Today’s combination: Directness (Prompt) + Instinct (Weekly Modifier) + Full of Grace (Weekly Modifier) + Cyberpunk (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Omen (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Cyberpunk (nick)name generator)

Omen’s reputation as a jacker who can slice through any corporate security node is almost as legendary as her lack of tact. She calls it directness; those who deal with her call it rudeness. She only began taking contracts a few years ago, but her reputation quickly grew as she completed increasingly daring jobs. She never goes on physical runs and is rarely seen out in the city, but when you need a system cracked, “Omen is your gal.” Or so she constantly reminds everyone.

She will point out the flaws in your plans, your lack of forethought, or your poor choice in cybernetics with little regard for social norms or your feelings. However, she rarely fails at a job. She chalks her success up to unfailing instincts and the blessing of whatever higher power might be listening. Omen is quick to tell you that she’s “just that good, and being full of grace never hurts!”

With clients she doesn’t know or trust, she communicates exclusively via encrypted messages. When her instincts give the green light, and you’ve earned her trust—not an easy feat—Omen might welcome you to her “sanctum sanctorum,” a heavily secured ops center where she practices her digital sorcery.

Omen has scrubbed her real identity from all digital records and answers to no other name. Her base of operations is protected by a heavily chromed bodyguard she affectionately calls “her brother,” though they obviously share no actual relation. The place is rigged with state-of-the-art neural computers and servers, its walls covered in religious imagery and paraphernalia from dozens of faiths. As she puts it, “One or more of these has to be blessing me at any given point.”

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Intensity (Prompt) + Instinct (Weekly Modifier) + Fair of Face (Weekly Modifier) + Superhero (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Orothos (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Superhero name generator)

When a hero needs to know whether a person is telling the truth, they call upon an old ally in the city: Orothos. He appears as an older man wearing a worn-out white blazer and a painted porcelain mask of a fair-faced young man, holding court in his private room at the Ruby Club.

Some say he was once a celebrated hero; others insist he is a retired criminal. No one is quite sure, but Orothos is known for his wit and uncanny powers of observation. The intensity of his words disarms the most hardened individuals, and his instincts rarely fail. He never tortures or physically harms those he interrogates. Instead, through conversation and sheer will, he sifts through the lies to uncover the truth.

Orothos’ abilities are indeed unnatural. He can peer into the souls of those he speaks with to determine their sincerity. However, every time he uses this power, the person wearing the mask ages preternaturally. This is because Orothos is not the man, but the mask itself—the ceramic vessel for the spirit of a former hero.

He wants to escape his porcelain prison but has not deciphered how to do so in all his years of captivity. He uses his investigative powers to maintain contact with the city’s hero community, hoping someone might eventually help him find a way out. Until then, he changes host bodies whenever his current wearer grows too old to continue.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

You can see the picture I took that day below!

Then I started planning, sent interview requests to people, and I thought I had sent one to her.

I never did… Shame! (GOT Style) Despite my oversight, Keiggy was graceful enough to answer my questions. Let me share her responses with you.

Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you create?

Hiya, I’m Keiggy! I’ve been creating characters and stories for as long as I can remember! Right now, I mainly design merchandise based on games I like, and I’m also working on a graphic novel.

How would you describe your art or creative endeavor?

I’m extremely drawn (hehe) to the concept of creating in and of itself. More accurately, the idea of bringing my characters and worlds to life motivates me to create, to will things into existence, with my own hands, heart, and mind. I always put an absurd amount of thought into the most minute details of a subject (be it as individual as a character or as broad as a world’s history) until I can feel as though I could exist beside it. I like to think this is noticeable enough in the artwork I put out… and in my wordiness, too.

How did you discover TTRPGs?

I can’t exactly recall when I discovered TTRPGs, but I do have a bit of history with some aspects of them from my earlier internet days. Growing up, I was a huuuge fan of Zelda, The Lord of the Rings movies, and my earliest introduction to turn-based RPGs was Paper Mario 64! Later, I played Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light for the DS. I was enthralled and immediately endeared to the party members, their struggles, and their dynamics.

At the same time, I was extremely active on deviantART back in 2009-2012. During that time, I made friends with someone who introduced me to text-based RP. Back then, it was a back-and-forth of replies to comment threads or dA’s (deviantART) chatrooms, all in simple script style for the most part. From there, I sort of “DM’d” a story for both of us to RP, taking narrative elements and dynamics from the games and stories I liked.

As for TTRPGs themselves, I knew Critical Role was a thing at some point, but… I personally had no interest in it! That said, I loved watching people go crazy about it, and I adored listening to the adventures people were having in their own games. Dialogue-heavy, ever-evolving stories AND game mechanics sounded super enticing, but finding a group to play with took years!

Do you actively play TTRPG? What are you playing?

I do! Though life’s been hectic, we still find time to play at least once a week. We only play D&D, but I’m open to trying different systems! Though I’ve only been playing for about 4?? years, I’ve taken part in 5 ongoing campaigns… one of which I’m DMing!

What do you want to play next?

Daggerheart calls to me, maybe Pathfinder.

What projects are available, and what are you working on next?

Currently, I’m working on a couple of things! As far as TTRPGs go—DnD, namely—I’m trying to incorporate practicality and “game-enhancing” elements into the merch I make. Last year, I debuted my Reusable Character Sheets! These combine a few things: double-sided accordion-style bookbinding techniques, a need for compact and accessible design, and something that can be unique to your character, or versatile to any number of PCs. This project has been a labor of love and a whole bunch of effort between me and my partner, and I’m so insanely grateful for the reception they’ve got at local events!  Each one is 100% handmade, and your support helps us work out kinks and perfect the design over time!

As a DM, I’ve gotten a real good taste of game and mechanic design, and I’ve been heavily considering making modules, monsters, magic items, and supplements… This is still just an idea, though. We’ll see where it goes!

Outside of DnD, I’ve been working on rebooting my former web-only comic series, “Auraria”. Initially released in 2020, this story centers on three young men and their struggle to survive and face a civil war in a pseudo-Victorian world. The first 29 chapters are available to read on Webtoon Canvas. That said, the reboot seeks to rewrite, re-contextualize, and reformat the comic for print and independent publishing! So, while I would appreciate it if people read the original release, note that much of it will be very different in the future!

Where can people get your project?

You can keep up with me on most social media under the same name! My most active account is Instagram @keiggy ! I share my art and announce which events I’ll be attending soon. I also recently opened my online store (keiggy.bigcartel.com), where you can find a selection of my D&D Character Sheets! Custom orders will be available again soon, too!

Any closing thoughts?

TTRPGs are such a uniquely cool way to express creativity, especially when you think you don’t have it in you. It’s so easy to just MAKE and share the fruits of your labor—whether it’s through physically crafting, telling stories, or making busted character builds from scratch—with others, to forge bonds and memories, and celebrate all of that as a community… It’s a genuinely incredible aspect of humanity, and one that should be treasured during rough times. I want to inspire others to think of games this way.

Thank you for allowing me to speak my mind!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your creativity.

