isFriday 🏳️⚧️ romantic babe
@isfridayTV
Followers
3,704
Following
1,525
Media
1,954
Statuses
15,454
🎲Tabletop game designer. 🐉 Pro GM @startplaying . Producer @metalweavegames . How2GMRomance & @VineyardRPG Lead 📧 isfriday @gmail ENNIE nom'd designer she/they
Seattle
Joined September 2010
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Flamengo
• 238981 Tweets
Beyoncé
• 207679 Tweets
Pink
• 180322 Tweets
#DNC2024
• 147740 Tweets
#DNCConvention2024
• 84569 Tweets
Cruzeiro
• 69140 Tweets
Bolívar
• 59072 Tweets
Rossi
• 49171 Tweets
The Chicks
• 39402 Tweets
FAYEYOKO 1ST FANMEET TICKET
• 37546 Tweets
Advincula
• 32252 Tweets
京都国際
• 31551 Tweets
Yachty
• 30977 Tweets
Adam Kinzinger
• 29795 Tweets
ラストマイル
• 24173 Tweets
Romero
• 23677 Tweets
Izquierdo
• 23451 Tweets
甲子園決勝
• 22658 Tweets
Riquelme
• 18740 Tweets
#ドンシェルジュ
• 18034 Tweets
Ayrton Lucas
• 17251 Tweets
Figal
• 16428 Tweets
Milton
• 16142 Tweets
関東第一
• 16062 Tweets
Carlinhos
• 16042 Tweets
O Tite
• 15789 Tweets
Kerry Washington
• 15371 Tweets
Kemp
• 14864 Tweets
Gerson
• 13639 Tweets
Vignolo
• 11430 Tweets
Zenón
• 10874 Tweets
#PremiosIdolo
• 10743 Tweets
Cassio
• 10500 Tweets
#BOLxFLA
• 10304 Tweets
Bruno Henrique
• 10149 Tweets
Pinned Tweet
New pinned tweet 🎉
You can find me and my work in these places: Portfolio, newsletter & podcast, YouTube, Discord, or play a game with me! 💖
🖊️
📣
📺
🎉
🎮
0
3
21
I've made thousands of $ this year running Curse of Strahd as a pro GM. I GM it 6x a week, now. My games are highly rated. My players RAVE about them. Why?
I use a few concepts I draw from horror media to create the best DnD horror game possible -
🧵
33
426
4K
GMing romance plots is dangerous. Just look at reddit or watch any YT videos about DnD. There's so much that can go WRONG - yet it's so EASY to get right.
I run romance interests and plots for my players each week.
Here's how 🧵
27
313
2K
People really overcomplicate making money as a pro GM. I started 6 months ago and now I make $4-6k a month as a pro GM. Here's the advice I keep giving out to everyone just starting out on
@startplaying
to make $500+ a week WFM.
Run DND games - make $$
a 🧵
41
221
2K
No pls don't go I really wanna play DnD with GMs like you
🤮
290
83
2K
My clients spend at least $130/mo to play TTRPGs with me (DnD, VtM, ALIEN.) Some spend $300/mo. How do I provide enough value to be a major part of their entertainment budget? It's not rocket science.
Here's the 4 things I do that make the most difference 🧵
36
267
2K
@jackisnotabird
I read this headline out loud to my coworkers and laughed but they didn't laugh. They just gave me that "o no they're depressed" look.
4
18
2K
This is my current weekly earnings as a pro GM.
If you're a TTRPG writer you should ask your publisher why you're being paid 10 cents a word.
Especially when many of you can do what I do.
79
86
1K
The Pathfinder 2e Beginner Box Foundry VTT module is the best $35 I've spent in a year. This product is the smartest investment of 2023 for pro GMs
Here's why 🧵
15
141
828
My brain broke last night when
@blackgirlmage
suggested that players should express what annoys them to play with during session 0.
Here's why it's the best new rule at your table 🧵
17
89
810
Your NPCs are boring because it is tough getting players to engage.
Here's 3 tricks I use to have them live Rent Free in my players' heads 🧵
19
104
811
At some point there needs to be an industry culture shift of transparent pay.
TTRPG Freelancers: do you believe pay transparency is important?
100
75
688
Our rates for
@VineyardTTRPG
Cover art $2500
Full page $1000-1500
Complex full page $2500
Full body portrait $800
Portrait $500-650
Spot art $50-100
I'm not understanding why these rates are so low for much larger companies.
