Help create an original Dark Fantasy Campaign Setting - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Help create an original Dark Fantasy Campaign Setting

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
SixGunLover
Mar 24, 2011 4:25:04 To all creative minds,

I have recently resumed work on an original ("homebrew") Dark Fantasy Campaign Setting, which I intend to serve as the backdrop for d20 OGL campaigns, fiction writing and so on. The goal is to make something richly detailed and immersive and original, and yet retain a sense of familiarity. The focus is more on the setting itself than any game mechanics, though we will likely be incorporating d20 OGL content.

If you're unsure of what "Dark Fantasy" entails, I recommend the amusing (and quite accurate) summation here: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DarkFantasy

I've been working with a team of like-minded individuals brainstorming ideas, and I'm on the lookout for more. I'm interested with working with people from all kinds of backgrounds and with all kinds of influences. If you're interested and feel like you're up to the task, please PM me and we can discuss it further.
#2
twisted9
Mar 24, 2011 8:11:47 I suggest looking at Demon's Souls for PS3 for some inspiration. The entire game is dark fantasy with some very creative elements. You could even look at youtube videos of the game to see for yourself how the game's atmosphere is. The game is a little light on story, but it has such an enchanting environment that you just don't get these days.

Here the wiki for the game:
demonssouls.wikidot.com/

I suggest the Tower of Latria and Valley of Defilement levels as the darkest.
#3
SixGunLover
Mar 24, 2011 8:30:01 Thanks - we're always looking for new sources of inspiration.

I think I should also point out that we're trying to keep an air of familiarity about our campaign setting, while still trying to be original. Therefore, it's probably more apt to say our setting will be a heroic fantasy/low fantasy setting with dark fantasy elements.

I should also clarify - this is not merely home-brewing a campaign setting for a game I'm DMing. The goal is to create a setting which could be used for such a purpose, but also for fiction writing (my intended use) and whatever other purposes people desire. The plan is to create something entirely our own from scratch, though as I said, we have a multitude of influences.
#4
yronimosw
Mar 25, 2011 12:55:08 I'm very interested in this thread. Do you have a list of established ideas yet that are considered "canon", which we should be aware of?

For examples... "All D&D core races will be present, as described in the PHB", "the technology level is that of Renaissance Europe", "we are borrowing Eberron's Far Realm for a large part of the mythology of this world", "The government is part of a corrupt conspiracy trying to do X, or conceal Y from the public, or prevent Z from happening", etc.? Or, is anything open for consideration at this stage of development?
#5
Krusk
Mar 25, 2011 16:21:22
I honestly think that "Dark Fantasy" and "Gritty Fantasy" and "Roleplaying in the Grim Darkness" is so overplayed and cliched at this point that you won't be able to make one that is "Original". You will have a very hard time avoiding cliches, and mirroring other peoples things.

I hate to come in and say "Your idea is stupid", and so I am trying to offer suggestions to build off.

What exactly is it that you like about dark fantasy setting that you could apply elsewhere? Consider bringing elements from things that aren't considered dark into your dark setting. (See all that alice in wonderland stuff recently, and actually more recently red riding hood). Find darkness in something that is normally considered passe or non-threatening. Maybe even cute or for little kids.
#6
SixGunLover
Mar 25, 2011 17:30:06 @ YronimosW: I hesitate to tell you that things are "canon" - since the group is in it's infancy (and because it's a community world-building project) things are in a constant state of flux and development. However, in terms of the technology level, our world will be (generally, anyway) standard medieval fantasy level. We're not outright borrowing anything that is the exclusive intellectual property of another developer (OGL/SGL stuff is fair game). There are a few very promising plot hooks/background stories that are being developed.

If you're interested in learning more, I recommend you join our group here (it's where we do our brainstorming):

games.groups.yahoo.com/group/realmsofdar...

@ Krusk: Thanks for your input, I appreciate and understand your concern. At this stage I imagine our setting will be closer to heroic fantasy than outright dark fantasy, but regardless, I think there's so much freedom in building a world entirely from scratch that we're not overly concerned with being unoriginal - particularly when it's done by a community of bright minds who all have their own different backgrounds. I personally don't believe we can use the popularity/resurgence in dark fantasy as a deterrent - we have our own ideas, our own twist on things. If it ends up resembling the work of others in some way, that's fine too, you can trace the influences/see the resemblance in most any creation. Besides, we want to retain an air of familiarity - we don't see the point in reinventing the wheel.
#7
yronimosw
Mar 25, 2011 23:10:46

I honestly think that "Dark Fantasy" and "Gritty Fantasy" and "Roleplaying in the Grim Darkness" is so overplayed and cliched at this point that you won't be able to make one that is "Original". You will have a very hard time avoiding cliches, and mirroring other peoples things.

I hate to come in and say "Your idea is stupid", and so I am trying to offer suggestions to build off.

