HOW TO CREATE A CAMPAIGN SETTING
When you finally get your group together and want to start fleshing out a campaign world, for any new DM this can be a rather challenging concept. Though it is also by far the most rewarding. Dungeons & Dragons comes into its own when you can start building worlds purely from your imagination. Are they going to be perfect rolling hills of lushness that have an underbelly of dark and twisted truths hidden for eons? No, unless of course, you’re creating Yorkshire!
Your world can be as dark, wicked, or delightful and visual as you wish. it really is up to you.
Many DMs that start out aim to create a world that is fully jacked up to the nines. They have gods, political systems, weather fluctuations, and even star charts. Now all of this is wonderful though it really isn’t needed. Below we have dished out a guide to help you begin fleshing out your campaign world, enough to get your first few sessions under your DM belt.
Step 1: Start somewhere familiar. Taverns and considered a bit of a cliché of the fantasy genre, but starting in a setting like a tavern for a group of would-be adventurers, is a great start. You can have them meet the mysterious person at the bar who sets them off on their first adventure or even catch up on some rumors that have been going about the land. Rumors are powerful fragments that can add to your world gradually. It could be something simple like whistling in taverns is banned and any guards from the local keep will arrest you on site. You don’t have to explain anything, but making stuff up and keeping notes as you go will mean you’ll build this world gradually.
Step 2: Map out your own town. Turn your corner shop into a trading cart. Your school into a guard post. And your Sainsburys into a market square. Roads and Alleys remain the same. Populate them with your NPC’s going about their daily lives. Using a name generator can help, but coming up with names on the fly can often add to the fun.
Step 3: Random encounters. Stealing from the core books is what pretty much every DM does. They provide valuable information that can inspire you. Simply spend some time reading them and absorb their knowledge. You’ll be surprised what you might discover poping in your brain!
The bottom line is this, have fun. Your world, your rules and don’t sweat it.