@susuwataridelux
@Esgalor
@ElbenherzArt
@Myrmidia
They raised them a bit by the end of 2021. These were the rates they sent me. Still very low for a company with their renown.
Full-page Illustration = $800
Half-page illustrations = $400
Full-body character illustrations = $175
Spot Illustrations = $75
11
26
321
19
103
686
Setting up for my first long-term in-person D&D game.
What advice would you give me?
241
10
560
Siyarin is really out there being professional at all times. Bless that woman
4
1
439
As a professional GM I don't use just any tool for my games, I leverage what best represent the experience.
Here's my list of programs, assets, and tools that I use to remain on top of the industry 🧵
13
42
408
I am going to start a web series with interviews from TTRPG professionals. I would be focusing on the craft and business aspects of each person's respective work. Writers artists editors performers etc. RT or comment if interested
105
98
406
2/
USE OF SILENCE -
Something I learned from studying horror films is the value in knowing when to be quiet. ALIEN (1979) is a masterclass in how to build tension with carefully timed silence and ambience.
2
3
396
Many GMs lose players to scheduling, it's a fact of DnD. But: People are less likely to skip if you're being a good host. Here's how I make everyone feel welcome right away
🧵
4
53
396
2/ Before-care:
Every session starts with a 15-30 minute RL space where people share about their lives (if they want.) I set the stage and lead with my own goings on. Sometimes it's dating apps, work, projects, my kids, etc.
2
1
386
3/
USE OF SILENCE - cont.
I cut the music. Sometimes the silence means there is a predator. Sometimes it means nothing, depending on the perception checks of the party. Either way, I've signaled to the party that there is "something off" or "about to happen".
2
1
380
2/ Session 0 -
You need to express expectations, lines, veils, and safety tools. You absolutely need an X (stop) and/or N (veil) card in play if you're going to allow romance or intimate contact.
People have a right to change their minds mid-game - allow them the space to.
7
10
371
We get it. Romance is difficult to GM.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or professional GM, you may have received a request to roleplay some romance at your table. Maybe you weren’t comfortable with it because you didn’t want to come across as “weird” -
🧵
5
76
366
4/ Clarity -
In that same vein, if a player initiates with ME, I consider that to be temporary consent. My NPC will flirt back. If I feel uncertain, I will ask directly: "Is your PC flirting?" Sometimes the player will say "Oh! No."
That's okay. People communicate differently.
1
9
356
3/
This sets the stage for people to be comfortable with knowing each other as people. It builds a bond between them as they learn basic details about each other. One player is a librarian, another has an addiction to sweet tea, someone gives anime reviews of the week.
1
1
349
7/
If they are rude to an NPC? That NPC most likely won't help them. Not without good cause.
If they're kind or helpful to an NPC? Make that NPC a valuable ally.
Choices matter. If they don't, the game won't matter.
1
2
350
4/
When players feel safe to share, they are more likely to engage deeply with your game, and more importantly: each other. It's difficult in an online environment - Build connections however you can without crossing the line.
You share first. Other people share if they want.
1
2
341
I accidentally put in the wrong address for my gift to my gf (custom leather cuffs).
Instead, it was my friend's address.
I thought it was a package of minis I'd ordered for our DnD game. I told him to open it.
My DM just opened up my bdsm order. Wow. 💀 🪦
8
1
344
Understand what it is that makes YOU special. NPC voices? Good writing? An intense understanding about the political climate of Waterdeep?
Write a list of 5 things you can do better than anyone. That's your brand.
@BDaveWalters
says "I can't do what YOU do!" It's true.
/2
2
4
326
6/
If the players wish to fight a foe you've lamp posted as dangerous? Let them. Crush them. Kill one of them, if the NPC would.
But in the same session: provide a route they can use to avoid combat (at least for a while) to acquire resources or allies which result in victory.
1
2
330
5/ Significant choices:
It can be tough to punish your players. Don't look at it like that. Instead, think about how much you want their choices to matter.
2
2
327
3/
Start with your lines/veils and rules. I don't allow myself to initiate with players as an NPC w/o consent. I'm in a position of power as GM, so it might be seen as something that "has to happen" in the context of a plot. That's not true.
So I eliminate the threat of it.
1
10
327
FWIW, I will not be using AI image generation or ChatGPT to produce any sort of content through my business. Too many ethical issues on every front.
I encourage other TTRPG publishers to resist using ChatGPT - they are exploiting workers in Africa for your cheap labor.
