Simon Burley 🔜 Contingency
@squadronuk.bsky.social
Created/co-wrote Golden Heroes (it’s in Wikipedia). Write/publishes various other TTRPGs on an iPAD in his bedroom. Coming to a Convention near you soon!
My games:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/721/Simon-Burley-Productions
My games:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/721/Simon-Burley-Productions
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 Contingency
His name is literally "HE-MAN". The most pronoun name ever.
I constantly play this game of "are grifters really this dense, or do they just expect their audience to be?" The answer is both obviously but it still hurts my brain seeing the endless feedback loop of asshole to asshole reinforcement.
I constantly play this game of "are grifters really this dense, or do they just expect their audience to be?" The answer is both obviously but it still hurts my brain seeing the endless feedback loop of asshole to asshole reinforcement.
January 22, 2026 at 6:07 PM
His name is literally "HE-MAN". The most pronoun name ever.
I constantly play this game of "are grifters really this dense, or do they just expect their audience to be?" The answer is both obviously but it still hurts my brain seeing the endless feedback loop of asshole to asshole reinforcement.
I constantly play this game of "are grifters really this dense, or do they just expect their audience to be?" The answer is both obviously but it still hurts my brain seeing the endless feedback loop of asshole to asshole reinforcement.
There
Are
THREE
Rats!
Are
THREE
Rats!
Reposting the clear hierarchy of danger in Retro Circlet because it was not on blusker and for one (1) other reason.
January 22, 2026 at 5:31 PM
There
Are
THREE
Rats!
Are
THREE
Rats!
Since WW1, I believe, British soldiers were waiting each other not to stand in front of the Americans because of the risk of friendly fire.
“When the Germans shoot, the British duck. When the British shoot, the Germans duck. When the Americans shoot, everyone ducks!”
“When the Germans shoot, the British duck. When the British shoot, the Germans duck. When the Americans shoot, everyone ducks!”
Trump on NATO: "I've always said, will they be there if we ever needed them? That's really the ultimate test. I'm not sure of that. We've never needed them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan and this or that. And they did. They stayed a little back, off the front lines."
January 22, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Since WW1, I believe, British soldiers were waiting each other not to stand in front of the Americans because of the risk of friendly fire.
“When the Germans shoot, the British duck. When the British shoot, the Germans duck. When the Americans shoot, everyone ducks!”
“When the Germans shoot, the British duck. When the British shoot, the Germans duck. When the Americans shoot, everyone ducks!”
My Judge Dredd scenario “Manta Prowl Tank Down” starts with the Tank crashing in the Cursed Earth. Players made their own PCs to fit survivors but I had pictures for a Street Judge, Med Judge, Tech Judge, Rookie Judge - on assessment and a Perp.
I didn’t have a PSI judge because… 1/2
I didn’t have a PSI judge because… 1/2
Dredd RPG thoughts #1
Judge patrols tend to be 1-2 people. We see Dredd alone or Dredd with one other quite often.
So a Judge game is ideal for 1-2 players with a GM or solo.
Of course a Judge can call on a lot of support
A team is not impossible though or out of the question, though.
Judge patrols tend to be 1-2 people. We see Dredd alone or Dredd with one other quite often.
So a Judge game is ideal for 1-2 players with a GM or solo.
Of course a Judge can call on a lot of support
A team is not impossible though or out of the question, though.
January 22, 2026 at 3:58 PM
My Judge Dredd scenario “Manta Prowl Tank Down” starts with the Tank crashing in the Cursed Earth. Players made their own PCs to fit survivors but I had pictures for a Street Judge, Med Judge, Tech Judge, Rookie Judge - on assessment and a Perp.
I didn’t have a PSI judge because… 1/2
I didn’t have a PSI judge because… 1/2
I’ve just seen a post on the side of a bus:
Statham
Shelter
And picture of a man in a parka holding a gun.
Does that make anyone want to run out to the movie theatre?
Statham
Shelter
And picture of a man in a parka holding a gun.
Does that make anyone want to run out to the movie theatre?
