Andrew Welsh
@andrewwelsh.bsky.social
(he/him)
TTRPG designer & GM, movie nerd, 3D printing enthusiast, amateur fantasy writer, (legally distinct) Mind Flayer... need I say more? Writing Stuff, Breaking Realities.
arwelsh.weebly.com | @loretooth.bsky.social
https://linktr.ee/ender_guardian
TTRPG designer & GM, movie nerd, 3D printing enthusiast, amateur fantasy writer, (legally distinct) Mind Flayer... need I say more? Writing Stuff, Breaking Realities.
arwelsh.weebly.com | @loretooth.bsky.social
https://linktr.ee/ender_guardian
Thank you! I love the look of circuitry and circuit boards - it was a lot of fun getting it all working and then arranging them somewhat artistically!
January 14, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Thank you! I love the look of circuitry and circuit boards - it was a lot of fun getting it all working and then arranging them somewhat artistically!
Well, I'm going to try and keep this momentum going, and do another stream tomorrow, probably around noon Central time.
If you're interested and want to come hang out, I'd be happy to have you! Please excuse the inherent awkwardness as I get things figured out :)
www.youtube.com/@Loretooth_S...
If you're interested and want to come hang out, I'd be happy to have you! Please excuse the inherent awkwardness as I get things figured out :)
www.youtube.com/@Loretooth_S...
Loretooth Games Studios
Loretooth Studios is an independent game studio based in St. Louis, Missouri. We are passionate about sharing the art of game design and dedicated to building and supporting your next favorite tablet...
www.youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Well, I'm going to try and keep this momentum going, and do another stream tomorrow, probably around noon Central time.
If you're interested and want to come hang out, I'd be happy to have you! Please excuse the inherent awkwardness as I get things figured out :)
www.youtube.com/@Loretooth_S...
If you're interested and want to come hang out, I'd be happy to have you! Please excuse the inherent awkwardness as I get things figured out :)
www.youtube.com/@Loretooth_S...
...and the good news is, I kinda already did it! I livestreamed a bit today, going through my game's Google Doc, reading out about the different ancestries and such, and generally talking world lore.
No one was watching, but it's the thought that counts, right?
No one was watching, but it's the thought that counts, right?
January 8, 2026 at 10:04 PM
...and the good news is, I kinda already did it! I livestreamed a bit today, going through my game's Google Doc, reading out about the different ancestries and such, and generally talking world lore.
No one was watching, but it's the thought that counts, right?
No one was watching, but it's the thought that counts, right?
that typically ended with my social anxiety, insecurities, and the like being such a massive barrier to entry that I wasn't really able to pursue that desire (in addition to the copious prep time that fundamentally was not sustainable for me at that time).
All that to say, I want to try again.
All that to say, I want to try again.
January 8, 2026 at 10:04 PM
that typically ended with my social anxiety, insecurities, and the like being such a massive barrier to entry that I wasn't really able to pursue that desire (in addition to the copious prep time that fundamentally was not sustainable for me at that time).
All that to say, I want to try again.
All that to say, I want to try again.
The last thing I want to do is to just say “this ancestry exists” in my setting and ttrpg (#Underkeeper). Not to say that approach isn’t valid, I (personally) just want more, and not fall back on tired and racist/bigoted fantasy tropes (because there’s so many, especially with Orcs and Goblins).
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
The last thing I want to do is to just say “this ancestry exists” in my setting and ttrpg (#Underkeeper). Not to say that approach isn’t valid, I (personally) just want more, and not fall back on tired and racist/bigoted fantasy tropes (because there’s so many, especially with Orcs and Goblins).
…history for the “main-player” species on the prime material plane; and establish their niches so I can build different cultures up around these ancestries.
My players will probably not care/investigate the evolutionary history of goblins… but it’s so nice to have a basic framework to fall back on.
My players will probably not care/investigate the evolutionary history of goblins… but it’s so nice to have a basic framework to fall back on.
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
…history for the “main-player” species on the prime material plane; and establish their niches so I can build different cultures up around these ancestries.
My players will probably not care/investigate the evolutionary history of goblins… but it’s so nice to have a basic framework to fall back on.
My players will probably not care/investigate the evolutionary history of goblins… but it’s so nice to have a basic framework to fall back on.
…and of course, it’s fantasy - so I have the creative license to embellish a bit (and I *absolutely* plan to do so!) and stretch the verisimilitude of my worldbuilding.
I don’t think this whole evolutionary breakdown will even make it into the book, but it helped me establish a reasonable…
I don’t think this whole evolutionary breakdown will even make it into the book, but it helped me establish a reasonable…
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
…and of course, it’s fantasy - so I have the creative license to embellish a bit (and I *absolutely* plan to do so!) and stretch the verisimilitude of my worldbuilding.
