About


Hi, my name is Matt.

matt davids dicegeeks

Welcome, weary travelers. I am the game master here at dicegeeks. I help game masters, dungeon masters, and role-players level up their RPG sessions and campaigns.

Check out my books and PDFs on DriveThruRPG and Amazon. All are geared to help GMs and DMs cut down their prep time and have more fun at the gaming table.

What is dicegeeks?

Think of dicegeeks as the last inn before the wilderness or the first spaceport after a long jump. It’s a place where harried game masters and role-players can find succor.

I generously give out game master advice on my podcast where I interview writers, game designers, novelists, and more. I offer free PDFs. A whole page is dedicated to RPG resources and character sheets. Plus, a blog and RPG-themed t-shirts as well as my YouTube channel.

Press Inquiries

I love discussing tabletop role-playing games, D&D, movies, stories, literature, mythology, and writing. I would be more than happy to be interviewed. Please reach out through the email matt [at] dicegeeks.com to check my availability.

Official Bio

“Matt Davids is a writer, a creator of tabletop role-playing game resource books, a novelist, a podcast host, and a former filmmaker. He is the author of the Amazon bestsellers, The Book of Random Tables and The Book of Random Tables: Quests. His first novel, The Spaceport Gambit, was released in June 2021. He lives in Missouri with his wife and their four children. His bookshelves groan under the weight of classic literature, science fiction, and fantasy. He enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons, studying cinema and philosophy, and knows more about 80s post-apocalyptic movies than any reasonable person should.”

If you would like to learn more about me, visit my personal site.

Adventures in Role-Playing

D&D Red Book

My adventure with role-playing games began when I was nine years old. My brother and I were visiting some friends who were staying in a hotel because of a flood. Even before we arrived, we were told we were going to play the best game ever made. What was that game?

Dungeons and Dragons. I was handed a pre-generated character, told a few rules, and shown dice with more than six sides which I had never seen before.

Taking Aim

The mists of time have obscured the tale, but this is how I will weave it.

We slowly entered a dungeon and I was taken into another world. The only thing I remember clearly is that our small party came to an open cavern. There was a slope that hid the far side. I drew my bow and asked the Dungeon Master if I could take a shot over the slope. He said I could, but if I wanted to hit anything, it would be difficult.

I was handed a twenty-sided die. I rolled: Natural 20 I rolled a natural 20. I was told my arrow struck a bandit guard. I was handed another die and told to roll damage. I rolled. More gasps. I rolled maximum damage. The guard was slain.

The way was open for the party. I was told since it was my kill, I could loot the body. I don’t remember what I found. But I was hooked on role-playing games at that very moment.

My first d&d character

The Growing RPG Obsession

The first character I created? A Human Fighter named The Skull. Our friends gave my brother and me their basic rule book. The day after I played for the first time, I ran my mom through a dungeon. I DMed my brother through dungeons within that same year.

I created my own RPG called Jungle Hunt. It used all the D&D rules but was set in Africa, and the players were big-game hunters. Shortly after, when I entered the third grade, I discovered several friends who played. We would make characters during study time and dungeon crawl at recess.

I went on to have many D&D adventures. Check out my character sheets from back then.

More and More RPG Systems

Star Wars RPG

The first RPG I bought was Marvel Super Heroes. The next was Star Frontiers when I was in the fifth grade. Then I was given FASA’s Star Trek: The Role-Playing Game. It took me a full week to create my first character. I continued with D&D, though it was more like a dabbler. The books were so expensive and explaining the rules was a chore (not that I knew the rules).

In high school, I played Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Robotech. There was also a long era involving Steve Jackson’s Car Wars. I was an early adopter of West End Games D6 Star Wars. It is the most accessible RPG system I’ve ever known. It served as a gateway game for many of my friends who now role-play. The go-to game in college was Heroes Unlimited.

More recently the games were Legend of the Five Rings, D&D 4th Edition, Pathfinder, and D&D 5e.

Current Role-Playing Games

Wow, this may be a long list. Ever since I officially launched dicegeeks in 2015 my life has changed so much. I create role-playing books for my job and I play possibly more than I ever have in my life. D&D is now a weekly event.

However, I have played and read many other RPG systems. Here’s a short list: Savage Worlds, Ironsworn: Starforged, Traveller5, Doctor Who, and more.

My AI Policy – November 2024

I’ve recently been asked if I use AI to write my books. I’ve also been accused of using AI content and AI art, mostly in Amazon reviews or on Reddit when my books were included in the Humble Bundle last year. I thought I would set the record straight.

I’ve been thinking about AI and what it means for writers for a long time. You can even watch my presentation on writers and AI from Gen Con Online 2023. (How Writers Can Use AI Ethically) But first, let me break things down.

