Creator of silly rules-lite TTRPGs, actual player and host of the Cybertopia actual play podcast. Videogames analyst currently looking for work https://bennewbon.itch.io https://anchor.fm/cybertopiaap https://youtube.com/@ben_newbon/videos Say no to genAI
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Manchester, England, 1922. A string of disappearances, and a constabulary floundering. Enter The Bees, an unrivalled force against things that go bump in the night. Buzz into action and join GM Molly for a two-part Call of Cthulhu story. Investigate more here - buff.ly/FbqRClK
Wooooooow. No no no
That... that's meaningless tho, right? Signing a placeholder contract doesn't actually constitute a contract, surely?!?!
Sounds like some Delta Green type shit right there!
I feel this in my weary bones
Love it! Want yo play it!
I love my mech games :D Massive everything. Tho in variety. So like battles between just 2 gigantic mechs or a team up against truly unbeatable odds and endless waves, holding out until backup arrives or dogfighting, zipping across huge areas of space or around a big city. Just EVERYTHING. BIG.
What would you be looking for specifically in a mech game?
Massive battles. Cinematic climaxes. Big heartfelt drama. Camaraderie. Extensive customisation. Unique signature gear/abilities.
Sadly can't make that again this year. I'm sure there'll be something sometime tho!
Oooh I didn't realise that was you! There were so many cool ppl there last night :)
It's fine ;) missiles have splash damage!
That allows me to have a close quarters Balor2 frame if necessary that I can still put lots of missiles on and the swarm body and siege stabilisers combo real nicely. Or I can keep with the Raleigh frame and also add in that power combo for the extra range and defensive measures if enemies reach me
Okay so I think I've got a plan together... Depends on how the narrative develops in coming missions but we're currently LL3 and I've got Raleigh2, Mourning Cloak1. By LL6 I'm thinking add Balor2 and Barbarossa1.
I'm considering some levels in Balor - no Horus stuff really fits with anything explosive but all the nanites swarm stuff does fit quite nicely with Stella's whole thing about narratively having a nanites coating on her mechs...
I was lucky enough. To be able to pop in for this last night and had an absolute blast! Actually played as that pictures character and did some cool Dark Souls-y bs, taunting and dodging and kicking ass in the boss battle! Can't wait to see the full game!
She is extremely enthusiastic about explosions and wants to create the biggest bang possible (currently on our way to blow up a capitol ship). But in future I'd really like to find some interesting Horus nonsense that'll fit with such a build... More reading will be needed!
Stella is a scientist and as such is terrible at naming things, so often just picks something random she sees at the moment she needs to assign a name. Previous mechs were called Rock and Spray.
They sound rad! I love Lancer so much :D
Primrose STELLA Zicchea is currently piloting Chamber, a Raleigh frame piled up with as many missiles as you can fit on it, a huge revolver, lightning launcher and explosive cannon with a trickshot mod! And a nice healthy cleaning-nanites glow ;)
Also Overgrown will be going on one of these shelves very soon, so pop into Orcs Nest in Covent Garden to get a copy!
Also this cute installation thingy where it seems like you could scan a QR code and join in playing a virtual instrument
In London for the first time in over a decade and reminded how busy and noisy it is. Fortunately already met up with some lovely online friends and saw some cool sites too!
Running a poll to try and get data on what devices and formats people read TTRPGs in, so designers can make more informed choices. I intend to share the data once I've gotten enough responses, please spread this so we can cover more ground! forms.gle/V7WtvMpAUkJa...
Hugest congratulations, Krissi!
Oh this is another holdover from wargaming, isn't it? /Sigh
And there could still be competition - just not as cutthroat
How much cooler would it be if there were some ppl on it who were like miles behind the others at the start but over the course of the competition improved and became amazing by the end and won!?
Oh yes having easy bolt-ons and extensions, as well as choppable bits! TBH this stuff should be in all adventure materials regardless
OMG
If I was to be given an adventure or something that is supposed to specifically be a one-shot, I'd expect it to be entirely playable in one-session, like for a con game, roughly 4 hours in length. They should be designed to have shortcuts and modular sections that can be skipped if time gets tight
I think the point of a one-shot is to aim for it to be a single session but ppl understand that sometimes things end up overflowing into a second or even more. That kinda depends on how long the sessions are, which varies from group to group and circumstances.