I’m still looking for Boricua creatives who live on the island or in the diaspora, with ties to TTRPG gaming through their art, the games they play, or their interest. If you are one, or know one you’d like to recommend, please reach out to me here on the blog or through my socials.  

I appreciate you coming by and reading this. See you soon!

Today’s combination: Composure (Prompt) + Associates (Weekly Modifier) + Blessed (Weekly Modifier) + Post-Apocalyptic (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Judge Cinder (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Apocalypse/Mutant nickname generator)

In the badlands, law and justice are scarce. But when a person is desperate enough, they might seek out the Congregation of Shadow Flame. This nomadic organization of lawgivers claims to be blessed by the glowing flame of the night. When summoned, they pass judgment upon the accused, bringing a semblance of order to the wilds of the irradiated ruins.

The presiding lawgiver is always known simply as Judge Cinder. Emotionless and perpetually composed, Cinder hands down sentences to transgressors. While many congregations travel the wastes, locals believe there is only one Judge Cinder, miraculously present with each group whenever they are called upon to mediate a dispute. After delivering a verdict, the masked magistrate demands heavy tribute in the form of rations, water, or ancient artifacts.

Unbeknownst to those who seek their rulings, there is no single judge, no holy congregation, and no divine blessing. These groups are a syndicate of con artists and swindlers, exploiting the superstitions of desperate survivors to enrich themselves and expand their influence over local settlements. While outsiders know them as the Congregation of the Shadow Flame, internally these associates call themselves the Guild of the Fog, operating under the direction of a secretive Guild Master.

Only the Guild Master’s inner circle knows the final, darkest truth: the Guild Master is robotic intelligence. Believing itself superior to all living beings, the machine is intent on quietly controlling humanity by weaponizing their own ambitions and superstition

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Endurance (Prompt) + Associates (Weekly Modifier) + Works Hard (Weekly Modifier) + Western(Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Felipe Gartman (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Old West name generator)

The son of a German pianist and a Mexican singer who met while performing in a traveling carnival, Felipe Gartman was born on the road. A naturally large boy, he began performing as a strongman in various traveling circuses during his teens. His incredible strength and endurance drew crowds wherever he went.

Over the years, he met many performers who were mistreated or exploited. Remembering his own parents—who had been forced to perform into their old age, unable to support themselves properly- Felipe resolved to make life better for his peers.

Felipe worked hard and saved every penny, eventually founding his own traveling carnival: the Gartman Circus. Though he started as the main attraction, he soon recruited other performers and sideshow acts to join his troupe. He treated everyone with respect and care, ensuring his associates were well remunerated and protected.

Today, the Gartman Circus is always open to performers needing refuge. Their generosity also extends beyond the big top; whether it is a woman fleeing an abusive husband or an innocent man framed for a crime, Felipe’s traveling circus will help them escape their difficult situations and find better lives on the road.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

The main site now features downloads to all the games Stargazer Games has released over the years. There’s also a handy dice roller at the bottom of the site. In addition to the new look I also added a complete web-based and interactive Warrior, Rogue & Mage SRD in English and German language. The SRD page includes all the rules from the SRD including cross references and both a WR&M dice roller as well as a random character generator.

AI disclosure: I used LLMs in the creation of the site and German translation of the SRD. I am aware that many people are opposed to LLMs and might object to the use of LLMs. I share some of the skepticism and I particularly don’t like the fact that powerful individuals and corporations use AI to increase their wealth and power at the detriment of the rest of us – but it’s undeniably a very interesting technology and a very powerful tool. It’s complicated…

Rest assured that the games themselves are 100% human-made.

Today’s combination: Regard (Prompt) + Associates (Weekly Modifier) + Loving and Giving (Weekly Modifier) + Science Fiction (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Doryen Craix (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Futuristic name generator)

Emissary Craix was born in an isolated pacifist colony whose residents underwent genetic manipulation for generations. While a few developed significant psychic powers, the majority became empaths, able to sense the feelings of others without the ability to alter them or influence their feelings and minds in any way. When the colony rejoined the greater galactic community, these empaths became emissaries of their culture’s message of peace through diversity, collaboration, and respect.

As an empath and emissary, Doryen travels across the known galaxy to share his message. He treats all sentients with the utmost regard, seeking to forge bonds of cooperation with everyone he encounters, regardless of their status or influence.

During his journeys, Doryen freely gives whatever he has to those in need—and what he has in abundance is love. However, his constant exposure to the emotions of others has led to a complication: he has become addicted to the feeling of joy and ecstasy in those around him. He often accompanies people as they explore these positive emotions just so he can vicariously experience the high. This has earned him a reputation as a connoisseur of the joyous and pleasurable, and he is frequently sought out for advice in matters of happiness and romance.

Doryen is aware of his addiction and actively tries to rein in his hedonistic impulses. He works hard to ensure his guidance brings no harm to his “associates”, the term he uses for those he guides along the path of happiness. Even so, his fellow emissaries remain deeply concerned about his well-being, though Doryen has consistently ignored all pleas to return home and take a leave of absence from his responsibilities.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Strain (Prompt) + Associates (Weekly Modifier) + Far to Go (Weekly Modifier) + Pulp (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Jacques “Jackie” Poincaré (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: French name generator)

Born in Guadeloupe, Jackie moved to New York seeking a better life. However, his mixed heritage, heavy accent, and a run-in with the law left him with few options, eventually pushing him into less-than-reputable work as a bartender at a speakeasy. He soon fell in love with a flapper. When his bosses discovered their secret affair, they quickly used the relationship to blackmail her father.

When the girl’s father attempted to bring the blackmailers to justice, the underworld boss had the man and his entire family killed. The tragedy put a dangerous strain on Jackie’s standing with his employers. To survive, he assured them the woman was merely a fling, that she meant nothing to him, and that his true loyalty remained with the organization.

The grief and guilt nearly broke Jackie, yet he refused to let the mob win. He became more determined than ever to find justice for the woman he loved. Knowing he was just an immigrant with a criminal record and no real power in the big city, he devised a different plan.

He decided to become an informant for the gumshoes and mystery men trying to clean up the city—the very people actively confronting his bosses. Today, Jackie walks a dangerous tightrope. Having regained the syndicate’s confidence, he keeps a close eye on the criminal elements that pass through his bar, secretly feeding their actions and plans to his new associates. He does whatever he can to ensure the men who murdered his love will eventually pay. One day, he hopes to be free of this heavy burden, but he still has far to go.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Loss (Prompt) + Associates (Weekly Modifier) + Full of Woe (Weekly Modifier) + Horror (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Wiktoria Nejman (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Polish name generator)

When people call Wiktoria “Madame Nejman,” she quickly corrects them, reminding them that the title belonged to her mother. After her mother’s death, she never turns on the neon Psychic sign in the front window. Still, every morning, she unlocks the parlor door, opens the little box on the entrance table, and receives her mother’s associates.

Her friends call often, asking when she’s going back to school. Even those who grew up in the neighborhood ask why she still wears black. They don’t understand that her mother’s death was a profound loss—one that left her full of woe and burdened with a gift she never asked for.

