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Alistair Smith

@alistairsmith.bsky.social
451 followers 452 following 3K posts

Mid-life crisis: return to OSRPGs, painting and general escape from the mundane. Happiness through imagination and camaraderie. He/him. #grognard

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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Afternoon slated to help teenager and his pal sort out their DofE Silver route plan. They’ve gone out and said “we’ll do it this evening”. Running One Ring this evening, so perhaps we merge the two activities and do it with a couple of Travel rolls.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Which RPGs do you think of when you see this morning’s Cub activity?
A dark tunnel disappears into a mound surrounded by ferns and brambles.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
We all know Han wouldn’t be able to resist a card game with Lando, who would win, and then sell the ring to Darth Vader, who is of course, Sauron.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I’m impressed by people’s ability to concentrate. I’m on a bus and there are four phone conversations going on within two rows of me. My head is about to explode.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
So do we think Liz has now reached the stage where she believes tagging walls will contribute to her mission to save the West?
A white wall with graffiti, including the word ‘Truss’ in red paint. Possible tagging by the shortest serving UK PM?
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Some lovely ratty boys from @wargameswriter.bsky.social ready to go into battle, or just steal cheese.
Ratkin Reavers ready to attack. Nine miniatures carrying (L to R): axe, axe, axe, spear, spear, bone whip and horn, spear, axe, sling.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Trying to model paint after strimming a hedge. Maybe a time for dry brushing not fine detail. #shakyhand
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Such a lovely pack of books and supporting materials. I now need some in person players with which to use it all.
Cold City/Hot War books and assets. Two hardback books plus handouts, info sheets and a beautiful map of Berlin in 1950.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Vaguely disappointed to discover Forbidden Planet stock is delivered by van not spaceship.
Forbidden Planet delivery truck in central London. Being unloaded by two men.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Literally purchased because my son said ‘the label reminds me of the tree of Gondor’. Will now have to pour elaborately in the Spanish way.
A bottle of Spanish cider ‘Cortina’. The black label has a white apple tree on it. The bottle is of green glass. 

