NOTE: the opinions expressed in interviews are those of the guests, not necessarily those of shadomain.com
Today we talk with ttrpg GM Alex Rinehart. You can find him at:
https://twitter.com/AlexRinehart_
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/ale10ander
https://bsky.app/profile/alexrinehart.bsky.social
Let’s hear from Alex!
Stuff You Do:
I am a seattle-based storyteller and game designer. I focus on making games that are discrete experiences, with beginnings, middles, and end. This means campaign-focused roleplaying games, or games that have a set end condition. I also like experimenting with gameplay and assumptions in my works, and incorporate minigames and strong phases whereever possible. I’m best known for my worldbuilding, goofy adventures, and opinions on how to make tactical, engaging encounters.
What Game System have you not played that you really want to try?
I’ve been really keen to try Lancer. I’m always up for mechs, and I love tactical combat!
What artwork or piece of literature has inspired your TTRPG work?
Everything I’ve read has influenced me in some ways, whether I’m aware of it or not. Recently I’ve been consciously moved by the fictional poetry in Tim Powers’s Anubis Gates, as well as the comic books Y: The Last Man and Daytripper.
Describe your ideal job or assignment in the TTRPG space
I would love to make officially licensed games for Saturday morning cartoons and children’s books. I’ve been kicking around ideas for an Animorphs-style game, balancing saving the world with real-life responsibilities and secret agendas (other themes that often show up in my games).
If you gave a eulogy for a party you know who was TPK’d, what would you say?
This could have been avoided at a number of different points, but they died how they lived: recklessly, irresponsibly, and ignoring the advice of others. They will be remembered fondly, and with laughter.
What do you think is absolutely essential in creating a safe space for all in a TTRPG game?
You’ve got to talk to people. Before you play your game, you’ve got to set expectations about the level of violence, what’s acceptable at the table, and what isn’t. You need to make sure everyone understands that we’re here to play and pretend and have fun, and that can’t happen if there isn’t comfort.
Anything else you’d like us to know:
Giraffes and humans have the same number of neck bones. (it’s 7)
Thanks, Alex!
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