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John Harper

@johnharper.bsky.social
10K followers 817 following 1.6K posts

Game designer and graphic artist in Seattle, WA. Blades in the Dark, AGON, Lasers & Feelings, Lady Blackbird. johnharper.itch.io

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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 5h
Just caught up with the excellent @newmadras.bsky.social and @kierongillen.bsky.social reacting to reactions about the setting of Blades in the Dark and sharing even more insights and good tips. Thanks to @rascal.news for continuing to provide a platform for deep dives into TTRPG stuff like this.
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Coffee All Night Games ➡️ Arcane Con @coffeeallnight.itch.io · 15h
💀⚠️💀 We are launching tomorrow, and we have another contributor to the Mass Grave stretch goal zine: @johnharper.bsky.social John is joining an already stacked list of folks who are going to be bringing their own unique perspectives to this zine. www.kickstarter.com/projects/cof...
kickstarter.com
Coming soon: The Decay: Survival Horror Roleplaying
A tabletop roleplaying game of weird horror and the struggle to survive it.
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 23h
Don't mess with this crew. 👀
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🍷allison arth🍕 (she / they) @arthograph.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Need a rec for what to watch next? Collected just for you, some memorable & marvelous TV and movies (with compliments to @johnharper.bsky.social) on the latest Little Oracles 📺 open.spotify.com/episode/2j4d...
open.spotify.com
S04:E12 | Reflect: 2025 Hits & Highlights, TV & Film Edition
Little Oracles · Episode
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Stacey Mason @stcymsn.bsky.social · 15/10/2024
Formal affordances are the elements that pull a player toward certain actions, they “cry out” for the player to take those actions. Material affordances are the actions a system actually allows the player to take. Agency occurs when the two are in balance. (Mateas 2001)
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Luna P. @satelitesnaturales.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
My ttrpg take is that the bones are the skeletons' money and in our world bones equal dollars
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Pam Wishbow @pamwishbow.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Hey #portfolioday I’m Pam Wishbow, an illustrator that makes limited color, print inspired work based in Seattle, WA. I’m looking to do more work in publishing, editorial, and games this year. represented by How Do You Do pamwishbow.com
printerly illustration of a gauntlet grasping a snakeillustration for Blood Of Gods Metal and Wine zine, the image is of two women sitting around a backyard fire drinking winePhoto of a bottle of rum and two canned cocktails with illustrated hands on them Poster for the show Daria by Pam Wishbow via Mondo, the image is Daria and Jane sitting at a pizza booth in the hallway of a trashed high school
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Tim's new website is cool, and also: scroll down and check out the Blades Crow's Foot art assets. Great stuff!
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Dr. Emily Friedman @ecfriedman.com · 16/07/2026
Games Not (Only) By Cis-Dudes 🧵 (list in progress I keep on my phone & pasting here) * Apocalypse World * For the queen * The quiet year * Yazeba’s bed and breakfast * Seven part pact * Kagematsu & A single man * Tales of the Fisherman’s Wife * Steal Away Jordan * A Mending * Field guide to memory
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Patreon is switching fully to monthly billing (no more per-release model) so I'm thinking about it. I have stuff I could bring back to Patreon -- specifically mini games, more Blades stuff, and playable works-in-progress. Also some designer chats, game spotlights, and insights. What do you think?
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lolt64 @lolt64.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🚨🚨 WAR-TORN ICE MOON, our 123-page module for FIST, is now out in both print and PDF. I can't describe how it feels to say that after over a year in the ice mines. I'd be honored if you'd take a look. WF. FIST: @claymorerpgs.bsky.social Art: @finnmattfour.bsky.social lolt64.itch.io/wartornicemoon
lolt64.itch.io
War-Torn Ice Moon by lolt64
The Europa Ice War campaign kit for FIST
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🍷allison arth🍕 (she / they) @arthograph.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Your TBR just got bigger 📚 On the latest Little Oracles, a dozen+ book recommendations: from bowls of lemons, to grief as architecture, to Point Break and Guns n Roses, to real-life art heists, to weird and tender women ... there's something for everyone. open.spotify.com/episode/5iYF...
open.spotify.com
S04:E11 | Reflect: 2025 Hits & Highlights, Books Edition
Little Oracles · Episode
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
So good. youtube.com/shorts/d2kGc...
youtube.com
My Signature Move
YouTube video by Sean Foer
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Jack Panic | DNGN CLUB @dngnclub.itch.io · 22/09/2026
The bureau needs you... Join here: tinyurl.com/DNGNBCA
A grainy black image cut by a crimson red opening and shaft of red light that reveals a small human silhouette (in an almost isometric composition)

text in the top right reads:
Navigate the (redacted) BACKRROMS of time and space to regain CONTROL in the (redacted) hack of DAGGERHEART.
Stop DOOM'S DAY,
Save the Bureau....


bottom left:

Bureau of Chronological Affairs


Top right:
DNGN CLUB LOGO
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Emily Cheeseman @emcheeseman.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Trading card commissions will return this Friday, September 25 at noon ET! My art schedule is clear for the first time in many months and I am ready to draw your cool guys. More info at emilycheeseman.com/commissions.
a collage of six digital illustration commissions of original characters in the style of collectible trading cards. below each character's portrait is a box with their name, description, and notable (often silly) stats about their personality or accomplishments.more examples of trading card commissions arranged in a grid layout
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Banana Chan 🔜 Portland Retro Gaming Expo @bananachangames.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Almost at 200 followers 👀 www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
backerkit.com
Follow Sample before we launch
From Read/Write Memory - Follow Sample before we launch
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Ted Bushman | Westward Bound Is in Early Access! @tedbushman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Today on backerkit, we've finally released our early access version of WESTWARD BOUND, our "oops, all dogs" standalone Last Caravan game about a group of dogs finding their humans after an alien invasion transformed North America. I want to tell you about it! (1/?)
A colorful TTRPG cover that shows a red-rocks landscape below where a car is driving towards a ruined alien ship. Above the landscape loom three cute figures of dogs!
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Tim Denee @olddog.games · 17/09/2026
I had a great time talking to Marco about design, story games, Blades '68, and much else! Links in the quote.
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Quinns @itsquinns.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Gosh, this looks so handsome. I could never play ttrpgs online but I'm more and more jealous of some of the toolkits
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Tim Denee @olddog.games · 16/09/2026
I go all over the place with hulls, but some images I have variously used in games:
A suited figure with a sort of chrome mask and hand. Cover artwork for the science fiction novel Who? by Algis Budrys, illustrated by Alun Hood.Mad Gallant, from MegaBeast Investigator JuspionK from Robot DetectiveA blue-skinned man's face comes off, revealing skull-like circuitry beneath. Cover art by Davis Meltzer for Philip K. Dick’s Clans of the Alphane Moon.
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Rascal News @rascal.news · 10/09/2026
In Australia, a teacher runs Band of Blades every day for more than 30 students. @newmadras.bsky.social tells that story, alongside his personal recollections of the game and what makes it unique. It's not just a single narrative, it's...
rascal.news
One Hundred Tales of Solidarity
The story of the greatest game of Band of Blades ever played and a love letter to the people I played two campaigns with.
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I am thrilled beyond words with what Tim and the team have made here. So excited to see it out in the world!
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Y'all, @scenefour.bsky.social is doing *the work* with short form videos in the #ttrpg trenches -- posting truly insightful commentary while parrying and riposting a barrage of nit-pickers every day. Massive respect and glory to his name! Check him out here: www.youtube.com/@scene_four or on Insta.
youtube.com
Sean Foer
I'm Sean, a professional Game Master and designer, writer and editor of tabletop RPGs!
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Allan Lorde @allanlorde.com · 13/09/2026
100%. For those unfamiliar, Van Halen had a line in their rider that essentially said “no brown M&Ms.” It was a way to see if the promoter had actually read the contract. They had a shitload of gear to tour with, so if they’re skipping one thing, it’s guaranteed they’re skipping something essential.
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
"I'm ready to read the Reddit comments now."
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Calum Grace @calumgrace.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
thinking about how cool this process was and how much I'm looking forward to seeing my words in the final product, I want to do more of this kind of thing! Please pay me for some words, I promise they will be the weirdest, scariest, most gruesome words I can think of.
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Sean highlights some new Blades tech in this video (around 18:38): the campaign sheets for Dagger Isles. These help the GM set up and run the revolutionary resistance missions that most Dagger Isles crews will be pursuing in the game. Fun stuff! More to come. :)
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Evil Hat @evilhat.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and try not to get caught up in @seannittner.bsky.social 's relentless enthusiasm for gaming. It's the State of the Hat! ...fully time-stamped for your convenient. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbB3...
youtube.com
State of the Hat - September 2026
YouTube video by Evil Hat Productions
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I posted a (positive) review of a restaurant and they replied with "I know right?! I love to eat there with my friends, it's so good!" Like, *you're the restaurant*, my dude. What?
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Hayley G - Good Society 2E on Kickstarter now! @storybrewersroleplaying.com · 09/09/2026
🎩🍰Call for tea and biscuits as Good Society 2nd edition is live upon the Kickstarter! 🍰🎩 We're back with more romance, scandal, and drama than ever. Come visit upon us and take a look at this Jane Austen rpg 💌 www.kickstarter.com/projects/sto...
kickstarter.com
Good Society: A Jane Austen RPG – 2nd Edition
Navigate the pitfalls of romance, reputation, manners, and marriage in the sumptuous new edition of this award-winning regency rpg.
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The Tabletop Nook @thetabletopnook.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Episode one is here! 🥳 So excited to be chatting to @jcvim.bsky.social about how she got into the TTRPG industry, the UK vs USA tabletop scene, and what's next for her. 💛 youtu.be/rWO1vVZj4_4?... #ttrpg #tabletopgames #tabletopgaming