6
61
323
6/
TERRIBLE CHOICES - cont.
It's difficult to tread the line between removing agency and giving someone a satisfying choice. Horror is the exploration of the removal of agency, after all.
Still, give the players a terrible choice. It will hurt.
1
0
317
Thanks for reading!
If this thread was useful to you pls RT so I know that more people want DnD content and not just biz advice. Cheers!
/fin
3
7
316
4/
USE OF SILENCE - cont.
When I begin to describe the threat - my players are focused on it. They're zoned in. They want to know what it is so they can decide what to do.
1
0
311
6/ Temp Consent -
If I have temporary consent, (they flirted with an NPC) I will check-in with the player post-session. "How was that? Did you have fun with this? Is this something you want to continue?"
Again: consent is not something you gain once and have forever.
1
13
313
5/
TERRIBLE CHOICES -
Have you heard the expression of 'a rock and a hard place'? What if the only way for the party to survive was for one member to sacrifice themselves?
2
0
310
What was the 🚩 of your last bad GM? Mine was the whole Discord channel he dedicated to posting about an old player he disagreed with.
151
6
305
7/
TERRIBLE CHOICES - cont.
My players often have a choice between: 1.) Risking it all to win. 2.) Higher chance of survival to concede or run.
I can't tell you when it's exactly right to kill the PCs, but if you do - let them describe their own last moments.
1
0
289
10/
SOMETHING IS WRONG -
There is something "off" in the room that cannot be explained immediately. Don't explain it. Let them wonder. Let them worry.
Why are there broken teeth here? What is this symbol drawn in blood? Why didn't that NPC return?
1
0
283
8/ Players lead, you support:
You can do everything within your narrative power to set the stage, but once you've asked "What are you doing?" then it's their show.
Allow them to approach you with their plan. Allow them to hash out a plan in front of you.
2
1
287
Being a pro GM is the simplest path to making $ in tabletop.
If you've never run a business, being a pro GM can be scary but it doesn't have to be.
Here's what you need to know about pro GMing to win:
10
30
286
9/
THE TONE -
Have a DM tone and a chit-chat tone. Don't be afraid to express that you are now in Barovia using your voice. Your players will bite.
1
1
282
5/
As a GM you need to be ready for that uncomfortable clarification. People at your table sometimes won't feel comfortable expressing themselves unless prompted directly, in private or in public. Use your discretion for this.
1
8
282
9/
Cultivate an environment of supporting their plans and express how difficult the party would believe something to be. (Subtly lamp posting the difficulty / odds of success.)
Tell them directly OOC if something has no chance of succeeding, if their PCs would know. No gotchas
1
3
277
How much money would change your life?
How about $1000/mo? 12k a year?
You can earn that part-time as a pro GM. Here's how
👇
27
27
276
Additional context: My man posted a game ad on SPG's discord asking for help to improve it. A few people (rightfully) pointed out that a game centering on slavery wouldn't be popular.
This guy went home and stewed over it on Christmas then came back to post this unprovoked
6
4
267
11/ Take feedback:
Solicit for feedback often. I ask after every game. I don't force it. What happens is that when they DO have feedback, they give it to me.
I don't argue. I don't get defensive. I don't nitpick.
I listen.
1
1
268
11/
SOMETHING IS WRONG - cont.
Once you have let the players build up enough theories you can drop more breadcrumbs if they look into it. This will encourage them to creep into the darkness seeking the truth, over and over.
1
0
263
8/
TERRIBLE CHOICES - cont.
This eventually snowballs over each story arc leading to the party making a desperate stand or seeking vengeance. When they win? They cheer. They celebrate. It's meaningful. The sacrifices were worth it. The PC deaths justified.
1
0
260
Silvery Barbs is a terrible spell.
After spending months of trying to make it work in my pro games, I've killed it. It's the only DnD 5e spell I've banned.
Here's why 🧵
70
27
258
7/ Ask -
If I ever feel as though I want to run a romance plot that involves their PC, I will ASK FOR PERMISSION explicitly to the player in a private message. This is to eliminate: Peer pressure, awkwardness, and potential embarrassment.
If they don't want it? I don't.
1
8
260
Many GMs struggle with confidence.
I don't anymore.
Here are my tricks 🧵
7
32
263
I've been a full-time pro since March, only 3 months after I started.