January 22, 2026 at 3:51 PM
I’ve just seen a post on the side of a bus:
Statham
Shelter
And picture of a man in a parka holding a gun.
Does that make anyone want to run out to the movie theatre?
Statham
Shelter
And picture of a man in a parka holding a gun.
Does that make anyone want to run out to the movie theatre?
#UKTTRPGCONS
Anybody else got an email form UK Games Expo about this?:
paradice.uk
The email didn’t have a link to the website in so I’ve found it for you.
It seems to be exactly the kind of “Expo” event I was going on about yesterday. So let’s use it as an example.
It’s a month away.
1
Anybody else got an email form UK Games Expo about this?:
paradice.uk
The email didn’t have a link to the website in so I’ve found it for you.
It seems to be exactly the kind of “Expo” event I was going on about yesterday. So let’s use it as an example.
It’s a month away.
1
Paradice – Worthing's board game convention
On Saturday, doors will open at 11am – trade halls will be open until 6pm, and open gaming areas will remain open until 10pm.
paradice.uk
January 22, 2026 at 1:14 PM
#UKTTRPGCONS
Anybody else got an email form UK Games Expo about this?:
paradice.uk
The email didn’t have a link to the website in so I’ve found it for you.
It seems to be exactly the kind of “Expo” event I was going on about yesterday. So let’s use it as an example.
It’s a month away.
1
Anybody else got an email form UK Games Expo about this?:
paradice.uk
The email didn’t have a link to the website in so I’ve found it for you.
It seems to be exactly the kind of “Expo” event I was going on about yesterday. So let’s use it as an example.
It’s a month away.
1
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 Contingency
I know nothing about these scenarios and little about these systems but this seems the obvious way to do it.
But…my mind started noodling & we could start with prologues when the PCs are caught and arrested (or run them in flashback.)
”but they’re (eg) four different crimes!”
1/2
But…my mind started noodling & we could start with prologues when the PCs are caught and arrested (or run them in flashback.)
”but they’re (eg) four different crimes!”
1/2
Hmmm … I think the only way to run Traveller’s Prison Planet or GURPS Traveller’s DarkMoon is as a mini-campaign which STARTS with PCs created for the campaign arriving at the prison. Right?
So, if my life ever settles down, would anyone be up for this?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travell...
So, if my life ever settles down, would anyone be up for this?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travell...
Traveller Adventure 8: Prison Planet - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 22, 2026 at 12:02 PM
I know nothing about these scenarios and little about these systems but this seems the obvious way to do it.
But…my mind started noodling & we could start with prologues when the PCs are caught and arrested (or run them in flashback.)
”but they’re (eg) four different crimes!”
1/2
But…my mind started noodling & we could start with prologues when the PCs are caught and arrested (or run them in flashback.)
”but they’re (eg) four different crimes!”
1/2
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 Contingency
Coaching is an insecure and precarious route to take for anyone, but for women it’s also deeply unequal and fraught with bullying and harassment.
Read our latest research, conducted in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University: https://ow.ly/Wpw350Y0v6u
📸 Avis Action #womenssports
Read our latest research, conducted in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University: https://ow.ly/Wpw350Y0v6u
📸 Avis Action #womenssports
January 22, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Coaching is an insecure and precarious route to take for anyone, but for women it’s also deeply unequal and fraught with bullying and harassment.
Read our latest research, conducted in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University: https://ow.ly/Wpw350Y0v6u
📸 Avis Action #womenssports
Read our latest research, conducted in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University: https://ow.ly/Wpw350Y0v6u
📸 Avis Action #womenssports
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
Do you have any gaming memories you regret?
Memories of Melanie (2).
Cass and Gary.
I’ve played TTRPGs for almost 40 years. In my thoughts I’ll mention memories of my early days in the hopes of being open & illustrative. Not because I’m particularly proud.
1
1
Do you have any gaming memories you regret?
Memories of Melanie (2).
Cass and Gary.
I’ve played TTRPGs for almost 40 years. In my thoughts I’ll mention memories of my early days in the hopes of being open & illustrative. Not because I’m particularly proud.
