Kel and Em, also known as Skald of Shenanigans on Twitter, originally launched a Queer TTRPG podcast before transitioning into creating LGBTQIA+ tabletop role-playing game content. Under Awfully Queer Heroes and AQH Publications, they have successfully published multiple books, contributing to the diversity and representation within the gaming community.
As their personal and professional journeys evolved, Kel and Em have shifted their focus to LGBTQIA+ literature. Em is now dedicated to writing novels, while Kel serves as the developmental editor and marketing strategist, ensuring their works reach and resonate with a broad audience. Through their storytelling and editorial expertise, they continue to champion inclusive narratives and representation.
Meet The Team
Kel (they/them)
Co-owner of Awfully Queer Heroes / AQH Publications
They began their journey as a Game Master in 2018, leading a home game for friends and family. That campaign concluded as a result of COVID-19 and the lockdowns.
Since then, they have co-authored and published ten queer-centric D&D books and developed their own tabletop role-playing game system.
In addition to their full-time career in IT, they manage the Bluesky and Facebook accounts, provide promotional and developmental editing support for Em's books, and oversee the community Discord server.
Their dedication to these projects often leaves little room for sleep.
Em (She/Her)
Co-owner of Awfully Queer Heroes / AQH Publications.
With nearly two decades of experience as a Game Master and player, she is passionate about crafting and leading campaigns set in rich, homebrew worlds. Under the title Skald of Shenanigans, she authored multiple pocketbooks filled with intricate traps and puzzles designed to enhance tabletop role-playing games. That was in addition to co-authoring and publishing seven of the D&D books with Kel plus their own tabletop role-playing game system.
Her deep love for fantasy literature and mythology has guided her academic pursuits, leading her to a PhD program in Mythological Studies and shaping the themes of her novels. Beyond her creative and scholarly work, she is a dedicated fitness instructor. When not studying or gaming, she finds joy in hiking through forests and exploring the untamed beauty of the natural world.