A while ago, I learned of dScryb through its sponsorship of some other TTRPGer's and whilst I've always loved writing my own descriptives I do know that a lot of people have a really hard time writing something that really draws their players into the scenes. Recently I learned of a new addition to the site from themselves, that of sound effects and whilst I don't own a stream deck or mixing studio currently, I instantly saw the benefit of being able to add these to help make it more immersive.
I've been lucky enough to grab a word with dScryb and get to find out a little bit more about them as well as the passion that they have for the TTRPG community. Here David Shulman answers our questions...
TP: dScryb recently added sound effects to their website, why did you go that way after having created descriptive pieces?
D: We call them “tabletop roleplaying games” because the game is played at the table. But the experience of adventuring with companions and exploring interesting worlds happens in the mind. It is a shared cognitive event. Language is a mainline to cognition, and it can be used to create rich, immersive gaming experiences (dScryb’s core mission). But humans were thinking, imagining, and reacting to our environments long before the advent of language. So, sound was the natural progression for dScryb to enhance the experience for GMs and their players. It compliments language naturally, without taking anything away.
TP: What would you say is the best selling point of dScryb?
D: All of the different types of content dScryb offers are designed to be story-agnostic building blocks to supplement whatever homebrew campaign or adventure module you’re running. And it’s become a massive resource, covering the fantasy and sci-fi genres. So, it can help GMs reduce their prep and enhance their games in nearly all scenarios.
TP: Why the TTRPG space?
D: My co-founder and I come from different professional backgrounds. I was a criminal lawyer. He’s a serial entrepreneur. But we both love games, love fantasy and sci-fi, and love a good adventure—and that’s what dScryb has been.
TP: What is your favourite product that you produce and why?
D: Tough but I’ll say it’s the monster descriptions. I use them A LOT and they never fail to impress (and alarm) my players.
TP: What is your current work in progress and what can you tell us about it?
D: There are two: One is a massive Combat Collection for players. It describes attacks for all weapons and for STR- and DEX-based characters. It will come with a simple UI so that you only see descriptions that apply to your character and their equipment. The other work in progress is a world, and that’s all I can say for now…
TP: Who do you think would love to utilise dScrybe why?
D: Our amazing subscribers vary in their experience with TTRPGs and running games. There are many veterans, and many new GMs (and curious players). For veterans, it can cut down on a lot of prep. But I think new GMs love to utilize dScryb most of all because it can provide a bit of a safety blanket during what can be an intimidating process (at least, it was for me).
TP: Where do you see dScryb taking you in 5 years?
D: It’s hard to imagine. I’m already right where I want to be. I have an amazing family, job, and friends and colleagues in the TTRPG community. In some respects, I hope nothing changes. But I have a habit of keeping busy, testing out my shower thoughts, and following up on the amazing suggestions we receive regularly from our users.
TP: If you were given the time and opportunity to develop something unique, what would it be and why?
D: Fortunately, this isn’t a hypothetical. I have the privilege of time and opportunity to work on some amazing projects that we’re not ready to announce.
TP: Who do you admire in the Independent TTRPG writing space and why?
D: First and foremost, I’m a big fan of dScryb’s writers. I also admire Shawn Merwin, Mike Shea, Sadie Lowry, and Justin Alexander.
TP: What got you into TTRPG's in the first place?
D: Not what, but who: Dylan Cook, a dear, dear friend who produces and directs in film and television. I’ve known him for over 20 years, and he’s had an incredible impact on my life. I’m very grateful that he thought of me when putting together his first group of players.
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