About the codex

A reference book, of the things that don’t exist.

The Codex began as a notebook — a place to put characters, worlds, and half-finished plots that didn’t have homes yet. It became an argument: that a reference of the impossible could be useful. These are the tools that argument produced.

Every tool here is free and ad-supported. No signup wall, no premium tier, no “unlock with pro.” The monetization runs in the margins so the work can stay in the center.

It’s best to have your tools with you. If you don’t, you’re apt to find something you didn’t expect and get discouraged. — Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Built by a 30-year veteran of the video game industry who loves writing and world building. Advertisements are used to keep these tools subscription-free, so everyone can use them. As long as the site is run by me, it will remain subscription-free.

The tools you’ll find here reflect that perspective. I will never offer a course trying to upsell a masterclass. It’s a working designer’s toolbox, left open on the workbench, for anyone to pick up and use.

The world has become saturated with subscription-based services. Something I personally despise. And so, those with the means are encouraged to support the site through Patreon or Ko-fi, but there is no offer of greater reward or benefit for those that do — other than the knowledge that you are helping keep this site free for those less fortunate.