Phil (2026 edition)
@thedicemechanic.bsky.social
Geek, gamer, whingebag (he/him)
'Dicemechanic' on Discord.
Blogs rarely at dicemechanic.wordpress.com
I block often. Nothing personal, but this is my walled garden.
'Dicemechanic' on Discord.
Blogs rarely at dicemechanic.wordpress.com
I block often. Nothing personal, but this is my walled garden.
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
This is good stuff.
The highest-grossing Kickstarters often produce a lot of different products (different books, custom dice, GM screens). There are reasons to do that but it doesn't necessarily make them the most "successful".
(Backer numbers are often more informative than amount raised).
The highest-grossing Kickstarters often produce a lot of different products (different books, custom dice, GM screens). There are reasons to do that but it doesn't necessarily make them the most "successful".
(Backer numbers are often more informative than amount raised).
Random publishing thoughts 🧵 : it’s interesting to do maths and work out how much a crowdfunding effort has made per equivalent item offered or even per page of content. You can then usually also work out some ratios for the size of the team working on it. It can be surprising stuff.
February 2, 2026 at 10:53 AM
This is good stuff.
The highest-grossing Kickstarters often produce a lot of different products (different books, custom dice, GM screens). There are reasons to do that but it doesn't necessarily make them the most "successful".
(Backer numbers are often more informative than amount raised).
The highest-grossing Kickstarters often produce a lot of different products (different books, custom dice, GM screens). There are reasons to do that but it doesn't necessarily make them the most "successful".
(Backer numbers are often more informative than amount raised).
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
Entire game came to a screeching halt because of a sudden disagreement over calculating an extremely byzantine dice hypothetical. We are writing out probabilities on paper.
my friends are neeeeeerds
my friends are neeeeeerds
February 1, 2026 at 4:38 AM
Entire game came to a screeching halt because of a sudden disagreement over calculating an extremely byzantine dice hypothetical. We are writing out probabilities on paper.
my friends are neeeeeerds
my friends are neeeeeerds
Someone just discovered that you can get second-hand entry-level soprano saxophones for just over £100...
🎷🎶
#temptation
🎷🎶
#temptation
February 1, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Someone just discovered that you can get second-hand entry-level soprano saxophones for just over £100...
🎷🎶
#temptation
🎷🎶
#temptation
Got relisted today @ £15 inc postage.
Sent a message with an offer of £10. Surely they're bored of just relisting it every 4 weeks?
Seemingly not. They countered with £14.
And so the dance continues...
Sent a message with an offer of £10. Surely they're bored of just relisting it every 4 weeks?
Seemingly not. They countered with £14.
And so the dance continues...
Every month, someone relists the Marvel SAGA RPG roster book on eBay
Every month I follow it, waiting for the price to drop. Occasionally, it gets reduced a fraction. But it does not sell
No-one but me in the world wants it. Cmon man, a fiver and I'll take it.
But still the dance continues...
Every month I follow it, waiting for the price to drop. Occasionally, it gets reduced a fraction. But it does not sell
No-one but me in the world wants it. Cmon man, a fiver and I'll take it.
But still the dance continues...
January 30, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Got relisted today @ £15 inc postage.
Sent a message with an offer of £10. Surely they're bored of just relisting it every 4 weeks?
Seemingly not. They countered with £14.
And so the dance continues...
Sent a message with an offer of £10. Surely they're bored of just relisting it every 4 weeks?
Seemingly not. They countered with £14.
And so the dance continues...
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
Back to my 101 greatest TTRPGs ever, with 97-90. Which classic games don't I have much time for? What's my least favourite version of D&D? Exactly how ludicrous are my reasons for not liking something? All is revealed, including very early comic script page exercises based on a D&D game. #ttrpg
My 101 Favourite TTRPGS: 97-90 - Old Men Running The World
As I turned 50, I decided to make a list of my 101 favourite TTRPGs. I return, to finish off the 90s, and have strong hopes I will complete this in time for
oldmenrunningtheworld.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Back to my 101 greatest TTRPGs ever, with 97-90. Which classic games don't I have much time for? What's my least favourite version of D&D? Exactly how ludicrous are my reasons for not liking something? All is revealed, including very early comic script page exercises based on a D&D game. #ttrpg
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
Pretty sure he’s trying to hide the scar he got trying to steal a medallion off a woman in a bar fire in Nepal in the 1930s.
January 28, 2026 at 7:35 AM
Pretty sure he’s trying to hide the scar he got trying to steal a medallion off a woman in a bar fire in Nepal in the 1930s.