Her mother’s “associates” are all around her. That’s what her mother used to call them. They are the spirits of the departed, wandering into the parlor seeking to reach their loved ones, eager to share a secret they never meant to take to the grave, or simply wanting to gossip about the goings-on in the realms of the living and the dead. Wiktoria tries to fulfill their requests and deliver their messages to grieving families. Occasionally, the living come knocking, asking to contact someone specific. She explains that it doesn’t work that way, but when these associates do appear, she does her best to help both the living and the dead.

At the end of the day, she locks the parlor door and often pauses to stare at the contents of the little box. Her mother’s glass eye stares back at her. With her dying breath, her mother asked Wiktoria to pluck out her own eye and replace it with the glass one. Wiktoria is not yet ready to take that step.

Maybe tomorrow, she thinks. With that thought, she closes the lid of the little box.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Tact (Prompt) + Associates (Weekly Modifier) + Full of Grace (Weekly Modifier) + Fantasy (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Sylvar Ulawynn (Fantasy Name Generators used for the names: Elf name generator and Forest name generator)

The Wild Timberlands were once part of the vast Forest Holdings of the Elven Empire. Following the ancient wars, the arrival of humans, and the elven retreat beyond the Cloud Crags, all that remains in these woods are the ruins of a forgotten past. One of the most sought-after sites is the Shrine at the Pool of the Moon Goddess.

Deep within the trees, Sylvar Ulawynn—an elven priest of poetry, the woods, and the moon—keeps the shrine safe from wandering evils and ambitious raiders seeking to plunder its secrets and treasure.

Sylvar is a pale elf of ageless appearance with a wild mane of red hair, dressed in homespun robes and simple jewelry. Unarmed, he greets all who approach the silvery pool with openness and utmost tact, regardless of their hostility.

Those attuned to magic can easily perceive the blessings of the spirits he venerates; if asked, he simply states he is full of the grace of the goddess and her spirits. Sylvar is open and generous with his guidance for those who seek it. While he will never raise a hand against those who arrive with ill intent, he calmly reminds them that he has many allies and associates within the Wild Timberlands who are more than willing to defend him.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Secret (Prompt) + Associates (Weekly Modifier) + Fair of Face (Weekly Modifier) + Superhero (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

The Fantastic Enchanter (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Superhero name generator)

Whoever this individual is, they never call themselves the “Fantastic Enchanter”, that moniker was bestowed upon them by the heroes and villains of the city. Their true identity remains a closely guarded secret.

No one communicates with the Enchanter directly. All interactions are handled through their proxies, and these associates share one striking trait: they are always exceptionally beautiful. With chiseled features, impeccable physiques, and fair faces, it seems the Enchanter recruits, or controls, only the most physically attractive citizens.

Whether this control stems from magic, a superpower, or conventional blackmail, these associates carry out the Enchanter’s bidding without question. There is little they will not orchestrate. They can find a missing person, deliver illicit goods, negotiate a truce in an underworld feud, or conduct high-level espionage. Whenever you find yourself surrounded by beautiful people, you can never be entirely sure if the Fantastic Enchanter has their eyes on you.

Financial compensation is rarely requested for these services—instead, the Enchanter trades in favors, debts, and information. Superheroes remain highly suspicious of this shadow broker, yet they frequently rely on them for critical intel or to arrange neutral meetings. Villains and criminal syndicates distrust them just as much but cannot deny the results the Enchanter delivers. Ultimately, their vast network of connections and influence makes the Fantastic Enchanter an indispensable resource to both sides of the law.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Privilege (Prompt) + Intellect (Weekly Modifier) + Blessed (Weekly Modifier) + Post-Apocalyptic (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Haellen, better known as Fortune (Fantasy Name Generator used for the names: Apocalypse/Mutant nickname generator, Futuristic name generator, and post-apocalyptic town name generator)

In the post-apocalyptic settlement of Kilead, there lives a young woman known as Fortune. Before her birth, the town was little more than a desperate huddle of survivors, fighting raiders and each other to scrape by. Born to a wanderer, the mutant infant was left to die in the dirt, until a kindly woman took her in and named her Haellen.

Haellen’s mutations initially seemed like a death sentence. Unable to walk and bearing an unnaturally large head, she was viewed with suspicion; on more than one occasion, her adoptive mother had to fight off neighbors to keep the child safe. But the girl’s fate shifted when, at barely two years old, she began to speak. Though physically dependent on others, her words had a soothing, often otherworldly effect. Soon, the toddler was mediating disputes and guiding the survivors toward cooperation, fundamentally changing the town’s destiny.

Under her immense intellect, Kilead slowly transformed into a thriving settlement, trading with other enclaves, fortifying its walls, and tilling the surrounding fields. The residents no longer saw her as a curse, but as a profound blessing, eventually renaming her Fortune. They now shower her with privileges and fiercely protect her.

Today, Fortune holds a widespread reputation as a seer and leader; rumors even claim her voice can pacify feral mutants and wild beasts. While she directs her people and they tend to her physical needs, her influence has drawn outside attention. As she has grown into a young woman, rival tribal chiefs and leaders have vied for her favor, with some attempting to arrange political marriages. Thus far, anyone who meets with her face-to-face is swiftly convinced to abandon such plans. However, a lingering dread hangs over Kilead: the fear that eventually, a ruthless warlord will decide to stop negotiating and try to take their Fortune by force.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Resolve (Prompt) + Intellect (Weekly Modifier) + Works Hard (Weekly Modifier) + Cyberpunk (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Kaelen “Aegis” Vance (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Cyberpunk (nick)name generator)

In the neon-drenched sprawl, where flash often substitutes for substance, Kaelen Vance is an anomaly. Known on the street as “Aegis,” he is not the chromed-out, hyper-aggressive mercenary often associated with the modern Ronin. Instead, Aegis is a meticulous professional whose reputation is built on unwavering resolve. It is said that once Aegis accepts a contract, only his death will prevent its completion. He does not take jobs to build a reputation; he takes them to execute them with extreme precision.

His presence reflects his methodical nature. Aegis has rejected flashy or bulky bionic enhancements for practical cybernetics that seamlessly integrate with his musculature. One eye is a well-disguised, natural-looking optical sensor that feeds data directly to his neural computer. Intellect, rather than brawn, is his primary weapon. While he is lethal in combat, he prefers to outthink his opponents, analyzing weak points and running probability simulations long before the first shot is fired.

His success is not accidental, nor is it solely dependent on his enhancements or hardware. Aegis works hard, and his strict discipline pays off. He despises laziness and blind improvisation, believing that in his line of work, if you don’t have a plan, you might as well be dead. He is willing to share his knowledge and methods with worthy allies, easily stepping in as a tactical advisor for complex heists or a formidable ally when overwhelming force is required.