I don’t think this whole evolutionary breakdown will even make it into the book, but it helped me establish a reasonable…
I don’t think this whole evolutionary breakdown will even make it into the book, but it helped me establish a reasonable…
I’m running with this all mostly off the top of my head (and the memory of having watched hundreds of hours of Gutsick Gibbon videos). I am no scientist, just curious; at best an armchair anthropologist.
I’m pretty sure there’s a problem with timing (depending on the age of the setting), and such.
I’m pretty sure there’s a problem with timing (depending on the age of the setting), and such.
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
I’m running with this all mostly off the top of my head (and the memory of having watched hundreds of hours of Gutsick Gibbon videos). I am no scientist, just curious; at best an armchair anthropologist.
I’m pretty sure there’s a problem with timing (depending on the age of the setting), and such.
I’m pretty sure there’s a problem with timing (depending on the age of the setting), and such.
I’m doing my best to have the human+ line and the orcish line resemble the time period where hominins like homo erectus and homo neanderthalensis (I think I’m remembering the correct species?) would have coexisted and shared some mechanical and technological developments (tools, fire, etc).
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
I’m doing my best to have the human+ line and the orcish line resemble the time period where hominins like homo erectus and homo neanderthalensis (I think I’m remembering the correct species?) would have coexisted and shared some mechanical and technological developments (tools, fire, etc).
…larger brain sizes and smaller frames, allowing them access to resources that the orcs did not have access to; leading to the lingering quasi-arboreal gathering lifestyle before the human-halfling+ divergence.
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
…larger brain sizes and smaller frames, allowing them access to resources that the orcs did not have access to; leading to the lingering quasi-arboreal gathering lifestyle before the human-halfling+ divergence.
The Orc line and Human+ line diverged the farthest back. Orcs took the role of environmental generalists; they were the dominant hunters across the continents, and had greater success in doing battle with the beasts of the land.
Thus, the human+ line specialized. Evolutionarily, they favored…
Thus, the human+ line specialized. Evolutionarily, they favored…
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
The Orc line and Human+ line diverged the farthest back. Orcs took the role of environmental generalists; they were the dominant hunters across the continents, and had greater success in doing battle with the beasts of the land.
Thus, the human+ line specialized. Evolutionarily, they favored…
Thus, the human+ line specialized. Evolutionarily, they favored…
The halfling-goblinoid line thrived with a smaller stature because they were more successful in surviving in areas that would accommodate smaller body plans, while the human-line was more adapted to quasi-arboreal life, and specialized resource gathering.
…and that brings us to the orcs in the room
…and that brings us to the orcs in the room
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
The halfling-goblinoid line thrived with a smaller stature because they were more successful in surviving in areas that would accommodate smaller body plans, while the human-line was more adapted to quasi-arboreal life, and specialized resource gathering.
…and that brings us to the orcs in the room
…and that brings us to the orcs in the room
The same applies to our fantasy tree.
Most recently, halflings and goblinoids diverged from one another, due to environmental adaptation.
Before that, the halfling-goblin line diverged from the human line. This environmental distinction is where the human-halfling size difference comes into play.
Most recently, halflings and goblinoids diverged from one another, due to environmental adaptation.
Before that, the halfling-goblin line diverged from the human line. This environmental distinction is where the human-halfling size difference comes into play.
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
The same applies to our fantasy tree.
Most recently, halflings and goblinoids diverged from one another, due to environmental adaptation.
Before that, the halfling-goblin line diverged from the human line. This environmental distinction is where the human-halfling size difference comes into play.
Most recently, halflings and goblinoids diverged from one another, due to environmental adaptation.
Before that, the halfling-goblin line diverged from the human line. This environmental distinction is where the human-halfling size difference comes into play.
Now, it’s important to not that this sort of family tree often gets misinterpreted in science communication.
Humans are not descendants of chimpanzees; we are contemporaneous species who share a common ancestor. The differences between our species come from our ancestors’ diverged niches.
Humans are not descendants of chimpanzees; we are contemporaneous species who share a common ancestor. The differences between our species come from our ancestors’ diverged niches.
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Now, it’s important to not that this sort of family tree often gets misinterpreted in science communication.
Humans are not descendants of chimpanzees; we are contemporaneous species who share a common ancestor. The differences between our species come from our ancestors’ diverged niches.
Humans are not descendants of chimpanzees; we are contemporaneous species who share a common ancestor. The differences between our species come from our ancestors’ diverged niches.
So, what was originally a sketchup of classical goblinoid traits has broadened into sketchups for orcish, humanoid, and halfling traits too.
From there, we can build out a “rough” family tree, where we have to flesh out the divergence points between ancestry lines.