1
January 22, 2026 at 9:06 AM
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
Do you have any gaming memories you regret?
Memories of Melanie (2).
Cass and Gary.
I’ve played TTRPGs for almost 40 years. In my thoughts I’ll mention memories of my early days in the hopes of being open & illustrative. Not because I’m particularly proud.
1
1
Do you have any gaming memories you regret?
Memories of Melanie (2).
Cass and Gary.
I’ve played TTRPGs for almost 40 years. In my thoughts I’ll mention memories of my early days in the hopes of being open & illustrative. Not because I’m particularly proud.
1
#UKTTRPGCONS
The difficulty of communications between conventions and TTRPG Referees etc. (Part 3?)
There are loads of “Expos” in the UK. A big hall full of traders and games tables and they all offer TTRPGs. More than you’d think.
I don’t know why so many people are setting them up.
1
The difficulty of communications between conventions and TTRPG Referees etc. (Part 3?)
There are loads of “Expos” in the UK. A big hall full of traders and games tables and they all offer TTRPGs. More than you’d think.
I don’t know why so many people are setting them up.
1
January 21, 2026 at 4:31 PM
#UKTTRPGCONS
The difficulty of communications between conventions and TTRPG Referees etc. (Part 3?)
There are loads of “Expos” in the UK. A big hall full of traders and games tables and they all offer TTRPGs. More than you’d think.
I don’t know why so many people are setting them up.
1
The difficulty of communications between conventions and TTRPG Referees etc. (Part 3?)
There are loads of “Expos” in the UK. A big hall full of traders and games tables and they all offer TTRPGs. More than you’d think.
I don’t know why so many people are setting them up.
1
This is true. We do tend to short cut or put in changes we’ve just thought of or have come up with since the book was published. It’s something we constantly have to be on the look out for.
But the designer a game isn’t the best person the write the rules down in a clear & accessible manner either.
But the designer a game isn’t the best person the write the rules down in a clear & accessible manner either.
I'm not saying it's a singular truth or certainty, but the designer of a game is more likely to improv, short circuit or ignore their own mechanics making them a less ideal teacher of the written word version of their game. Or maybe that's just me.
January 21, 2026 at 3:45 PM
This is true. We do tend to short cut or put in changes we’ve just thought of or have come up with since the book was published. It’s something we constantly have to be on the look out for.
But the designer a game isn’t the best person the write the rules down in a clear & accessible manner either.
But the designer a game isn’t the best person the write the rules down in a clear & accessible manner either.
I learn games by playing them at conventions.
I was part of an interesting conversation at the local game store and I have a question.
Do you read the rulebook of a new ttrpg in order to learn how to play?
Do you read the rulebook of a new ttrpg in order to learn how to play?
January 21, 2026 at 2:24 PM
I learn games by playing them at conventions.
I’m at StabCon anyway. I know nothing about this but thought I’d share:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grellcon-2...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grellcon-2...
GrellCon 2026 - The UK's only old-school D&D Con!
A day of old-school Dungeons & Dragons gaming in the historic Stanley Arts venue.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 12:51 PM
I’m at StabCon anyway. I know nothing about this but thought I’d share:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grellcon-2...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grellcon-2...
Caveat Emptor
SOMEONE had to do the research on SOME of this sh*t.
I mean it’s “No sh*t, Sherlock” and well all knew a out in our hearts but it’s good to have it confirmed.
SOMEONE had to do the research on SOME of this sh*t.
I mean it’s “No sh*t, Sherlock” and well all knew a out in our hearts but it’s good to have it confirmed.
January 21, 2026 at 10:06 AM
Caveat Emptor
SOMEONE had to do the research on SOME of this sh*t.
I mean it’s “No sh*t, Sherlock” and well all knew a out in our hearts but it’s good to have it confirmed.
SOMEONE had to do the research on SOME of this sh*t.
I mean it’s “No sh*t, Sherlock” and well all knew a out in our hearts but it’s good to have it confirmed.
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 Contingency
Shame on you for not including the best Reddit reply I have read in a year.
March 14, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Shame on you for not including the best Reddit reply I have read in a year.
