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The consequences of playing too many tabletop roleplaying games. Art by Basil Allen. The most famous Tabletop Role-Playing Game (often referred to as TTRPGs), so ubiquitous to the genre it overshadows others in almost every conversation, is Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), with players nowadays usually diving into its 5th edition. However, the high fantasy D&D offers is just one of many kinds of narratives tabletop RPGs can tell, and with Halloween coming up soon, the time is neve

Some silly little stuffed animals. Art by Dasha Allyn. Fluffy, stuffed and charming: a child’s trusty sidekick. Stuffed animals are common objects of comfort and can function in various ways. They can be a bedtime companion, a soft shoulder to cry on after a stressful midterm, and, depending on the brand, a cute heating pad. These objects serve many purposes that children often overlook. Whether it’s a ratty, washed-out teddy from childhood or a new fuzzy friend, owning a stu

The "Performative Male" paper doll with all his accessories. Art by Basil Allen. In early August 2025, Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park was the venue of a Performative Male Contest , drawing large crowds of matcha-drinking, tote-bag-wearing contestants. This event was one of many similar gatherings throughout the nation, in the wake of the performative male trend gaining significant traction on social media platforms. For those who are unfamiliar, Urban Dictionary defines perfor