A new AP on @wasitum.bsky.social channel. We play Outgunned in John Wick style. The whole hotel is against us, will we get out? With @bennewbon.itch.io @lilithwilde.bsky.social youtu.be/5YYUbOXRyZI #ttrpg
D is great because you get the authentic asian foods, covering Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, etc. as well as excellent curries but also since it covers Australia, you get a whole bunch of the European cuisine imported over there from colonisation. All you're missing is really good S American foods
Apply to participate in our Fall Fundraiser, coming up on October 25th and 26th! We are looking for GMs and players for multiple games over the weekend. Sign up using the link below: diversitysaves.org/f... Applications close on 9/24 or until all spots are filled
Aw no way! That lie has infected so many shows!
So my kids may becreeeally into dinosaurs and I've absorbed some of it too :D
And you of course can't leave out diplodocus and brontosaurus. Oh also diliphosaur for the neck frill and poison spitting!
Pachycephalosaurus are cool for their hard spiky heads. Parasaulophus have the funny head crest thing that was apparently some sort of trumpet.
Was gonna say ankylosaurus - they're my favourite
Am going to be popping by London this coming Thursday and at a loose end for the evening. If anyone is around and fancies meeting up, drop me a DM and we can grab dinner or a drink or just hang out somewhere :)
Thank you for providing me the perfect opportunity and responses :D
Could just leave it as Lost Haven?
Mahoosive lore drops in Cybertopia recording last night! Always does great as a game runner when you manage to get the whole shock and awe reaction from your players :)
I don't think I've ever listened to him before. Shall have to more now
Ooh this is lovely
Should give me a good couple of weeks before my actual birthday :)
Okay let's not make my ankles look too tasty now!
Just booked my tattoo in for the start of November! Haven't had one in like 17 years, maybe longer. Excited to finally get my ankle wings done 😁
That's so cool, Michelle!
Mood :/ (hug offered if consented and required)
This weeks episode features an advertisement for @bennewbon.itch.io’s Cybertopia AP podcast! Check it out and you might even hear some familiar voices from Twilight’s Edge… bennewbon.itch.io/cybertopia-t...
Thanks very much gang!
Left to their own devices and instructed to learn their lines, the party spends time on and off-stage. A dramatic shake-up occurs in the casting of the roles... Twilight’s Edge | S2 Ep. 6 - I Want To Put A Beard On You Links for listening ⬇️ #Pathfinder2e #TTRPG #ActualPlay #Podcast #DnD
Oh absolutely :) let's chat! Hop in my DMs ;)
Thanks :) You can see more about it on the itch page bennewbon.itch.io/overgrown and get it digitally there if you want, or if you'd like one of these limited print copies, drop me a DM and we'll work it out :)
Here is what remains of the first ever proper print run of Overgrown (after passing a portion off to a couple of stores at TTS)! I have already started sending some out to friends who have requested a copy and happy to do this more, so if you're wanting a lovely fresh print of Overgrown 2e, msg me!
Oh wow you got loads!
I had to buy myself a dice tray too because otherwise it just rolls forever!
Oh no!
"Daddy! It has ALL the numbers!!!"
FWIW he's super happy a out his "big circle dice" and has already asked "next time can you get me a thousand dice"!
4y/o: Daddy, can you get me a hundred dice from your game event? Me: Yes, I can do that...
Last day of @tabletopscot.bsky.social today, so if you haven't managed to pick up a physical copy of Overgrown yet, pop by @shop.peregrinecoast.press or @bindwoodgaming.bsky.social and say hi to my wonderful friends to get yours!
Am watching my first ever live actual play at @tabletopscot.bsky.social by @damselsdnd.bsky.social and having the best time! These ppl are hilarious and "we're off to see a hanging!..."
Hope everyone's having a grand time at @tabletopscot.bsky.social tonight. See you all tomorrow!
