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Clayton Notestine

Clayton Notestine
A sci-fi computer panel and controls with "The Explorateur" in a blackletter/medieval font on the screen.

Explorateur

The Explorateur: Issue #17

Monthly design jams, critique, theory, and inspiration for tabletop rpg designers by rpg designers. Vetted. Looted. Curated.

01 Mar 2026
Designing Lore Blocks

Theory

Designing Lore Blocks

An alternative to stat blocks designed for The 1 HP Dragon.

24 Feb 2026
Bloggies Breakdown: Round 4

Bloggies Breakdown: Round 4

The Bloggies Tournament is over. Here are the 2026 champions...

20 Feb 2026
Bloggies Breakdown: Round 3

Bloggies Breakdown: Round 3

After the third Bloggies Blog Bath: Who won? And by how much?

19 Feb 2026
Bloggies Breakdown: Round 2

Bloggies Breakdown: Round 2

After the second Bloggies Blog Bath: Who won? And by how much?

18 Feb 2026
Bloggies Breakdown: Round 1

Bloggies Breakdown: Round 1

After The Bloggies Blog Bath: Who won? And by how much?

17 Feb 2026
How to read 80+ blog posts (in one week).

The Bloggies' 2026 Nominees

Over 90+ blog posts. And a surprise category for 2026.

09 Feb 2026
The Bloggies surrounded by papers.

What's Next After Submissions?

The Bloggies' 2026 submissions are closed. Here's what's next...

02 Feb 2026
A sci-fi computer panel and controls with "The Explorateur" in a blackletter/medieval font on the screen.

Explorateur

The Explorateur: Issue #16

Monthly design jams, critique, theory, and inspiration for tabletop rpg designers by rpg designers. Vetted. Looted. Curated.

01 Feb 2026
A black massive circle overwhelms other smaller ones in a cracked landscape.

Theory

Against Dominant Mechanics

Rules form relationships with each other. Some share play. Some hog it.

20 Jan 2026
A laptop screen with the title, "My 5 favorite rpg newsletters of 2026."

My 5 Favorite RPG Newsletters

Forget the algorithms. We've got people to show us the rpg blogosphere.

13 Jan 2026
The Bloggies Hall of Fame

The Bloggies Hall of Fame

Every winner of The Bloggies from 2022 to 2025. Want to melt your rpg brain? Start here.

06 Jan 2026
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Explorers Design

Explorers Design

Bespoke adventures, tools, and resources for tabletop game designers.

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Explorers Design

Bespoke adventures, tools, and resources for tabletop game designers.