“My name’s Logan too…..”
January 21, 2026 at 9:09 AM
“My name’s Logan too…..”
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
A game in search of its source material. What’s your workflow in designing a game?
The game you want to play doesn’t exist. Eg. There’s no game for the 1960’s SciFi puppet show Fireball XL5.
You decide to write it.
You study the SOURCE MATERIAL -actually rewatch the series.
1
1
A game in search of its source material. What’s your workflow in designing a game?
The game you want to play doesn’t exist. Eg. There’s no game for the 1960’s SciFi puppet show Fireball XL5.
You decide to write it.
You study the SOURCE MATERIAL -actually rewatch the series.
1
January 21, 2026 at 9:08 AM
#TTRPGTHOUGHTS
1
A game in search of its source material. What’s your workflow in designing a game?
The game you want to play doesn’t exist. Eg. There’s no game for the 1960’s SciFi puppet show Fireball XL5.
You decide to write it.
You study the SOURCE MATERIAL -actually rewatch the series.
1
1
A game in search of its source material. What’s your workflow in designing a game?
The game you want to play doesn’t exist. Eg. There’s no game for the 1960’s SciFi puppet show Fireball XL5.
You decide to write it.
You study the SOURCE MATERIAL -actually rewatch the series.
1
Pick up the nearest book. Open to page 42 and post your second sentence. Add #page42 and include this rule as a reply.
If for personal (not game) reasons a player does not want accept the storyline for the character - for example it reminds them of a personal trauma - 1/2
If for personal (not game) reasons a player does not want accept the storyline for the character - for example it reminds them of a personal trauma - 1/2
Pick up the nearest book. Open to page 42 and post your second sentence. Add #page42 and include this rule as a reply.
"Is this line secure?" He asked sharply.
"Is this line secure?" He asked sharply.
Pick up the nearest book. Open to page 42 and post your second sentence. Add #page42 and include this rule as a reply.
“Too late, she realized that she had let herself get caught off guard.“
“Too late, she realized that she had let herself get caught off guard.“
January 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Pick up the nearest book. Open to page 42 and post your second sentence. Add #page42 and include this rule as a reply.
If for personal (not game) reasons a player does not want accept the storyline for the character - for example it reminds them of a personal trauma - 1/2
If for personal (not game) reasons a player does not want accept the storyline for the character - for example it reminds them of a personal trauma - 1/2
Reposted by Simon Burley 🔜 Contingency
January 21, 2026 at 8:47 AM
STOP PRESS:
There’s a brilliant week-long* TTRPG con in the UK next week called Contingency.
www.facebook.com/groups/UKCON...
Well some people who were coming aren’t coming any more. If you’re free next week take a look at the Facebook page.
If you’re worried about affording it….. 1/2
There’s a brilliant week-long* TTRPG con in the UK next week called Contingency.
www.facebook.com/groups/UKCON...
Well some people who were coming aren’t coming any more. If you’re free next week take a look at the Facebook page.
If you’re worried about affording it….. 1/2
Redirecting...
www.facebook.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:03 PM
STOP PRESS:
There’s a brilliant week-long* TTRPG con in the UK next week called Contingency.
www.facebook.com/groups/UKCON...
Well some people who were coming aren’t coming any more. If you’re free next week take a look at the Facebook page.
If you’re worried about affording it….. 1/2
There’s a brilliant week-long* TTRPG con in the UK next week called Contingency.
www.facebook.com/groups/UKCON...
Well some people who were coming aren’t coming any more. If you’re free next week take a look at the Facebook page.
If you’re worried about affording it….. 1/2
Those of you who have read my first few #UKTTRPGCONS threads:
SEE?
Why do we not KNOW about these things.
Thanks Graham for reposting.
I‘ve luckily already got a con on on those dates so I don’t have to work out how to pay for ANOTHER trip to Scotland.
Sounds REALLY good, tho.
SEE?
Why do we not KNOW about these things.
Thanks Graham for reposting.
I‘ve luckily already got a con on on those dates so I don’t have to work out how to pay for ANOTHER trip to Scotland.
Sounds REALLY good, tho.