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
This is the most dreadful nonsense I've read all week what is the matter with these joyless cunts
January 29, 2026 at 8:37 AM
This is the most dreadful nonsense I've read all week what is the matter with these joyless cunts
I can't! I'm too scared 😱
January 28, 2026 at 6:25 PM
I can't! I'm too scared 😱
Got a message from school to say 11yo needs gum shield and football boots after half term for rugby in PE
I don't mind touch rugby, but gum shield suggests it's contact rugby and not happy about that
(sorry rugby-loving friends, but risk of concussion or spinal injury too great for school lesson)
I don't mind touch rugby, but gum shield suggests it's contact rugby and not happy about that
(sorry rugby-loving friends, but risk of concussion or spinal injury too great for school lesson)
January 28, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Got a message from school to say 11yo needs gum shield and football boots after half term for rugby in PE
I don't mind touch rugby, but gum shield suggests it's contact rugby and not happy about that
(sorry rugby-loving friends, but risk of concussion or spinal injury too great for school lesson)
I don't mind touch rugby, but gum shield suggests it's contact rugby and not happy about that
(sorry rugby-loving friends, but risk of concussion or spinal injury too great for school lesson)
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
Here's what you need to know ahead of Tesla's fourth quarter earnings call:
-lol nothing matters
-magic is real, if you believe it in your heart
-knowledge is a burden
-chaos reigns!
-repeated blows to the head can help anyone understand modern markets
-don't stop believing, hold on to that feeling
-lol nothing matters
-magic is real, if you believe it in your heart
-knowledge is a burden
-chaos reigns!
-repeated blows to the head can help anyone understand modern markets
-don't stop believing, hold on to that feeling
January 28, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Here's what you need to know ahead of Tesla's fourth quarter earnings call:
-lol nothing matters
-magic is real, if you believe it in your heart
-knowledge is a burden
-chaos reigns!
-repeated blows to the head can help anyone understand modern markets
-don't stop believing, hold on to that feeling
-lol nothing matters
-magic is real, if you believe it in your heart
-knowledge is a burden
-chaos reigns!
-repeated blows to the head can help anyone understand modern markets
-don't stop believing, hold on to that feeling
Every month, someone relists the Marvel SAGA RPG roster book on eBay
Every month I follow it, waiting for the price to drop. Occasionally, it gets reduced a fraction. But it does not sell
No-one but me in the world wants it. Cmon man, a fiver and I'll take it.
But still the dance continues...
Every month I follow it, waiting for the price to drop. Occasionally, it gets reduced a fraction. But it does not sell
No-one but me in the world wants it. Cmon man, a fiver and I'll take it.
But still the dance continues...
January 28, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Every month, someone relists the Marvel SAGA RPG roster book on eBay
Every month I follow it, waiting for the price to drop. Occasionally, it gets reduced a fraction. But it does not sell
No-one but me in the world wants it. Cmon man, a fiver and I'll take it.
But still the dance continues...
Every month I follow it, waiting for the price to drop. Occasionally, it gets reduced a fraction. But it does not sell
No-one but me in the world wants it. Cmon man, a fiver and I'll take it.
But still the dance continues...
BTW, I wrote this bollocks about damage over time effects yesterday. It's so long, I could probably have blogged it. Maybe one day...
Second expansion on post from yesterday morning: why I hate* ongoing damage. Or DoT. Or whatever you want to call it.
1/
*sometimes. context depending. terms and conditions apply
1/
*sometimes. context depending. terms and conditions apply
Have finished reading 13th Age (bar the starter adventure) and I love it.
BUT...it does keep 2 things from 4e that I dislike (and that my 4e hack would cut out)
1. Level-appropriate magic item bonuses.
2. Ongoing damage. Hate it. Pure combat admin.
BUT...it does keep 2 things from 4e that I dislike (and that my 4e hack would cut out)
1. Level-appropriate magic item bonuses.
2. Ongoing damage. Hate it. Pure combat admin.
January 28, 2026 at 3:39 PM
BTW, I wrote this bollocks about damage over time effects yesterday. It's so long, I could probably have blogged it. Maybe one day...
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
we are living in the golden age for assholes, there has never been a better time to be an unredeemable asshole than the one we are currently living in
January 28, 2026 at 2:13 PM
we are living in the golden age for assholes, there has never been a better time to be an unredeemable asshole than the one we are currently living in
We use Teams to draft/share documents across the business easily. It works pretty well.
To access FILES, you go to the Team Channel, and select the FILES tab. That's where you find your FILES
Today, "Files" has gone. Its now called "Shared"
Tech Bro cunts #ChangeForChangesSake
To access FILES, you go to the Team Channel, and select the FILES tab. That's where you find your FILES
Today, "Files" has gone. Its now called "Shared"
Tech Bro cunts #ChangeForChangesSake
January 28, 2026 at 1:02 PM
We use Teams to draft/share documents across the business easily. It works pretty well.
To access FILES, you go to the Team Channel, and select the FILES tab. That's where you find your FILES
Today, "Files" has gone. Its now called "Shared"
Tech Bro cunts #ChangeForChangesSake
To access FILES, you go to the Team Channel, and select the FILES tab. That's where you find your FILES
Today, "Files" has gone. Its now called "Shared"
Tech Bro cunts #ChangeForChangesSake
Decided to read Shadows of Eldolan, 13th Age 2st level adventure. Staying on the 13th Age track for a wee bit longer.
