Alphastream

The Alphastream Game Design Blog

Watched Stranger Things? Here’s How to Start Playing D&D!

Here is how to get started with D&D, as a player or Dungeon Master. Find how to learn the rules, pick a starting adventure, find players, and get started as a DM.

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Build a Daggerheart Fear Tracker!

Here is how to build a fear tracker for the Daggerheart RPG! This is a low cost, easy, and fun project!

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What Did We Accomplish In a Year?

Let’s take a look at ways we can measure a year and what might help us achieve a healthy and productive 2026.

January 5, 2026 · 1 Comment

My New Initiative Tracking System for Draw Steel

I get crafty and find an excellent way to track initiative in Draw Steel. I share how I made it, so you can too!

November 20, 2025 · 10 Comments

How an RPG Book is Made

How is an RPG made? Which steps happen in which order, and what are the pitfalls to avoid?

September 29, 2025 · Leave a comment

Join My Tables at 2025 GameHole Con!

Come join me at GameHole 2025 for games, panels, and more!

July 18, 2025 · Leave a comment

The RPG Industry Wants Stars

Is it good for D&D and our hobby to have designers become stars?

June 18, 2025 · 2 Comments

Learn to Play Daggerheart in 5 Rooms

Want to play Daggerheart? I use the 5-Room Learn-to-Play technique to teach the basics of Critical Role’s new RPG.

June 10, 2025 · 3 Comments

Learn-to-Play with a 5-Room Dungeon

How do we teach a new RPG? I modify the 5-Room Dungeon concept into a Learn to Play approach we can use to teach most RPGs.

May 27, 2025 · 3 Comments

5E D&D’s Playtests – Which Was Better?

Comparing the 2014 and 2024 D&D 5E playtests reveals big differences in the goals and approach, with lessons applicable to future versions and other RPGs.

May 1, 2025 · 11 Comments

The Revised Player’s Handbook for 5E and its Future

In assessing the revised DMG and MM, I’ve overall been positive. Not so for the 2024 D&D Player’s Handbook.

April 11, 2025 · 19 Comments

Assessing the Revised DMG for D&D 5E

The 2014 DMG was criticized as a book DMs did not consult often, or even need to read. Does the revised 2024 DMG solve these problems and become the DM’s indispensable tome? What role should a DMG play?

April 2, 2025 · 1 Comment

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