I just absolutely love the mechs as homes idea! It makes perfect sense, but Id never have thought of it! I just cant help but picture this kind of dilipadated old iron mech thats vaguely humanoid in a swamp somewhere with a yellow light coming out of its chest and head as some gnomish wizard lives inside of it and is tinkering away. Next time I create a new world, or can find an excuse to put it in, Im going to use that thats just such an awesome idea!
For fantasy I prefer Greyhawk -- you make it what your want. I did like running Temple of Elemental Evil but I had the most fun with my own creation. I created a Pirate/Undead/Lost Empire sort of campaign which lasted for a couple of years using pathfinder for the rules. I used action (Kobolds popping up out a sewer to raid the city market they were in akin to Demolition Man and the outsiders taco bell raid) in the initial game, and patron NPCs to unify the players and give them direction. They walked into things that gave their individual character reasons to go after a number of baddies that came up all centering around the ruins of a lost Empire in the Bright desert; The rise of a Lich King which they released from a tomb in the third adventure -- the fiend promptly teleported away. While they dealt with Pirates threatening their base the Lich King marshaled his forces. Baddies, like a undead assassin sent by the Lich King turned up. The players killed the Lich King's vampire Sorcereress henchman and destroyed her fortress. It took time for them to find the Lich King and many adventures -- but they finally caught up to him and managed to kill him -- redeeming themselves after being responsible for his release. It was difficult and they got a bunch of clues (I created an ancient script for the Lich King's lost Empire) but they finally sorted it out. It was a lot of fun.
In a world seeded with Chaos, I would think Wild Sorcerors would be prevalent. Especially on the edge of one of these zones. Wild Sorcerors might even be "called to fate" the same way clerics are in 5th E. In such a place where Chaos is on the rise, who stands against this in a larger background way? Chaotic Dragons, demons, Slaadi...and so on, want this to progress, but what similar power stands against them. If the players are the pawns on this chess board, who plays the other side? This is a major issue. The conflict in any good plot will pair of powers off against each other, otherwise this becomes just another "Cthulu" concept that cannot win.
As much as I love me some Cthulhu that isn't we are going for. Interesting idea with the wild mage sorcerers. Though I'm not sure most of our chaos bleeds will be staying in one place long enough to have that effect. So though it could be an occurrence it won't be a common one. More good ideas though. -Nerdarchsit Dave
Been creating my first home brew, and making all of the customary "Mistakes" but in the end, even though most of the stuff I am creating wont get used, I am having a blast, and the players are really into the parts they are seeing. In some ways the extra stuff is my own personal fun. Still have mad respect for the big campaigns, I have played a ton of Greyhawk.
Three minds as one makes creating a world sound easy! I've been solo developing my campaign world for a few years now and have barely play-tested it :( Now, I'm converting to 5th Edition.
Honestly my opinion is spend more time playing and less time building. The world will build itself. Start small and build out as you play. The only reason I'm doing these kind of videos is for you guys and as entertainment. I never front load the work, because though I enjoy the creative aspect of it I don't have the time. -Nerdarchist Dave
Just started watching your guys videos a couple days ago and its given me alot of inspiration for my homebrew world im working on.The chaos bleed is a great idea especially with stuff appearing and disappearing.Can create alot of adventure hooks in a small area, so players can get invested in there home, so things are fresh but familiar at the same time.
That is what we were hoping to achieve with the bleed. Glad you found it as cool as us. Welcome to the nerdarchy. We love to see the legions of nerdarchist growing daily. Thanks for hanging out with us. -Nerdarchist Dave
Choosing between homebrew and "public" will always remain a dochotomy to me. On one hand homebrew allows you to leave out what you don't like and only incorporate what is fun to you, while "public" like Eberron or the FR provide the players with a common ground on which they can base their characters ahead of time and don't have to worry that their characters might be out of place when they switch player groups. And it grants the "illusion" of a shared world that provides a frame of reference even to those who have no idea what happens at your gaming table. For instance when you brought up Eberron it immediately rememberd me of the Gnoll Ranger from Droaam I wanted to play for a long time who loathes his own kin, but can't help shaking his head when observing human behaviour. When asked if he would be interested in serving as a mercenary on some post-war mission to stir things into a favorable direction for Breland he would answer:" Your stupid idea is not worth my time. I have better things to do. Perhaps the Gatekeepers have use for me to defend Eberron against Daelkyr intruders from the plane of Xoriath. I could travel even further North ward and fight the Lords of Dust in the Demon Wastes. And if everything else gets boring, I can travel to Xen'drik and go on a treasure hunt." Now this gnoll has not even a name yet, but if you know Eberron you can relate to him. These places and people seem so much more "palpable" when others know them too. When you read this a thought like:" Yes, I have been there." Might have sprung into your mind even though we will never sit around the same table to play D&D.