What exactly is it that you like about dark fantasy setting that you could apply elsewhere? Consider bringing elements from things that aren't considered dark into your dark setting. (See all that alice in wonderland stuff recently, and actually more recently red riding hood). Find darkness in something that is normally considered passe or non-threatening. Maybe even cute or for little kids.

I wouldn't say that - Dungeons & Dragons itself, and countless fiction, tabletop, and video game words, are all copies to some extent of Tolkien's not-so-dark fantasy world... if anything could be said to be "overdone" as an RPG setting, it would be the standard fantasy setting, but even that is still going strong, decades later.

In fact, I think it can be argued that "dark fantasy" has been the setting for ghost stories and fairy tales going back into prehistory, making it one of the most ancient and enduringly popular storytelling settings around.

To be sure, some of the conventions of Dark Fantasy are cliche'd and in need of a new spin, but then it's the opportunity for that new spin that has me interested.

SixGun, I'll be wrapped up in a new work assignment for a little while, but I hope to stop by that group and check out what's going on in a few days.
#8
SixGunLover
Mar 26, 2011 19:41:08

I honestly think that "Dark Fantasy" and "Gritty Fantasy" and "Roleplaying in the Grim Darkness" is so overplayed and cliched at this point that you won't be able to make one that is "Original". You will have a very hard time avoiding cliches, and mirroring other peoples things.

I hate to come in and say "Your idea is stupid", and so I am trying to offer suggestions to build off.

What exactly is it that you like about dark fantasy setting that you could apply elsewhere? Consider bringing elements from things that aren't considered dark into your dark setting. (See all that alice in wonderland stuff recently, and actually more recently red riding hood). Find darkness in something that is normally considered passe or non-threatening. Maybe even cute or for little kids.

I wouldn't say that - Dungeons & Dragons itself, and countless fiction, tabletop, and video game words, are all copies to some extent of Tolkien's not-so-dark fantasy world... if anything could be said to be "overdone" as an RPG setting, it would be the standard fantasy setting, but even that is still going strong, decades later.

In fact, I think it can be argued that "dark fantasy" has been the setting for ghost stories and fairy tales going back into prehistory, making it one of the most ancient and enduringly popular storytelling settings around.

To be sure, some of the conventions of Dark Fantasy are cliche'd and in need of a new spin, but then it's the opportunity for that new spin that has me interested.

SixGun, I'll be wrapped up in a new work assignment for a little while, but I hope to stop by that group and check out what's going on in a few days.

My sentiments exactly.

