EmpyClaw

He/they. Silly nerd. I enjoy tabletop game design and rpgs. I like being helpful and throwing spaghetti at the wall. Author of Crown of Horns, a political fantasy.

Website: https://www.crownofhorns.com

Public Key

npub1chfjnsqj4s0f62ywxam2zgnzgzwqx9g43kpulvwncezwc4qu2y2qusc7tg

NIP-05 Address

[email protected]

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsvt5efcqf2c85a9z8rwa4pyf3yp8qrz52cmq70k8fuv38v2sw9z9qpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsxlduzt

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub1chfjnsqj4s0f62ywxam2zgnzgzwqx9g43kpulvwncezwc4qu2y2qusc7tg

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Last Notes

2026-08-29 13:24:31 UTC

#ScribesAndMakers 8/29 Did you know what you wanted to be at 11?
A little younger I wanted to be an astronomer.
By 11, I was firmly in the camp of author.
In high school it was an actor.
I really just hadn’t gone far down the vocational dictionary, I think.

2026-08-26 23:39:22 UTC

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For Canadian authors, Library and Archives Canada provides ISBNs and the only cost is sending them a physical book if you’re printing more than 50 of them (I think?) to keep in the national archives.
That’s really frustrating though that there isn’t a similar system in the States :/

2026-08-26 21:12:37 UTC

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I just clicked approve on the final digital proof.
Ahhhhh!!!!
#amWriting #books #indieauthor #selfpublishing

2026-08-26 13:15:12 UTC

#WordWeavers Aug 26
What weather best matches your current work in progress?
I’ll call it “pleasant winter.” Not actively snowing, but plenty of snow on the ground. Not even thinking about warming up enough to melt yet. No wind chill. The kind of weather you can just stroll outside and you don’t need to rush because it’s so nice out.
Except everyone in my book is rushing… the appearance of monsters born of the essence of nightmare and hate tend to be a thing that causes one to rush. 🤷

2026-08-25 23:13:44 UTC

I received such a wonderful compliment today!
I ran into a coworker who got my book last year. She told me she’s not usually into fantasy—she finds it too hard to get into and gets a bit overwhelmed—but she got it to support me and give it try.
She said that she enjoyed how accessible my book was and how “real” it felt—how it was relatable but through a fantastical lens.
She’s excited for the sequel ☺️
What a lovely shot in the arm!
#writing #books #bookstodon #bookreview #CrownOfHorns

2026-08-24 20:03:03 UTC

I got my proof copy!
Once I’ve given this a once-over, I send for approval and then… print away.
Speaking with the printer today, he said that most of their indie author clients have a three-year gap between their first and second book. Apparently I can’t be stopped 😅
Stepping closer, all. Soooooon!
#writingcommunity #books #fantasy #indieauthor #selfpublishing #amWriting #writing
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2026-08-22 18:45:06 UTC

Just cleaned out my fountain pens.
Trying to decide which ink to put into my favourite pen… one made a local artisan out of old Ukrainian bog wood.
Which ink should I go with, do you think?
#fountainpen #ink #poll

2026-07-12 00:41:53 UTC

I reiterate, why do I live in a place that can go from -40 to +40?
No one should have to live with a variance of 80°C
🫠🥵☀️

2026-07-05 04:15:42 UTC

#ScribesAndMakers 4 Jul 'Sample?'
On my Itch page I have my prologue available as a download, both for Ebook and Audio.
(You have to scroll down a bunch to get the free download.)
Link: https://empyclaw.itch.io/crown-of-horns
And also… from my current WIP, a lullaby:
O willow—the sun sets below
O willow—in the night indigo
O willow—here in your shadow
O willow—may honeyed dreams flow
#writing #crownofhorns

2026-07-04 01:24:20 UTC

Tornado warning alert went off while I was picking up groceries. Walking back and saw this.
Thankfully it has passed by quickly to the north.
Stay safe out there.
#saskatoon #yxe #storm #saskatchewan
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2026-07-03 15:55:00 UTC

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I need to better understand this tea bag in a pipe setup.