In the background a bottle of sun cream.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
I am genuinely offended when I see people in Europe wanting around in Inter Miami merch. A football team founded 8 years ago that has won nothing of merit. FFS.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
It’s against nature, but is going to have to be tried.
A bar of anchovy chocolate - yes, really.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Going to Michel Delving, Waymoot or Tuckborough? Hop on the…
A red bus with ‘Bilbobus’ written on the back, stopped at a bus stop.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
We all recognise don’t we, that for a much bigger slice of the pie, UEFA probably changes its position. UEFA, the FA, the SFA, etc are not exactly paragons of ethics, governance or stewardship of the game.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
In Bilbao and I can’t seem to get a pint of Madri for love nor money. Outrageous!
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Reposted by Alistair Smith
Marie Le Conte @youngvulgarian.marieleconte.com · 28/07/2026
cowardly, anti-British
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Some sort of eldritch sign in the sky today as I head up to London. Hopefully a good omen for horror gaming at #dahnsarf
The clouds mark out an eldritch sigil. The Elder Gods push at the firmament seeking a way through.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The dog’s favourite toy should never have investigated that strange egg in the garden.
Toy squirrel has fallen prey to a xenomorph. After making a strange squeaking noise it finally burst out and made for the trees, curiously confused by its desire for acorns.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Worried the World Cup is nearly done and next season doesn’t start for a month? Get into Calcio Storico, no holds barred Florence street football. youtu.be/1_bMrTysuJs?... Then take a look at my Gran Meccanismo scenario, A Game of Two Halves. www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
youtu.be
The World's Most Dangerous Game Of Football
YouTube video by COPA90
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Fun game of The Hooded Man last night kicked off the Raspy Raven Osprey Games Season. Our brave outlaws, the Stalwart Hunters, foiled cruel Sir Piers’ plan to force the young people of Haysted to work in his mine. Cunning, sneakiness, and a pewter tankard to the face brought Sir Piers low.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Spending my day interviewing Year 10s at my son’s school, talking careers, etc. Level of teenage cringe in our house currently off the scale.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Heresy, mutation, siege, religious zealots. All the ingredients for a grim and dark romp in @bentobitt.bsky.social Black Powder & Brimstone. My latest pamphlet adventure out now. The Girl They Would Burn. www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Cover of pamphlet for The Girl They Would Burn. A woodcut scene in which the sky burns above a city , people look up in horror.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
There’s a family on my train to Leeds. Parents in 60s, son in 30s. All wearing different Nando’s T-shirts. Guess they must like peri-peri chicken a lot.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
But Johnny Walker is from Kilmarnock.
Johnny Walker hoarding at Edinburgh airport ‘welcome to the home of the world’s number 1 Scotch whisky’.
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Reposted by Alistair Smith
jwmuk ⚖️ GrogLaw 17 Oct @jwmuk.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Games are ready to be selected for @ospreygames.bsky.social season, it's open for a week or until it's oversubscribed, whichever comes first, then we draw the lottery. Games run on The Raspy Raven (link in bio), 13-19/July. forms.gle/ef2Jfs2czqmA... #TTRPG We are independent of Osprey Publishing
A picture of a raven in black, cawing at OSPREY SEASON ON (in red) THE RASPY RAVEN in black, A week of adventure. Many worlds to explore.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Oh damn. I missed ‘World Outlander Day’ yesterday. Should have worn my kilt!
Promotional email from Caledonian Sleeper showing a train crossing a Scottish moor. The train features a vinyl wrap of Outlander stars.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
“Fine-good rat-things. Ready-prepared to overrun-crush filthy man-things!”
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Beautiful day to hike the Lairig Ghru in the Cairngorms - if junior hadn’t broken his collarbone ten days ago. Still. Nice to be in the Highlands in the sun.
The Cairngorms in the sun. In the foreground a road and the sign form outdoor shop. Trees on the other side of the road and then the mountains, some still with snow.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Awake to see in the paper that the government are arguing about more drilling in the N Sea to reduce energy prices. Cheapest electric in Europe: Scandinavia with lots of nuclear and hydro, Spain with vast amounts of solar. Renewables are the answer. FFS
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Getting closer to the point where I can bring Ronin rpg to the table. Just need more mooks and villains. #JHbackdrops #badsquiddogames
Five samurai step forward agains a backdrop of trees. Left to right: a female samurai in a blue kimono with a sheathed katana, a hammer wielding samurai in black and blue armour, an armour less samurai with wild hair and a ready sword, a bowman in green armour and a daimyo resplendent in blue and purple armour and crested helmet. . 

Three samurai at the ready. A fierce woman warrior flanked by masked and armoured fighters in splendid helmets. A warrior monk flanked by two female warriors in silk kimonos, swords at the ready. The left hand one in pink, her companion in yellow. The Blood Sorceress and her undead samurai thrall await battle. 

The Sorceress has a purple dress and red skin. She wields a ferocious katana and has long antelope horns. 

