Chris Seaman – illustratör

The Game Master’s Book of Astonishing Random Tables provides hundreds of tables for nearly every worldbuilding and gameplay situation GMs may come across. Need to know what the local food is like? Roll for it. Need to know how the city’s plumbing is organized or if they have a sewer system? Roll for it. Need to know what specific pathology drives the mad draconian warlord just beyond the city’s gates? Roll for it. Want to determine what a sorcerer’s spell effects look like or what unique way they cast their spells? You know the answer!When warranted, many of the table results are “enhanced” with supplemental information to help clarify roll results, like how a particular type of government is run, or what a particular style of architecture looks like . Other tables will have a branching element, providing a path to fleshing out larger scale subjects that require more detail than can be provided with a single table. The book also includes three one-shot adventures that help GMs put the book’s tables into play right away, so that they can see exactly how helpful and enhancing they can be.The Game Master’s Book of Astonishing Random Tables fills in the holes of gameplay, enriching every scene, setting, character and event, while also adding new, unexpected elements to shake things up and keep players on their toes.

Jeff Ashworth, author of the bestselling Game Master series of resource books for the world's most popular roleplaying game, combines his depth of knowledge about the mechanics of dice-based RPGs and the universal experiences gathered while playing a campaign to create a ruleset for leveling up your own life.Featuring invaluable lessons drawn directly from TTRPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Starfinder, Blades in the Dark, Fiasco and other TTRPGs (“Always check for traps;” “Never underestimate the power of a short rest;” “Don’t feed the trolls”) as well as in-depth analyses of the ways in which these games’ character archetypes can be successful models for varying approaches to life (“Rage is My Armor: How to Live Like a Barbarian and Keep Your Job”), this player’s handbook for the game of life also features high concept illustrations of (and strategies for defeating) horrifying real-world monsters like that pile of junk in the garage, the soul-sucking ghost of nostalgia and the many-headed hydra that is the work/life balance.With more hilarious, practical lessons than you can fit in a bag of holding, and referencing more than a dozen popular tabletop roleplaying games, it’s a self-improvement book for anyone seeking guidance (both the spell and the advice) in their daily lives.

The Game Master’s Book of Magic and Mayhem is the perfect companion for young gamers aged 10-14, packed with everything they need to create unforgettable adventures for their tabletop role-playing games. Inspired by the bestselling Game Master series, this book is a treasure trove of ideas for young game masters and players alike.Inside, readers will find detailed descriptions of epic locations like ancient temples, mysterious taverns, and hidden lairs, each filled with fascinating lore and opportunities for exciting quests. Need a trap to foil an adventuring party? A monster to test their mettle. Or a puzzle to challenge their wits? The Book of Magic and Mayhem has them covered with creative, ready-to-use ideas for both! Plus, non-player characters (NPCs) with unique personalities and backstories that will help bring any game to life, whether they’re helping or hindering the players.The book also features a ton of random tables—perfect for quick inspiration when the story takes an unexpected turn. From treasure and magic items to random encounters and environmental hazards, these tables help game masters come up with new ideas on the fly.Designed to spark creativity and enhance every gaming session, The Book of Magic and Mayhem is a must-have resource for any young Game Master eager to craft amazing worlds and unforgettable adventures with their friends.