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Clayton Notestine

Clayton Notestine
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Explorateur

The Explorateur: Issue #13

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

01 Nov 2025
A paper on a green background with the title "What is bleed and slug?"

Education

What is bleed and slug?

User-friendly layout definitions for tabletop rpg designers.

29 Oct 2025
Three green figures on a parchment colored background. The one in front has yellow dollar sign eyes. The other two are embarrassed by it.

Education

How to Promote Your Work

How to reach out to blogs, pods, and media outlets, and the 5 things creators can do to promote their work in a more community-minded way.

22 Oct 2025
The Awards Debrief

Critique

The Awards Debrief

A 4-part series on rpg awards, how they're designed, and what they mean for the rpg industry with a behind-the-scenes breakdown and critique of the Ennies.

15 Oct 2025
Awards on a colored background. The title reads, "The Awards Debrief 2025."

Critique

Why an Awards Debrief?

An in-depth look at the Ennie Awards, its process, design, and role. Part 1. What is the goal of this series and why?

06 Oct 2025
Awards on a colored background. The title reads, "The Awards Debrief 2025."

Critique

How Do the Ennies Work?

An insider's look into the 2025 Ennie Awards. Part two. What is the award process like behind closed doors, and how do the judges select nominees?

06 Oct 2025
Awards on a colored background. The title reads, "The Awards Debrief 2025."

Critique

How Are the Ennies Designed?

An insider's look into the 2025 Ennie Awards. Part three. How does the structure of the Ennies determine its outcomes? And what does it mean for others?

06 Oct 2025
Awards on a colored background. The title reads, "The Awards Debrief 2025."

Critique

Where Do Awards Go Next?

An insider's look into the 2025 Ennie Awards. Part four. What's the point of an rpg award show? And what do we want to see in the future?

06 Oct 2025
A black table with maps, sketches, pencils, a compass, and more piled on top.

Explorateur

The Explorateur: Issue #12

Monthly design discoveries for tabletop rpg designers including jams, critique, theory, and tools. Vetted. Looted. Curated.

01 Oct 2025
Overlapping circles representing influences come together to create new colors. Title: Exploers Design's Appendix N.

Explorers Design's Appendix N

Late to the bandwagon. Just in time to talk about books, movies, and games.

24 Sep 2025
A black table with maps, sketches, pencils, a compass, and more piled on top.

Explorateur

The Explorateur: Issue #11

Monthly design discoveries for tabletop rpg designers including jams, critique, theory, and tools. Vetted. Looted. Curated.

01 Sep 2025
A black table with maps, sketches, pencils, a compass, and more piled on top.

Explorateur

The Explorateur: Issue #10

Monthly design discoveries for tabletop rpg designers including jams, critique, theory, and tools. Vetted. Looted. Curated.

01 Aug 2025
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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.