More than just a treasure hoard
The Intersection of Rules, Riches, and Roleplay
Blog
Exploring economies, loot mechanics, and history in gaming and RPGs.
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The Economy of the Copper Dragon
Nothing says “economic development” quite like a giggling wyrm with a portfolio A Most Unusual…
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Creative Campaign Ideas & Thematic Guides, Game Economies & Monetization, History, Fantasy & WorldbuildingThe Economy of the Red Dragon
When your landlord breathes fire: Dragons as Masterminds Practical advice for surviving (or profiting from) dragon…
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D&D Mechanics & Design, Game Economies & Monetization, History, Fantasy & Worldbuilding, Industry Insights & TrendsHow Medieval Price Wars Can Save Your DnD Economy
Your players just asked how much a war elephant costs, and you’re frantically researching “medieval…
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Creative Campaign Ideas & Thematic Guides, Game Economies & Monetization, History, Fantasy & WorldbuildingUnderstanding Hoarding
Your party just slew the ancient red dragon Narlgathra and claimed his legendary hoard. Four…
Exploring Player-Driven Markets in Gaming Worlds
Welcome to The Dungeon Economist, a blog that explores the intersection of video games, tabletop RPGs, and real-world history and economic systems. Whether you’re a game designer, Dungeon Master, or history buff, this site dives into how player-driven economies, loot mechanics, and medieval trade shapes both video games and role-playing campaigns.
From balancing in-game currency to crafting immersive trade networks in your RPG worlds, this blog unpacks the economic strategies behind great storytelling, and focuses on game design, world building, and DM tactics for keeping your players engaged.
About Me
Hi, I’m Thomas, a technologist with a career specializing in the technology behinds games. I’ve had the lucky opportunity to work on some of the largest in-game economies in the world.
I’m also a forever DM, running D&D campaigns since first edition (which, yes, absolutely dates me). My love for history — especially medieval guilds and ancient trade — runs deep, and I’m fascinated by how real-world economics have shaped both video games and tabletop RPGs.
For whatever reason, and forever being late to the party, I’ve decided that 2025 is the year to start blogging — so here we go. Expect me to ramble about loot, trade, D&D tactics, and maybe even break down why dragons hoarding gold might be good for your medieval economy.