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PhD20

@phd20.com
60 followers 61 following 236 posts

I’m Kirk. I like to build things. Software. Maps. Adventures. Campaigns. Worlds. Also obsessed with ☕️ and 📚 #dnd #ttrpg
 I write at www.phd20.com

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PhD20 @phd20.com · 15/09/2026
Here's a really fun approach to building cities in #TTRPG #DnD 🏰
phd20.com
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.
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TTRPG Blogs (dndblogs.com) @dndblogs.com · 15/09/2026
Building Cities Like Theme Parks: PhD20 phd20.com/blog/cities-as-theme-parks #dnd #ttrpg
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 06/09/2026
#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).
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 20/08/2026
Would you rather play in a #TTRPG campaign with shorter sessions consistently? Or longer sessions more infrequently? phd20.com/blog/running...
phd20.com
Running Shorter Sessions
We don't need as much time as we often think to run meaningful RPG sessions.
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TTRPG Blogs (dndblogs.com) @dndblogs.com · 13/08/2026
Agile Game Mastery: PhD20 phd20.com/blog/agile-game-mastery #dnd #ttrpg
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 08/08/2026
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-...
members.phd20.com
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
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 27/07/2026
What is the most impactful lever for creating and using engaging #TTRPG NPCs?
phd20.com
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.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 26/07/2026
Swordspell contains two distinct worlds within the setting. But they're not like the planes of #DnD... #TTRPG members.phd20.com/phd20/posts/...
members.phd20.com
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.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 26/07/2026
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/...
members.phd20.com
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.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 18/07/2026
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:"
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 12/07/2026
What does a #TTRPG world and system look like when designed to remove death as the main fail state? members.phd20.com/posts/forkin...
members.phd20.com
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
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 10/07/2026
I just backed Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/sly...
kickstarter.com
Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster
Run great tabletop RPGs by preparing less.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 05/07/2026
"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.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 05/07/2026
"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...
members.phd20.com
Swordspell | Collection from PhD20 | 3 posts
Get more from PhD20 on Patreon
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 04/07/2026
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...
open.phd20.com
Isathil Thunderstone · PhD20
The proud and loud dwarf proprietor of Isathil’s Good Trades.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 01/07/2026
forum.phd20.com/t/the-phd20-...
forum.phd20.com
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…
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 20/06/2026
Taking a look at evolving backgrounds from #DnD5E for my forked system. Plus some custom backgrounds (and setting info) for patrons!
patreon.com
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
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TTRPG Blogs (dndblogs.com) @dndblogs.com · 15/06/2026
Stop Sharing Your Lore. Start Using It.: PhD20 phd20.com/blog/why-dnd-lore-matters #dnd #ttrpg
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Brian F'n Patterson @d20monkey.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
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
brianfnpatterson.com
Commissions — The Art of Brian Patterson
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 01/06/2026
Free #TTRPG GM content with more to be unlocked from the Architect's Vault 🔜 phd20.com/blog/free-dn...
phd20.com
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.
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TTRPG Blogs (dndblogs.com) @dndblogs.com · 01/06/2026
The Vault and the Library: GM Resources: PhD20 phd20.com/blog/free-dnd-game-master… #dnd #ttrpg
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 31/05/2026
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...
members.phd20.com
The Architect's Vault: Reforged | PhD20
The Architect's Vault: Reforged by PhD20 on Patreon. Join PhD20's community for exclusive content and updates.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 27/05/2026
Death and dying in #DnD5e AKA the “Chumbawamba” experience.
patreon.com
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.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 21/05/2026
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...
members.phd20.com
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.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 10/05/2026
Forking #DnD5E. Why not? members.phd20.com/posts/156915...
members.phd20.com
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.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 09/05/2026
For many, #TTRPG YouTube started in 2016. But Esper does a great job showing just how far back things really go. I loved seeing some fellow creators in that 2011-2016 era. Great memories. Give it a watch! youtu.be/FOq2Xr-jM4I?...
youtu.be
The Real History of DungeonTube
There is so much to the history of Dungeontube. It is a vast network of creators producing content about D&D and other TTRPGs. Let’s go on a journey and see how things grew to this…
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 06/05/2026
Inspired by discovering "trinket trading" at a Renaissance festival last week, I've added some trinkets to the RPG Resource Repository! #TTRPG open.phd20.com/random-table...
open.phd20.com
Trinkets
A table of trinkets
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 29/04/2026
This was one of the best #TTRPG blog articles I've read in years. elmc.at/fullstack-re...
elmc.at
Fullstack Refereeing
A framework for thinking about refereeing as Backend, Frontend, and Runtime, so you can diagnose play problems instead of solving the wrong ones.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 28/04/2026
Session zero tools never felt quite right. The Adventuring Agreement is my answer—a simple document to align expectations before the dice roll. #TTRPG #DnD phd20.com/blog/adventu...
phd20.com
The Agreement Every D&D Group Needs
Session zero tools never felt right. The Adventuring Agreement is my answer—a simple document to align expectations before the dice roll.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 27/04/2026
