Noah Kuhn
@noahkuhn.bsky.social
Seattle-based software engineer, indie game dev, occasional worldbuilder, and general maker of things.
PUNCHERMAN!
The Tedium and You (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2373020/The_Tedium_and_You/)
FOR GOD'S SAKE, HELP HIM!
https://linktr.ee/noahkuhn
PUNCHERMAN!
The Tedium and You (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2373020/The_Tedium_and_You/)
FOR GOD'S SAKE, HELP HIM!
https://linktr.ee/noahkuhn
Pinned
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 28
The big current wars both started for expansion's sake. The world's political map is losing its volatility; some fledgling nations take the ongoing calcification of borders as reason to snag all the land and resources they can in order to win in a new geopolitical arena.
The big current wars both started for expansion's sake. The world's political map is losing its volatility; some fledgling nations take the ongoing calcification of borders as reason to snag all the land and resources they can in order to win in a new geopolitical arena.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders, tell me why a war, either historical or current, started in your world. If this is your first time seeing my prompts: please note that these are for fictional worlds of our own creations! Please no discussions of real wars unless it relates to your fictional story!
January 29, 2026 at 1:44 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 28
The big current wars both started for expansion's sake. The world's political map is losing its volatility; some fledgling nations take the ongoing calcification of borders as reason to snag all the land and resources they can in order to win in a new geopolitical arena.
The big current wars both started for expansion's sake. The world's political map is losing its volatility; some fledgling nations take the ongoing calcification of borders as reason to snag all the land and resources they can in order to win in a new geopolitical arena.
oh god im getting emotional about the cassini probe again
January 29, 2026 at 1:31 AM
oh god im getting emotional about the cassini probe again
Reposted by Noah Kuhn
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 27
Ah yeah, I mentioned these on the ranged weapons prompt, not realizing this was coming up! Catapults, trebuchets, ballistas, and cannons are all common large-scale weapons. Some forces employ the use of mad scientists' mechanical ambulators with integrated weapons, too.
Ah yeah, I mentioned these on the ranged weapons prompt, not realizing this was coming up! Catapults, trebuchets, ballistas, and cannons are all common large-scale weapons. Some forces employ the use of mad scientists' mechanical ambulators with integrated weapons, too.
Heya, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! Today's military/warfare question: What are some large-scale weapons or siege engines used in your world? Have you ever written a scene with those? Also, feel free to yap about siege warfare in general. What other strategies do they employ?
January 27, 2026 at 9:10 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 27
Ah yeah, I mentioned these on the ranged weapons prompt, not realizing this was coming up! Catapults, trebuchets, ballistas, and cannons are all common large-scale weapons. Some forces employ the use of mad scientists' mechanical ambulators with integrated weapons, too.
Ah yeah, I mentioned these on the ranged weapons prompt, not realizing this was coming up! Catapults, trebuchets, ballistas, and cannons are all common large-scale weapons. Some forces employ the use of mad scientists' mechanical ambulators with integrated weapons, too.
in a perfect world, all advertisement is illegal
January 27, 2026 at 8:34 PM
in a perfect world, all advertisement is illegal
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 26
The League is a small force, not a military, but it is organized and has a chain of command. It's got 4 divisions: adventurer, knight, witch, mad scientist. The former two are your front-line combatants, the latter two tend to be a bit more flexible in combat style. 1/3
The League is a small force, not a military, but it is organized and has a chain of command. It's got 4 divisions: adventurer, knight, witch, mad scientist. The former two are your front-line combatants, the latter two tend to be a bit more flexible in combat style. 1/3
#JanuaryWorldbuilders Describe some specific features of your military. How are squads arranged? What are some ranks? What are some tactics they might use? Are they more offensively-directed or defensive? Do they know formations?