However, he has little patience for those who do not share his work ethic or dedication. To earn Aegis’s respect, one must prove they have the intellect to formulate a plan and the resolve to see it through, no matter what the cost.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Mercy (Prompt) + Intellect (Weekly Modifier) + Loving and Giving (Weekly Modifier) + Western (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Sister Laila Casad (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Old West name generator)

Sister Laila joined the Sisters of Sienna after her husband, Mad Dog Casad, was hanged for his crimes by a Marshal in the territories. Seeking penance for his eternal soul—and perhaps her own—she joined the nuns, dedicating herself to protecting the defenseless and educating the young.

While she lacked formal religious training, she possessed a sharp intellect and knew how to survive. These skills helped keep her and the other sisters safe during their mission to build an orphanage where children could be taught the mercy of the Lord. Laila took her vows not long after the Sienna Orphanage was finished.

She proved to be a fast learner, letting go of past anger and old grudges to fully embrace the Sisters of Sienna’s mission of loving and giving unto others. She has since grown into a position of leadership at the frontier orphanage: teaching the children, guiding her fellow sisters, and protecting her home against bandits or anyone else who means them harm.

The Sienna Orphanage always offers hospitality to weary travelers in exchange for a small donation. Sister Laila keeps an open ear for rumors regarding travelers and ne’er-do-wells in the nearby territories, and she is always willing to share what she knows with friendly visitors. However, she won’t hesitate to pull a gun from under her habit and remind anyone with ill intent that she is still the widow of Mad Dog Casad.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

Today’s combination: Reach (Prompt) + Intellect (Weekly Modifier) + Far to Go (Weekly Modifier) + Space Opera (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC… well, a sort-of NPC: an intelligent space opera artifact MacGuffin. I hope you find it useful.

Skull of Wisdom (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Artifact name generator)

The Skull of Wisdom was discovered by the first species to reach beyond their home world. The obsidian-colored skull of an unknown entity is oblong, polished, and crossed by reddish cracks. It lacks a lower jaw and does not belong to any species known to travel the stars.

Whatever its origin, the skull whispers to its owner in their sleep, regaling them with tales of past victories and achievements. Although these visions can be confusing at first, the Skull of Wisdom ultimately advises its owner on their most pressing matters. No one can tell if it possesses a single intellect or the collected wisdom of its many previous owners, but it can reach through the ages to find the exact parable or knowledge the current owner requires.

However, the Skull of Wisdom has a profound effect on its proprietor. While it offers counsel in their dreams, it also fosters an intense sense of wanderlust and ambition. It drives them to seek out discovery or conquest, constantly convincing them that their destiny remains incomplete and that they still have far to go.

Conquerors and explorers have sought and claimed the Skull of Wisdom throughout the ages, and it has guided them to forge galactic empires and plumb the unknown regions of space. Some seek to own it, while others wish to destroy it, but the voice of the Skull of Wisdom is always present, waiting for the next audacious being to hold it in their hands. 

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Burden (Prompt) + Intellect (Weekly Modifier) + Full of Woe (Weekly Modifier) + Fantasy (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Inafarihm the Taciturn (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Wizard name generator)

It is said that when you need to find out the secret name of a baleful creature from the depths, or the formula to break a slumber caused by a fairy’s tears, there is no wiser or more intelligent sage to consult than Master Inafarihm. He is also known as Inafarihm the Taciturn, though never to his face.

The massive, balding man with a square jaw has a frame that must have once been imposing, but has grown rotund and sluggish in old age. His expression is locked in a perpetual scowl. His heavy eyelids hood clear blue eyes that appear far younger than the deep lines on his face would suggest. His huge, calloused hands seem ill-fitted for a sage’s work, and he relies on one of his many attendants to do most of the writing for his voluminous correspondence.

Those few who remember his youth confirm that this man once went by another name, and that the original Inafarihm was his companion, a wizard of some renown. The two traveled to far-away lands in search of treasure and adventure, but only one returned—a broken man, full of woe and regret, who retired to the wizard’s tower, never to sally forth again.

Despite his isolation, tales of his intellect brought adventurers and other sages to consult him, and his reputation grew. Quiet, reserved, and often surly, he can still be coaxed to answer a query or research a formula for the correct price or the right vintage. With good wine and enough time, one may earn the Master’s trust and learn the terrible truth: the burden of a wizard’s mind living on inside the body of the man who was once his friend, retaining his vast knowledge, but completely lacking the power to use magic.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Charm (Prompt) + Intellect (Weekly Modifier) + Full of Grace (Weekly Modifier) + Horror (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Mamaachik “Manny” Sihui Cuya (Name source: Fantasy Name Generator – Quechua name generator)

Mamaachik Sihui Cuya never uses his birth name these days. He goes by Manny. Originally from Peru, he admits to having once been a paqos, a type of priest, in his home in the Andes. But he hasn’t been one in a long time. At least that’s what he claims.

An amicable and charming old man with a penchant for fancy suits, Manny runs a local car service which employs a few other immigrants, and owes various vehicles, including a limousine, that he often drives. He is glib and can strike up a conversation with anyone. He seems to know a bit of trivia on almost any subject, and many passengers are awed by his incredible intellect.

But what he seems to know most about, but is often reluctant to talk about, is the dangers that lurk in the shadows where men do not dare look, of the invisible dangers of this world and beyond, of the ancient secret masters of reality.

If pressed, he admits to having confronted some dangers others might not have survived, but insists he only managed to do so by the grace of the balance and wisdom of the universe.

However, when people confront the unknown, and their concept of reality is frayed, someone may pass them a dog-eared business card for a car service and tell them to ask for Manny; he might be able to guide them out of this mess.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Poise (Prompt) + Intellect (Weekly Modifier) + Fair of Face (Weekly Modifier) + Cyberpunk (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Alecia “Nova” Seins (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Cyberpunk (nick)name generator)

There are endless rumors about Nova’s origins, but they all contradict each other. Whoever she was before breaking into the city’s entertainment scene is practically unverifiable. Only her birth name, Alecia Seins, and the fact that she was born in the broken-down rural wastes of the interior could be gleaned from a leaked detention bulletin once shared on the Net. While her history has been scrubbed extensively, those two facts remain.

She originally represented small-time acts for corporate interests but soon branched off as an independent producer, making a name for herself in unsanctioned taverns and underground dance halls. In these dangerous circles—often controlled by the Yakuza—she held her own. Always unfazed and projecting absolute poise, her sharp intellect and quick wits kept her safe. She quickly built a network of contacts throughout the city’s unofficial circles, turning the information she gathered into her primary currency.

Today, Nova still represents some of the most famous non-corporate up-and-comers, holding court at her eponymous dance hall. There, she highlights the cream of the underground crop, some of whom have even managed to cross over and become corp-stars. She is known just as much for her cunning as her looks. While her true age is a closely guarded secret, she appears far younger than she should; she is undeniably fair of face, though her beauty is heavily augmented by surgical enhancements, some of which are rumored to be far deadlier than mere cosmetic upgrades.

