Reading D&D Aloud

The Wild 90s in TTRPGs! A conversation with Wolfgang Baur & Satyros Phil Brucato Ep- 86

Feb 2, 2026
Satyros Phil Brucato, a 90s White Wolf designer blending myth, philosophy, and occult themes. Wolfgang Baur, veteran creator and Kobold Press founder who builds games and a business. They reminisce about wild 90s convention scenes, intense White Wolf work culture, starting Kobold from a tip jar, and how crowdfunding and playtesting reshaped modern TTRPG publishing.
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ANECDOTE

Hearse Ride From A Legendary White Wolf Party

  • Wolfgang Baur remembers riding in a hearse from a White Wolf party at Dragon Con in 1993 with Phil Brucato and others.
  • The night captured the chaotic, party-heavy culture White Wolf brought to conventions and industry friendships.
ANECDOTE

White Wolf's Intense Rise And Burnout

  • Satyros Phil Brucato recounts White Wolf's rapid rise and burnout, saying the classic era wrapped up around 1998–99.
  • He freelanced after leaving staff and eventually formed his own company due to burnout and changing circumstances.
ANECDOTE

Kobold Press Started From A Tip Jar

  • Wolfgang Baur explains Kobold Press began as a blog tip-jar project and grew from $28 in donations to a real business.
  • He credits early community crowdfunding and help from Paizo people to scale into print and distribution.
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