Feel free to check it out when you have the time, we'd be glad to have your input.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 SixGunLover Mar 24, 2011 4:25:04	To all creative minds, I have recently resumed work on an original ("homebrew") Dark Fantasy Campaign Setting, which I intend to serve as the backdrop for d20 OGL campaigns, fiction writing and so on. The goal is to make something richly detailed and immersive and original, and yet retain a sense of familiarity. The focus is more on the setting itself than any game mechanics, though we will likely be incorporating d20 OGL content. If you're unsure of what "Dark Fantasy" entails, I recommend the amusing (and quite accurate) summation here: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DarkFantasy I've been working with a team of like-minded individuals brainstorming ideas, and I'm on the lookout for more. I'm interested with working with people from all kinds of backgrounds and with all kinds of influences. If you're interested and feel like you're up to the task, please PM me and we can discuss it further.
#2 twisted9 Mar 24, 2011 8:11:47	I suggest looking at Demon's Souls for PS3 for some inspiration. The entire game is dark fantasy with some very creative elements. You could even look at youtube videos of the game to see for yourself how the game's atmosphere is. The game is a little light on story, but it has such an enchanting environment that you just don't get these days. Here the wiki for the game: demonssouls.wikidot.com/ I suggest the Tower of Latria and Valley of Defilement levels as the darkest.
#3 SixGunLover Mar 24, 2011 8:30:01	Thanks - we're always looking for new sources of inspiration. I think I should also point out that we're trying to keep an air of familiarity about our campaign setting, while still trying to be original. Therefore, it's probably more apt to say our setting will be a heroic fantasy/low fantasy setting with dark fantasy elements. I should also clarify - this is not merely home-brewing a campaign setting for a game I'm DMing. The goal is to create a setting which could be used for such a purpose, but also for fiction writing (my intended use) and whatever other purposes people desire. The plan is to create something entirely our own from scratch, though as I said, we have a multitude of influences.
#4 yronimosw Mar 25, 2011 12:55:08	I'm very interested in this thread. Do you have a list of established ideas yet that are considered "canon", which we should be aware of? For examples... "All D&D core races will be present, as described in the PHB", "the technology level is that of Renaissance Europe", "we are borrowing Eberron's Far Realm for a large part of the mythology of this world", "The government is part of a corrupt conspiracy trying to do X, or conceal Y from the public, or prevent Z from happening", etc.? Or, is anything open for consideration at this stage of development?
#5 Krusk Mar 25, 2011 16:21:22	I honestly think that "Dark Fantasy" and "Gritty Fantasy" and "Roleplaying in the Grim Darkness" is so overplayed and cliched at this point that you won't be able to make one that is "Original". You will have a very hard time avoiding cliches, and mirroring other peoples things. I hate to come in and say "Your idea is stupid", and so I am trying to offer suggestions to build off. What exactly is it that you like about dark fantasy setting that you could apply elsewhere? Consider bringing elements from things that aren't considered dark into your dark setting. (See all that alice in wonderland stuff recently, and actually more recently red riding hood). Find darkness in something that is normally considered passe or non-threatening. Maybe even cute or for little kids.
#6 SixGunLover Mar 25, 2011 17:30:06	@ YronimosW: I hesitate to tell you that things are "canon" - since the group is in it's infancy (and because it's a community world-building project) things are in a constant state of flux and development. However, in terms of the technology level, our world will be (generally, anyway) standard medieval fantasy level. We're not outright borrowing anything that is the exclusive intellectual property of another developer (OGL/SGL stuff is fair game). There are a few very promising plot hooks/background stories that are being developed. If you're interested in learning more, I recommend you join our group here (it's where we do our brainstorming): games.groups.yahoo.com/group/realmsofdar... @ Krusk: Thanks for your input, I appreciate and understand your concern. At this stage I imagine our setting will be closer to heroic fantasy than outright dark fantasy, but regardless, I think there's so much freedom in building a world entirely from scratch that we're not overly concerned with being unoriginal - particularly when it's done by a community of bright minds who all have their own different backgrounds. I personally don't believe we can use the popularity/resurgence in dark fantasy as a deterrent - we have our own ideas, our own twist on things. If it ends up resembling the work of others in some way, that's fine too, you can trace the influences/see the resemblance in most any creation. Besides, we want to retain an air of familiarity - we don't see the point in reinventing the wheel.
#7 yronimosw Mar 25, 2011 23:10:46	I honestly think that "Dark Fantasy" and "Gritty Fantasy" and "Roleplaying in the Grim Darkness" is so overplayed and cliched at this point that you won't be able to make one that is "Original". You will have a very hard time avoiding cliches, and mirroring other peoples things. I hate to come in and say "Your idea is stupid", and so I am trying to offer suggestions to build off. What exactly is it that you like about dark fantasy setting that you could apply elsewhere? Consider bringing elements from things that aren't considered dark into your dark setting. (See all that alice in wonderland stuff recently, and actually more recently red riding hood). Find darkness in something that is normally considered passe or non-threatening. Maybe even cute or for little kids. I wouldn't say that - Dungeons & Dragons itself, and countless fiction, tabletop, and video game words, are all copies to some extent of Tolkien's not-so-dark fantasy world... if anything could be said to be "overdone" as an RPG setting, it would be the standard fantasy setting, but even that is still going strong, decades later. In fact, I think it can be argued that "dark fantasy" has been the setting for ghost stories and fairy tales going back into prehistory, making it one of the most ancient and enduringly popular storytelling settings around. To be sure, some of the conventions of Dark Fantasy are cliche'd and in need of a new spin, but then it's the opportunity for that new spin that has me interested. SixGun, I'll be wrapped up in a new work assignment for a little while, but I hope to stop by that group and check out what's going on in a few days.
#8 SixGunLover Mar 26, 2011 19:41:08	I honestly think that "Dark Fantasy" and "Gritty Fantasy" and "Roleplaying in the Grim Darkness" is so overplayed and cliched at this point that you won't be able to make one that is "Original". You will have a very hard time avoiding cliches, and mirroring other peoples things. I hate to come in and say "Your idea is stupid", and so I am trying to offer suggestions to build off. What exactly is it that you like about dark fantasy setting that you could apply elsewhere? Consider bringing elements from things that aren't considered dark into your dark setting. (See all that alice in wonderland stuff recently, and actually more recently red riding hood). Find darkness in something that is normally considered passe or non-threatening. Maybe even cute or for little kids. I wouldn't say that - Dungeons & Dragons itself, and countless fiction, tabletop, and video game words, are all copies to some extent of Tolkien's not-so-dark fantasy world... if anything could be said to be "overdone" as an RPG setting, it would be the standard fantasy setting, but even that is still going strong, decades later. In fact, I think it can be argued that "dark fantasy" has been the setting for ghost stories and fairy tales going back into prehistory, making it one of the most ancient and enduringly popular storytelling settings around. To be sure, some of the conventions of Dark Fantasy are cliche'd and in need of a new spin, but then it's the opportunity for that new spin that has me interested. SixGun, I'll be wrapped up in a new work assignment for a little while, but I hope to stop by that group and check out what's going on in a few days. My sentiments exactly. Feel free to check it out when you have the time, we'd be glad to have your input.