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johnharper.bsky.social
John Harper
@johnharper.bsky.social
9.8K followers 760 following 1.1K posts
Game designer and graphic artist. Blades in the Dark, AGON, Lasers & Feelings, Lady Blackbird. johnharper.itch.io
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johnharper.bsky.social
John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · Nov 2
Blades in the Dark: Deep Cuts is packed with new lore, gameable details, plug-and-play systems, GM tools, crew opportunities, and new artwork.
Available now on itch and DriveThruRPG:
Itch: johnharper.itch.io/deep-cuts
DTRPG: shorturl.at/pKhsZ
Blades in the Dark: Deep Cuts by John Harper
A Setting & System Expansion for Blades in the Dark
johnharper.itch.io
Reposted by John Harper
olddog.games
In celebration of the imminent Blades ‘68 campaign, I thought I’d talk a bit about its graphic design.

BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.

Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
The cover of Blades in the Dark next to the cover of Blades '68
February 3, 2026 at 1:31 AM
Reposted by John Harper
grahamwalmsley.bsky.social
In a few weeks, I'll crowdfund the 20th Anniversary Edition of Play Unsafe, my book about improvisation, story and roleplay.

Go here and follow the Kickstarter. (And please repost this, it really helps!)

www.kickstarter.com/projects/gra... #kickstarter #ttrpg
February 2, 2026 at 11:56 AM
Reposted by John Harper
kierongillen.bsky.social
We reviewed Deathmatch Island over the weekend. The name says the basics, but it is the basics - there's as much The Prisoner in the DNA as Battle Royale or Squid Game. For comics people, this actually reminds me of the Vertigo-y Morrison stuff, complete with Rian Hughes does the Filth art-design.
Threedom: DEATHMATCH ISLAND - Old Men Running The World
The latest game the Old Men team played was DEATHMATCH ISLAND by Tim Denee (now working on Blades ‘68), and based on the Paragon System, by John Harper
oldmenrunningtheworld.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Reposted by John Harper
dngnclub.itch.io
Hey everything is shitty, have some free mechs...
DEUS EX MECHA is now PWYW.
DEUS EX MECHA by DNGNCLUB
Heavy Metal Mechs for Daggerheart
dngnclub.itch.io
February 2, 2026 at 1:33 AM
Reposted by John Harper
nohr.se
Take me down to the Parallax city where the far moves slow and the near moves quickly
February 1, 2026 at 3:40 PM
johnharper.bsky.social
The Blades in the Dark Cutter's Deck is available as Print on Demand at DTRPG! It's a full 52-card poker deck with unique Blades-themed suits.
legacy.drivethrurpg.com/product/5428...
An image of the Cutter's Deck, showing the Jack of Blades: a scoundrel holding a pair of blades. An image showing the Cutter's Deck, featuring the card back, the Jack of Devils (a Rail Jack), the Ace of Crowns, and the symbols for all four suits of the deck: Blades, Flames, Crowns, and Devils.
January 31, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Reposted by John Harper
omiosures.bsky.social
Heavily inspired by Morrowind, Planescape and 70's Star Wars with a dash of bronze age and art nouveau. The mood? Conan after Conan: all the heroes are dead and this is the world they built.

That's OMIOS URES, my weird fantasy RPG. And it's FREE on itch.io!

