Illusionist's Dice: D20

Conjure a D20 with a Spin Behold, the Illusionist’s D20!   But wait, you say: that doesn’t look like a D20!   Ah, my friend, things aren't always as they appear. This video does NOT employ special effects and is quite close to what you will see with your naked eye.   The Illusionist’s D20 is my latest pinhole zoetrope, a new kind of naked-eye-viewable animation that doesn’t need any special parts. Plus, it’s a functional D20!   For me, it was months of effort to dial in, requiring a combination of new techniques to balance clarity with perceived motion. For you, it’s a quick print that assembles in seconds without glue. How to Print Main Body Choose between the regular body and the one with upside down numbers. Some people prefer the result of a roll to be the bottom number instead of the top one. For them, I've provided alternate 3MF & STL files with each number rotated to be upside down for readability.   Use a dark PLA for the main color. Accent color is optional. (the main model in the cover uses Witches Blue by Cookiecad)   If it warps while printing, try increasing the plate temperature.   If you are printing the raw STL files rather than the Bambu 3MF, use 0.2 mm layer height, Arachne wall generator, 3 wall loops (1 on first layer), 10% infill, snug normal supports. To add an accent color, cut to parts at 0.6 mm height and set bottom part to the accent. Light Diffuser Use a basic white PLA, ideally not matte since that can absorb more light.   If you are printing the raw STL files rather than the Bambu 3MF, use 0.2 mm layer height, Arachne wall generator, slow print speeds. Stem Choose between the regular stem or the launcher stem. The launcher stem is compatible with this fantastic top launcher by Viltsu (and a big THANKS to him for adapting the stem).   The stem is a tall / thin print. If it doesn't stick, try increasing the plate temperature.   If you are printing the raw STL files rather than the Bambu 3MF, use 0.2 mm layer height, 6 wall loops, snug normal supports, 3 raft layers, slow print speeds. How to Assemble Everything slots together in seconds. If the stem is loose, you can use a drop of glue, but it's generally not required. How to Use Spin: The top is intentionally heavy (for slower, legible animations) and requires practice + finger strength to spin by hand. For an easier spin, use the launcher stem and Viltsu's top launcher. It works so well, in fact, that you may want to hold back and spin it slowly so that the animation comes through.   Light: The less ambient light, the better. Shine a bright, focused beam from close above as it spins. Try not to illuminate the front surface since the goal is to maximize contrast. The inexpensive yet effective flashlight I use is the UltraTac K1 (affiliate link).   View: Position your eyes to view the top directly from its side. The animated effect becomes stronger as the top slows down.   Read: The number displayed at the top is your result. Tops are sensitive to small weight imbalances. While in my testing it produced numbers that appeared random, do not rely on this D20 for a perfectly unbiased result. Cryptatrope Letters: Your Secret. Concealed. This D20 illusion is a return to spinning tops, because I always felt that there was more I could do with the effect on that form factor. But for much of the year, I’ve been focused on the Cryptatrope, where the unique geometry allows for more intricate effects, including stereo 3D.   If you're interested in a visually engaging custom puzzle reveal for your campaign, check out Cryptatrope Letters. Cryptatrope: A Maker Adventure If a print-at-home experience is more your type of thing, you might enjoy Cryptatrope Adventure. Thank You I'd love for you to share a photo and/or comment. It motivates me to keep putting out more free designs.   Illusionist's D20 is always free to print for personal use (includes gift-giving). It is not currently part of my commercial membership plan. To explore commercial use opportunities, feel free to message me.