Obviously, it is impossible that any of my works before November 30, 2022, could have been generated by AI, even though some people think it is possible. I can honestly say I write my books, and I always want to be able to say that.

Do I use tools? Of course, I do. Like any good woodworker or blacksmith, I use tools related to my profession.

People have questioned how I can produce books so quickly. First, this is my full-time job. Second, many days I work fourteen hours or more. Third, I have template InDesign files now, so I’m not starting layout and design from scratch. Fourth, using AI saves me tons of time, as I’ll explain below.

How I Use AI

Grammar Checking: I use ChatGPT to correct my grammar, even for this post. I have quite a few learning disabilities, and I’ve always struggled with grammar. In a previous job, I had to write several 2,000-word blog posts per week, and that improved my writing immensely, but I still struggle. Using spelling and grammar checkers is hardly controversial these days. It’s funny that Grammarly is rarely mentioned when people condemn using AI, even though it is AI.

I will note that using AI as a grammar checker (even Grammarly) changes the style of the writing quite a bit. It tries to eliminate all passive voice, even when passive voice makes sense, for example. I’m not sure how I feel about this yet, as I’m still grappling with this brave new world.

Search Engine: I use ChatGPT like I use Google. I ask it questions like, “What is common camping gear?” or “What are popular baby names in the US?” or “What are theoretical habitats we could build on Mars?” or “What are some items in a 1930s hotel room?” This is where ChatGPT shines over Google. It gives me information quickly and has drastically cut down my research time. I still use Google to double-check facts, but Google just gives AI-generated answers now as well.

Formatting: Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how much time this has saved me. I create many random tables in spreadsheets and then copy them into Google Docs. For some reason, the tabs between columns remain, even if you clear the formatting. I know there is some formula that probably combines all data into one column, but I could never get it to work right. However, I can just tell ChatGPT to “replace all tabs with single spaces,” and it is done. Seriously, this alone has saved me between two to four hours of work per day.

Copying and Pasting: I am committed to not copying and pasting AI-generated text for two main reasons: 1) I didn’t write it, so I’m not saying I did. 2) You can’t copyright AI-generated text, which would not help me build a business.

I will copy and paste dictionary words because I did that with Google and they are just single words. So if I’m building a list of items and I ask ChatGPT for ski equipment, I will copy and paste items from what it gave me. Also, I take short phrases on occasion and rewrite them in my own words. I feel this is completely different from mindlessly copying and pasting full sentences.

For my last two books, The Book of Random Tables: Post-Apocalyptic 2 and The Book of Random Tables: Superheroes, I did use some AI-generated text in the product descriptions on DriveThruRPG and Amazon, though I edited them heavily. I always struggled with writing good product descriptions, and I thought I would try it. I had ChatGPT create them based on text I wrote and then fixed its errors.

Product descriptions, to me, are a different beast than actual text in a book. Product descriptions are often not written by the writer of the book, especially in large companies, and people rarely claim authorship or copyright over them.

I Do Not Use AI Art

I haven’t knowingly used AI art in any of my books and I do not plan to any time soon. I use stock art mostly purchased from iStock or DriveThruRPG. I use public domain art, and I’ve used a bit of original art from a couple of artists.

The only AI art I’ve ever used for Dicegeeks was for two YouTube thumbnails where I used Photoshop to replace a number on a die. And in one of my Star Trek videos, I tried to put an ’80s heavy metal band t-shirt on Commander Data with limited success.

That’s How I Use AI

I hope my ramblings have been clear. I just wanted you to know that I’m a real person who is considering how AI will shape our future, and I take this seriously. This is how I use AI today, but who knows about the future? As Master Yoda said, “Always in motion is the future.”

Affiliate Disclaimer

I am a member of several online affiliate programs, so some of the links to products on this website may be affiliate links. These links allow me to earn small commissions but do not raise prices for you. Current affiliate programs are DriveThruRPG, Amazon, and FanRoll.


44 thoughts on “About”

  1. Alain Vollant

    Hi, I got some of your products : Wetland, Forest, Mountains & Submarine; I must say I was impressed by them. Can I make three suggestion: if you can, you should do some on Deserts, the Arctics and the oceans. The last one should be on how life can be different if you live down in the south pacific or the coast of Africa or the Scandinavia. Depending where you are, the ocean will shape your life.

  2. Mark Weis

    I have been a subscriber to the newsletter for over 6 months now, and have just about every 1d100 table you’ve got. In addition, i have all of your map packs including Dungeons for the Master. Needless to say, i’m a huge fan of your work and i’ve been mustering the courage and knowledge to attempt to write for the newsletter (mostly the knowledge, have no idea what i would write about since my RPG experience is limited, but that’s beside the point).

