How to Build a TTRPG World in One Night (The Checklist) Artwork

Goblin Salvage Rites

Since 2007, the Pathfinder community has been gathering around tables all across the world to roll dice and share exciting stories about dungeons, dragons, and their many magical acquisitions. Each week, we will drill down into a different RPG-related topic that has sprung up from conversations at our tables over the years. While the vast majority of our content is specific to Pathfinder 2nd edition, we occasionally dip into other staples of the modern rpg landscape.

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Goblin Salvage Rites

How to Build a TTRPG World in One Night (The Checklist)

December 11, 2025 • Obligatory Media

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Hey there, goblins! Worldbuilding is a massive topic, but today we’re cutting through the noise. We’re distinguishing between "Worldbuilding for Use" (getting a game to the table) and "Worldbuilding for Self-Indulgence" (writing lore that no one will ever see).

We’ve created a 10-Question Framework to help you build a playable, lived-in setting without getting overwhelmed. We cover:

Purpose: Is this for a one-shot or a level 1-20 campaign?

Theme: Why you need ONE core theme (and 3 micro-themes).

The Kitchen Sink: The debate between focused settings (like Ravenloft) vs. everything-goes settings (like Golarion).

The Details: Hard vs. Soft magic, scarcity economies, and pop-culture inspirations.

Plus: We announce our new $30 Patreon tier where YOU can play in a monthly game run by Eric!