2026-06-09 23:31:01 UTC

It's fun hearing someone else reading your work :D
Local streamer is reading out the prologue from my book
Link: https://www.twitch.tv/pinkxemochildx

2026-06-07 14:07:18 UTC

Last night, someone told me that they picked up my book a few days ago but he’s probably not going to read it for a year.
Opened it up to read a couple lines at a random spot in the middle and… huge spoiler. Now he needs to wait to forget it.
He told me he’s done this with every book he’s gotten for years and it’s the first time it’s burned him.
Oops! Looking forward to his review next year I suppose!
#writingcommunity #authorlife #books #CrownOfHorns

2026-06-07 13:49:42 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub June 7 Do you avoid expressions, idioms, colloquialisms, or embrace them?
I love them. Now frequently they are not appropriate for my fantasy setting in another time and place and thus I do avoid them, but I think they’re wonderful.
I try to make my own where I can.
I think they’re a part of what makes language interesting and delightful. How we think about things, relate things to one another… Little snippets into culture, local and broad.
Love ‘em.

2026-06-05 23:18:32 UTC

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Wow! The bike shop replaced everything that was broken and got my bike up and running again free of charge!
Not at all what I was expecting. Very pleasantly surprised.
If you’re in Saskatoon, the Bike Doctor is awesome!
#yxe #saskatoon #bikes #bicycle #bike #supportlocal
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2026-06-05 06:01:42 UTC

Looking for advice or resources to send a friend. He’s a software developer having a rough go looking for a new job,especially since he’s trying to avoid anywhere going all-in on AI slop.
After his most recent interview included an “AI prompting test” instead of a coding test, he’s at his wit’s end and considering throwing in the towel on development, but I know there must still be opportunities out there.
Appreciate any suggestions, boosts, etc.
#getfedihired #softwaredevelopment #noai

2026-06-05 00:41:22 UTC

Uhh wut?
It seems a very small black hole briefly opened up while tried changing gears on my bike.
It sucked in the derailer and the fender into the wheel. 😳
Thankfully my father-in-law has a truck and he was able to come grab me and help bring the bike home.
Never had that happen before. Wild.
#bike #bicycle #blackholes
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2026-06-01 13:18:26 UTC

Blood pressure update. The hard work is paying off! (And the vacation time.)
My 28-day average has gone from the AHA definition of “Hypertension 1” and just slipped into “Elevated.”
Time to celebrate with a big ol’ bag of salt! 😜 Nah. Just gotta keep it up. But I’m excited to see results.
#health #keeponswimming

2026-05-25 00:17:02 UTC

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And a lovely little family of geese.
#silentsunday #geese #birds #spring
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2026-05-25 00:05:11 UTC

At last spring.
#silentsunday
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2026-05-15 21:59:37 UTC

Time to address my beta reader feedback.
I decided I would start by writing out some scenes that may not even make their way into the manuscript, but would help me wrap my head around some of the gaps they identified.
Plus, it gives me an excuse to play with my fountain pens!
Only trouble is I have run out of ink in several of them. All in red I guess!
#writingcommunity #amWriting #fountainpen #ink
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2026-04-21 04:47:29 UTC

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The missing fountain pen in question.
It was in a sneaky pocket of my backpack. Because of course it was.
Did a bit of writing in my lovely notebook to celebrate its rescue.
#fountainpen
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2026-04-20 18:26:42 UTC

RE: https://mastodon.social/@EmpyClaw/116437167783700264
My partner found it in two minutes of searching.
This is a perfect example of how she complements my messy existence. ❤️
#note1mza…qkvd

2026-04-20 13:03:02 UTC

Is my existence a mess?
Have I misplaced a nearly $200 fountain pen?
😬
The answer to one may inform the other.

2026-03-19 13:52:07 UTC

Making plans for tonight’s D&D. The players are in the sewers and the thought that just came to mind…. Shit Golem.
#dnd #ttrpg

2026-02-21 18:42:12 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub 2/21: Share an unexpected critique you’ve received. Why did it surprise?
Most surprising was the AI review bombing of several of my book’s listings. Just a clattering of samey, sprawling, negative reviews that had been fed the back cover and then roasted.
Near as I can tell, they didn’t care for the fact that my hard work had garnered a modicum of local success and they decided to tear me down. Not entirely sure the perpetrator but I have suspicions.
So hey, my first hater.

2026-01-30 04:18:39 UTC

#PennedPossibilities 916. How would your MC react to being mocked or made fun of?
That’s how the story begins… for a moment, she slips into self-doubt, but she rises above it. Above them all.