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Sam D @sam.diceexploder.com · 09/09/2026
I like Blades in the Dark downtime because it's inevitably like - slapstick scene where 2 PCs get paranoid ➡️ drunk and set up Home Alone style traps in the bar they run - 2 NPCs we've never seen on camera make a deal with a satan jr. for superpowers - the crew's favorite contact lost his dog again
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Sam D @sam.diceexploder.com · 08/09/2026
Dice Exploder is back with a new season! This week I talk with @ashthestampede.bsky.social about Duty Stations from Night Witches by @bullypulpithq.bsky.social and how it influenced Ash's work on The Watch (now with a 2e on Kickstarter). Take a listen!
diceexploder.com
Transcript: Duty Stations (Night Witches) with Ash Kreider - Dice Exploder
Listen to this episode here. Further Reading The Watch 2e is on Kickstarter now Night Witches by Jason Morningstar Socials Ash on Bluesky Ash's website, including listings for their games...
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Tim has done a titanic amount of beautiful work to make custom graphics to accompany most of the stretch goal pieces. Truly astonishing to see. 🔥🔥🔥
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Tim has done a titanic amount of beautiful work to make custom graphics to accompany most of the stretch goal pieces. Truly astonishing to see. 🔥🔥🔥
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Mitchell let #caturday pass him by, but he's not concerned.
Mitchell, a gray and white tuxedo cat with a black nose, lounges on his side on his orange and white blanket. He's falling asleep but his eyes are still open a bit. He is very fluffy in this photo.
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The Tabletop Nook @thetabletopnook.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
We are SO excited that season 1 of The Tabletop Nook is coming your way next week as a video podcast on YouTube & audio on Spotify. 🥳 Join us as we chat to a range of incredible tabletop games guests and go behind the curtain of what it's like to work in the industry! 🎲 #tabletopgames #ttrpg
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Jack Panic | DNGN CLUB @dngnclub.itch.io · 03/09/2026
New #daggerheart Heartbreaker: Cinematic Initiative. Inspired by the initiative system from Cubicle 7's Doctor Who games its add a soft structure to elevate the drama in a scene & create a conflict where words are as effective as weapons. in color (hotdog or hamburger style) and printer friendly.
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RPG Trader @rpgtrader.com · 03/09/2026
⚠️ Accessories are here! RPG Trader just got a big upgrade. Creators can now offer print-on-demand physical accessories for their games - alongside digital downloads & print books. Cards. Dice. Maps. GM screens. Tiles. Character sheets. Game boxes. And it all happens directly through RPG Trader.
Screenshot showing the 7 accessories now available - Screen, Tear-off pad, Sheet, Cards Hex Tiles, Dice and Game box
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Thomas M, Full-time Rascal @newmadras.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The first episode of season two of Rascal Reading Club is out and we're off to a great start. We're talking about setting in Blades in the Dark and it's already got me thinking about games in new ways. 🧵⬇️ www.rascal.news/reading-club...
rascal.news
Reading Club: Blades in the Dark/Doskvol
This ain't Swords in the Light.
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ULTRA💀BLAST @ultrakillblast.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
ALIEN (1979)
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
What a delight to listen to Thomas talk about Doskvol!
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Witty Volkova @wittlegoblin.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
If you missed my playthrough of @bananachangames.bsky.social new game Sample, you can check the edited stream here! youtu.be/d1gg8V7rq7s?...
youtu.be
Sample: The New y2k Solo Horror RPG (Full Playthrough)
YouTube video by Witty Volkova
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🍷allison arth🍕 (she / they) @arthograph.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Find the full Western Cantos suite of poetry RPGs on Itch 🤠 itch.io/s/139701/the...
itch.io
The Western Cantos | A Poetry RPG Cycle 25% OFF by allison arth
A bundle by allison arth, $25.00 for 6 games
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🍷allison arth🍕 (she / they) @arthograph.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
So cool to see Gentleman Bandit included in this roundup of micro-games! Love love love Barclay & Bee's book club concept ... what a genius conceit to learn about and share all the amazing games out there ✨
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Evil Hat @evilhat.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
In two weeks... The HEISTS get bigger. The REBELLION gets bolder. The ACTION is electroplasmic. Blades '68 by @olddog.games Coming to your FLGS Sept 14th. Or place your preorder with us now: evilhat.com/product/blad...
In the background, a roadmap of Doskvol 968. The city is rendered in pastel pink, blue, and gray. Atop the map is a copy of Blades '68.  Colorful characters inspired by the 1960s are illustrated in bright shades of blue, orange, and yellow.
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Tabletop Bookshelf🔜Gamehole Con @tabletopbookshelf.com · 31/08/2026
Solo journaling games, delivered to your door every month. Introducing Solo Party, a new subscription service from Tabletop Bookshelf! A new solo game, chosen and packed by us, delivered to you every single month. 🗓️ Launches September 2026 | First delivery in October
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Diceweaver @diceweaver.com · 31/08/2026
You can play this on Diceweaver! I'm very proud of it's implementation!
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Eliot Miller | he/they 🏳️‍🌈 @itszebulon.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Agon is one of my favorite systems. The fact that character advancement is locked behind permanent damage completely changes the mentality of players. They run at the plot. They take wild risks. Caution is opposite of their goal. It really shines when you are running horror games.
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John Harper @johnharper.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Strong premise, player driven, impactful choices.
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