Hey guys, I love the world you are building. You brought up the idea of cults trying to bring demons into the world as well. I think something to think about is what were the dragons doing before they started their war? I think you have a great idea with the good dragon coming back first and then the war dragon coming back later, but what if there was a time when they needed each other? The cults succeed in bringing back an ancient evil that all of the dragons had to fight before. But now, due to infighting, they don't want to cooperate or some have died that played an important part of defeating the demon before? Just something to think about. Love the world so far though.
Two idias. One of the Mechs just finished a deep delving job and was "programmed" to return after completion. Well it just got back and is awating further orders. Its body is incrusted with strange minerals. "Shark steel" perhaps. Two: perminent fireball. Basically a minny Sun. Made permanent by the chaos. Ypu can do this with any aria spell.
I have rarely put much emphasis on a home brew world but have actually constructed towns that support my adventures in existing worlds (published....usually Forgotten Realms). I adapt models to my city/towns and still place them in the backdrop of whatever world I chose. Inasmuch as I like creating the world piece by piece I find that resource commitment to be more than I tend to explore. Still....I try to focus more like a 1-shot approach and then tie the plots/NPC/events to a larger story. Many times I actually develope plots/lines based on a PCs action or encounter's outcome. I've had a party escort a fallen comrade for 2 session to their homeland in FR. (which I had to make up on the fly but has some materials to go with). That was awesome and gave the player of the dead PC an opportunity to play NPC (monsters) while his "new character" was waiting in his PC's hometown. Yes...the cousin affect.
Phalen Anjel We have been playing for a long time and I find it easier to just make up what I need and where it is in my homebrew. While I am at it I will make up some gods or borrow them from other settings. It is funny how the pcs actions drive some of our best material. ~Nate the Nerdarch
Thanks for the sharing of ideas. You got some gears rolling there. I am currently setting up a dungeon crawl to teach my kids 5e. Then once they are comfortable with the new rule set, we're going to design a persistent world together and run episodes in that world, using different characters, different locations, and different points on the timeline. You've provided some really good ideas to consider.
Awesome to hear. We're just getting started. This will be an ongoing series. We'll try to tackle different topics of world building with each episode. - Nerdarchist Dave
I'm obviously late to ther party here, but I love your stuff so far. My question is: When a chaos warp occurs and drags a portion of hijacked reality along with it, what happens to whatever - or whoever - happens to inhabit that location?
I like to have a few big world hooks that describe the setting with a big brush. My Marth ice world setting is a dying world in a forever Winter and all (at least to the knowledge of those living in that world) of the gods are dead. In my Burning Heaven setting the upper layers of the atmosphere are constantly on fire. There are no stars or heavenly bodies visible from the world and such thoughts would be strange to people in the setting. When a humanoid dies its fiery soul self immolates the body and rises to once again rejoin the flames from whence it originally came. The Burning Heaven setting is also a young setting as well so many cultures have not yet discovered each other, and theories of the gods and reality are in their infant stages.
***** great idea I'll have to mention that in an upcoming video at some point. We really need to do more to point in the direction of great resources like yourself and other RPG TH-camR'S. We try to spotlight different people on the fb fan but it doesn't seem like enough. - Nerdarchist Dave
I've got the impression that Colossal is now included in the Gargantuan size. Case in point, the Dragon turtle and the Kraken are both gargantuan, and they both have a great white shark in the picture for scale representation... notice how then the Kraken must be FAR bigger than the dragon turtle... So you can have your colossal red dragon, it'ssize'll just still count as a gargantuan.
Yeah it does look like things cap at G. The Tarrasque is G so you do not get much bigger than that. I think they did it to cap out the size mod issue. It fits the over all theme of limits and issues. Thanks for watching. Nerdarchist Ted.
There is an Anime called Chrome Shelled Regios that has some amazing concepts for a world. Mobile Cities that battle each other for the few remaining resources on their wasteland of a world. Every now and then the cities encounter some of the wildlife which has mutated in to horrendous mutated bugs that vary in size all the way up to the Ancient Dragons you described.
