PhD20
LightNews LightNews
banner
phd20.com
PhD20
@phd20.com
61 followers 61 following 240 posts
I’m Kirk. I like to build things. Software. Maps. Adventures. Campaigns. Worlds. Also obsessed with ☕️ and 📚 #dnd #ttrpg
 I write at https://www.phd20.com
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
phd20.com
PhD20 @phd20.com · May 16
Hi, I'm Kirk. I like to build things. Software. Maps. Adventures. Campaigns. Worlds.

I run phd20.com and talk a whole lot about #DnD, #TTRPG, and #WorldBuilding.
PhD20 | TTRPG Creator
I create content to help you have more fun playing TTRPGs.
phd20.com
phd20.com
Here's a really fun approach to building cities in #TTRPG #DnD 🏰
Building Cities Like Theme Parks
Learn how to design cities for D&D and other TTRPGs using theme park principles—themed neighborhoods, memorable locations, and immersive experiences players won't forget.
phd20.com
September 15, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Reposted by PhD20
dndblogs.com
Building Cities Like Theme Parks: PhD20

https://phd20.com/blog/cities-as-theme-parks/

#dnd #ttrpg
September 15, 2026 at 2:22 PM
phd20.com
#Worldbuilding in #TTRPG 🏰

When we sit down to worldbuild for a game like #DnD, it's unlike any other form of worldbuilding. We need a world that supports character-driven adventures in gameplay (game design). We need a world that supports adventure design by other creators (directorial).
September 6, 2026 at 1:08 PM
phd20.com
Would you rather play in a #TTRPG campaign with shorter sessions consistently? Or longer sessions more infrequently?

phd20.com/blog/running...
Running Shorter Sessions
We don't need as much time as we often think to run meaningful RPG sessions.
phd20.com
August 20, 2026 at 2:37 AM
Reposted by PhD20
dndblogs.com
Agile Game Mastery: PhD20

https://phd20.com/blog/agile-game-mastery/

#dnd #ttrpg
August 13, 2026 at 9:22 AM
phd20.com
How do you build a world where A) the sky is fantastic, B) the sky matters, and C) it makes sense?

Spoiler alert: You forget about C.

#TTRPG

members.phd20.com/posts/skies-...
Skies Above Swordspell | PhD20
The skies above Swordspell are a world unto themselves. But rather than just narrative flavor, they influence the world, the characters, and
members.phd20.com
August 8, 2026 at 3:11 PM
phd20.com
What is the most impactful lever for creating and using engaging #TTRPG NPCs?
The Most Important NPC Detail
The most impactful NPC detail isn't motivation or backstory. Start with what your Dungeons & Dragons NPC is feeling right now, then ask why it changed.
phd20.com
July 27, 2026 at 10:36 PM
phd20.com
Swordspell contains two distinct worlds within the setting. But they're not like the planes of #DnD...

#TTRPG

members.phd20.com/phd20/posts/...
Swordspell | PhD20
Swordspell is as much a setting (probably moreso) as it is a system. And today I wanted to share a bit about the "Old World" within it.
members.phd20.com
July 26, 2026 at 4:20 PM
phd20.com
Do you use "AI" tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc) in any part of your #TTRPG process?

I'm sure this will spark some comments (I don't use these tools for TTRPGs, but my day job requires it), but I'm really interested in what the data says. Thanks!

members.phd20.com/phd20/posts/...
Patreon | PhD20
Do you use "AI" tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc) in any part of your #TTRPG process? This could be anything from organizing files, to writing code, to generating content, etc.
members.phd20.com
July 26, 2026 at 2:20 PM
phd20.com
I just couldn't handle NPCs that looked like this anymore.

#TTRPG #DnD

phd20.com/blog/npc-not...
NPC text: "A famed hero for his exploits in Aer. Rumor has it that he has ventured deep into Malandia on more than one occasion. Occupation: Leader and owner of the Adventurer’s Guild in Cordyr’s Coast. He also trains adventurers for a price. Physical Description: Long brown hair and a thick brown goatee cover a handsome face. A black eyepatch covers his right eye. He dresses in fine clothes over his armor and wears a trench coat over it all. Attributes/Skills: Aticus is one of only a handful of people in Aer that know the swordfighting technique of Daeceloran. He can also manipulate magic by evoking energy with use of his blade. Values/Motivations: Aticus values a life of adventure and helping those who need it. He is motivated by self-betterment and promises of great adventure. Behavior: Aticus has the personality of Shawn Michaels. He is a faithful follower of Pelor and a very nice human (of Bardock descent). Useful Knowledge: Aticus knows a good deal about Malandia although he will not let on to that. He is also knowledgable in creatures and monsters of Aer as well as swordfighting. Mannerism: He will quote and mention Pelor quite often although not annoyingly. Alignment: NG Ally: Background: Aticus was raised by a hard-working family and his father was in the Aerial Army so they moved around a lot. He wanted to be a great paladin of the Four, the deities he was raised to worship. His father found a trainer in the woods near their home who trained him in the art of Daeceloran during his teenage years. He joined an Adventuring Guild and Object: Quirks: Wears numerous gold necklaces. Secret: Voice:"
July 18, 2026 at 2:41 AM
phd20.com
What does a #TTRPG world and system look like when designed to remove death as the main fail state?

members.phd20.com/posts/forkin...
Forking 5E: Should Characters Die? | PhD20
This is a follow-up to my first round of "death and dying" rules for Swordspell. That post was largely focused on rules. But Swordspell is a
members.phd20.com
July 12, 2026 at 2:20 PM
phd20.com
I just backed Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/sly...
Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster
Run great tabletop RPGs by preparing less.
www.kickstarter.com
July 10, 2026 at 11:59 AM
phd20.com
"The game is set in a high-fantasy, medieval fairy-tale world and focuses on folklore, sorcery, and heroic adventures rather than organized religion."

