Carl J. Hess — Original Carl Productions

Tales, tools, and tables for tabletop play.

Game designer, software engineer, and writer. I make TTRPGs, build tools for the table, and write about all of it.

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From the blog

Devlog

A first Hyperlite Serial in the books, some hard thoughts on leveling systems, and what's next for the X-Club.

January 14, 2026 · 5 min read

GM Craft

Turning one hook from the Kinunir module into a full heist adventure -- guidelines, NPCs, and a 5-room dungeon outline for Scenario 1.

November 21, 2025 · 11 min read

Game Design

How a 1977 Traveller module and Justin Alexander's heist framework became the spine of my ArcaneCon adventure.

November 16, 2025 · 6 min read