlic, onion salt, and pepper cooked in butter.
Image 2: Played, served with mustard and a slice of "American Cheese".
So I chose spite instead.
Image 1: Pan-fried diced potatoes and baloney with garlic, onion salt, and pepper cooked in butter.
Image 2: Played, served with mustard and a slice of "American Cheese".
January 28, 2026 at 12:34 AM
I refused to adult tonight but I still had potatoes to use before they took root in their hutch.
So I chose spite instead.
Image 1: Pan-fried diced potatoes and baloney with garlic, onion salt, and pepper cooked in butter.
Image 2: Played, served with mustard and a slice of "American Cheese".
So I chose spite instead.
Image 1: Pan-fried diced potatoes and baloney with garlic, onion salt, and pepper cooked in butter.
Image 2: Played, served with mustard and a slice of "American Cheese".