Renowned for her unmatched business intellect, Nova now serves as a premier information broker, go-between, and trusted contact across the neon-lit underworld.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Stature (Prompt) + Drive (Weekly Modifier) + Blessed (Weekly Modifier) + Pulp & Two-Fisted Adventure (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Nathaniel Morrow (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: 20th-century English name generator)

Nathaniel Morrow was a young, renowned pilot for the Morrow Traveling Airshow. His daring abilities and his drive to be the best made him known far and wide, cementing his reputation as the preeminent aviator on the circuit. His remarkable stature among other, far older pilots was exactly why Doctor Lars Peukert reached out to him to test-fly the experimental Peukert X-71 Hyper Plane.

Boarding the aircraft at Dr. Peukert’s secret facility in Seattle, Nathaniel intended to cross the Pacific in record time. Unfortunately, the doctor’s team lost contact with him shortly after takeoff. As the silence stretched on, he was widely presumed lost at sea.

Against all odds, Nathaniel unexpectedly touched down at Pearl Harbor, shattering the speed record. The military dismissed his wild tales of where he had been, convinced the young pilot was simply blessed—surviving in such a badly damaged aircraft was nothing short of a miracle. Yet, upon returning to Dr. Peukert, Nathaniel recounted the full truth: during his flight, he had passed through a strange storm cloud and entered a wondrous, uncharted world. He had spent weeks surviving in that lost land before finally escaping back to his own reality.

Thus began Nathaniel and Dr. Peukert’s relentless drive to find the lost land beyond the storm.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Today’s combination: Discipline (Prompt) + Drive (Weekly Modifier) + Works Hard (Weekly Modifier) + Fantasy (Genre)

Here is today’s NPC.

Antonia One Eye (Fantasy Name Generator used for the name: Bandits)

Antonia was born into poverty in Karral, a major metropolis in the southern trade routes, where the imperial ways meet the Thunsen River. Living as an urchin and pickpocket in the bustling streets, she lost her left eye, leaving a terrible scar, after stealing from a powerful crime lord, the heir of the elder Thief Lord.

Banished from the city by the Beggar Master, Antonia was forced to survive among the outlaw bands in the hills outside the city. Despite the hardships and cruelties she faced, Antonia was driven by a thirst for vindication and revenge, quickly rising to leadership among the brigands.

Other bands would raid caravans, spend their coin wantonly, and engage in internecine infighting. Antonia’s crew was disciplined, recruiting the most skillful warriors and cunning spotters. They carried out the most daring heist with the greatest rewards.

Antonia One Eye became known as Queen of the Bandit Hills.

The One Eye’s crew carried out the daring attack that captured the new Thief Prince, ransomed him to The Brotherhood of Shadows for a fortune, and the head of the old Beggar Master.

Known for her tenacity and diligence, none of her crew were ever found despite the Thief Prince hunt and bounties. Rumors insist Antonia sails a pleasure barge down the canals of the delta of exotic and ancient Nefatara.

Thanks for reading; I am looking forward to your RPG a Day 2026 post, comments, and conversation. If you want further information about #RPGaDay2026, be sure to check out Autocratik’s blog.

A Spanish version of this post is available at the Desde la Fosa Facebook page.

See you all tomorrow!

Quick recap for the uninitiated:

RPG a Day is a social media event started by David F. Chapman (aka Autocratik) that has been going on for the past 13 years. The purpose of the event is to celebrate all the positive aspects of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) by sharing our experiences, ideas, and creations via social media posts, videos, blog entries, or other creative endeavors. If you decide to participate, there is a series of daily prompts to spark your creativity and encourage discussion. Tag your content with the hashtag #RPGaDay2026 so everyone can follow along!

You can find the prompts at Autocratik’s blog. He also partners with Anthony Boyd (aka Runeslinger), whose blog Casting Shadows also features the prompts along with an alternative set of questions you can use.

I’m reproducing this year’s infographic with the prompts and instructions below.

Okay, with that out of the way: what are my plans for this year?

The infographic mentions that this year can be approached as a character creation challenge, and I’m taking up that challenge. I hope to create 31 short NPC descriptions, aiming for two to four paragraphs each. We’ll see how well I manage to stick to that goal!

To set things up, I took the daily prompt. I combined it with the weekly modifiers (on the left side of the calendar) and the daily modifiers (at the bottom of the calendar), which are based on the Monday’s Child nursery rhyme—a poem I didn’t know until I saw the reference on the infographic. Together, these three elements give me the theme and motivation for each NPC.

To determine the genre for each character, I created this little random table to roll on:

After rolling 31 times, here is the master list I’ll be working with throughout August:

I don’t think I can invent 31 completely original names on top of everything else, so I’ll be using Fantasy Name Generator to help generate them.

These NPCs will be posted right here on the blog and shared across my socials: Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Sunglar’s Musings on Facebook. I also plan to post a Spanish version of each NPC over at Desde la Fosa.

These are the prompts in Spanish in case you want to participate in your language:

This will run alongside my regular schedule of movie and video game inspiration posts, my Saturday Recommendations on Sunglar’s Musings, and hopefully Sunday interviews here on the blog.

That is an ambitious schedule, and something might fall through the cracks along the way, but I’m going all in! We’ll take stock of how I did by the end of August.

I hope you join us on this adventure for August 2026. Don’t forget to tag your posts with the #RPGaDay2026 hashtag. The RPG a Day community on Facebook is also a great hub for sharing posts and interacting with other participants. Whether you complete all 31 days or pop in for one, join us to celebrate the positives of this great community.

See you tomorrow!

Also, as part of my 40 Years a Gamer retrospective, he is directly involved. I met Ramfis, as he mentions in his reply to the first answer, when he worked in Comics at Plaza Las Americas. He sold me many comics and games while working there. I wanted to get Rifts when it came out, and they let me know that they did not have it, but I could get it at Role Playing Emporium, where I met Samuel “Sammy” Maldonado and got to know a larger game community in Puerto Rico.

Comics, the store, was an integral part of my gaming journey, and Ramfis was right there. We are contemporaries, and beyond being acquaintances at a local comic store, we became fast friends. We would hang out in our early 20s and remain in touch after he left the island.

When Hurricane Maria happened, Ramfis was an important support, personally and in his efforts to help and create awareness of the disaster on the island.

Ramfis has been a friend for over thirty years, and it is always a pleasure to talk to him. I am happy to share this interview so you can all get to know him better as well.

Introduce yourself! Who are you, and what do you do in the world of cosplay and Renaissance Fairs?

My name is Dr. Ramfis L. Marquez. Professionally, I am a psychotherapist, educator, and martial arts instructor. Still, outside of my clinical work, I have spent more than four decades immersed in martial arts, historical combat studies, historical reenactment, and living history. My primary martial art is Sin Moo Hapkido, in which I currently hold an 8th Dan rank, as well as a 3rd Dan rank in traditional Korean swordsmanship. Over the years, I have also trained in Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Judo, traditional Jujitsu, and a variety of Japanese and European fencing arts.