5 Nimble #TTRPG "hacks" worth considering for #DnD5E, free over on my Patreon: members.phd20.com/posts/156596...
members.phd20.com
5 Nimble Hacks for 5E | PhD20
5 Nimble Hacks for 5E by PhD20 on Patreon. Join PhD20's community for exclusive content and updates.
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TTRPG Blogs (dndblogs.com) @dndblogs.com · 27/04/2026
The Agreement Every D&D Group Needs: PhD20 phd20.com/blog/adventuring-agreement #dnd #ttrpg
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 26/04/2026
Nothing better than good coffee and working on #TTRPG fun ☕️
A wooden board on a table holding a glass pour-over filled with coffee next to a white mug with coffee in it. Next to the table, a bag rests on a chair with a d20 and "Bag of Holding" on the logo. The background appears to be a coffee shop.
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Shadomain.com's Jason C @shadomain.com · 21/04/2026
interesting way to look at weaving your #TTRPG #GM notes directly into your game, from @phd20.com phd20.com/blog/artifac...
phd20.com
Build Your World From Within
Build your world from within. Artifactory worldbuilding turns your GM notes into in-world artifacts—letters, journals, wanted posters—that make your setting feel alive.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 19/04/2026
I ran the Nimble #TTRPG for some friends. Excellent support in FoundryVTT a slick character builder. We had a lot of fun and hope to get a few more sessions in before starting whatever our next long-term campaign is.
FoundryVTT with Nimble artwork in the background, an open chat history on the right showing spell usage and rolls, and an open character sheet for the game.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 16/04/2026
Most #worldbuilding advice is outside looking in. Turn your GM notes into in-world artifacts—letters, journals, wanted posters—that make your setting feel alive. #TTRPG phd20.com/blog/artifac...
phd20.com
Build Your World From Within
Build your world from within. Artifactory worldbuilding turns your GM notes into in-world artifacts—letters, journals, wanted posters—that make your setting feel alive.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 15/04/2026
I'm designing another #Shadowdark adventure and bringing patrons along for the ride. members.phd20.com/posts/design...
members.phd20.com
Designing a Shadowdark Adventure Part 1: The Beginning (Plus Simple Shadowdark Adventure Template) | PhD20
Get more from PhD20 on Patreon
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 15/04/2026
After wrapping our #DnD5E campaign a few weeks back, I ran Nimble #TTRPG this week! A super fun time. nimblerpg.com
nimblerpg.com
Nimble Co. | Slay the TTRPG Slog
Speed up your 5e or other TTRPG game nights! Slay the slog and have more fun with your RPG sessions!
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Reposted by PhD20
TTRPG Blogs (dndblogs.com) @dndblogs.com · 13/04/2026
Build Your World From Within: PhD20 phd20.com/blog/artifactory-worldbui… #dnd #ttrpg
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 05/04/2026
I’m looking for art for upcoming #TTRPG projects where the vibe is “80s-90s animation” style. Think Gargoyles tv series, Secret of NIMH movie, etc. Please send me your human artists available for commercial work. 🙏
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 05/04/2026
Campaign Retrospective: Legends of the Nentir Vale | PhD20 www.patreon.com/posts/154729... #DnD #TTRPG
patreon.com
Campaign Retrospective: Legends of the Nentir Vale | PhD20
Get more from PhD20 on Patreon
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James Introcaso @jamesintrocaso.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
The great @alphastream.bsky.social has been posting awesome tools to use for Draw Steel Design on Patreon. www.patreon.com/cw/Alphastream
patreon.com
Alphastream | Patreon
creating tabletop games and advising DMs and creators
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 29/03/2026
Have you ever found yourself bored with a #TTRPG campaign before its conclusion? Prep feels dead and you're just going through the motions? Here's how to fix that.
phd20.com
The Only Two Questions That Matter for Game Masters
Most TTRPG advice tells you what to prep. It should tell you where to start. Two questions that change how game masters prep sessions, build worlds, and more.
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TTRPG Blogs (dndblogs.com) @dndblogs.com · 29/03/2026
The Only Two Questions That Matter for Game Masters: PhD20 phd20.com/blog/atomic-game-mastery #dnd #ttrpg
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 27/03/2026
Things got weird as I smashed inspiration from #DnD5E, ICRPG, and Nimble into one three-headed dragon. I promise it's cool. I do not promise balance. www.patreon.com/posts/three-...
patreon.com
🧪 A Three-Headed Dragon | PhD20
Get more from PhD20 on Patreon
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 23/03/2026
Another #DnD5E campaign comes to a close. 2.5 years and 48 sessions. One hero died in the finale but it was an epic finish. Long live the Legends of the Nentir Vale 🤘
A table with dungeon tiles depicting a hilltop scene with miniatures, dice trays, coffee mugs, and dice. A bookshelf with TTRPG books, a colossal red dragon mini, and a handful of other smaller miniatures.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 19/03/2026
When players control the clock, the “what do you do” is often completely open-ended with no clear choices to make. When the GM controls the clock, they’re giving intentional situations for players to respond to—choices to make. #TTRPG #DnD
phd20.com
Don't Let Players Control the Clock
Pacing thrives when the game master controls the clock. It struggles when we let the players.
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 18/03/2026
Great topic about who recaps the last session. I wrote an article last year outlining why I chose to do it as the DM. Who recaps in your group? #TTRPG youtu.be/m6XJXjbDMUM?...
youtu.be
The Roadblock for New RPGs – Lazy RPG Talk Show
D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Video Contents 00:00:00 Show Start 00:01:10 Sly Flourish News: Play Solo RPGs, Experiences Running a 1 to 20 3x5e Game,…
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 18/03/2026
This was a really fun watch. And enlightening. youtu.be/6-dUeIQHRYs?...
youtu.be
Matt Colville Blows Our Minds on MCDM and the TTRPG Industry! (MD 282)
Main topic: Matt Colville Blows Our Minds on MCDM and the TTRPG Industry! Matt Colville is here to absolutely blow our minds on how MCDM operates, how it pays, how it has worked to reach an…
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PhD20 @phd20.com · 16/03/2026
While there are a lot of tools like time pressure for pacing in #TTRPG, one big problem precedes most of them: controlling the clock. More specifically, who controls the clock.
phd20.com
Don't Let Players Control the Clock
Pacing thrives when the game master controls the clock. It struggles when we let the players.
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