Crying is a Free Action is my corner of the internet for all things tabletop role-playing.
Here you’ll find thoughts on running games, building worlds, telling better stories at the table, and surviving the occasional rules argument. I write about Game Mastering, player habits, storytelling tricks, and the strange, wonderful chaos that happens when a handful of people sit down with dice and imagination.
Some posts are practical advice. Others are reflections from behind the GM screen after many years of rolling dice and making things up as I go.
Whether you’re a veteran GM, a curious player, or someone who just loves the idea of collaborative storytelling, you’re welcome at the table.
Grab your dice, check your character sheet, and remember: Sometimes the only thing left to do… is cry.
Taverns, Trouble, and Tiny Kingdoms
Most TTRPG campaigns begin in forgettable villages. This guide shows you how to build one that your players will actually remember. From crafting a strong hook to populating your town with memorable NPCs, meaningful problems, and intriguing rumours, Taverns, Trouble, and Tiny Kingdoms breaks world-building down into simple, usable steps. Using the example of Scalefell, a settlement built on a dragon graveyard, you’ll learn how to create locations that feel alive, reactive, and full of story potential. You don’t need pages of lore, just a few strong ideas. Start small, build smart, and give your players a world worth exploring.
You’re so Random
Tired of forgettable shopkeepers, nameless guards, and NPCs your players instantly ignore? Welcome to the cure for Beige NPC Syndrome. This fast, table-ready system lets you generate memorable NPCs in seconds using simple d8 rolls—perfect for improv-heavy sessions and unexpected player chaos. With personality, secrets, quirks, and motivations at your fingertips, even the smallest background character can steal the scene. This tool turns “just a guy” into someone your players won’t forget. Roll the dice, spark your creativity, and bring your world to life—one NPC at a time.
The Sound of the Table
What does your table sound like? In this deep dive into the overlooked power of audio in tabletop RPGs, Robin B. Devlin explores how music, noise, and—most importantly—silence can transform your game from good to unforgettable. From tension-building pauses to perfectly timed soundscapes, discover how to guide emotion, sharpen focus, and elevate immersion at your table. Whether you’re running Call of Cthulhu or high fantasy epics, this is your toolkit for turning every session into a cinematic experience. Lean in, lower the volume… and listen.
Do You Want to Be Right, or Do You Want to Play?
When tabletop RPG sessions grind to a halt over rules debates, everyone loses. In Do You Want to Be Right, or Do You Want to Play?, Robin B. Devlin explores the hidden damage of “rules lawyer” culture in games like Dungeons & Dragons, and why collaborative storytelling matters more than mechanical perfection. Blending sharp humour with practical GM and player advice, this article dives into zero-sum thinking, table trust, and keeping game momentum alive. Perfect for Game Masters and players alike, it’s a must-read guide to better roleplaying, smoother sessions, and more immersive TTRPG experience
Stat Blocks Don’t Scare Anyone Show, Don’t Tell for Game Masters
Want to level up your tabletop RPG sessions and truly immerse your players? In Stat Blocks Don’t Scare Anyone: Show, Don’t Tell for Game Masters, Robin B. Devlin breaks down one of the most powerful storytelling techniques in TTRPGs. Discover how sensory details, roleplay cues, and vivid descriptions transform flat encounters into unforgettable moments. Perfect for Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, and beyond, this guide helps Game Masters and players ditch mechanical narration and embrace cinematic storytelling. If you want richer worlds, deeper immersion, and genuinely tense horror at the table, this is essential reading.
How to Craft Engaging NPCs
Struggling with bland, forgettable NPCs in your tabletop RPG sessions? In How to Craft Engaging NPCs, Robin B. Devlin delivers practical, easy-to-use tips for Dungeon Masters looking to bring their worlds to life. From building memorable quirks and distinct voices to tying characters into your campaign’s story, this guide helps transform “damp white bread” NPCs into unforgettable personalities. Perfect for Dungeons & Dragons and other TTRPGs, this article covers improvisation, player interaction, and immersive storytelling techniques. If you want richer roleplay, stronger player engagement, and NPCs your party will never forget, this is essential reading.
10 Ways to Add Depth to Your Character’s Backstory
Tired of clichéd character backstories in your tabletop RPGs? In 10 Ways to Add Depth to Your Character’s Backstory, Robin B. Devlin offers practical, creative techniques to transform flat characters into compelling, story-driven heroes. From defining failures and hidden secrets to meaningful relationships and symbolic items, this guide helps players build richer, more immersive roleplaying experiences. Perfect for Dungeons & Dragons, GURPS, Call of Cthulhu, and beyond, these tips will enhance character development, deepen storytelling, and give your GM more to work with. If you want unforgettable characters and stronger narrative impact, this is essential TTRPG reading.
Alternatives to the Tavern Cold Open
Tired of starting every Dungeons & Dragons campaign in a tavern? In Alternatives to the Tavern Cold Open, Robin B. Devlin delivers ten creative, immersive ways to kick off your next tabletop RPG session. From prison breaks and shipwrecks to academy intrigue and bounty hunts, these dynamic campaign starters help Game Masters create stronger party bonds and unforgettable openings. Perfect for D&D, Pathfinder, and other TTRPGs, this guide is packed with storytelling inspiration, roleplay hooks, and session ideas to energise your players from the very first scene. Ditch the clichés and start your adventure with impact.
Beyond the Dice: Mastering the Art of Being a Great D&D Player.
What makes a truly great Dungeons & Dragons player? In Beyond the Dice: Mastering the Art of Being a Great D&D Player, Robin B. Devlin explores the essential skills that elevate tabletop RPG experiences beyond mechanics and dice rolls. From communication and teamwork to respecting fellow players and engaging with the game world, this guide is packed with practical advice for improving your roleplay and group dynamics. Perfect for beginners and veteran players alike, this article shows how to create more immersive, collaborative, and enjoyable TTRPG sessions. If you want better games and stronger party chemistry, this is must-read advice.
The Psychology of Immersion
Want to create truly immersive tabletop RPG sessions that pull players deep into your world? In The Psychology of Immersion: Tricks to Make Your World Feel Real, Robin B. Devlin explores the science and storytelling techniques behind unforgettable roleplaying. From sensory descriptions and NPC performance to music, lighting, and player engagement, this guide reveals how to turn ordinary D&D and TTRPG games into cinematic experiences. Perfect for Game Masters looking to boost immersion, improve storytelling, and enhance player investment, this article is packed with practical tips to make your world feel vivid, emotional, and real.
Not So Random After All
Think random encounters are boring filler? Think again. In Not So Random After All: Designing Encounters That Feel Organic and Engaging, Robin B. Devlin reveals how to transform simple dice rolls into rich, story-driven moments in your tabletop RPG. Packed with practical tips for Dungeons & Dragons and other TTRPGs, this guide shows Game Masters how to weave narrative, player backstories, dynamic consequences, and meaningful choices into every encounter. From roleplay opportunities to evolving combat scenarios, learn how to make your world feel alive. If you want memorable sessions and immersive storytelling, this is essential GM advice.