January 27, 2026 at 2:14 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 26
The League is a small force, not a military, but it is organized and has a chain of command. It's got 4 divisions: adventurer, knight, witch, mad scientist. The former two are your front-line combatants, the latter two tend to be a bit more flexible in combat style. 1/3
The League is a small force, not a military, but it is organized and has a chain of command. It's got 4 divisions: adventurer, knight, witch, mad scientist. The former two are your front-line combatants, the latter two tend to be a bit more flexible in combat style. 1/3
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 25
Knight training in my main cast's region is a years-long process that starts in one's youth. The tl;dr is that one has standard education up to age 12, then 8 years of being a page, then 4–8 years of being a squire, then only gets knighted upon demonstrating readiness. 1/3
Knight training in my main cast's region is a years-long process that starts in one's youth. The tl;dr is that one has standard education up to age 12, then 8 years of being a page, then 4–8 years of being a squire, then only gets knighted upon demonstrating readiness. 1/3
#JanuaryWorldbuilders. Hello, friends! Today's military worldbuilding question: what kind of training do troops go through? Do they learn to use weapons? Go through obstacle courses? Do they do drills or learn discipline? Or are they thrown into the frontline as cannon fodder?
January 25, 2026 at 8:19 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 25
Knight training in my main cast's region is a years-long process that starts in one's youth. The tl;dr is that one has standard education up to age 12, then 8 years of being a page, then 4–8 years of being a squire, then only gets knighted upon demonstrating readiness. 1/3
Knight training in my main cast's region is a years-long process that starts in one's youth. The tl;dr is that one has standard education up to age 12, then 8 years of being a page, then 4–8 years of being a squire, then only gets knighted upon demonstrating readiness. 1/3
i will consider myself a success in my music-making endeavors if i can make a song even one tenth as good as the "Intermission Time" song from Amazing Digital Circus episode 5
January 24, 2026 at 11:34 PM
i will consider myself a success in my music-making endeavors if i can make a song even one tenth as good as the "Intermission Time" song from Amazing Digital Circus episode 5
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 24
Dexian Black (name increasingly subject to change) is a former military commander who now runs his nation, driving their descent into military expansionism and authoritarianism. Though not a proper military, Dennis's grandmother Dava is a former General of the League. 1/2
Dexian Black (name increasingly subject to change) is a former military commander who now runs his nation, driving their descent into military expansionism and authoritarianism. Though not a proper military, Dennis's grandmother Dava is a former General of the League. 1/2
Hello, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! We're doing military/warfare week in our fictional worlds. Do any of your armies have a notable general or commander? Who are they and what are they like? Are they well-respected or feared by their soldiers? How strategic are they?
January 24, 2026 at 10:15 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 24
Dexian Black (name increasingly subject to change) is a former military commander who now runs his nation, driving their descent into military expansionism and authoritarianism. Though not a proper military, Dennis's grandmother Dava is a former General of the League. 1/2
Dexian Black (name increasingly subject to change) is a former military commander who now runs his nation, driving their descent into military expansionism and authoritarianism. Though not a proper military, Dennis's grandmother Dava is a former General of the League. 1/2
gonna repost this bc we are like a week out from the release. i'll post more deets later i'm busy rn
my upcoming weird space music album is basically
1. i'm done for. remember me when i'm gone ok
2. god it's hot in here
3. I'M GONNA HIT YOU!!!
4. I AM ALSO ANGRY !!!
5. god wouldnt that be cool. too bad it's fake
6. u&me are a perfect match <3 :)
7. i HATE YOU you RUINED MY LIFE
8. doin my own thing
1. i'm done for. remember me when i'm gone ok
2. god it's hot in here
3. I'M GONNA HIT YOU!!!
4. I AM ALSO ANGRY !!!
5. god wouldnt that be cool. too bad it's fake
6. u&me are a perfect match <3 :)
7. i HATE YOU you RUINED MY LIFE
8. doin my own thing
January 24, 2026 at 7:17 AM
gonna repost this bc we are like a week out from the release. i'll post more deets later i'm busy rn
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 23
Yippee I get to mention board again!! It's a terrible little hardtack-like rye flatbread that soldiers the world over are packed and loaded with before being shipped off anywhere. Thankfully, they're also trained to forage, so this edible insult isn't all they have. 1/2
Yippee I get to mention board again!! It's a terrible little hardtack-like rye flatbread that soldiers the world over are packed and loaded with before being shipped off anywhere. Thankfully, they're also trained to forage, so this edible insult isn't all they have. 1/2
#JanuaryWorldbuilders! Today's military/warfare related Q: How does your world's military handle food and medical care for its soldiers? Do they have MREs, or the medieval equivalent? Supply lines? Foraging off the land? What kind of skills do the medics have?
