The Campaign Builder's Guild

I am currently working on developing a country called the Great Empire of Un for my campaign setting. First off, I will give you just a little basic information on it.

The Great Empire of Un is the oldest country in my campaign setting. It is also the most stable (it is thousands of years old). The Empire is made up of several Baronies that are ruled almost as seperate countries themselves, but they follow the laws of the Empire.

What follows is what I have created so far.

sounds awesome so far...   i love that kind of simplicity in the details.  

Religion of Un
It is said that Bodin, the great god of the Empire, first appeared to man over two thousand years ago. At that time the world was ruled by chaos. Selfish warlords fought each other for control of land, resources, and people.  They ruled through power, rarely with the consent of those that followed them.  Intimidation was the law of the land and deception was its currency.  No one was truly free, not even the lords themselves who were always in fear of attack from a rival.  When Bodin came, he saw the way that things were and sought to end the dark times and bring prosperity to the land.  Unable or unwilling to do this himself, he entrusted a select few people with the knowledge and ability to change things. Those people have become known as the Saints and are revered almost as much as the deities of land far away. They were the founders of the first nation, and the ones who fought to bring that dark time of chaos to an end.  The results of their success are still seen in the stable and powerful Great Empire of Un.

There are seven saints that are officially recognized by the temple.  All of them fought for the creation of the Great Empire of Un and on behalf of Bodinâ,¬,,¢s teachings.  Only two of the saints, however, were originally enlightened by Bodin himself.  Those first two were Arthur and Roland.  The saints that followed were Cuthbert, Susannah, Steven, Edward, and Jacob.  While these five were not set upon their holy quest by Bodin himself, they were all enlightened by his teachings through one of the two that were originally chosen by Bodin.  There were others that learned the teachings of Bodin and fought in the First War, but there were none who truly lived the life taught by Bodin in the same way that the seven Saints did.

Bodin
No one really knows where Bodin came from, or why he chose to enlighten people as he did. In a time of chaos and disorder he came to the world for the first time and set into motion a series of events that would lead to the creation of the Great Empire of Un.  He could be called the greatest savior the world has ever seen because he brought his teachings of peace to a world that knew none. Only twice since his first appearance has Bodin been known to return to the world of man, staying only briefly both times.

Bodinâ,¬,,¢s first coming to the world of man is when he brought his teachings of order and justice to the world.  No one is sure how long he was present, but many people believe that he stayed for only a very short time.  He enlightened only two people with these teachings originally, allowing those people to use and spread what they had learned as they saw fit. The teachings of Bodin became the base on which the Great Empire of Un was built and in his honor that the Great Empire was formed and still stands today.

Bodinâ,¬,,¢s second coming was fewer than twenty years after he first made himself known. It was just after the coronation of the first Emperor. It was then that Bodin came to give the newly created Great Empire of Un his blessing.  He did so at the Temple of Bodin, where the first coronation had taken place.  However, when Bodin left the world of man that second time, he did not leave alone. He had taken the Saints with him.

Bodinâ,¬,,¢s third appearance in the world of man was not for over a thousand years after his second. It was at the end of the first age of the Great Empire of Un. The corrupt Emperor Arthur XXXI had come to power and was destroying what the Empire stood for.  The new Emperor cared for nothing more than expanding the Great Empireâ,¬,,¢s boundaries and political influence across the land.  In doing this, he failed to treat his people as people and used them instead as a means to an end.  Several thousand died fighting in the Great Army for that Emperor.  Bodin could not allow this to happen to the people that believed in his ways and were loyal to him. He appeared inside the palace of the Emperor one warm summer day, just before yet another military campaign across the Borderland Mountains was about to begin.  There, struck the evil man down himself.  While most believe that Bodin could have done this with his bare hands, or even by a single word or thought, he instead used a weapon.  It was a shining mace made of unknown materials and of a quality not seen before or since.  Bodin did not take his mace with him when the deed was finished.  Instead, he left it behind in care of the High Priest at the Temple of Bodin.  It is said that Bodin gave he High Priest instructions to pass the mace down through the order to every High Priest that would follow and that, if the need should arise, it should once again be used in the same manner.  After striking down the corrupt Emperor, Bodin chose a peasant boy from the market outside and appointed him as the new Emperor, announcing that the second age of the Great Empire of Un had begun that day.  The boy, only twelve years of age at the time, took the name Jacob I because of his age.  Many believe that, despite or maybe because of the fact Jacob I did not try to become the Emperor, he grew to be one of the finest Emperors the Great Empire has ever known.