A few ideas: For your Chaos ecosystem, why not Sladi? Can't have more chaotic then that! O_o Also, perhaps the giant "Mechs" were powered by the raw magical essence contained within dragon eggs. Fight Fire with Fire. It also explains why the power source disappeared.
Sladi is a great idea. Thanks for the suggestions and Ideas. I'm going to need to make a list of what folks are suggesting to include into the up coming videos. -Nerdarchist Dave
***** The Monster Manual made me seriously consider using Slaad. They are interesting and I am not sure I have ever dealt with the before as a player or a DM, so it might now be teh time to change that. Thanks for the great idea and thanks for watching. Nerdarchist Ted.
I'm a new GM and wanted to know where I can find all these setting. they're all so intricate, so I assume they're written down somewhere. I'd love to see them to compare to my makeshift settings.
i'm planning on creating a Kingdom Hearts sort of system, but i've never even played a tabletop rpg outside of heroscape (if that counts), let alone created a whole new system.... of course, i really wish someone would have already made one so i could join, but apparently i'm the only one who's thought of this. honestly, it's kinda daunting.
Only ever really played off the shelf settings lol. Regarding your Chaotic stuff ( Games Workshop don't sue lol ) but you could have long forgotten thought dead malicious evil gods/entities that dwell in this chaotic fabric that are trying to regain power, insert cults and all the nasties that go with them.
Great ideas some of which kicking around. We'll keep doing this as an ongoing series. We'll pick different tips to highlight with each episode. - Nerdarchist Dave
I've been wanting to make my own campaign setting for a while. Your initial ideas mirrored a lot of my own. Sadly you put it out there on the internet first so if I use them, I'll be copying you :( Great work guys
Lots of great tips for creating a brand new world. I must say, griffingaffe(hope I spelled that right) sounds like an awesome world to adventure in. Do you guys do online games through roll20 or something? I'd love to adventure in your world. Sounds like a blast.
NovusIgnis We've done Google hangouts in the past and will do them in the future. We will be releasing a new letter which will offer a way to sign up for nerdarchy online games. -Nerdarchist Dave
colossal may have been removed but not Plot size... things that are so big because plot reasons... for instance I'm working on a world where the continents are actually sleeping dragons.
A few ideas Dragons were put into a deep slumber by the gods A few City States are ruled by evil sleeping dragons through orbs that the kings of these cities have in their position. A deep evil Darkness is rifting into the world of Syithus. Two stronger factions fighting over the land of a third weakened faction Cities towns villages of refuge.
All good ideas. We've got our direction for dragons mostly. Syithus like the sound of that. Thanks for throwing some ideas out there we'll adding them as we continue the discussion. -Nerdarchist Dave
do you have tips for helping to paint the mental picture for a campaign or simply like a area you are in. I find that i am having issues with painting a picture while im trying to run the main ideas over and figure out a logical path based on whats happening. its like my brain only wants to really focus in on one at a time. I try to pre plan and get things going as best i can but i find that if i focus on painting the picture my logic kinda falters but if im logical my setting seems less real. (plus im still getting use to using roll20) could you offer advice on this?
A great question to anyone that knows anything about Ravenloft is what is the realms alignment? I think it tells a lot about a person when you ask them how they see Ravenloft.
Nerdarchy My vote is for Lawful Neutral with Good leanings. But I agree definitely Lawful. I think it takes the greatest evils to a hell like dimensions very hell like for them. I also ascribe to the concept that all the other people for the most part might not even be real but illusions to fool the darklords. All but some of the other notable characters that serve more as guardians of the realm and enforcers.
I totally agree with Nerdarchist Dave here. Ravenloft has many rules and you are expected to obey them, major consequences if you do not. So that clearly makes it Lawful and I would love to hear the argument to saying it is not Evil. Nerdarchist Ted.
Ted Adams It is a prison for Evil why would evil hold evil captive? It removes evil from other realms and holds them in a prison of the mind and body. I would say Neutral with even Good leanings.