matheusgraef.itch.io/omios-ures
A black robed wizard, embroided with stars, stands on top of a stone peak. Behind him, the vastness of the world. The early morning creeps amidst the ravines, painting the world in coy lilacs and deep purples. A city of horned spires jolts from the stony wastes, illuminated in bright cosmopolitan oranges. An alien zeppelin flares out its floodlights at the rooftops and beyond. The wizard stares at the viewer, though we do not see within his cloak and hood. Blackness. From the void creeps out two marble-white hands, old as time, covered in rings, gesturing in unknown signs. OMIOS URES Two Carverine (orc-like humanoids), a male and a female, ride alongside eachother, on top of war hippos. They hold each other's arms. With the other hand, the female orc displays a freshly decapitated head - the enemy king. While the male lifts his axe up in prideful show. Both orcs have red hair and pinkish-gray skin, similar to the hippos they ride upon. The carverine have long, elephant like tusks, and wear minimal bronze armor. Two Carverine (orc-like humanoids), a male and a female, ride alongside eachother, on top of war hippos. They hold each other's arms. With the other hand, the female orc displays a freshly decapitated head - the enemy king. While the male lifts his axe up in prideful show. Both orcs have red hair and pinkish-gray skin, similar to the hippos they ride upon. The carverine have long, elephant like tusks, and wear minimal bronze armor. a drawing of a gnome in a wizardly outfit, holding a lit candle - the gnome is half colored, half sketched. The gnome has blue nails, pointy shoes and an art nouveau walking stick. above him is in the text "GNOMOS" in an orange, art nouveau font. a drawing of a gnome in a wizardly outfit, holding a lit candle - the gnome is half colored, half sketched. The gnome has blue nails, pointy shoes and an art nouveau walking stick. above him is in the text "GNOMOS" in an orange, art nouveau font. A giant cyclops. Slender, female. Her armor is golden bronze, made of large plates with shield-sized domes protusions, which help veer off attacks. She wears a golden diadem, golden earrings, and her single eye is bright blue. Her armor shines from the warm light that trickles into the large chamber, pouring in from an off-scene oculus. Her face partially in the dark, tall that she is, only illuminated partially by the bounce lighting of her armor. Her right arm adjusts her belt, while her left arm is lifted, underneath it; we see a shirtless servant on top of a tall staircase, tying the laces of her bracer. The staircase is built of beige stone. The bracer is almost the size of this person. By the cyclops' feet, we see two other servants donning her greaves. One of them holds the giant slab of bronze in place, while the other, behind the cyclops' calf, ties up the laces. The floor is a white marble tile, giving the entire scene a slight reflection. Did you know a single greave of this Cyclops weighs around 150 kilos? Behind the Princes Warrior, we see a 2 story tall greataxe. It is brightly illuminated by the single shaft of light that brightens the entire room. In fact, the entire scene is illuminated either by the natural light, or the bounce lighting of the cyclops' armor, giving the entire painting a warm look. The chamber is large and tall, made of stone, to accomodate the Princess Warrior. A small brazier burns incense, permeating the room with a pleasant odor of cloves. Behind the Cyclops and her servants, three noble folk overlook her befitting from a balcony. The balcony sits at the height of the Cyclops' head. One woman smokes, the man in the middle lifts a goblet with a grin, and the leftmost woman looks simply bored. There's a glass pitcher hewn with gold half-filled with wine next to them.
January 12, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Reposted by John Harper
thoughtcrimegames.bsky.social
Get Ready for Five Fires!

Follow the BackerKit page and help take this #ttrpg of DJs, breakers, MCs, and graffiti writers from PDF to Print.
Get Ready for Five Fires
From Thoughtcrime Games LLC - Get Ready for Five Fires
www.backerkit.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Reposted by John Harper
teeketch.art
Just some art of my personal project Knight Light. This project is probably my most personal, important and I’ve been thankful so many folks have had it resonate with them as well.

“Burn bright little knight, for this world is dark and full of terrors”
Knight light illustration of the small candle knight looking at a crumbling alter like monument. Knight light illustration of the small candle knight giving grace at the memorial of a fallen hero. Knight light illustration of the small candle knight wandering past a shrine of remembrance and a troupe of Embyrds Knight light illustration of the small candle knight traveling amongst a group of wisps.
January 30, 2026 at 11:25 PM
Reposted by John Harper
arthograph.bsky.social
feels right to repost this in deference to today's General Strike: a 4-minute call-out on making as mending AND middle-finger to fascists

may you always find refuge in art, craft, and community, and in conclusion, FCK ICE ❤️‍🔥
January 30, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Reposted by John Harper
elkowalczuk.bsky.social
A.I. PUNKS FUCK OFF!
Based on classic Dead Kennedys design. Free for non-commercial and charity use.
Vector based files:
ko-fi.com/s/d55d065036
January 30, 2026 at 12:50 PM
johnharper.bsky.social
ITALIA! (A showdown with The Wolves -- a motorcycle hit squad -- on the streets of Rome.)
Art for the third Ride or Die adventure, "Lupi Di Roma" depicting a chaotic vehicle chase / battle between the hero drivers and a motorcycle hit squad on the Spanish Steps in Rome.
January 28, 2026 at 9:25 PM
johnharper.bsky.social
1. Ballpark hot dog vendor
2. River rafting guide
3. Tobacco farm laborer
4. Stationer
5. Visual interpreter of a billionaire's vague auguries
jmstar.bsky.social Jason Morningstar @jmstar.bsky.social · 5d
1. Answering machine refurbisher
2. Theatrical lighting designer
3. Bottling plant scut
4. University accessibility coordinator
5. Hiking boot salesperson
malcolmcraig.bsky.social Malcolm Craig @malcolmcraig.bsky.social · 5d
1. Video shop employee (which instantly dates me)
2. Clothes shop assistant stockroom monkey
3. Postman
4. Dreary corporate marketing drone
5. Historian
January 28, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Reposted by John Harper
evilhat.bsky.social
In TWO WEEKS we launch Blades '68!
The timeline of Blades in the Dark spins forward as the strange city of Doskvol slams into the Swinging Sixties.
New tech, fresh crews, and DANGER await you beneath the B.L.U.E. array.
Sign up now to download the free preview!
www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
An illustration of a man in a blue jumpsuit and white crash helmet floating aloft with his arms outstretched. His face is pointed at the sky in agony (reverie?) as his mouth goes slack and his eyes glow red. Wisps of glowing red energy envelope his open palms and his legs dangle limply above the ground. Waves of energy radiate from his helmeted head. Caption: Blades in the Dark. Blades '68. Launching soon on BackerKit.
January 27, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Reposted by John Harper
foundepisodes.bsky.social
Hailing frequencies open! Thinking of doing a Found Episodes fundraiser for groups providing aid in Minneapolis. Be a Transporter Chief for $5! Or get your own entire episode for more.