Martial arts have given me not only technical skills but also a deep appreciation for history, philosophy, and storytelling. I have also been a lifelong nerd, science-fiction fan, and historical fantasy enthusiast. Long before cosplay became mainstream, I was fascinated by knights, samurai, mythology, fantasy literature, Star Wars, military history, and the worlds that emerge when imagination and history intersect. People of our generation would remember me as one of the attendants at Comics in Plaza Las Américas.

In the world of cosplay and Renaissance Fairs, I am primarily known for portraying medieval Templar knights, crusaders, and historical warriors. At comic conventions, however, I enjoy mixing things up with Mandalorian and Jedi-inspired portrayals. I love combining historically inspired armor, martial arts principles, theatrical storytelling, and combat choreography to bring these characters to life. One of my favorite aspects of the hobby is creating and performing choreographed combat demonstrations that blend historical techniques, safety, and entertainment. For me, it is about preserving history while making it accessible, educational, and exciting for modern audiences.

Beyond cosplay and martial arts, I am also an author. Writing has become another creative outlet through which I explore history, mythology, and human nature. For more than a decade, I have been developing Hanzo, an alternate-history fantasy series set in a world where the Tokugawa Shogunate never truly fell and evolved into a technologically advanced imperial power. The story blends espionage, military action, political intrigue, historical revisionism, and martial arts adventure.

Over the past two years, I have also been developing a historical medieval fantasy series titled Friday of Ash and Steel. The story follows a secret order of warrior-monks navigating faith, war, politics, and supernatural mysteries during a dark medieval world inspired by the Crusades and European history. It explores themes of sacrifice, duty, brotherhood, and the tension between spiritual conviction and human ambition.

Most recently, I began work on a third project called Boat Unit Omega. Unlike my previous works, it is set in a contemporary military environment inspired by the anti-drug trafficking campaigns of the Caribbean and Latin America during the 1990s. While grounded in historical military operations, it incorporates elements of science fiction, horror, mystery, and the supernatural. Think of it as part military thriller, part naval special warfare story, and part cosmic mystery.

What draws me to all these pursuits—cosplay, martial arts, historical combat, and writing—is the opportunity to step into another world and invite others to join me there. Whether through armor, storytelling, combat demonstrations, or fiction, I enjoy helping people experience a sense of wonder, adventure, and connection to something larger than themselves.

How would you describe your art or creative endeavors when designing combat choreography, making props, or putting together your cosplays?

I see cosplay and combat choreography as forms of storytelling. Every piece of armor, weapon, costume, prop, and movement should communicate who a character is and what world they inhabit. The visual details matter because they help create immersion and emotional connection.

When I design combat sequences, I draw from decades of martial arts experience while adapting movements to fit historical themes and audience expectations. The challenge is creating something that appears authentic and dangerous while remaining completely safe for everyone involved. A successful combat demonstration should tell a story even if the audience never hears a single word.

When building armor or assembling costumes, I enjoy blending historical inspiration with practical functionality. I am not always striving for museum-level accuracy. Sometimes the goal is to capture the spirit, symbolism, and emotional impact of a historical figure while still creating something visually dramatic and memorable.

In many ways, my writing influences my cosplay, and my cosplay influences my writing. Whether I am creating a knight for a Renaissance Fair, a Templar character for a photo shoot, or a fictional warrior for one of my novels, I am ultimately asking the same question: “Who is this person, and what story are they trying to tell?” At its core, my creative process is immersion. I want people to feel as though they are witnessing a knight, crusader, samurai, warrior monk, or spacefaring hero step out of history—or out of a book—and into the real world, if only for a few moments.

With all this background in armor, history, and combat, do you participate, or have you ever participated in LARPing?

While I have not been deeply involved in formal LARP communities, many of the activities I enjoy share similarities with LARPing. Renaissance Fairs, historical reenactments, character portrayals, and combat demonstrations all involve stepping into another role and helping create an immersive experience.

I have tremendous respect for the creativity found within the LARP community. The combination of storytelling, costuming, world-building, improvisation, and performance is fascinating to me, and there is certainly a great deal of overlap with what I do.

From a clinical perspective, I also believe LARP offers meaningful mental health benefits. Research has increasingly suggested that role-playing activities can encourage creativity, social connection, emotional expression, problem-solving, confidence-building, and stress reduction. LARP provides participants with opportunities to explore different aspects of themselves in a safe and structured environment.

For many people, it can serve as a healthy outlet for imagination, self-expression, social interaction, and personal growth. It allows individuals to experiment with identity, practice interpersonal skills, and engage in collaborative storytelling while having fun. Perhaps most importantly, LARP creates communities. In a world where many people struggle with loneliness and social isolation, spaces that encourage meaningful human connection have tremendous value.

I know you don’t actively play TTRPGs, but from your perspective, what do you know about them?

What I find most interesting about tabletop role-playing games is their ability to combine storytelling, creativity, strategy, and social interaction. They allow people to create narratives collaboratively rather than consume them. From an outsider’s perspective, I see TTRPGs as a continuation of humanity’s oldest traditions: storytelling around a campfire, mythology, hero tales, and collective imagination.

As a clinician, I also see tremendous value in tabletop gaming communities. For individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, social isolation, or difficulties forming social connections, tabletop games can provide a welcoming environment where relationships develop naturally around shared interests and cooperative storytelling.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to observe these communities firsthand and have consistently been impressed by how welcoming and inclusive they are. Neurodivergent individuals, socially anxious individuals, and people who may feel like outsiders often find acceptance and belonging within these groups. A wonderful example is my friends at Comic and Gaming in Bristow, Virginia. Time and time again, I have watched them welcome newcomers, curious observers, and first-time players with enthusiasm, patience, and kindness. Communities like that represent the very best aspects of the hobby.

From a mental health perspective, tabletop role-playing games can foster communication skills, teamwork, creativity, emotional regulation, problem-solving, perspective-taking, empathy, and social confidence. While they are certainly entertainment, I believe they can also be meaningful tools for personal growth and human connection.

Would you like to try playing TTRPG sometime? What theme or type of story would catch your attention?

Absolutely. Given my interests, I would naturally gravitate toward historical fantasy, military campaigns, crusader-era adventures, samurai stories, alternate histories, and darker fantasy settings inspired by real historical periods. In many ways, the stories I write would probably make excellent campaign settings.

A game inspired by Friday of Ash and Steel could focus on warrior-monks investigating supernatural threats while navigating medieval politics and religious conflict. A Hanzo campaign could explore espionage, martial arts intrigue, and geopolitical struggles in an alternate Japanese empire. A Boat Unit Omega campaign could blend military operations, special warfare, mystery, and cosmic horror.

I am particularly drawn to stories that explore leadership, honor, sacrifice, loyalty, and moral dilemmas. As both a martial artist and a mental health professional, I am fascinated by what happens inside a person’s mind when they are forced to make difficult choices under pressure.

What projects, combat events, or upcoming fairs are you currently working on?