    I would love to see more of your maps released with seed ideas, especially tied to the name. For me, the name “The Athzaria of Tyrral” doesn’t mean anything, so it’s just swept into my folder of maps. But if you explained some of the lore behind Tyrral or whatever an Athzaria is, i’d take a closer look at it or be able to tie it into my games better.

    1. dicegeeks

      Mark,

      Thank you so much for the kind words. If you want to write for the newsletter, go ahead. Yes, I want to create more seed ideas to go along with the maps. The issue has simply been time. However, I am striving to create more and better content all the time.

  3. Ed French

    I purchased “The Book of Random Tables”. I have to say I really appreciate all your products. They are very well done and very useful. “The Book of Random Tables” is no exception, in fact it was more than I expected. As someone who loves lists and tables this is an excellent find. My only complaint is that it’s a series of image files rather than text files.

    Is it possible to get it as a PDF text file rather than a PDF image file?

  4. Pedro JoĂŁo

    Hi,

    Just to say thanks. I just downloaded 8 city maps from DriveThruRPG and they look wonderful. Haven’t used yet but I will give you my and my players feedback.

    Thank for all your work. I’ll be checking on you more

  5. krys

    I have to say that I really love your content. I’ve been DMing since ’78 but still enjoy RPGs. I’ve run star frontiers, space opera, traveller, DnD, ADnD, DnD 3.0, 3.5 & pathfinder along with starfinder, alternity and a few others. I’ve always wondered about writing or adding some details to maps for example. My philosophy for my games is If it’s not fun, why are (which includes the DM) doing it? Thanks again for the cool content you create & I look forward to seeing more from the many talented people who work on this great series of products.

  6. gareth fowler

    Hi there,

    I was wondering if there was the facility to obtain a pdf text file of the random tables. The ones supplied are image files and as such are very difficult for me to expediently add the information into my vtt of choice (fantasy grounds) and leverage the information contained for use at the tabletop.

    Apologies for posting here but I cannot find any other contact form.

    The created files would be for my own personal use nut I would happily supply them to you for your own use/distribution if you so wished.

    Cheers,

    Gareth.

  7. Bill

    Matt,

    Ditto what Gareth said about posting here. Just got your “Buy our stuff!” drivethru email. I have your 1st sci fi tables book, very happy with it, so I went ahead and picked up 9 more just now – thanks for the heads-up!

  8. R

    Hi Dicegeeks!

    I just picked up your 51 Dungeons book on Drivethru and it’s lovely and well written. I do have one comment, though. If I put it in 2-page mode for viewing, I see a map on the left side and the text for the next map on the right page. If there were a blank page inserted early on, they would all line up and I could view the dungeon and the text for it together.

    Sadly, because the file is locked, I can’t just do that myself.

  9. Stephen Miller

    I am the Executive Director of Play To Beat Brain Cancer a 501(c)(3), and President of CAGE-Con, Cancer Awareness Gaming & Entertainment Convention. CAGE-Con will be held October 15-17 2021 in Kansas City Mo.

    I like to invite you to join us as an Exhibitor, Sponsor, Panelist, or Advertiser. Just email me for more information. Thanks you for your time & consideration.

  10. Thomas

    Hi Matt,

    thanks for this great blog and for the comprehensive list of other blogs. This has been a great source of inspiration for me for a long time. I’ve been GMing for over 20 years now, but there’s always something new to learn. I also started my own small blog a few weeks ago. Maybe you could have a look at it and give me some feedback (dramadice.com).

    Cheers,
    Thomas

  12. Mike Smith

    Just got my hands on Book Of Quests 1 & 2 – Have to say AWESOME 🙂

    I am so glade someone is supporting the random table player/GM. There are a lot of times I want to play but just cant think of anything to do,or I need to fill in an idea I DO have. These books are a MASSIVE help. 🙂

    Thank you for making them and please keep up the awesome work 🙂

    1. Josh Hansford

      I am a fledgling DM (45y/o dad), leading a party of 12 and 13 year olds. Your books Quests 1&2, Dungeons, and Fantasy Towns have been extremely helpful as I am creating my own world and campaign for them. Keep up the good work!

  13. linda

    Good morning, I just purchased your Random Tables Steampunk book. I have quite a frw of your other books which i really like, and so didn’t think to read the table of contents. I enjoy the several tables that are there, but I had been hoping for more steampunk specific tables — thinking more what you might find on an airship, and not so much caverm, or possible steampunk inventions you might find.or possible automaton malfunctions. Just suggestions if you put together a book 2 or want to do an update to book 1. Thank you so much for all the content!

