If you are a game master in a campaign world of your own devising, it is essential you develop your world for your players. Doing so well is actually a lot of work, as I'm discovering. Their are some basic things you need to do though. Note: These steps could be used for creating a video game RPG world, but, as I doubt many of my readers are game developers, I will use it primarily relating to tabletop games, particularly fantasy games.
1. Create a general map of the area for the campaign or adventure. This does not have to be detailed, but should have major locations and landmarks. This will help not only the players, but also you in your creation of the story and adventures.
2. Get a general idea of the plot and tone for the campaign, and elaborate on the first map as necessary. Create notes for possible important characters or specific, but unmappable places (like other dimensions.)
3. Create individual maps of important areas, like the main town, and any dungeons they enter. The dungeon maps especially will help you with running your adventure. Do this later in the process, when you are more sure about what the adventures will be like, and therefore do not waste time making maps you will not use.
4. Create a list of NPC's you plan to use in the game. This should cover important characters, as well as shopkeepers. Keep a couple of extra names you can use for anything you need, in case something you never thought of comes up. This will help you avoid needing to come up with good names on the spot, which can be difficult. It is for me at least.
5. Create a list of events that are not related to the main story directly, but the player characters may act in. Use these randomly or when is feels appropriate. Examples include a foreign dignitary visiting the capital, or a bandit attacking a caravan. This increases the believability of the world, making it seem like events happen even when the characters are not around.
The following are not necessary, but are very helpful and will add to the depth of the world.
6. A unique pantheon of gods. You might take some gods from the original, or create your own entirely. Decide upon their followers, what actions they do (or don't) take in the world. At it's best, this allows for adventures and settings rich with mythology and folklore.
7. A political system. Often high ranking political figures appear in RPG games, be it barons, bishops, or kings. Be sure to have some on hand. Another important thing is relations between the races. How do Orcs and Elves get along? Halflings and Humans? This matters in the campaign world.
8. A military system. Decide upon the rules related to the armies in this setting. Different races may have a complete separate military, and therefore different rules. If two races or countries are at war, you will need to keep track of how it's happening, the important figures of each side, and how to use it for your adventures.
9. Create unique races, monsters, classes, and items. A unique world is almost always populated with unique creators. They may also have entirely different jobs or rolls available. They also likely have created unique items designed to act in concert (or against) their environment.
These are some stepping stones towards creating a good world. Some small changes can also be made, such as refining, or changing the monetary systems, using names with roots in specific languages, and so on.
1. Create a general map of the area for the campaign or adventure. This does not have to be detailed, but should have major locations and landmarks. This will help not only the players, but also you in your creation of the story and adventures.
2. Get a general idea of the plot and tone for the campaign, and elaborate on the first map as necessary. Create notes for possible important characters or specific, but unmappable places (like other dimensions.)
3. Create individual maps of important areas, like the main town, and any dungeons they enter. The dungeon maps especially will help you with running your adventure. Do this later in the process, when you are more sure about what the adventures will be like, and therefore do not waste time making maps you will not use.
4. Create a list of NPC's you plan to use in the game. This should cover important characters, as well as shopkeepers. Keep a couple of extra names you can use for anything you need, in case something you never thought of comes up. This will help you avoid needing to come up with good names on the spot, which can be difficult. It is for me at least.
5. Create a list of events that are not related to the main story directly, but the player characters may act in. Use these randomly or when is feels appropriate. Examples include a foreign dignitary visiting the capital, or a bandit attacking a caravan. This increases the believability of the world, making it seem like events happen even when the characters are not around.
The following are not necessary, but are very helpful and will add to the depth of the world.
6. A unique pantheon of gods. You might take some gods from the original, or create your own entirely. Decide upon their followers, what actions they do (or don't) take in the world. At it's best, this allows for adventures and settings rich with mythology and folklore.
7. A political system. Often high ranking political figures appear in RPG games, be it barons, bishops, or kings. Be sure to have some on hand. Another important thing is relations between the races. How do Orcs and Elves get along? Halflings and Humans? This matters in the campaign world.
8. A military system. Decide upon the rules related to the armies in this setting. Different races may have a complete separate military, and therefore different rules. If two races or countries are at war, you will need to keep track of how it's happening, the important figures of each side, and how to use it for your adventures.
9. Create unique races, monsters, classes, and items. A unique world is almost always populated with unique creators. They may also have entirely different jobs or rolls available. They also likely have created unique items designed to act in concert (or against) their environment.
These are some stepping stones towards creating a good world. Some small changes can also be made, such as refining, or changing the monetary systems, using names with roots in specific languages, and so on.
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