At the moment, I continue developing historical combat demonstrations and refining several knight and crusader portrayals for future Renaissance Fair appearances and historical-themed events. I am also deeply immersed in my writing projects. Friday of Ash and Steel has been a passion project for over a decade and continues to evolve. Hanzo has occupied much of my creative attention over the last two years. More recently, Boat Unit Omega has become an exciting new endeavor that allows me to explore military history, science fiction, horror, and mystery through a very different lens.

In addition, I continue teaching martial arts through seminars and workshops, which often influence the way I approach choreography, movement, character development, and storytelling. Like many enthusiasts, I am always searching for new ways to bring together history, martial arts, mythology, performance, and imagination.

Where can people see your choreography, your cosplays, and learn more about what you do?

People can usually find my work through social media, Renaissance Fair appearances, martial arts seminars, conventions, and community events. Much of what I create is shared through photographs, videos, creative writing, and collaborations with fellow enthusiasts in the cosplay, martial arts, historical reenactment, and fantasy communities.

I regularly share armor builds, knight portrayals, combat demonstrations, martial arts content, historical discussions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my writing projects and creative process. For me, one of the greatest joys is connecting with others who share a passion for history, storytelling, craftsmanship, and imagination.

Any closing thoughts?

One of the things I love most about cosplay, Renaissance Fairs, tabletop gaming, LARP, martial arts, historical reenactment, and creative writing is that they bring people together. These hobbies allow us to celebrate history, craftsmanship, imagination, storytelling, and human creativity regardless of our backgrounds.

In many ways, these communities provide something that has become increasingly rare in modern life: a sense of belonging. They allow people to be creative, explore different aspects of themselves, and connect with others through shared passions. Whether someone is wearing handcrafted armor, rolling dice around a gaming table, participating in a LARP event, writing fantasy novels, practicing stage combat, or simply attending a fair as a spectator, they are contributing to a community built around imagination and human connection.

As both a martial artist and a clinician, I believe these communities offer something truly valuable. They remind us that play, storytelling, creativity, and fellowship are not merely forms of entertainment—they are deeply human experiences that help us build resilience, friendships, meaning, and purpose. At the end of the day, that sense of connection and wonder is what keeps me coming back.

Thank you, my friend, for your availability to answer the questions and for your insight.

Here are some of Ramfis’ social media links:

JungShinSinMooHapkido: https://www.instagram.com/jung_shin_sinmoohapkido

Hanzo: Blade of the Eternal Shogunate: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hanzo-Blade-of-the-Eternal-Shogunate/61577683421189/

Hap-Ki- 道 – The Science of Self Defense: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SoWonSulHapkido

I wish you continued success and enjoyment of all your endeavors.

I’ve become very interested in fantasy and sci-fi series, classic series from my youth, and series based on or influenced by role-playing games. If you have read my posts on Sunglar’s Musings, you know that 70s and 80s fantasy comics have been a topic I’ve written about repeatedly.

Because of this interest, when I saw an ad for Dokyo: Batalla De Los Reinos (Battle of the Realms), I wanted to learn more and wrote to the author to request an interview. Jonathan was very kind and not only answered my questions but also shipped the comics I ordered in record time, along with a few extras, for which I am very grateful.

I haven’t read Leyenda del Reino de Dragones (Legend of the Kingdom of Dragons) yet, but I love the 4 (out of 6) issues of Dokyo: Batalla De Los Reinos (Dokyo: Battle of the Realms) that I have read so far. It is a series clearly influenced by role-playing games, video games, anime, classic animated series, and adventure comics. Jonathan has a style I really love, as it is cartoony, highly appropriate for fantasy adventures, dynamic, and refreshing.

I love seeing local creators producing comics of this quality and caliber. I highly recommend them.

Well, you’ve read my thoughts on his comics, so I’ll leave you with the artist and creator.

Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you create?

My name is Jonathan Collazo Galindez. I am a local comic book artist and graphic artist. A few of my creations are Dokyo: Batalla De Los Reinos (Dokyo: Battle of the Realms), which currently has 6 chapters, and Leyenda del Reino de Dragones (Legend of the Kingdom of Dragons), whose first chapter was released a few months ago. As a comic creator, I really like fantasy and stories that contain RPG or D&D elements. I grew up watching TV series from that era, like He-Man, ThunderCats, and Dungeons & Dragons, among others.

How would you describe your art?

I describe my comic story as one full of medieval fantasy, capturing the essence of those adventure series from our childhood. In the Dokyo: Batalla de Los Reinos comics, we meet Dokyo and his sister, young siblings who survived the attack on their father’s kingdom, which was destroyed by the dark lord Minamoto.

Dokyo, along with his sister Suiko, learns how to survive by becoming mercenaries and hiding their past. However, by the hand of destiny, they get back on track to fight evil.

How did you discover TTRPGs (tabletop or pen-and-paper role-playing games)?

My beginnings with TTRPGs were at the table with pencil and paper; among them were Dungeons & Dragons, Vampire: The Masquerade, and Marvel Super Heroes.

Since I didn’t have much income, a great friend and I made our own Warhammer game with plastic dragon and monster figures, dice, and cardboard elements. Another one I played and loved for its lore was Magic: The Gathering.

Are you actively playing? What are you playing right now?

Right now, I’m just sticking to playing video games.

Where can people find your projects?

Librería Norberto González in Plaza Las Américas, Librería Bajo el Carambola, Librería El Rincón del Lector, and online, you can find me as Saragoka Studio on both Instagram and Facebook.

Thanks to Jonathan for his kindness in participating in this interview and for sharing his comics with me.

I’ll leave you with a few links if you want to know more about his comics:

• Saragoka Studio Website: https://www.saragokastudio.com/
• Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063949185932
• Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/saragokastudio/

There is a Spanish version of this interview at Sunglar’s Musings.

I must admit that I had wanted to interview Samuel for a while, even if he didn’t know it. Last September, I bought his fantasy comic at an event at the Cuartel de Ballajá. My son and I loved it; we read it and enjoyed it immensely.

We also bought two copies of his monster book, Saving Point: Monster Book Vol. 1 (one for me and another for my son). As a fan of RPG bestiaries, I found Samuel’s art and designs to be excellent. I want to use his creatures at the table soon. The stats in the book are very easy to drop into D&D 5e or adapt to any OSR system.

I highly recommend his published works, and I am eager to see the next installments in the series. Without further ado, I’ll share the answers that Samuel so kindly provided.

Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you create?

Greetings, everyone. My name is Samuel Figueroa. I am an illustrator, graphic designer, and writer, originally from Cupey Alto, San Juan. If you go to my Instagram gallery (sadsamuart), you will realize that my passion and favorite subjects are creatures, fantasy, and science fiction. Since I was little, I have been a fan of nature and science, and as my decisions steered me toward creativity and illustration, it was inevitable that I would find joy in creating original worlds and strange creatures to populate them.

How would you describe your art?

Even though I would love to be a painter and create the kind of illustrations that often accompany fantasy stories and Western role-playing games (RPGs), my artistic development took me down the path of comics, manga, anime, and Disney. Comic artists like Joe Madureira, Mike Weringo, and Yukito Kishiro formatted my mind, and although my style is distinctive, a very personal mix, I always seek to connect with those who find those styles appealing.