2025-12-27 14:12:10 UTC

I don’t have a title for my next book. I’ve been bouncing around a few ideas on a theme, but I’m not convinced to go down this path. Therefore, I shall seek the opinions of the masses.
Which of the following titles appeal to you most?
Bonus points if you leave a comment on why something does/doesn’t appeal.
#writing #writingcommunity #fantasy #books #author

2025-11-30 18:42:41 UTC

I feel like writing today… gonna break out the pens and do it by hand… ooh, pens… inks… I was thinking of picking up some more inks…
30 minutes of putting together a cart online of too many inks…
Oh yeah, I was going to write. 😅
#writingcommunity #fountainpens #ink
#amWriting… almost am anyway…

2025-11-18 00:36:04 UTC

I need crucial, scientific insights. Please boost appropriately.
When you use liquid hand soap, do you…

2025-11-15 18:39:39 UTC

Played a bit of #HorizonForbiddenWest
I spent my time just exploring and wandering around at the very edge of the map, in those little spaces where it warns you you’re about to exit the reality of the game world. There are such quiet, beautiful little places to be found.
#videogames #gaming #virtualphotography
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2025-10-28 01:31:34 UTC

My new fountain pens have arrived at long last and I am ecstatic.
#fountainpen #lordoftherings #lotr
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2025-08-26 18:49:57 UTC

Me: Why do I feel constantly anxious today?
Also me: It appears I only got 3.5 hours of sleep last night.
Perhaps this is where correlation does equal causation.
#anxiety

2025-08-04 05:27:11 UTC

There’s something that’s just so joyful about writing with a pen and paper.
The ideas just flow out and you’re left with something tangible… It’s almost imagination incarnate.
#writing #amWriting #writingcommunity #fountainpen
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2025-05-22 02:33:02 UTC

Local sales of my book have been off to a great start. And today I see I’ve gotten my first international print-on-demand sale!
Thank you anonymous stranger for getting my book! I hope you enjoy it.
#CrownOfHorns #writingcommunity

2025-05-01 12:28:33 UTC

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I haven’t been keeping up on Mastodon very well lately and so when you talked about the backhoe my first thought was that you were getting into a story about your retirement. 😅 All I could think was, “What happened that they pulled out a backhoe for a retirement party?”

2025-04-08 18:06:41 UTC

I need someone to convince me not to spend all of my budget on fountain pens and ink.
#fountainpen

2025-03-20 10:55:49 UTC

#writerscoffeeclub  19 - What's your narrator's sense of humor like?
I showcase more humour in theatre, and narration is atypical when writing for theatre. Unless we count stage directions?
I rather like playing things completely straight in the face of utter absurdity. Like… no one is intentionally trying to be hunouroua or make a joke, but the sheer insanity of their words and actions is where the humour comes in.

2025-03-18 23:16:10 UTC

My partner working on the painting for the cover of #CrownOfHorns!
Starting by tracing one of her illustrations via projector.
Then artist magic happens.
Then I have a book cover!
[@AudraBalionArt](https://mastodon.art/@AudraBalionArt )
#artist #painting #writing #writingcommunity
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2025-01-17 03:00:00 UTC

Hey #writingcommunity friends! Any recommendations on a Mac keyboard?
They say one shouldn't cry over spilled milk, but when that spilled milk destroys your keyboard, there may be some tears shed. 😅

2024-12-08 05:14:15 UTC

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The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind for The Adventures of Squid Pope! I’ve seen an Infinity Percent increase in daily sales!
I want to extend a thank you to the person who picked up a copy.
Honestly and sincerely!
I made the game as a silly project for myself and it brings me joy to think that someone out there might give it a go and have a zany time or even just read through and get a kick out of it. Squidly blessings upon you! 🦑
https://empyclaw.itch.io/the-adventures-of-squid-pope
#ttrpg #gamedev #indiegame

2024-12-06 13:49:27 UTC

I know what you’re thinking. “I have too many friends! What am I to do this season of joy and wonder?! I tried slapping them last year and they didn’t like it!”
Fear not! You need no longer slap your friends in the face to show them you care. Instead, offer… (dramatic pause)
The Adventures of Squid Pope!
Run a session for your friends. It’s more fun than a slap to the face!
Get it today!
https://empyclaw.itch.io/the-adventures-of-squid-pope
(I’ve mastered this pitch.)
#dnd #ttrpg #indiegame #tabletop #boardgames

2024-11-02 01:32:08 UTC

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What was the actual surprise you may ask?
A bog wood fountain pen and “Witch” ink!
She’s very excited to be a bog witch! ☺️
#fountainpen #ink #bog #witch
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2024-11-02 01:24:52 UTC

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Surprise for Audra follow up:
Me: *Brings home groceries*
A: Ooh, pasta! How delightful!
Me: You’re not going to ask about the surprise?
A: Wait, what? I thought it was the pasta!
😅
Mental note: I can be more frugal in my surprises!

