This will not end looking anything like it did when I started.

I’m already writing and rewriting random encounter tables. I’ve already expanded on the base tables in Atelier Clandestin’s Sandbox Generator to the point where it’s no longer recognizable from when I started. Then again, poor Hex-A-Day 2025 (DTRPG Affiliate link here) looks nothing like the book, either. I find these tools to be great jumping in points to much broader worldbuilding activities.

My day improved immensely the other day when a Kickstarter I backed finally came home to roost in PDF form. I received my copy of Tome of Worldbuilding from Mythmere Games. Link forthcoming as soon as I have one. It is packed full of great ideas to add to my process. It is full of ideas on every aspect of world building imaginable.

That’s where we are today.

I’ve been banging out hexes on the map every day. It’s a quick diversion. It’s fun. We’ll get to explore some of them as soon as there are enough for the PCs to travel for a week in any one direction. I planned for this world to be huge. I’m going to keep plugging away until January 1, 2026.

However, worldbuilding is more than just generating hexes with a terrain type, possible encounter, and a landmark or feature. So far there have been hexes with dungeons, settlements, and even lairs for some pretty powerful monsters. Eventually I will flesh out specific locations. We haven’t even begun to talk about loot and lore yet.

Soon I will begin to zoom in on specific hexes using various worldbuilding prompts. We’ll see some civilizations form, and factions. Before long it will begin to resemble a medieval world, but maybe not like the ones we’re used to from Dungeons & Dragons or even Dragonbane. I don’t want it to look post-apocalyptic as much as fantasy built over the top of older civilizations.

The causes of the downfall to prior civilizations are still around. The players are going to find them in dungeons, ancient ruins, and just by running into some of them. I also want the group to have someone to protect, such as those adorable little Otterkin. They’ll have a base of operations, allies, and a set of connections in the new world.

The world is constantly evolving. As long as I keep rewriting and revising before the encounter life is good. Once the group has encountered something, it becomes canon as far as I’m concerned. Then it’s locked in. It’s easier to create than retcon.

Thank you for being here with me today. I appreciate you. Keep it real, but please strive for positivity, too. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy in your life.