Aberran Fox yes but by that logic why woould something that is good or even neutral torment the prisoners. That's an act of cruelty that good or even neutral intentioned beings could not do over a prolonged period of time without itself becoming tainted by its cruel actions. -Nerdarchist Dave
I want to make a world were monsters are really rare and really really dangerous. Maybe people army used to them? Like if monsters leaked into real medieval Europe
I love world building, too. So much customization that can occur to exactly fit the tone of the campaign. I usually start with an idea for the campaign, though, and build the world to fit. Nonetheless, this can, and has, lead into multiple campaigns from the same world once the world back story gets thick enough. Also, players love to see their old PCs make appearances as NPCs. Here's a link to my favourite world building resource. It's more about novel writing, but really helps you work through fleshing out the political history of your region: hollylisle.com/maps-workshop-developing-the-fictional-world-through-mapping/ As to your world, some great thematic ideas. The return of the dragons in fits and spurts should be amazing, especially if the PCs are initially immersed in the Scarred World effects, so they get that they should be a-feared right away!
Thanks for adding the resource I'll have to check it out. What we are doing is kind of the opposite of how I normally do things. I usually like to work micro to macro, but it's a fun exercise that I think will help people. -Nerdarchist Dave
sr2joker Even though it gets that tagline it is a diverse world with lots of flavor and enjoyability. It is just that in comparison to other settings it is just a high magic world with not much else. I see nothing wrong with that. Nerdarchist Ted.
That's an option. I love the fact you guys are weighing in. I'll have to include the suggestions and ideas on our next world building episode. - Nerdarchist Dave
MPPRODUCTIONSger We create for you guys. It's a huge compliment when someone thinks our ideas are something they wanna see in their games. Nerdarchist Dave
Nerdarchy Thanks for the quick reply :) and thanks for letting me use your idea. Of course I will mention to my players where I got it from :) have a lovely day :)
lol, my rule when I ran pathfinder was 3.5 dice rules, and house rules. meaning my word is law, but if one could logically explain why i should allow someone to do something, and it make sense...then I would.
Interesting show. Was a bit disappointed at your slamming of Spelljammer. If you don't even know the race is called Giff, maybe it is better to talk about the things you like? I loved hearing about your world building though.
This seems pretty frenetic and non-specific . . . three guys telling war stories and making suppositions about possibilities. Not bad for brainstorming - but if you're looking for a SOLID PROCESS that will help you design a world's structure, you'd do well the check this book out: www.lulu.com/shop/alexis-d-smolensk/how-to-run/ebook/product-21716711.html
Our video content is mostly us just riffing ideas. In the 80's or 90's TSR had released a world building campaign book which I wish we still had. - Nerdarchist Dave
Don't understand the hate for Forgotten Realms. It was the best setting. It made Greyhawk look like it was developed by a brick wall. Actually Greyhawk wasn't developed enough. That was my problem with Greyhawk. There wasn't any development. Forgotten Realms had a ton of imformation to run a campaign.
Those ideas suck. Lol, Just kidding. They're a really cool concept to shape a world around. I am curious though, do you think or feel that there should some kind of personal element that makes the characters invested on a specific level?
Yes I'm working on a blog article on that subject right now. It's based off the notes I have taken from our session zero for a upcoming 5e game I'll be running. Session 1 is scheduled for the 18th of this month. We'll be recording it. Plus I'm sure we'll be talking about these topics you mentioned in various videos as well. -Nerdarchist Dave
As DMs it is always important to include your players in the campaign, but that is more on the story standpoint than on the over all theme of a campaign world. Nerdarchist Ted.
I just absolutely love the mechs as homes idea! It makes perfect sense, but Id never have thought of it! I just cant help but picture this kind of dilipadated old iron mech thats vaguely humanoid in a swamp somewhere with a yellow light coming out of its chest and head as some gnomish wizard lives inside of it and is tinkering away. Next time I create a new world, or can find an excuse to put it in, Im going to use that thats just such an awesome idea!
For fantasy I prefer Greyhawk -- you make it what your want. I did like running Temple of Elemental Evil but I had the most fun with my own creation.
I created a Pirate/Undead/Lost Empire sort of campaign which lasted for a couple of years using pathfinder for the rules. I used action (Kobolds popping up out a sewer to raid the city market they were in akin to Demolition Man and the outsiders taco bell raid) in the initial game, and patron NPCs to unify the players and give them direction. They walked into things that gave their individual character reasons to go after a number of baddies that came up all centering around the ruins of a lost Empire in the Bright desert; The rise of a Lich King which they released from a tomb in the third adventure -- the fiend promptly teleported away.
While they dealt with Pirates threatening their base the Lich King marshaled his forces. Baddies, like a undead assassin sent by the Lich King turned up. The players killed the Lich King's vampire Sorcereress henchman and destroyed her fortress.