January 24, 2026 at 5:58 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 23
Yippee I get to mention board again!! It's a terrible little hardtack-like rye flatbread that soldiers the world over are packed and loaded with before being shipped off anywhere. Thankfully, they're also trained to forage, so this edible insult isn't all they have. 1/2
Yippee I get to mention board again!! It's a terrible little hardtack-like rye flatbread that soldiers the world over are packed and loaded with before being shipped off anywhere. Thankfully, they're also trained to forage, so this edible insult isn't all they have. 1/2
Reposted by Noah Kuhn
Reposted by Noah Kuhn
Reposted by Noah Kuhn
my two brain cells
May 16, 2025 at 4:46 PM
my two brain cells
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 22
Yep, though they're far fewer than they used to be. The Factional Age was pockmarked with sundry wars, invasions, conquest; entering the Social Age, though, many of these wars died down with various national unifications and the growing interconnectedness of the world. 1/3
Yep, though they're far fewer than they used to be. The Factional Age was pockmarked with sundry wars, invasions, conquest; entering the Social Age, though, many of these wars died down with various national unifications and the growing interconnectedness of the world. 1/3
#JanuaryWorldbuilders We talked about weapons and armor, now for the wars. This week's worldbuilding questions are about your fictional world's wars and militaries. Today's Q: Are there any current wars in your WIP and is your MC involved?
January 22, 2026 at 8:40 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 22
Yep, though they're far fewer than they used to be. The Factional Age was pockmarked with sundry wars, invasions, conquest; entering the Social Age, though, many of these wars died down with various national unifications and the growing interconnectedness of the world. 1/3
Yep, though they're far fewer than they used to be. The Factional Age was pockmarked with sundry wars, invasions, conquest; entering the Social Age, though, many of these wars died down with various national unifications and the growing interconnectedness of the world. 1/3
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 21
Weapons aren't quite as regulated as we'd expect. Generally, anyone can own weapons and use them in self-defense or for sport, but large ones aren't often allowed to be carried openly, nor are duels legal. Magic laws vary by jurisdiction but it's generally legal nowadays.
Weapons aren't quite as regulated as we'd expect. Generally, anyone can own weapons and use them in self-defense or for sport, but large ones aren't often allowed to be carried openly, nor are duels legal. Magic laws vary by jurisdiction but it's generally legal nowadays.
Good morning, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! What kind of laws exist regarding the use of weapons in your world? Can anyone use or carry them? Are they usable only by a certain class? Or only after you've been trained in its use? Are some weapons banned entirely?
January 22, 2026 at 4:24 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 21
Weapons aren't quite as regulated as we'd expect. Generally, anyone can own weapons and use them in self-defense or for sport, but large ones aren't often allowed to be carried openly, nor are duels legal. Magic laws vary by jurisdiction but it's generally legal nowadays.
Weapons aren't quite as regulated as we'd expect. Generally, anyone can own weapons and use them in self-defense or for sport, but large ones aren't often allowed to be carried openly, nor are duels legal. Magic laws vary by jurisdiction but it's generally legal nowadays.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 20
More somewhat standard options from me here: swords, cutlasses, daggers, spears. Haven't really come up yet, but there are definitely some other options in use -- polearms, battle axes, war hammers, morning stars, maces. And then there are the really interesting ones... 1/2
More somewhat standard options from me here: swords, cutlasses, daggers, spears. Haven't really come up yet, but there are definitely some other options in use -- polearms, battle axes, war hammers, morning stars, maces. And then there are the really interesting ones... 1/2
Hey there, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! Yesterday I asked about ranged weapons, so today is for melee/close-range weapons! Whacha got for me? Are people using swords and maces? Got any cool polearms? Or are your characters conducting business with their fists, teeth, and claws?