2024-11-01 23:14:38 UTC

Audra calls me…
A: Whatcha up to?
Me: It’s a surprise. Also, don’t look up my location, it will give it away.
A: Oooh, a clue! I love deciphering mysteries… but I also love surprises… hmmm…
😆

2024-10-28 11:46:27 UTC

Looking for some spooky, silly fun this Halloween?
Bone Boogie is a free, one-page #ttrpg that’s fun for the whole family. It’ll get you up on your feet and then rolling on the floor with laughter (assuming you still have leg and jaw bones by the end).
https://empyclaw.itch.io/bone-boogie
Created by indie designers and artists in #Saskatoon, #Canada.
#tabletopgames #rpg #indiegame #indiegames #indiegamedev #boardgames #boardgamedesign #gamedesign #halloween #spookyseason #gaming #gamedev #spooky #games

2024-10-06 20:57:40 UTC

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Interesting approach. I like that, even as a thought exercise to think of how much actually gets lost if the first chapter is cut.

2024-10-06 19:25:31 UTC

I've been contemplating the framing of the beginning of my book. Originally, I wrote it as chapter one. I switched it to a prologue after some feedback. There's a time jump and a big POV switch.
I've since heard tell that some readers aren't really big on prologues and they're a bit overdone.
What do you think? Share your thoughts on prologues.
#writingcommunity

2024-09-22 18:35:58 UTC

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I think I remember why I was hesitant to go through my “minor tweaks” to finish things out.
I’m at this point where things are in a decent spot. Like, a few tweaks and it would be fine. But if I did some bigger changes now that I’ve refined the rules more, it could open things up a lot of interesting space.
Maybe that’s just an expansion at this point. I should really just… stop. 😅 Finished not perfect as my partner might say.
#boardgamedesign #gamedesign #gamedev #indiegame

2024-09-22 16:45:06 UTC

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Board game has narrowly won out!
And honestly, a goodly choice. I only need a few tweaks based on my last few playtests. I’ve just been not working on it. As is tradition.

2024-09-22 16:09:11 UTC

Flash poll!
I want to take some time to work on a creative project today.
Which one should I do?
#ttrpg #dnd #gamedesign #boardgamedesign #writing #writingcommunity #indiegame

2024-09-16 02:32:43 UTC

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I got the okay from everyone involved to distribute Bone Boogie, the funny little #ttrpg and #zine that we made in Punch! Creative Club in #saskatoon
It's now available through Itch for free!
It's a great game to play pretend with your whole family... Or, according to Gary: "It's more fun the more drunk you are!" So everyone should have a great time!
https://empyclaw.itch.io/bone-boogie
#indiegame #gamedev #ttrpgdesign #boardgamedesign #gaming #games

2024-09-15 05:25:02 UTC

Well that’s the best darn compliment I can get.
I made a cute #ttrpg for family, friends, and kids of all ages in a compact 1-page #zine.
Found out that someone who grabbed a copy took it camping and they played *five times* with their family they had so much fun!
That just warms me on up inside!
#ttrpgdesign #gamedev #indiegame #boardgamedesign

2024-08-26 14:26:47 UTC

And with this Squidly Blessing, Ganbatte 2024 was a wrap!
It was such a great time and a huge thanks to the organizers, volunteers, attendees, and all who came out to play my wacky, ridiculous #ttrpg The Adventures of Squid Pope.
If you want to learn more about what we were playing (and why we were all laughing so much) you can check it out here:
https://empyclaw.itch.io/the-adventures-of-squid-pope
Hooga-chakka!
#ttrpgdesign #tabletopgames #boardgamedesign #gamedesign #indiegames #ganbatte #saskatoon
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2024-08-23 04:02:50 UTC

Yesterday I was calling back and forth with a crow. Today, assumedly the same one stopped overhead and gave a curious croak. I said hello and gave it some food, and it came down to hang out. I may be on my way to making a crow friend. ☺️☺️
@npub1ds8…fy4c
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2024-08-02 05:54:53 UTC

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Turned out to be quite nice for an evening of writing. Although by the end the citronella candle wasn’t as effective for keeping the mosquitoes away! 😅

2024-08-02 03:30:01 UTC

Nice evening. Let’s see what I can write! #amWriting
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