It took time for them to find the Lich King and many adventures -- but they finally caught up to him and managed to kill him -- redeeming themselves after being responsible for his release. It was difficult and they got a bunch of clues (I created an ancient script for the Lich King's lost Empire) but they finally sorted it out.
It was a lot of fun.
Doing temple of elemental evil right now classic adnd
In a world seeded with Chaos, I would think Wild Sorcerors would be prevalent. Especially on the edge of one of these zones. Wild Sorcerors might even be "called to fate" the same way clerics are in 5th E. In such a place where Chaos is on the rise, who stands against this in a larger background way? Chaotic Dragons, demons, Slaadi...and so on, want this to progress, but what similar power stands against them. If the players are the pawns on this chess board, who plays the other side? This is a major issue. The conflict in any good plot will pair of powers off against each other, otherwise this becomes just another "Cthulu" concept that cannot win.
As much as I love me some Cthulhu that isn't we are going for. Interesting idea with the wild mage sorcerers. Though I'm not sure most of our chaos bleeds will be staying in one place long enough to have that effect. So though it could be an occurrence it won't be a common one. More good ideas though.
-Nerdarchsit Dave
Been creating my first home brew, and making all of the customary "Mistakes" but in the end, even though most of the stuff I am creating wont get used, I am having a blast, and the players are really into the parts they are seeing. In some ways the extra stuff is my own personal fun. Still have mad respect for the big campaigns, I have played a ton of Greyhawk.
Three minds as one makes creating a world sound easy! I've been solo developing my campaign world for a few years now and have barely play-tested it :( Now, I'm converting to 5th Edition.
Honestly my opinion is spend more time playing and less time building. The world will build itself. Start small and build out as you play. The only reason I'm doing these kind of videos is for you guys and as entertainment. I never front load the work, because though I enjoy the creative aspect of it I don't have the time.
-Nerdarchist Dave
Completely Understood good sir! Awesome video too ;)
Just started watching your guys videos a couple days ago and its given me alot of inspiration for my homebrew world im working on.The chaos bleed is a great idea especially with stuff appearing and disappearing.Can create alot of adventure hooks in a small area, so players can get invested in there home, so things are fresh but familiar at the same time.
That is what we were hoping to achieve with the bleed. Glad you found it as cool as us. Welcome to the nerdarchy. We love to see the legions of nerdarchist growing daily. Thanks for hanging out with us.
-Nerdarchist Dave
Choosing between homebrew and "public" will always remain a dochotomy to me. On one hand homebrew allows you to leave out what you don't like and only incorporate what is fun to you, while "public" like Eberron or the FR provide the players with a common ground on which they can base their characters ahead of time and don't have to worry that their characters might be out of place when they switch player groups. And it grants the "illusion" of a shared world that provides a frame of reference even to those who have no idea what happens at your gaming table. For instance when you brought up Eberron it immediately rememberd me of the Gnoll Ranger from Droaam I wanted to play for a long time who loathes his own kin, but can't help shaking his head when observing human behaviour. When asked if he would be interested in serving as a mercenary on some post-war mission to stir things into a favorable direction for Breland he would answer:" Your stupid idea is not worth my time. I have better things to do. Perhaps the Gatekeepers have use for me to defend Eberron against Daelkyr intruders from the plane of Xoriath. I could travel even further North ward and fight the Lords of Dust in the Demon Wastes. And if everything else gets boring, I can travel to Xen'drik and go on a treasure hunt." Now this gnoll has not even a name yet, but if you know Eberron you can relate to him. These places and people seem so much more "palpable" when others know them too. When you read this a thought like:" Yes, I have been there." Might have sprung into your mind even though we will never sit around the same table to play D&D.
Very good points. - Nerdarchist Dave
Hey guys, I love the world you are building. You brought up the idea of cults trying to bring demons into the world as well. I think something to think about is what were the dragons doing before they started their war? I think you have a great idea with the good dragon coming back first and then the war dragon coming back later, but what if there was a time when they needed each other? The cults succeed in bringing back an ancient evil that all of the dragons had to fight before. But now, due to infighting, they don't want to cooperate or some have died that played an important part of defeating the demon before? Just something to think about. Love the world so far though.
Two idias. One of the Mechs just finished a deep delving job and was "programmed" to return after completion. Well it just got back and is awating further orders. Its body is incrusted with strange minerals. "Shark steel" perhaps.
Two: perminent fireball. Basically a minny Sun. Made permanent by the chaos. Ypu can do this with any aria spell.