January 27, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Decided to read Shadows of Eldolan, 13th Age 2st level adventure. Staying on the 13th Age track for a wee bit longer.
Finished the quirky dungeon at the back of the #13thAge GM Guide. That's two RPG books read this year.
So what next? 13th Age adventure or one of the Torg novels I picked up recently? Decisions, decisions...
So what next? 13th Age adventure or one of the Torg novels I picked up recently? Decisions, decisions...
January 27, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Finished the quirky dungeon at the back of the #13thAge GM Guide. That's two RPG books read this year.
So what next? 13th Age adventure or one of the Torg novels I picked up recently? Decisions, decisions...
So what next? 13th Age adventure or one of the Torg novels I picked up recently? Decisions, decisions...
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
i have just gotten off a productive call with sauron where i laid out our requests
- nazgul bodycams
- morgul knife must remain sheathed unless suspect is determined to be carrying the one ring
- shelob will be the new point of contact
- nazgul bodycams
- morgul knife must remain sheathed unless suspect is determined to be carrying the one ring
- shelob will be the new point of contact
January 27, 2026 at 3:15 PM
i have just gotten off a productive call with sauron where i laid out our requests
- nazgul bodycams
- morgul knife must remain sheathed unless suspect is determined to be carrying the one ring
- shelob will be the new point of contact
- nazgul bodycams
- morgul knife must remain sheathed unless suspect is determined to be carrying the one ring
- shelob will be the new point of contact
Second expansion on post from yesterday morning: why I hate* ongoing damage. Or DoT. Or whatever you want to call it.
1/
*sometimes. context depending. terms and conditions apply
1/
*sometimes. context depending. terms and conditions apply
Have finished reading 13th Age (bar the starter adventure) and I love it.
BUT...it does keep 2 things from 4e that I dislike (and that my 4e hack would cut out)
1. Level-appropriate magic item bonuses.
2. Ongoing damage. Hate it. Pure combat admin.
BUT...it does keep 2 things from 4e that I dislike (and that my 4e hack would cut out)
1. Level-appropriate magic item bonuses.
2. Ongoing damage. Hate it. Pure combat admin.
January 27, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Second expansion on post from yesterday morning: why I hate* ongoing damage. Or DoT. Or whatever you want to call it.
1/
*sometimes. context depending. terms and conditions apply
1/
*sometimes. context depending. terms and conditions apply
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
Reform is basically a suburban petrol station's DVD bin of Tory politicians.
January 26, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Reform is basically a suburban petrol station's DVD bin of Tory politicians.
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
I think at this point the UK has accepted Paddington as the Death Bear, collector of souls. So, I think as a nation we should start smearing marmalade on the eyes of the dead and whisper “fare for the crossing”. It’ll feel weird now but, in three of four generations, no one will question it.
January 26, 2026 at 11:36 AM
I think at this point the UK has accepted Paddington as the Death Bear, collector of souls. So, I think as a nation we should start smearing marmalade on the eyes of the dead and whisper “fare for the crossing”. It’ll feel weird now but, in three of four generations, no one will question it.
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
Announcing my stripped-down, grimdark TTRPG where you yearn to carve your name into history with grit and a bloody axe as the world collapses around you. Unfortunately, you're not a heroic adventurer, you're stuck working 66 hours a week in a rotating series of dead-end corporate jobs. I call it:
January 26, 2026 at 5:08 AM
Announcing my stripped-down, grimdark TTRPG where you yearn to carve your name into history with grit and a bloody axe as the world collapses around you. Unfortunately, you're not a heroic adventurer, you're stuck working 66 hours a week in a rotating series of dead-end corporate jobs. I call it:
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
This is so cool! An effort by the French government to replace dependency on US tech companies by building their own productivity suite. No Google, no Microsoft (other than GitHub hosting I guess)
And built on Django, my favorite app framework
And built on Django, my favorite app framework
La Suite numérique
La Suite numérique is a set of open-source applications for digital collaboration and teamwork. It offers modern solutions for the digital workplace. - La Suite numérique
github.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:58 AM
This is so cool! An effort by the French government to replace dependency on US tech companies by building their own productivity suite. No Google, no Microsoft (other than GitHub hosting I guess)
And built on Django, my favorite app framework
And built on Django, my favorite app framework
Reposted by Phil (2026 edition)
Tim Doyle a famous Marvel artist is making some of the most Metal Anti-ICE art right now! Ghost Rider, Wolverine and the Punisher taking ICE out!
January 25, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Tim Doyle a famous Marvel artist is making some of the most Metal Anti-ICE art right now! Ghost Rider, Wolverine and the Punisher taking ICE out!