5 things I do to stay on top of the rankings and make more $ than 99% of stream D&D personalities 🧵
4
40
263
8/ Planning Romance -
If I'm wanting to do a thing for story reasons I will plan a 4 plot point story arc.
1. Initial awkward rom
2. Serious confession
3. Commitment/Conflict
4. Resolution
I check in privately at each stage. Usually after every session with romance, even.
2
8
259
"you are by far the most expensive paid DM Ive seen with the joint shortest time DMing" -hater
Yes, I am. Here's why 🧵
14
23
263
Every week I talk to freelancers who have been wronged by publishers in TTRPG.
Underpaid, intimidated, blackmailed, bullied, lied to, taken advantage of, etc.
Wage theft should not be the norm. If there is support: we can form a freelancer union.
🧵
10
104
263
You have to write the equivalent of a PHB + 50 pages per year to pay rent in America if you're paid TTRPG industry rates
Want food, utilities, phone, or a car? You're looking at 3 hardcovers per year - BY YOURSELF
This is why our book prices need to increase NOW
🧵
56
48
253
Streamline and automate your onboarding. You will want to be hands-on when you first start out. But later w/ new players you just don't have time. You'll have 10-15 clients a day when you scale.
Write out your session 0. Link your safety checklist & safety tools.
/3
3
2
234
Got some insider info!
Winterjaye the Art Director of
@RTalsorianGames
:
$300 for spot art
$300+ for quarter
$800-1500 full page
$2000 - 2500+ cover art
Pay scales w/ complexity. They also put artist names on art.
Artists: Send your portfolios! 🎨
RT for visibility pls
58
101
246
10/
Ask your players what sort of relationship they want to roleplay with their backstory NPCs. Get the basics then take it in game.
Check-in with them when you RP their NPCs, post-game.
Check in with them when PCs die. When they lose. When they win. Check in.
1
1
240
IDK what company needs to hear this, but:
Freelancers all talk to each other. Especially about pay.
@TouchOfOblivion
@isfridayTV
Guys at the $35 dollar leaves you get a PDF version of the books. Not hardbacks. Secondly, we have had 9 successful, fulfilled campaigns. Lastly, what we pay our people is frankly no one’s business nor would our contractors and employees want you to know.
18
0
1
4
39
245
Give the customer all the information they need to make a purchase up front in the listing. What type of game are you running? What type of GM are you?
That way when they buy, they are getting what they expect. Transparency=success in business.
/4
1
2
233
In 2022 I'm thankful for everything. I grew my pro DM biz from $1000/mo to $5000/mo in 1 year. I've run over 400 games in 2022, an average of 8/wk.
I'm at 12/wk games right now. I'm at $75,000/yr with my current income. I'll be pushing for $100,000 in 2023. 🧵
14
9
240
That's it for today. If you found this useful please RT and give
@isfridaytv
a follow. My pro GM link is in my profile as is my TTRPG supplement book: The Vineyard.
Cheers, y'all.
/fin
5
2
233
12/
I do not respond directly to any sort of criticism from Stars & Wishes. I say "Thank you for the feedback". If it's not useful feedback, I don't tell them that.
My goal is to have them feel as though they are heard. If they are giving inappropriate or rude feedback - I kick
2
1
231
Advertising is a game of "less is more". If you can use 10 words to explain Curse of Strahd, use 10 words. My most popular listing only has 1 sentence of lore. The rest is focused on PLAYER EXPERIENCE.
/5
1
3
226
Looking for a freelancer who:
⚔️Likes
#ThirstySwordLesbians
💀Likes
@VineyardRPG
🕹️Has game design experience
🖋️Is a freelancer not hindered by non-competes in 2023-2024
🌎Is BIMPOC
Please comment or tag friends. RTs appreciated!
40
141
232
12/ Modify Memory -
You might need to drop a plot. Someone could be having a rough time IRL. The romance could be stressful and not fun anymore.
For that reason if a player wants to - I allow a player to X out of a relationship, vaporizing it. (As though it never existed.)
3
9
231
9/
These can be fit in nicely during downtime usually or in conjunction with a major plot. These are "b plots" that you find in many series dramas. They're meant to incite direct interest for short periods of time, but not be the main story.
They can also humanize former antags
1
8
227
While we're talking unions -
Things TTRPG publishers and APs don't (usually) provide:
- Fair wages
- Harassment free work environment
- Safety
- Respect
- Training / Mentorship
- Healthcare
Gee I wonder why it's difficult to get anyone but cis white men in here
12
39
224
I unequivocally condemn the actions of abusers and will not be doing business with anyone who associates with @/AWiseArtist. Being drunk is no excuse. Trauma is no excuse.