I have rarely put much emphasis on a home brew world but have actually constructed towns that support my adventures in existing worlds (published....usually Forgotten Realms). I adapt models to my city/towns and still place them in the backdrop of whatever world I chose. Inasmuch as I like creating the world piece by piece I find that resource commitment to be more than I tend to explore. Still....I try to focus more like a 1-shot approach and then tie the plots/NPC/events to a larger story. Many times I actually develope plots/lines based on a PCs action or encounter's outcome. I've had a party escort a fallen comrade for 2 session to their homeland in FR. (which I had to make up on the fly but has some materials to go with). That was awesome and gave the player of the dead PC an opportunity to play NPC (monsters) while his "new character" was waiting in his PC's hometown. Yes...the cousin affect.
Phalen Anjel We have been playing for a long time and I find it easier to just make up what I need and where it is in my homebrew. While I am at it I will make up some gods or borrow them from other settings.
It is funny how the pcs actions drive some of our best material. ~Nate the Nerdarch
Thanks for the sharing of ideas. You got some gears rolling there. I am currently setting up a dungeon crawl to teach my kids 5e. Then once they are comfortable with the new rule set, we're going to design a persistent world together and run episodes in that world, using different characters, different locations, and different points on the timeline. You've provided some really good ideas to consider.
Awesome to hear. We're just getting started. This will be an ongoing series. We'll try to tackle different topics of world building with each episode.
- Nerdarchist Dave
I'm a Dragonlance fan, myself.
I'm obviously late to ther party here, but I love your stuff so far.
My question is: When a chaos warp occurs and drags a portion of hijacked reality along with it, what happens to whatever - or whoever - happens to inhabit that location?
I like to have a few big world hooks that describe the setting with a big brush. My Marth ice world setting is a dying world in a forever Winter and all (at least to the knowledge of those living in that world) of the gods are dead. In my Burning Heaven setting the upper layers of the atmosphere are constantly on fire. There are no stars or heavenly bodies visible from the world and such thoughts would be strange to people in the setting. When a humanoid dies its fiery soul self immolates the body and rises to once again rejoin the flames from whence it originally came. The Burning Heaven setting is also a young setting as well so many cultures have not yet discovered each other, and theories of the gods and reality are in their infant stages.
Wow Tim some great stuff there.
- Nerdarchist Dave
Thanks. The old AD&D Worldbuilder's Guidebook is a great resource to come up with some ideas for a new setting.
Also, lyrics from metal bands can be inspiring. The burning skies was an idea from a song by The Agony Scene. >:)
***** duuuude I loved that thing. Wish I still had it. I have gotten rid of so much stuff I wish I still had, sigh.
- Nerdarchist Dave
***** great idea I'll have to mention that in an upcoming video at some point. We really need to do more to point in the direction of great resources like yourself and other RPG TH-camR'S. We try to spotlight different people on the fb fan but it doesn't seem like enough.
- Nerdarchist Dave
I've got the impression that Colossal is now included in the Gargantuan size.
Case in point, the Dragon turtle and the Kraken are both gargantuan, and they both have a great white shark in the picture for scale representation... notice how then the Kraken must be FAR bigger than the dragon turtle...
So you can have your colossal red dragon, it'ssize'll just still count as a gargantuan.
Yeah it does look like things cap at G. The Tarrasque is G so you do not get much bigger than that. I think they did it to cap out the size mod issue. It fits the over all theme of limits and issues. Thanks for watching. Nerdarchist Ted.
Loved Kingdoms Of Kalamer setting.
There is an Anime called Chrome Shelled Regios that has some amazing concepts for a world. Mobile Cities that battle each other for the few remaining resources on their wasteland of a world. Every now and then the cities encounter some of the wildlife which has mutated in to horrendous mutated bugs that vary in size all the way up to the Ancient Dragons you described.
A few ideas:
For your Chaos ecosystem, why not Sladi? Can't have more chaotic then that! O_o
Also, perhaps the giant "Mechs" were powered by the raw magical essence contained within dragon eggs. Fight Fire with Fire. It also explains why the power source disappeared.
Sladi is a great idea. Thanks for the suggestions and Ideas. I'm going to need to make a list of what folks are suggesting to include into the up coming videos.
-Nerdarchist Dave
Yup. ppl have come up with great Ideas so far!
It's great fun to be able to share and contribute. I think we're just all happy to be involved.
*****
Happy to have you guys adding to the fun.