From there, we can build out a “rough” family tree, where we have to flesh out the divergence points between ancestry lines.
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
So, what was originally a sketchup of classical goblinoid traits has broadened into sketchups for orcish, humanoid, and halfling traits too.
From there, we can build out a “rough” family tree, where we have to flesh out the divergence points between ancestry lines.
From there, we can build out a “rough” family tree, where we have to flesh out the divergence points between ancestry lines.
The approach right now is *fantasy Miocene* because Orcs, Humans, and Halflings also exist in the setting’s present-day; and would have historically filled similar niches throughout their evolutionary histories.
…and because they have similar body plans and types, there’s probably a common ancestor
…and because they have similar body plans and types, there’s probably a common ancestor
December 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
The approach right now is *fantasy Miocene* because Orcs, Humans, and Halflings also exist in the setting’s present-day; and would have historically filled similar niches throughout their evolutionary histories.
…and because they have similar body plans and types, there’s probably a common ancestor
…and because they have similar body plans and types, there’s probably a common ancestor
The current organization is by system; one of these days I plan on putting together some book nooks for each of the main representative games, and/or companies.
Need to kinda sketch out and plan for what the eventual upgrade will look like… when its feasible!
Need to kinda sketch out and plan for what the eventual upgrade will look like… when its feasible!
December 9, 2025 at 2:55 PM
The current organization is by system; one of these days I plan on putting together some book nooks for each of the main representative games, and/or companies.
Need to kinda sketch out and plan for what the eventual upgrade will look like… when its feasible!
Need to kinda sketch out and plan for what the eventual upgrade will look like… when its feasible!
Don’t tempt me lol.
One of these days I want to custom build a huge, proper shelf for all my books. Make it big enough that I can have some sections on the inside to display some of my minis and 3D printed terrain.
One of these days lol.
One of these days I want to custom build a huge, proper shelf for all my books. Make it big enough that I can have some sections on the inside to display some of my minis and 3D printed terrain.
One of these days lol.
December 9, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Don’t tempt me lol.
One of these days I want to custom build a huge, proper shelf for all my books. Make it big enough that I can have some sections on the inside to display some of my minis and 3D printed terrain.
One of these days lol.
One of these days I want to custom build a huge, proper shelf for all my books. Make it big enough that I can have some sections on the inside to display some of my minis and 3D printed terrain.
One of these days lol.
I also tend to get a lot of core rulebooks as inspiration because I like to design my own systems.
The end credits and special thanks sections I write end up on the longer side, just thanking many of my sources of inspiration.
The end credits and special thanks sections I write end up on the longer side, just thanking many of my sources of inspiration.
December 8, 2025 at 9:43 PM
I also tend to get a lot of core rulebooks as inspiration because I like to design my own systems.
The end credits and special thanks sections I write end up on the longer side, just thanking many of my sources of inspiration.
The end credits and special thanks sections I write end up on the longer side, just thanking many of my sources of inspiration.
Short campaigns are the way to do it, in my experience (6-8, sometimes 10 sessions per adventure). It also helps rotate the GM seat around a lot.
For me and my friends, the barrier to entry is on the low side so long as there’s an intuitive character builder or an easy-to-read reference sheet
For me and my friends, the barrier to entry is on the low side so long as there’s an intuitive character builder or an easy-to-read reference sheet
December 8, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Short campaigns are the way to do it, in my experience (6-8, sometimes 10 sessions per adventure). It also helps rotate the GM seat around a lot.
For me and my friends, the barrier to entry is on the low side so long as there’s an intuitive character builder or an easy-to-read reference sheet
For me and my friends, the barrier to entry is on the low side so long as there’s an intuitive character builder or an easy-to-read reference sheet
Not pictured is Relict RPG (it’s coming!), but they deserve a special shout-out here because I really like their class-building mechanics.
December 8, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Not pictured is Relict RPG (it’s coming!), but they deserve a special shout-out here because I really like their class-building mechanics.
- Vaesen, the Alien RPG, and Old Gods of Appalachia (also a great podcast!) are excellent horror-themed games. (I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the OG, Call of Cthulhu here)
- Unity is a solid game and has some of my favorite art (it’s a major point of reference for art direction for my RPG)
- Unity is a solid game and has some of my favorite art (it’s a major point of reference for art direction for my RPG)
December 8, 2025 at 9:26 PM
- Vaesen, the Alien RPG, and Old Gods of Appalachia (also a great podcast!) are excellent horror-themed games. (I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the OG, Call of Cthulhu here)
- Unity is a solid game and has some of my favorite art (it’s a major point of reference for art direction for my RPG)
- Unity is a solid game and has some of my favorite art (it’s a major point of reference for art direction for my RPG)