Heya Folx! The Pocket Dragon Pub is casting! We have actual play opportunities starting as soon as next week and going through November. If you are interested in sitting at one of our tables, fill out our intake form here: forms.gle/DQBNpd2gd9D4...
I see from now reading the other replies I am late to this joke :/
Ah well do I have a flying-fox to show them!
Sad mechs are still mechs.
MECHS MECHS MECHS!
See mech game jam; write mech game. I wrote this sad little thing today. It's about a dying mech pilot and their bonded mech AI who can't say goodbye. I'm quite proud of this one. I hope you like it. ayfa.itch.io/somewhere-be...
I know these Itch pages don't mean all that much but it is nice to see my game up high on any "popular" list :)
I think many ppl take the whole "yes and" thing too literally and miss that its purpose is to provide a recognition of a statement with a follow-up. It does not NEED to be "yes" and it does not NEED to be "and". This is why "no but" is also valid... but also "yes but" and "sorta... altho".
Now fixed, thanks to some speedy correction on what pdf to upload from my wonderful editor!
Annoyingly, just realised that the form fillable character sheets are duplicating lines across the similar fields :/ will get that fixed and updated asap folks - sorry!
Oops turned out I'd accidentally set the page to restricted but that's fixed now, so everyone can now see it!
Overgrown 2e is now available to purchase (or update to if you already owned it!) bennewbon.itch.io/overgrown/de...
Pantsless Tables Presents 'That's What She Aid,' a mutual aid charity event benefitting @asouzagm.bsky.social! For the month of September, all our scheduled (and surprise) games will fundraise for his gofundme, ending in a 12-hour stream and raid train! Donate here: www.gofundme.com/f/keep-us-ho...
I ran games there the last few years but sadly was too late submitting to get in on this years. I think even if the direct economics don't work out, having a lot of games for attendees to play makes the whole con more enticing than just a big sales hall with a handful of live events going on
Hope you have fun at it! Will hopefully manage to get in on one of your games!
Sweet! Let's get something arranged!
Pop me a DM when you get a chance and we can discuss - don't think I've got you on discord but same handle there
👀 👀 👀
Halloween would be a perfect occasion for some weird animal hybrid fun!
Hehe thanks Kendo - already submitted it on their discord ;) 🤞
Excellent! I think it fits quite a nice lil niche
Thank you! I'm so pleased with how it's come out :)
Let's do it!
Heh yes I'm waiting for that pitch form to go live!
And if you want to get involved in this but you don't have a show, maybe talk to shows you're friends with and see if they'd be interested - sometimes ppl will do a one-shot side story with guests/friends of the show kinda things, so maybe you get lucky on two fronts! ;)
If this sounds like as much fun to you as it does for me, let's get chatting. And if you know any shows that this sounds perfect for, please do let me know and if possible put us in touch! Here's the link to the itch page for 1e, so you can see what the game is about bennewbon.itch.io/overgrown
As many of you may know, I am just about release the new edition of Overgrown, my rules-lite naturepunk game about weird animal hybrids. To celebrate this, I'm looking to work with as many AP shows as I can to either have them play the game themselves or have me run it for them on their feeds...
Oh you think we're stuck with you... I'm afraid it's the other way around ;) (and we're not letting you go! ;p)
🤍VO CASTING CALL🤍 @carrion-comfort.com and I are casting voice talent for principal and supporting roles in the pilot for our horror audio drama. Paid. Want to audition? Check out the link in the replies. We look forward to hearing from you! Auditions run through September 20, 2025.
"The next few years are going to be pretty massive for IWGB Game Workers Union." You can read about what the union for the games industry has been up to in this interview! Work in games in the UK? Want to see a better, fairer games industry? Join us today: iwgb.org.uk/en/join/game...
Following my repost applauding the Paizo unionisation yesterday, leaders of my union, the IWGB Gamer Workers branch just had an interview go out about the importance of unions in the video and tabletop industry in the UK. Shout me if you wanna know more about it all, especially if you wanna join!
Ha cheers!
Getting by pal.
Oh ha! Well sounds like a slightly better one now ;)