  14. Jim Allison

    Hi Matt,
    Do you have a d100 table for French male and female names? I know you have similar tables for Germans and a more general European names.
    Thanks!
    Jim Allison

  15. Ethan Ralphs

    Hello!

    I’m Ethan and I’m the DM for Venture Forth: A D&D Podcast. We’re a weekly actually-play podcast with a heavy focus on RP and immersion.

    I wanted to reach out to see if myself or one of our cast members would be able to join you on your show as a guest for an episode and chat about this incredible game. We have a wide range of knowledge and experiences with D&D, and with a cast of 5, we have lots of opportunity to schedule accordingly.

    I can also send our media kit so you can get to know us and our show a little better.

    Thanks and I look forward to hearing back from you!

  16. Steve

    Hello!

    I discovered you not too long ago and absolutely love your informative blog posts about various topics and the interviews you’ve conducted with some of the roleplaying game greats. I have a humble request, would it be possible to scan the remaining pages for the Star Wars WEG Style Guide? I’m an extensive collector of all things WEG Star Wars, from the various books to the pages from Polyhedron. The first 18 pages you did were very much appreciated, as was your interview with Bill Slavicsek.

    Thank you and look forward to following all of your future content!

  17. Bo Vandenberg

    I love you guys and the idea of independent gaming. We are getting to the point where we can really be online storytellers for our friends and family. Thank you.

    Can I make a request? I just bought a bundle of your random tables and the pdfs have no bookmarks? Considering its a diverse collection and each item is different this is a huge lost opportunity.

    It is easy to bookmark your publications. Something more descriptive than one entry “greatbookcoversmaller” or “Fantasy Towns Final – Copy 18” would be really helpful.

    Being constructive.

    Bo

    1. dicegeeks

      Thank you so much! I’m glad you are enjoying my books. All the fantasy tables ate in books 1-5 and the Quests 1-3. Though, I did just release a Fantasy Space book geared to help with Spelljammer. Also. I have many other books of tables for other genres.

  21. Mel

    I got your Random Tables book to check out from Amazon. I absolutely love it and have plans to incorporate it into the campaign my group is starting that I DM. I can already tell that it is going to up my DM game. I will definitely be checking out your other stuff.

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  23. Chris Salmassy

    Matt,

    There has been some clarification on OGL 1.1. Existing IP created under 1.0 is still valid and stands as-is. No NEW licenses will granted under 1.0, only under 1.1, for 3rd-party IP created after Jan. 04th, 2023.

    Please read this posting (excerpt below):
    https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-open-gaming-license-1849950634

    (regarding 1.1 and royalties)
    The revenue tiers are as follows:

    A. Initiate Tier. If You have registered at least one Licensed Work but haven’t generated $50,000 or more in total (gross) revenue from OGL: Commercial products in a given year, You are at the Initiate Tier.

    B. Intermediate Tier. If Your Licensed Work(s) have generated more than $50,000 in total revenue in a given year but less than $750,000, You are at the Intermediate Tier.

    C. Expert Tier. If Your Licensed Work(s) have generated at least $750,000 in total revenue in a given year, You are at the Expert Tier.

    According to the document, “If, and only if, You are generating a significant amount of money (over $750,000 per year across all Licensed Works) from Your Licensed Works, The revenue You make from Your Licensed Works in excess of $750,000 in a single calendar year is considered “Qualifying Revenue” and You are responsible for paying Us 20% or 25% of that Qualifying Revenue.”

    The draft goes on to explain that if you make $750,001, you will owe Wizards of the Coast 25 cents, as they are only asking for royalties on the one dollar made in excess of the Expert Tier. As stated in their announcement in December, WotC suspects that “less than twenty” companies are at the Expert Tier.

    1. Chris Salmassy

      I’m still going ahead with my plans and will sort it out. Not that I ever will, but if I generated $800k in sales on kickstarter, I only pay royalties on the amount over $750k, $50k, so a 20%* fee of $10k for the $800k or 1.25%. Sucks if one does $2M in sales, then it’s $250k or 12.5% plus the 10% to KS off the top, for a total of 22.5% of the total sales, then taxes… $1.16M remains. (* KS negotiated a 5% savings as the preferred crowdfunding site for WotC).

  24. Matt Kolokowsky

    I like using Excel for my character sheets, it can handle unique magical items that DMs make up, charges for staves or anything else. To that end, I took the best Pathfinder 2 sheet I could find (from Fireandstone), then added lots of data and formulas to automate it. My question is “Where should I post it such that other players can find it?” (Free)

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  27. Timothy Forrest

    I just bought your Fantasy Towns book. It’s great! But do you have, or know where I can get, Vampire Masquerade First Edition character sheets? I’ve been trying to find them for weeks.

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