-Nerdarchist Dave
*****
The Monster Manual made me seriously consider using Slaad. They are interesting and I am not sure I have ever dealt with the before as a player or a DM, so it might now be teh time to change that. Thanks for the great idea and thanks for watching. Nerdarchist Ted.
I'm a new GM and wanted to know where I can find all these setting. they're all so intricate, so I assume they're written down somewhere. I'd love to see them to compare to my makeshift settings.
i'm planning on creating a Kingdom Hearts sort of system, but i've never even played a tabletop rpg outside of heroscape (if that counts), let alone created a whole new system.... of course, i really wish someone would have already made one so i could join, but apparently i'm the only one who's thought of this. honestly, it's kinda daunting.
Only ever really played off the shelf settings lol.
Regarding your Chaotic stuff ( Games Workshop don't sue lol ) but you could have long forgotten thought dead malicious evil gods/entities that dwell in this chaotic fabric that are trying to regain power, insert cults and all the nasties that go with them.
Great ideas some of which kicking around. We'll keep doing this as an ongoing series. We'll pick different tips to highlight with each episode.
- Nerdarchist Dave
I've been wanting to make my own campaign setting for a while. Your initial ideas mirrored a lot of my own. Sadly you put it out there on the internet first so if I use them, I'll be copying you :(
Great work guys
Lord Xtheth So what have fun and I'm sure there will be many deviations any way.
-Nerdarchist Dave
Copy, copy,copy! Make sure you And yer player a have FUN!
These are good ideas but not purely original and derive from a lot of other stories and ideas over Decades of gameplay. So no need to worry!
Lots of great tips for creating a brand new world. I must say, griffingaffe(hope I spelled that right) sounds like an awesome world to adventure in. Do you guys do online games through roll20 or something? I'd love to adventure in your world. Sounds like a blast.
NovusIgnis We've done Google hangouts in the past and will do them in the future. We will be releasing a new letter which will offer a way to sign up for nerdarchy online games.
-Nerdarchist Dave
Nerdarchy that's awesome thanks Dave.
colossal may have been removed but not Plot size... things that are so big because plot reasons... for instance I'm working on a world where the continents are actually sleeping dragons.
True enough I think several of us point that out as well. It's as big as the Gm needs.
-Nerdarchist Dave
Oh yeah!
Inspiring!
Narvis Black-Wraith Thanks for watching
A few ideas
Dragons were put into a deep slumber by the gods
A few City States are ruled by evil sleeping dragons through orbs that the kings of these cities have in their position.
A deep evil Darkness is rifting into the world of Syithus.
Two stronger factions fighting over the land of a third weakened faction
Cities towns villages of refuge.
All good ideas. We've got our direction for dragons mostly. Syithus like the sound of that. Thanks for throwing some ideas out there we'll adding them as we continue the discussion.
-Nerdarchist Dave
Your ideas are really cool guys, maybe I'll borrow some of them as well :P
Thamks.
That's what their there for.
- Nerdarchist Dave
do you have tips for helping to paint the mental picture for a campaign or simply like a area you are in. I find that i am having issues with painting a picture while im trying to run the main ideas over and figure out a logical path based on whats happening. its like my brain only wants to really focus in on one at a time. I try to pre plan and get things going as best i can but i find that if i focus on painting the picture my logic kinda falters but if im logical my setting seems less real. (plus im still getting use to using roll20) could you offer advice on this?
A great question to anyone that knows anything about Ravenloft is what is the realms alignment? I think it tells a lot about a person when you ask them how they see Ravenloft.
Lawful Evil
-Nerdarchist Dave
Nerdarchy My vote is for Lawful Neutral with Good leanings. But I agree definitely Lawful. I think it takes the greatest evils to a hell like dimensions very hell like for them. I also ascribe to the concept that all the other people for the most part might not even be real but illusions to fool the darklords. All but some of the other notable characters that serve more as guardians of the realm and enforcers.
I totally agree with Nerdarchist Dave here. Ravenloft has many rules and you are expected to obey them, major consequences if you do not. So that clearly makes it Lawful and I would love to hear the argument to saying it is not Evil. Nerdarchist Ted.
Ted Adams It is a prison for Evil why would evil hold evil captive? It removes evil from other realms and holds them in a prison of the mind and body. I would say Neutral with even Good leanings.
Aberran Fox
yes but by that logic why woould something that is good or even neutral torment the prisoners. That's an act of cruelty that good or even neutral intentioned beings could not do over a prolonged period of time without itself becoming tainted by its cruel actions.