What does this mean to you for a game like #DnD5E?

#TTRPG #Worldbuilding

Artwork credit: Lost Haven Art
A blue-skinned forest druid wearing a wooden horned mask and ornate wood-and-gold armor, holding a staff and conjuring a glowing green sprout of magic from one hand against a textured green backdrop.
July 5, 2026 at 4:20 PM
phd20.com
"A world of wonder, color, and discovery — where an older world keeps its own time, just out of step with this one."

That's the north star for my #DnD5E fork and setting. Follow along if you like homebrew #TTRPG rules and setting material you can easily steal:

members.phd20.com/collection/2...
Swordspell | Collection from PhD20 | 3 posts
Get more from PhD20 on Patreon
members.phd20.com
July 5, 2026 at 2:20 PM
phd20.com
I've added a handful of new #TTRPG artifacts to the repository. Grab an NPC like Isathil Thunderstone for your game today!

open.phd20.com/characters/i...
Isathil Thunderstone · PhD20
The proud and loud dwarf proprietor of Isathil’s Good Trades.
open.phd20.com
July 4, 2026 at 1:41 AM
phd20.com
forum.phd20.com/t/the-phd20-...
The PhD20 Forum will shut down on July 5
I’ll be shutting down the forum on July 5, 2026. When I started this forum nearly 18 months ago, I had the energy, time, and willpower to build a community (no easy task—especially with forums). I…
forum.phd20.com
July 1, 2026 at 1:26 AM
phd20.com
Taking a look at evolving backgrounds from #DnD5E for my forked system. Plus some custom backgrounds (and setting info) for patrons!
Forking 5E: Backgrounds (Part 1) | PhD20
Let's continue forking 5E. Backgrounds in 5E have never quite hit the mark for me. I've played and designed backgrounds for 5E and 5.5. And
www.patreon.com
June 20, 2026 at 1:41 AM
Reposted by PhD20
dndblogs.com
Stop Sharing Your Lore. Start Using It.: PhD20

https://phd20.com/blog/why-dnd-lore-matters/

#dnd #ttrpg
June 15, 2026 at 9:22 AM
Reposted by PhD20
d20monkey.bsky.social
I was slow paid (possibly no paid) on a project and I need to open commissions for emergency rent. If you ever wanted me to draw something for you, now is a great time.

brianfnpatterson.com/commissions
Commissions — The Art of Brian Patterson
brianfnpatterson.com
June 5, 2026 at 10:40 PM
phd20.com
Free #TTRPG GM content with more to be unlocked from the Architect's Vault 🔜

phd20.com/blog/free-dn...
The Vault and the Library: GM Resources
A version-controlled library of ready-to-use tabletop RPG content — items, locations, NPCs, adventures, and more. Free forever. Human-made. Creative Commons.
phd20.com
June 1, 2026 at 10:36 PM
Reposted by PhD20
dndblogs.com
The Vault and the Library: GM Resources: PhD20

https://phd20.com/blog/free-dnd-game-master-resources/

#dnd #ttrpg
June 1, 2026 at 2:22 AM
phd20.com
Patrons are getting a look at the new #ObsidianMD vault of #TTRPG content and how some of it will be scheduled to unlock into the RPG Resource Repository and Creative Commons.

members.phd20.com/posts/archit...
The Architect's Vault: Reforged | PhD20
The Architect's Vault: Reforged by PhD20 on Patreon. Join PhD20's community for exclusive content and updates.
members.phd20.com
May 31, 2026 at 4:20 PM
phd20.com
Death and dying in #DnD5e AKA the “Chumbawamba” experience.
Forking 5E: Death and Dying + Patron Setting Preview | PhD20
Forking 5E: Death and Dying + Patron Setting Preview by PhD20 on Patreon. Join PhD20's community for exclusive content and updates.
www.patreon.com
May 27, 2026 at 1:18 AM
phd20.com
In which I decide that I've been #ttrpg #worldbuilding wrong for a decade and speak to how I'm attempting to fix it.

members.phd20.com/posts/your-g...
Your GM Notes Are Not a Game World | PhD20
Your GM Notes Are Not a Game World by PhD20 on Patreon. Join PhD20's community for exclusive content and updates.
members.phd20.com
May 21, 2026 at 12:37 AM
phd20.com
Forking #DnD5E. Why not?

members.phd20.com/posts/156915...
My 5E, My Rules: Building a 5E That's Actually Mine | PhD20
My 5E, My Rules: Building a 5E That's Actually Mine by PhD20 on Patreon. Join PhD20's community for exclusive content and updates.
members.phd20.com
May 10, 2026 at 2:20 PM