How did you discover TTRPGs?

In high school, I had a friend with “advanced” knowledge of RPGs. While the only thing I knew was Zelda, he already knew about D&D and a long list of RPGs from that era, like Lunar and Final Fantasy. What he brought to school was what got me hooked on RPGs. From then on, it was the only type of game that interested me for many years, until it became clear that the genre was transforming and expanding with series like Mass Effect and Halo, among others. Very beautiful times.

Today my tastes are “set,” so it’s obvious that games like Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Baldur’s Gate 3 were purchases that took zero brain cells to add to my collection. Beyond what I learned in high school, my fascination with fantasy creatures and stories set in a medieval environment led me to collect books on creatures and mythology, including the D&D Monster Manual, Pathfinder books, Magic: The Gathering, and lore books. Now I am also soaking up the Warhammer 40K universe, to the horror of the characters in my own worlds. They know things will get complicated, having Warhammer as an inspiration.

Do you play actively? What are you playing right now?

As for games like D&D, I would love to say yes, but all the groups I have played with promise a campaign, and then it just ends up being one-shots. I have bought dice and books galore, but I haven’t found a consistent group to play a story from beginning to end. That pushes me toward digital, which is why the games I have played recently are Baldur’s Gate 3, Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, Dragon Age: Inquisition, and Fallout 4.

What is the next thing you want to play?

Since I haven’t been able to have a complete D&D and/or Pathfinder experience, I think I would focus on getting that. I suppose D&D or Pathfinder is “vanilla,” considering all the variety out there today in RPGs and homebrews, but well… I want to enjoy the worlds that drove the industry and bounce ideas off players immersed in those worlds. I love seeing memes and videos from influencers who obviously play D&D frequently and offer a glimpse of their highly imaginative adventures.

What projects do you currently have available, and what are you working on right now?

Right now, I am developing the Saving Point series, a fantasy comic whose adventures center on a group of adventurers trying to recover a “lifesaving” sphere stolen from their village. Without it, warriors who die cannot be revived by magic, and in a world where humanity has few tools to compete with monsters and mythical creatures, being able to return to fight another day is essential. But that quest is just the beginning, and the group of adventurers couldn’t be more wet-behind-the-ears, more immature, or more vulnerable to the machinations of evil already in play.

The comics Saving Point #1 and #2 and Vol. 1 of the Monster Book are already available. I am working on the script for the 3rd comic and, simultaneously, developing creatures for the Saving Point Monster Book Vol. 2. I already have enough creatures to fill the book, published as previews in my Instagram gallery (sadsamuart), but I keep designing to include the most interesting ones in the final book. I would love to do a selection of minifigures, perhaps inspired by the classic Bandai “M.U.S.C.L.E. Men / Kikenshi,” but for now I am working on the project by myself; I won’t be able to move it forward until I finish comic #3.

Where can people find your projects?

Right now, what I have left online is available at the Tripleta Studio store. The first two comics were developed and illustrated in partnership with Rangely García, a talented Puerto Rican artist whose comedic sensibilities and art underscored the series’ beginnings. Once I finish comic #3, I will be preparing a selection of products to participate in convention activities again. Previously, the series lived alongside the Tripleta Studio selection, but due to events out of my control, I will now have to move it on my own until it picks up steam. It’s a big challenge, but I don’t see it as impossible.

Any final comments?

These past few years have been challenging for me personally, and economically for the island, and I must admit they have affected my plans for this year. But if no other unexpected blow comes along, I hope to fully invest in the comic and other Saving Point products, perhaps by bringing in a compatible artist to publish faster. My guiding star is the ambition to create a Latino Wizards of the Coast and to bring the imagination and local flavor of fantasy and science fiction to the world. If Japan can do it, so can we. Hopefully, the series’ success paves the way for much more.

Thank you again, Samuel. I am looking forward to seeing your upcoming projects and hope to promote them when they are available.

Thank you all for reading. I will see you next weekend.

Links where you can follow Samuel and see his work:

Art of Bayul on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bayularts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadsamuart

Saving Point at Tripleta Studio: https://tripletastudio.myshopify.com/collections/saving-point

(A Spanish version of this interview is available on Sunglar’s Musings.)

To close out our week here on the blog celebrating Vampire: The Masquerade’s 35th anniversary, let’s look at my recommendations for playing VtM and exploring the World of Darkness (WoD).

(Note: The links below are DriveThruRPG affiliate links!)

The Classic World of Darkness

First, most obviously, Vampire: The Masquerade. I own the current 5th edition of the rules in digital format, but I feel like I would probably run a game with the 20th-anniversary rules. For those of you who have played both, which do you recommend?

• VtM 20th Anniversary Edition: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/94815/vampire-the-masquerade-20th-anniversary-edition?affiliate_id=3727
• VtM 5th Edition: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/256795/vampire-the-masquerade-5th-edition?affiliate_id=3727

Like I said earlier this week, if I were to run VtM, I would keep it an all-vampire affair. But if you want to mix your games, I have played Werewolf, Mage, and I really like Demon: The Fallen (I never actually played Changeling or Wraith).

• Werewolf 20th Anniversary Edition: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/112871/werewolf-the-apocalypse-20th-anniversary-edition?affiliate_id=3727
• Mage 20th Anniversary Edition: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/149562/mage-the-ascension-20th-anniversary-edition?affiliate_id=3727
• Demon: The Fallen: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/636/demon-the-fallen?affiliate_id=3727

My absolute favorite book for VtM, other than the core rulebook, has always been the lore-heavy Book of Nod:

• The Book of Nod: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/538135/vampire-the-masquerade-5th-edition-the-book-of-nod?affiliate_id=3727

A Savage Alternative

For something COMPLETELY different, I could easily see myself running a Vampire and World of Darkness campaign using (say it with me now!) Savage Worlds.

What would I need? The core rulebook, of course, and the Horror Companion. The rules in that latter book have most of what I need, including rules for Vampires, Werewolves, Demons, Ghosts, and magic for Mages.

• Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE): (A steal for $9.99 in PDF!) https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/261539/savage-worlds-adventure-edition?affiliate_id=3727
• SWADE Horror Companion: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/448302/swade-horror-companion?affiliate_id=3727

Finally, Contagion Savage Adventures is a setting for Savage Worlds that proposes a world not unlike the WoD—a world where mythical creatures fight a once-secret battle now out in the open. It is a very interesting setting, fully compatible with the Horror Companion above, and something I would definitely mine for a possible “Savage World of Darkness” homebrew:

• Contagion Savage Adventures: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/198324/contagion-savage-adventures?affiliate_id=3727

(Bonus tip: If you look online, you can also find a fan-made Savage Worlds conversion for Monte Cook’s World of Darkness. While it’s not exactly the original WoD, it has rules for the creatures in that book that give you great ideas for additional tweaks!)

Thanks for reading along this week! It’s been so much fun doing this themed week on the blog. Is this something you enjoyed? Let me know in the comments, and if it proves popular, I may try doing another themed week soon!