Her thrall smells of the grave, his armour and clothing dark and dirty. He wields two swords and has a helmet with stag antlers.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Son knows the things that will make me happy - on a trip to Berlin he doesn’t send a pic of the Reichstag, or the Brandenburg Gate, but genuine Vita Cola, the East German Coke alternative. #ColdWar
Bottle of Vita Cola, red label and cap, label has lemon on it.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Crna Kraljica. Last time I had this excellent dark beer was on holiday in Croatia last year. #beersthatcouldbeanosrscenario
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Great Dahn Sarf get together in London today. Thanks to @elevatedpachyderm.bsky.social for organising and @robertcarnell.bsky.social for a vivid and dynamic game of Electric Bastionland. No face to face games for ages now!
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Dahn Sarf: The OSR Strikes Back..- bound and with no train delays/replacement bus services. Scarce believable. Bet there are no Lime bikes near Waterloo! #dahnsarf
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Got on the train. It was really busy so I chanced it and sat in the 1st Class section. Everyone there busily working on their laptops, so peer pressure made me get my laptop out and work all the way home. Not doing that again.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
Fun this afternoon running The Heretic’s Zeal for Black Powder & Brimstone. Grimness, darkness and laughs from great players. www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
drivethrurpg.com
Black Powder and Brimstone - The Heretic's Zeal - Alistair Smith | DriveThruRPG
Stop the priest! The prophecy must not come to pass. It is a time of war and horror. The Vaterland is riven by conflict and stricken with plague. Cities burn and crops fail. But if the omens are to be...
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Ah well. Time to go inside. It’s started raining and someone’s playing suit dance music too loudly.
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Reposted by Alistair Smith
jwmuk ⚖️ GrogLaw 17 Oct @jwmuk.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
It's #gothic writing season on The Raspy Raven (see link in bio). We've been tasked by @groewe.bsky.social to write a #TTRPG game or scenario by 31/Aug. But what is Gothic? What are the key tropes? How do you make it gameable? What system? What genre? Any thoughts? Please share this post 🙏
A red satin background, a black mirror, the shadow of dead raven. It's Gothic season on The Raspy Raven!
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Watch the Tories twist and turn to make Trump Admin’s suggestion that they might back Argentina re the Falklands the fault of the Labour Govt not further evidence that Trump is an unreliable ally and that reducing reliance on them is imperative.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Let’s see what breakfast looks like here at the Castle View in Chepstow.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
TTRPG about me: First game: Tunnels & Trolls Last game: Black Sword Hack Longest game: WFRP 1e Favourite game: Call of Cthulhu Favourite mechanics: MERP Favourite art: Johan Egerkrans work for Free League
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
No one can be trusted. The roads are dangerous, the forests terrifying. But this is an easy errand surely? Adventure in the grim and perilous world of Black Powder and Brimstone with this PWYW pamphlet adventure. www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5... @bentobitt.bsky.social
drivethrurpg.com
Black Powder and Brimstone - The Damned Post - Alistair Smith | DriveThruRPG
In a world of war, famine and plague, there is no such thing as a simple or safe job. The horror can reach you anywhere. But collecting a missing package from a courier post is just about as easy as i...
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Reposted by Alistair Smith
Tycho's Games @tychosgames.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Giveaway! We've teamed up with Sprues & Brews to bring you the chance to win a selection of awesome Fallout Miniatures? Just follow: @tychosgames.bsky.social @spruesandbrews.bsky.social and like/ repost this post. A winner will be picked 10th April.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to US to go ahead in April. Only hoping that this is only going ahead so Charles can say “didn’t you used to have a lovely rose garden? My mother thought it was wonderful”. And “isn’t all this gold leaf a little déclassé?” And things like that.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Our public services aren’t for a secretive profit-hungry US tech firm. Sign the petition to tell the Government to scrap all contracts with secretive US tech firm Palantir. you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Stop Palantir taking over our public services!
Our public services aren’t for a secretive profit-hungry US tech firm. Sign the petition to tell the Government to scrap all contracts with secretive US tech firm Palantir.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Surprised at how much I’m enjoying being on the top deck of a double decker as it wends its way thru SW London. It’s a lovely day and there’s lots to look at from up here. #railreplacementservice
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Although he should.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
At a gig in London tonight - The Hellp - and a kid in front of us was wearing, ironically I guess, a t-shirt from the Magnum tour that my pal and I went to in the 80s. #feelingold
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Is someone laughing at my aubergine inspired Samurai helmet? How dare you.
Samurai metal helmet with an aubergine leaf at the crown.
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Alistair Smith @alistairsmith.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
This armour surcoat from the British Museum’s incredible Samurai exhibition looks a little brave IMHO.
Padded surcoat decorated with a bullseye.
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