dev log ⭒ next

The Coven Awaits Me!

Starting a girly developer log for a TTRPG project~

*This is more so an introduction of sorts!*
The world of my TTRPG homebrew has been dancing around my mind for quite a while now. I can see the map in my mind’s eye, I know the major factions that struggle for power, I have pages of topics I want to research to build out the cultures of the people — Now I just need to sit down and write it all out. Why is that always the hardest part?

My written work has always been this hidden facet of myself, buried in my mind so that I can live in this in-between world of “what if I was a writer” and “I’ve failed at being a writer”. The idea of my writing being rejected has always been ten times scarier than any other thing I make, and I think it’s because it’s the earliest thing I ever related so directly to my identity. No other form of expression has ever been as close to my heart as storytelling. Iykyk.

I started playing D&D with some friends during the pandemic and I started to think.. maybe a traditional novel is not the best format for me. Maybe an indie TTRPG concept is more my speed.

The first time I unveiled my ideas to anyone other than my husband was when I posted about a one-shot test in a D&D group that was for women and LGBTQIA+ players only. I was nervous but optimistic because any critique from the girlies, gays, and theys would be helpful in making my future compendium. I make my stories with them in mind, after all!

There was so much interest we had to split up into three groups of five players. I watched as these whimsical adults designed their own *mahou shoujo* inspired characters: They decided whom would represent which color, talked together about shared backstories, and linked to reference photos from Pinterest for how they looked and what they wore. This is the entire reason I started making this world, for this sense of community and comradery. Honestly.. it was pretty magical! These one-shots turned into mini campaigns that taught me so much about the dynamics of teams when you tell them that in this world, to be “girly” is a symbol of strength and power.

I’m starting this dev log to keep track of my work and to start preparing for its eventual release. I don’t know how I want to format this log yet, so sorry in advance if it changes up a bit in the first few. Join me here if you’re interested in a high-femme, high-fantasy RPG setting for your table!

I want to be more dedicated to getting my compendium completed. I have so many ideas and concepts and things I want to share about what I’m learning. What sort of things do people want to see in a dev log?

⟡ ALZ