Where It All Began
I met Elisa in 2018 at the first D&D in a Castle in France, and my life has been better for it. You know those friends whose face lights up when they see you, or make your world seem just right? That’s Elisa to me. Every time I see something she is doing, it inspires me in so many ways. In fact, this whole spotlight idea popped into my head when I saw this Instagram post. —>
So let’s take a look at some of the coolness this geek is up to!
What Makes Elisa Awesome
Elisa Teague has been a powerhouse in the tabletop gaming industry for over 20 years, making her mark as a talented game designer, writer, and puzzle expert. Her involvement in countless projects has inspired many, including myself. When Elisa was Senior Producer of Roleplaying Games at Renegade Game Studios, she played a pivotal role in designing roleplaying games for some core franchises such as Power Rangers, G.I. Joe, and Transformers. Her ability to translate iconic worlds into engaging RPG experiences is nothing short of magical.
Elisa was a key contributor to Betrayal at House on the Hill: Widow’s Walk, a project that has become a fan favorite in the board game world. She is also well-known for her contribution to Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, where she wrote the renowned puzzle chapter. Elisa’s puzzles are mind-melters—equal parts challenging and rewarding. I’ve watched her groups at D&D in a Castle spend their meals trying to break codes and figure out ciphers because she had them so engaged. From mice to monsters, it’s no wonder she has become one of the go-to creators in puzzle game design. If you love being mentally challenged at the game table, Elisa’s work is a must-experience.
Her versatility and skill is evident as she’s worked on everything from party games, to classic board games, to RPGs for kids and adults alike. She is always setting a high bar of excellence that I always consider for my own work.
This weekend she’s one of the special guests at QuestCon Orlando, go say hi if you’re there!
Wait, There’s More
Then there’s the Cosplay. One of my favourite memories of Elisa was at the first D&D Live event in Hollywood. Elisa owned the space in her Medusa cosplay. I’m pretty gay and there are not many women who have ever made my actual jaw drop like she did. It didn’t last long though 😉 and I got in trouble cause I kept making her giggle and breaking character.
Then there is Elisa’s dedication to inclusivity and representation in the gaming space. She’s been a passionate advocate for ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued at the table. Through her panels at conventions and her presence in the community, she’s made a lasting impact.
Why I’m Grateful
That first D&D in a Castle was a whirlwind. Sharing a cramped space for a week with Elisa and James Introcaso turned into one of the best experiences of my life. From the day we met, Elisa made me feel like I belonged. She let me indulge my imposter syndrome for about 2.2 minutes before firmly telling me to “knock it off”.
Like so many of the people I am going to showcase, Elisa is the kind of person who embodies everything I love about gaming. She pours her heart into it, allowing her players to feel every high and low of their character’s journey (usually by bringing them to the brink of destruction—hey, dice are dice!). She makes me want to be a better DM, simply because she’s always pushing herself to be better too. Elisa has graciously allowed me to learn from her, and I’m lucky to have many friends like her in this industry that I look forward to sharing.
Where to Find Elisa
The kindness and encouragement I received from Elisa at that first Castle changed my path. Before that, I considered myself just some dude who ended up at a castle. Afterward, I realized I was part of this industry—and Elisa played a huge role in making me feel that way.
I can’t wait to see what she does next.
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