Hit that like button, comment, and share if you're interested.
A partial clipping from an old TV Guide reads as follows: Steel (Rupert Everett) battles General Zod (Ian McKellen) to protect Metropolis from his totalitarian rule. Casting: You Decide. 7 PM channel 13 STAR TREK: YOU PICK THE SHOW(CC)—Science Fiction; 60 min. Riker and Troi visit a planet that resembles 21st century Earth leading up to World War 3. Trapped and freezing on a class D planet, Worf declares that "ICE HAS NO HONOR." Transporter chief: Your Name Here. [SCI] MOVIE(CC)—Animated; 2 hrs. “The LEGO Die Hard (Or Any) Movie.” Bruce
January 26, 2026 at 6:27 AM
Reposted by John Harper
helveticablanc.bsky.social
Abolish ICE!
For your printer, in both color and black and white.
A ring of people with hands joined encircle a block of ice being melted and crushed by hammers, quill pens, and watchful eyes. In color. A ring of people with hands joined encircle a block of ice being melted and crushed by hammers, quill pens, and watchful eyes. In black and white.
January 25, 2026 at 10:24 PM
johnharper.bsky.social
Slightly diminish a game:

Shadowwalk
itsmrwilson.bsky.social Matt Wilson @itsmrwilson.bsky.social · 10d
My Lunch With Master
ndpdesign.com ndp ⚔️ ndpdesign 🦄 Unwritten Earths Symposium @ndpdesign.com · 10d
Slight diminish a game:

kill poppies for seitan
January 24, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Reposted by John Harper
gailsimone.bsky.social
Transphobia is a cancer of the heart and mind.

It is a useless fear, based on ignorance and cruelty.

Trans people are not responsible for a single one of the problems we face.

Do the world a favor and grow the fuck up.
January 24, 2026 at 3:15 AM
Reposted by John Harper
dngnclub.itch.io
New goodie for #Daggerheart:
A one page spread for an enviroment for Daggerheart called 'THE WANDERING TAVERN". It features a black and white photobash of a tavern with massive bird like legs to carry it. Surrounding it are various rules.
January 24, 2026 at 5:18 AM
johnharper.bsky.social
The "ping pong" game on the Magnavox Odyssey that my aunt had. But technically I guess it's Mattel Electronic Football, since I played that about an hour before the Magnavox was hooked up. (The same day I first saw an RPG -- the AD&D Player's Handbook)
jesthehuman.itch.io Jes the human @jesthehuman.itch.io · 10d
Good morning to everyone who remembers what the first video game they played was, and to them only
January 23, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Reposted by John Harper
evilhat.bsky.social
Our warehousing & fulfillment is based in Minnesota. The company is closed today (their employees are getting paid). We fully support them in their struggle against federal occupation of the state.
If you are not in MN, here's a link to some ways you can stand up and take action.
iceoutforgood.org
ICE Out for Good
On January 23, people across the country are taking action in solidarity with Minnesota to demand ICE out of our communities. Join the day of action.
iceoutforgood.org
January 23, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Reposted by John Harper
johnlyon.bsky.social
I once shot a man for criticizing my text alignment.

It was justified.
January 22, 2026 at 11:34 PM
johnharper.bsky.social
Tell me your pet's name in a gif
January 23, 2026 at 4:46 AM
johnharper.bsky.social
Mitchell time.
Mitchell the cat: a gray/black and white tuxedo cat with a black nose, snuggling on a blanket, getting a chin scritch with his eyes closed. Mitchell the cat: a gray/black and white tuxedo cat with a black nose, sitting by a stack of books near a window.
January 22, 2026 at 4:35 AM
Reposted by John Harper
evilhat.bsky.social
Now available: Deep Cuts. Crack open this 128-page expansion from creator @johnharper.bsky.social and find new factions, heritages, and world-shaking catalysts plus: alternative rules for Harm, Downtime and more.
Put a fresh edge on your game of Blades in the Dark!
evilhat.com/product/blad...
A copy of Blades in the Dark on the left, featuring a scoundrel in a hood brandishing a blade. On the right, a copy of Blades in the Dark: Deep Cuts which has an image of a hammer pounding a red hot blade on an anvil. The two books float atop a background which is a rich red color.
January 21, 2026 at 8:04 PM