January 20, 2026 at 8:49 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 20
More somewhat standard options from me here: swords, cutlasses, daggers, spears. Haven't really come up yet, but there are definitely some other options in use -- polearms, battle axes, war hammers, morning stars, maces. And then there are the really interesting ones... 1/2
More somewhat standard options from me here: swords, cutlasses, daggers, spears. Haven't really come up yet, but there are definitely some other options in use -- polearms, battle axes, war hammers, morning stars, maces. And then there are the really interesting ones... 1/2
Reposted by Noah Kuhn
Can't wait to be blamed by AI grifters when the bubble bursts. "It's your fault there wasn't enough adoption to make it viable". Damn straight. It's 100% my fault. Lay all of the responsibility on me. I will eat it all. I will drink your tears.
www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
AI boom could falter without wider adoption, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella warns
Big tech boss tells delegates at Davos that broader global use is essential if technology is to deliver lasting growth
www.irishtimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Can't wait to be blamed by AI grifters when the bubble bursts. "It's your fault there wasn't enough adoption to make it viable". Damn straight. It's 100% my fault. Lay all of the responsibility on me. I will eat it all. I will drink your tears.
www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 19
Nyehehe, long-range weapons, my beloved... Honestly, we mostly see pretty standard options so far. I'd thought I'd lean high fantasy and leave out guns altogether, but eventually figured that the time period would almost necessitate guns to have already been developed. 1/3
Nyehehe, long-range weapons, my beloved... Honestly, we mostly see pretty standard options so far. I'd thought I'd lean high fantasy and leave out guns altogether, but eventually figured that the time period would almost necessitate guns to have already been developed. 1/3
#JanuaryWorldbuilders. What kind of long-range weapons are used in your world? Do they have bows? Longbows? Slingshots or darts? Or is this an age of guns, spaceships, and rockets?
January 19, 2026 at 10:29 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 19
Nyehehe, long-range weapons, my beloved... Honestly, we mostly see pretty standard options so far. I'd thought I'd lean high fantasy and leave out guns altogether, but eventually figured that the time period would almost necessitate guns to have already been developed. 1/3
Nyehehe, long-range weapons, my beloved... Honestly, we mostly see pretty standard options so far. I'd thought I'd lean high fantasy and leave out guns altogether, but eventually figured that the time period would almost necessitate guns to have already been developed. 1/3
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 18
I'm still trying to work out the details, but it's somewhere between your standard medieval plate armor and WW1 soldier garb. Though the time period is roughly turn-of-the-century, they don't really do colonial- or American Civil War-era soldier outfits. 1/2
I'm still trying to work out the details, but it's somewhere between your standard medieval plate armor and WW1 soldier garb. Though the time period is roughly turn-of-the-century, they don't really do colonial- or American Civil War-era soldier outfits. 1/2
#JanuaryWorldbuilders Heya! I can't let it ONLY be weapon talk this week! What kind of armor do your characters wear? Or what kind generally is made in your world? What material is it made from?
January 18, 2026 at 9:05 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 18
I'm still trying to work out the details, but it's somewhere between your standard medieval plate armor and WW1 soldier garb. Though the time period is roughly turn-of-the-century, they don't really do colonial- or American Civil War-era soldier outfits. 1/2
I'm still trying to work out the details, but it's somewhere between your standard medieval plate armor and WW1 soldier garb. Though the time period is roughly turn-of-the-century, they don't really do colonial- or American Civil War-era soldier outfits. 1/2
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 17
Y'know, I was originally going to skip this because I didn't have much to say other than "people can enchant weapons and armor but I don't have any in particular" but then I realized that Baxin's airship could be an important weapon if it fell into the wrong hands..........
Y'know, I was originally going to skip this because I didn't have much to say other than "people can enchant weapons and armor but I don't have any in particular" but then I realized that Baxin's airship could be an important weapon if it fell into the wrong hands..........
#JanuaryWorldbuilders, do you have any magical or otherwise special/important weapons or armor in your world? What do they do? Is there lore or a story behind how they came to be? Has is always been special or was it made that way through some critical event?