Silence allows abusers to thrive. I hope the victims receive care
If this shuts doors for me, I don't care
2
22
224
What's your favorite dirty trick as a DM?
125
10
217
11/ Apologize -
You're going to make mistakes. Be ready to admit a mistake and listen to your players if they express discomfort.
Your romance script is not as important as the safety of your players.
1
11
218
13/
Some players will always want the game a certain way. If that becomes a problem, you'll know. You have your style. Stick to it. Respect your players. Respect their feedback.
It might not be helpful except to know how they're feeling. Value it as a temperature test.
1
1
214
10/ Value -
What can romance plots do for your table? Well, for some players they are an important facet to what it is to be human.
If you do this carefully and intentionally, you can really invest your players.
2
9
217
Tonight one of my groups reaches Castle Ravenloft to confront the Countess.
I have 1 blood red Oreo for each of them. I'll eat one for each PC death.
11
6
216
What IS the player experience?
Explain that - Then deliver at the table. Run great games.
/fin
1
2
204
2/ CURIOSITY
My NPCs will ask about the PCs. This causes them to build a relationship with the NPC as they communicate normally. Try asking:
- "Where are you from?" THEN: "Oh, I know that place. I've been there, I saw X festival 2 years ago." etc. Have the NPC relate.
2
4
204
See for yourself what it's like to play a game with me. My reviews are in my profile for consulting and D&D. I GM Wed-Sun.
2
4
199
Let me know if you have a particularly terrible TTRPG romance story you're willing to share. We can laugh through the pain together.
/fin
9
7
202
Friday, why do you charge $40 a game?
Well it's a simple principle, you see. I don't have thousands of employees to exploit for cheap labor in order to keep my income below the poverty line.
13
6
196
I appreciate y'all retweeting, commenting, and liking.
We're charging more for our book bc we want our contributors to make a living wage. The old age of poverty wages in RPG is dead. Demand better rates.
Support us: Follow our BackerKit, link in profile. Let's prove it
1
36
201
PAID WORK ~
Looking for a sensitivity consultant for disability - specifically limb difference and mental health. There will be cyberpunk-type elements (think ripper doc). The work will be for the
@VineyardRPG
IP and start immediately.
RTs appreciated!
19
205
187
as a white person it is my nightmare to be included in a graphic like this
223
18
171
11
7
186
Currently seeking TTRPG productions for brands or companies in 2023. Showrunner, GM, producer, performer, project manager, doesn't matter - looking for the right team and project rather than any particular role.
Let's talk!
52
43
182
"I posted a game on
@startplaying
but no one has signed up!" -DM
That's because your thumbnail sucks. No really. It sucks. Here's how to fix it.
A 🧵
3
26
182
Damn I guess folx really hate queer games still
16
8
178
If you're interested in what people say about my consulting and free pro GM workshops. I'm worth the $$ if you're scaling past part-time, but most people can get to part time on the free advice I give.
4
3
171
Pandora's Box is open.
@VineyardRPG
funded despite its high funding goal, high price point, and paying its contributors a fair wage. First time KS, too.
The industry needs to change so that it is sustainable for writers, artists, editors, and other contributors.
#FairWageTTRPG
4
34
178
3/
- "What do you think about <local rumor>?" THEN: "I see. Here's <my opinion>." Double points for being a bit over-the-top, which often leans into humor.
- "I just had this spiritual awakening at <temple/commune/brothel>." THEN: "What's your God think about <local rumor>?"
1
2
173
I always crack up at these people running to my comments like "WHY WOULD ANYONE PAY FOR THIS. I JUST EXPLOIT THE FREE LABOR FROM MY FRIENDS!" whenever I talk about how much money I make as a pro GM.
Y'all. It's not that much money to live on. Trust me.
15
2
171
Been in the top 3 pro GMs on
@startplaying
all year, over half of my games were Curse of Strahd.
Successful, highly rated campaigns without: Harm to children, racism, torture, sexual assault, or ableism.
You can have those elements if your table wants, but most ppl don't. 🧵
5
8
166
4/ GENEROSITY & KINDNESS
Players are greedy. Instead of making the party work for a boon, have a nice NPC give something to them out of the kindness of their heart.
They'll be suspicious. Let them be.
Don't flip the NPC into a villain.
1
3
165