Theses

The following documents were written from January of 2022 through April of 2023, as part of DePauw University's Honors Program. Each is published and catalogued within the institution's library. These files can be read on the site itself, or they could be downloaded by clicking on the underlined name,

The Emotions Behind the Screen

The following project showcased the process of drafting, from start to finish, how a TTRPG is developed independently, as well as how one is run. Instead of focusing on the impacts of D&D, as the influence of shows like Critical Role are already documented, this thesis showcases complications of a purely creative project when it comes to publishing when licenses such as the OGL are under threat of dissolving.

"One Final Descent Into Madness"/ Ealdspell, Draft 1

This thesis showcases the first draft towards a TTRPG that Eli is currently developing. This project focuses on the “Hero’s Journey,” tasking the player with surviving in a world where the hero is never able to escape from the abyss. Topics include medieval ideology and philosophy, as well as introducing elements such as claustrophobic horror akin to that of Lovecraftian horror. The thesis began as a 5E module for Dungeons and Dragons but has now become something else entirely.