January 18, 2026 at 6:29 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 17
Y'know, I was originally going to skip this because I didn't have much to say other than "people can enchant weapons and armor but I don't have any in particular" but then I realized that Baxin's airship could be an important weapon if it fell into the wrong hands..........
Y'know, I was originally going to skip this because I didn't have much to say other than "people can enchant weapons and armor but I don't have any in particular" but then I realized that Baxin's airship could be an important weapon if it fell into the wrong hands..........
I think the alchemists of old were onto something. I must ingest large quantities of mercury immediately
January 16, 2026 at 8:43 PM
I think the alchemists of old were onto something. I must ingest large quantities of mercury immediately
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 16
Small a role as he plays, the only antagonist we actually see in combat so far is Dzefta Škavotz. A dim witch who's been doing magical experiments on himself (and others) for ages, his go-to weapons are magic and his own body. Not that he has much control of either anymore.
Small a role as he plays, the only antagonist we actually see in combat so far is Dzefta Škavotz. A dim witch who's been doing magical experiments on himself (and others) for ages, his go-to weapons are magic and his own body. Not that he has much control of either anymore.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders. We talked about the MC (or another important character) yesterday. This time: what about their opposite? A villain? A foil? Someone else of importance in the story or lore? What weapon does that character use?
January 16, 2026 at 6:57 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 16
Small a role as he plays, the only antagonist we actually see in combat so far is Dzefta Škavotz. A dim witch who's been doing magical experiments on himself (and others) for ages, his go-to weapons are magic and his own body. Not that he has much control of either anymore.
Small a role as he plays, the only antagonist we actually see in combat so far is Dzefta Škavotz. A dim witch who's been doing magical experiments on himself (and others) for ages, his go-to weapons are magic and his own body. Not that he has much control of either anymore.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 15
The cast members best with weapons are Thess and Nastine and Aster. Thess is properly trained in swords and hand-to-hand combat. Nastine and Aster have developed a scrappier combat style, but can still hold their own; they're partial to daggers and spears. 1/3
The cast members best with weapons are Thess and Nastine and Aster. Thess is properly trained in swords and hand-to-hand combat. Nastine and Aster have developed a scrappier combat style, but can still hold their own; they're partial to daggers and spears. 1/3
Alright, time to get into some of those weeds I promised! The theme of this week and next will be fighting-centric. Weapons and armor this week. Militaries next week. Today's #JanuaryWorldbuilders Q: What weapon(s) are used by your MC (or another important character?)
January 15, 2026 at 8:57 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 15
The cast members best with weapons are Thess and Nastine and Aster. Thess is properly trained in swords and hand-to-hand combat. Nastine and Aster have developed a scrappier combat style, but can still hold their own; they're partial to daggers and spears. 1/3
The cast members best with weapons are Thess and Nastine and Aster. Thess is properly trained in swords and hand-to-hand combat. Nastine and Aster have developed a scrappier combat style, but can still hold their own; they're partial to daggers and spears. 1/3
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 14
Hmm, still figuring out some *popular* foods and drinks. What comes to mind is a notorious, unpopular one: board, a hardtack-like flatbread made with rye that everyone thinks is terrible. When folks go off on long journeys, they pack a bunch of it and regret every bite!
Hmm, still figuring out some *popular* foods and drinks. What comes to mind is a notorious, unpopular one: board, a hardtack-like flatbread made with rye that everyone thinks is terrible. When folks go off on long journeys, they pack a bunch of it and regret every bite!
Last question on our "society, broadly" theme for #JanuaryWorldbuilders. What food or drinks are popular in the society you've been talking about? If can be an MC's society, or any one you have an interesting answer for.
January 15, 2026 at 6:28 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 14
Hmm, still figuring out some *popular* foods and drinks. What comes to mind is a notorious, unpopular one: board, a hardtack-like flatbread made with rye that everyone thinks is terrible. When folks go off on long journeys, they pack a bunch of it and regret every bite!
Hmm, still figuring out some *popular* foods and drinks. What comes to mind is a notorious, unpopular one: board, a hardtack-like flatbread made with rye that everyone thinks is terrible. When folks go off on long journeys, they pack a bunch of it and regret every bite!