Dicey Fate

Fantasy Grounds Unity is a high-power virtual tabletop originally released in 2004 and completely rebuilt on the Unity engine in 2020. Developed by SmiteWorks, it is the industry pioneer of "automated play," where the software handles complex rules, modifiers, and combat math natively. In a massive industry shift in late 2025, the platform moved to a completely free-to-play model, removing the traditional $50 license fee to compete directly with modern browser-based rivals. Description Fantasy Grounds is often described as a "Digital Dungeon Master’s Assistant." It is a standalone application (not a browser site) that provides the most stable and deep automation available. While it has a more traditional, window-based interface that can feel daunting to new users, it rewards the "Power GM" with unparalleled control over combat and data. Since becoming free in late 2025, it has positioned itself as the premier "zero-cost" entry point for groups who want professional-grade automation without a subscription. System Overview & Key Features Native Ruleset Automation Unlike other VTTs that rely on community plug-ins, Fantasy Grounds features "Hard-Coded" automation for its primary systems. When a player drags an attack onto a target, the software automatically checks for cover, calculates the hit against Armor Class, applies damage, and tracks temporary hit points or resistances without any manual input. V5.1 Visual Intelligence The 2026 update introduced "Aggregated Notifications." Instead of scrolling through a wall of text in a chat box, combat results like damage, saving throws, and status effects now appear as elegant visual icons and pop-ups directly over the tokens on the map. 2.5D Tactical Mapping While it supports traditional 2D top-down maps, FGU includes a unique 2.5D camera mode. This provides a sense of depth and perspective to battlemaps, making the digital table feel more like a physical diorama with "placeable" 3D-like objects like trees and furniture. Total Offline Capability Because it is a localized application, you can prepare your entire campaign, build NPCs, and write story entries without an internet connection. Your data is stored on your hard drive, giving you total ownership of your campaign files. The Fantasy Grounds Forge FGU features an integrated marketplace and community portal called "The Forge." This allows GMs to browse and auto-install thousands of community-made extensions and themes that update automatically whenever the main software is launched. Cross-Platform Unity Engine Built on the Unity 6 engine (as of 2026), the software offers smooth performance on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It uses hardware acceleration to handle complex dynamic lighting, weather effects, and large-scale vision blocking for massive dungeon crawls. Additional links fantasygrounds.com : Official Fantasy Grounds website fantasygroundsacademy.com : Community-led training and free classes forge.fantasygrounds.com : Official community content and extension portal

VVD is a visually driven world-building and campaign management platform launched in 2024. Created by an independent developer, it positions itself as a streamlined, "distraction-free" alternative to complex wikis like World Anvil. In 2025, the platform gained massive popularity on social media for its "clean UI" and its strict No-AI pledge, promising that all art and assets on the platform are created by human artists.  Description VVD is built for the "sparks of inspiration." It uses a card-based system to organize NPCs, locations, and magic items, allowing users to connect them visually through an interactive graph. Unlike traditional folder-heavy organizers, VVD feels like a digital corkboard or a personalized Wikipedia that prioritizes aesthetics and ease of use. It is a web-based tool, meaning it requires an internet connection, but it is highly optimized for mobile devices, making it a favorite for GMs who need to jot down world-building notes on the go. System Overview & Key Features The Infinite Canvas VVD features a spatial "Canvas" mode where users can drag and drop their lore cards to create mind maps. This allows you to visually plot out character relationships, political factions, or historical timelines, with lines and labels connecting each element in a fluid, non-linear way. Interactive Map Pins Users can upload high-resolution maps and place interactive pins that link directly to lore cards. If a player visits a new town, the GM can click the pin to instantly pull up the town’s description, NPCs, and local rumors without searching through a menu. Auto-Linking Wiki System The platform automatically recognizes the names of your lore cards within your writing. If you mention a specific character in a location description, VVD will create a hyperlink to that character's card automatically, ensuring your world remains interconnected and easy to navigate. Human-Artist Focus In a direct response to industry trends, VVD has built its brand on supporting human creativity. They pledge 10% of their revenue to supporting real artists and feature a marketplace of hand-drawn assets, ensuring the platform remains a haven for traditional and digital illustrators. Quill (Story Writing Tool) New for 2026, "Quill" is an integrated manuscript editor. It allows authors to write their novels or campaign guides side-by-side with their lore cards, enabling them to reference character stats or world history in a split-screen view while they draft. Publishable World Wikis Paid users can turn their private world-building into a "public wiki" with a single click. This generates a sleek, readable website that GMs can share with their players or authors can share with their readers to show off their setting's depth and art. Additional links vvd.world - Official website and application portal

Canada by Night is a live-play podcast where professional improvisers play Vampire the Masquerade! Sent to rescue his best friend’s kidnapped mother, detective-turned-vampire Everett Fry accidentally ends up the sheriff of New Haven: an experimental town that’s finding out if vampires and humans can co-exist. Stuck leading a ragtag group of officers - the Brujah bounty hunter Val, the Gangrel news reporter Evangeline, and the Tremere blood-witch Doris - can Everett keep New Haven running? Or will the sheriff’s department fail and see the town destroyed by its enemies or liquidated by the vampire council of Canada?! Links spotify.com  - Spotify feed youtube.com  - Youtube playlist (only episodes starting with 3.57) dumbdumbdice.com  - Dumb-Dumbs & Dice website