Hiya Pals! Registration is open for Groundhog Play 🦫
Running on the 21st & 22nd March in Glasgow. We are having a small alpha-run with only 30 people per day, so follow the link to get to it!
groundhogplay.carrd.co
Running on the 21st & 22nd March in Glasgow. We are having a small alpha-run with only 30 people per day, so follow the link to get to it!
groundhogplay.carrd.co
Groundhog Play
🦫 A Free, Two-Day, Access-Focused Tabletop RPG Convention to Playtest Games 📅 21st & 22nd March 2026 Pluto Q, 42-44 Albert Road, Glasgow, G42 8DN 🎩 Playtest - Iterate - Sleep Then do it all again! 😷 M...
groundhogplay.carrd.co
January 20, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Those of you who have read my first few #UKTTRPGCONS threads:
SEE?
Why do we not KNOW about these things.
Thanks Graham for reposting.
I‘ve luckily already got a con on on those dates so I don’t have to work out how to pay for ANOTHER trip to Scotland.
Sounds REALLY good, tho.
SEE?
Why do we not KNOW about these things.
Thanks Graham for reposting.
I‘ve luckily already got a con on on those dates so I don’t have to work out how to pay for ANOTHER trip to Scotland.
Sounds REALLY good, tho.
Am I simple?
Give the BBC more money and get THEM to set up a social media system for young people.
It’s not just TV programmes. I was surprised to find young people very well informed because they get their news from the BBC on Tik Tok.
Radio, iPlayer, Orchestras, Festivals etc.
Love the BBC!
Give the BBC more money and get THEM to set up a social media system for young people.
It’s not just TV programmes. I was surprised to find young people very well informed because they get their news from the BBC on Tik Tok.
Radio, iPlayer, Orchestras, Festivals etc.
Love the BBC!
January 20, 2026 at 3:42 PM
Am I simple?
Give the BBC more money and get THEM to set up a social media system for young people.
It’s not just TV programmes. I was surprised to find young people very well informed because they get their news from the BBC on Tik Tok.
Radio, iPlayer, Orchestras, Festivals etc.
Love the BBC!
Give the BBC more money and get THEM to set up a social media system for young people.
It’s not just TV programmes. I was surprised to find young people very well informed because they get their news from the BBC on Tik Tok.
Radio, iPlayer, Orchestras, Festivals etc.
Love the BBC!
#UKTTRPGCONS
Since I started doing this series of threads my mind is just full of things I want to write.
I realise they’re things no-one want to READ but whoever said life was fair?
But I said on Sunday I’ll tell you about a 2nd recent con experience of mine with difficult comms, so….
1
Since I started doing this series of threads my mind is just full of things I want to write.
I realise they’re things no-one want to READ but whoever said life was fair?
But I said on Sunday I’ll tell you about a 2nd recent con experience of mine with difficult comms, so….
1
January 20, 2026 at 2:34 PM
#UKTTRPGCONS
Since I started doing this series of threads my mind is just full of things I want to write.
I realise they’re things no-one want to READ but whoever said life was fair?
But I said on Sunday I’ll tell you about a 2nd recent con experience of mine with difficult comms, so….
1
Since I started doing this series of threads my mind is just full of things I want to write.
I realise they’re things no-one want to READ but whoever said life was fair?
But I said on Sunday I’ll tell you about a 2nd recent con experience of mine with difficult comms, so….
1
Let’s get the timeline straight.
Keir Starmer speaks to Trump on the phone where he may have whispered that all this Greenland business may not be 100% a good thing.
Then this appears……
Have I got it right?
Keir Starmer speaks to Trump on the phone where he may have whispered that all this Greenland business may not be 100% a good thing.
Then this appears……
Have I got it right?
January 20, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Let’s get the timeline straight.
Keir Starmer speaks to Trump on the phone where he may have whispered that all this Greenland business may not be 100% a good thing.
Then this appears……
Have I got it right?
Keir Starmer speaks to Trump on the phone where he may have whispered that all this Greenland business may not be 100% a good thing.
Then this appears……
Have I got it right?