-Nerdarchist Dave
I'm planning my campaign world from an ocean in the underdark
I want to make a world were monsters are really rare and really really dangerous. Maybe people army used to them? Like if monsters leaked into real medieval Europe
I love world building, too. So much customization that can occur to exactly fit the tone of the campaign. I usually start with an idea for the campaign, though, and build the world to fit. Nonetheless, this can, and has, lead into multiple campaigns from the same world once the world back story gets thick enough. Also, players love to see their old PCs make appearances as NPCs.
Here's a link to my favourite world building resource. It's more about novel writing, but really helps you work through fleshing out the political history of your region: hollylisle.com/maps-workshop-developing-the-fictional-world-through-mapping/
As to your world, some great thematic ideas. The return of the dragons in fits and spurts should be amazing, especially if the PCs are initially immersed in the Scarred World effects, so they get that they should be a-feared right away!
Thanks for adding the resource I'll have to check it out. What we are doing is kind of the opposite of how I normally do things. I usually like to work micro to macro, but it's a fun exercise that I think will help people.
-Nerdarchist Dave
Forgettable Realms lmfao. That's a good one. Will be using that.
Sure, but every time you do we'll have to charge you a nickel.
- Nerdarchist Dave
lmfao. Forgettable Realms TM
sr2joker
Even though it gets that tagline it is a diverse world with lots of flavor and enjoyability. It is just that in comparison to other settings it is just a high magic world with not much else. I see nothing wrong with that. Nerdarchist Ted.
Ted Adams I actually like it Ted. I just consider it the generic setting.
This a cool idea i think, would love to play in one of your alls games. lol
Thanks watchout for future Nerdarchy sponsored online games with our subscribers.
-Nerdarchist Dave
Perhaps the prospectors could be more cultists trying to fully rip the chaos bleeds open in order to free the dragons and watch the world burn.
That's an option. I love the fact you guys are weighing in. I'll have to include the suggestions and ideas on our next world building episode.
- Nerdarchist Dave
is it okay if I ehm borrow your chaosmagic concept for my world?
MPPRODUCTIONSger We create for you guys. It's a huge compliment when someone thinks our ideas are something they wanna see in their games.
Nerdarchist Dave
Nerdarchy Thanks for the quick reply :) and thanks for letting me use your idea. Of course I will mention to my players where I got it from :)
have a lovely day :)
lol, my rule when I ran pathfinder was 3.5 dice rules, and house rules. meaning my word is law, but if one could logically explain why i should allow someone to do something, and it make sense...then I would.
okay, am I the only one whom saw a LOT of Warhammer fantasy parallels in the Magic / Giant Constructs, etc?
Griff n' Gaff
You didn't mention Al-Qadim, but maybe that isn't distinct enough for you.
kolobite I don't think any of us did anything with that setting. That is most likely why we didn't mention it.
-Nerdarchist Dave
Interesting show. Was a bit disappointed at your slamming of Spelljammer. If you don't even know the race is called Giff, maybe it is better to talk about the things you like? I loved hearing about your world building though.
This seems pretty frenetic and non-specific . . . three guys telling war stories and making suppositions about possibilities. Not bad for brainstorming - but if you're looking for a SOLID PROCESS that will help you design a world's structure, you'd do well the check this book out:
www.lulu.com/shop/alexis-d-smolensk/how-to-run/ebook/product-21716711.html
Our video content is mostly us just riffing ideas. In the 80's or 90's TSR had released a world building campaign book which I wish we still had.
- Nerdarchist Dave
Don't understand the hate for Forgotten Realms. It was the best setting. It made Greyhawk look like it was developed by a brick wall. Actually Greyhawk wasn't developed enough. That was my problem with Greyhawk. There wasn't any development. Forgotten Realms had a ton of imformation to run a campaign.
Those ideas suck. Lol, Just kidding. They're a really cool concept to shape a world around.
I am curious though, do you think or feel that there should some kind of personal element that makes the characters invested on a specific level?
Yes I'm working on a blog article on that subject right now. It's based off the notes I have taken from our session zero for a upcoming 5e game I'll be running. Session 1 is scheduled for the 18th of this month. We'll be recording it. Plus I'm sure we'll be talking about these topics you mentioned in various videos as well.
-Nerdarchist Dave
As DMs it is always important to include your players in the campaign, but that is more on the story standpoint than on the over all theme of a campaign world. Nerdarchist Ted.
Orc, goblin, ogre, gnoll army? Stealing it