The Saints
In the Great Empire of Un, people do not worship a pantheon of false gods. Instead, they pay tribute to a number of Saints. These saints were people that really existed and really had a lasting impact on the world.  They are the first people that truly accepted the teachings of Bodin and fought with their very lives to create the worldâ,¬,,¢s first nation in the land now known as the Great Empire of Un.  Two of the Saints received the teachings of Bodin from the God, himself.  

Not everything is known about the seven Saints.  In some cases, almost nothing is known of their lives before taking up the cause and before the First War.  There is, however, much speculation.  Some common theories will be mentioned below along with the things that are known as actually fact.

Saint Arthur
Saint Arthur has become known as the Virtuous. At the time of Bodinâ,¬,,¢s first coming, Arthur was one of the warlords that ruled over the land that is now the Great Empire. He, however, was different than the others. The people under his rule were treated fairly and were never forced to serve him in any way. He allowed people to live their lives as they chose, without his interference.  Because of this, Arthurâ,¬,,¢s army was smaller than those of the other warlords but far more loyal.  Those that served Arthur did it of their own free will.  This army was the first to fight on behalf of the Great Empire and after its formation became the Great Army of the Empire.

It is widely believed that Arthur was the first man to be enlightened by Bodin himself.  No one fully understands why Arthur was chosen.  Perhaps it was because he was in a position to put great events into motion, as many people believe.  There is no denying that he did so.  Perhaps, though, the choice was random.  Though some would consider such a thought to be blasphemy, it is possible that Bodin did not choose Arthur for any certain reason.  Many of those that deny this possibility point out that even before receiving the teachings of Bodin, Arthur was a good man and treated his people fairly.

During the First War, Arthur personally led his army in nearly all major battles.  For days before the fighting and even on the very night before he was always found with his advisors, planning every move.  He always tried to win his battles with the fewest possible causalities and is considered one of the greatest military leaders to have ever lived.

Arthur is usually the patron of leaders of any station, from the Emperor down the crew leaders of city workers.  The room holding the shrine to Saint Arthur in the palace of the Emperor is larger than the rooms dedicated to housing a shrine to any of the other seven.  It is at this shrine that the Emperor is often found at least once every day.  Often the Emperor visits the shrine to Saint Arthur twice a day.  The first time is usually early in the morning, asking for Arthurâ,¬,,¢s blessing and a prosperous day.  The second visit is usually before the Emperor retires for the evening, asking for Arthurâ,¬,,¢s blessing on the following day.  Those that serve in the Great Army of the Empire make a special prayer to Saint Arthur each day, after their reverence of all seven Saints and Bodin.

Alignment: Lawful Good
Portfolio: Leadership, War


Saint Susannah
As the only wife of Arthur, something that was very unusual among the ruling warlords of the time, Susannah was one of the first people to be taught the things that Arthur had learned from Bodin.  Susannah accepted these teachings and believed in them.  Even beyond believing in these things, she lived them and supported their being taught to all people.  She became recognized as a leader among women, and was the first female to be treated as an equal to men in those times.

Susannah was a kind of figurehead leader.  Though she held no actual political power, she was a symbol to the people and was able to draw many to the cause.  Some say it was her beauty, others say that it was how she could always be humble, even though she was in a station greater than that of the average person.  Either way, no matter what the real truth is, Susannah accomplished great things and there are many who think that the efforts of the Saints would have failed and the Great Empire never would have come to be.

During the First War, Susannah took an active part by serving as the leader of the healers in Arthurâ,¬,,¢s army.  She was a master of the trade, and saved many brave men, young and old, during the fighting.  Among other things, Susannah is remembered and revered most for this.  

Susannah is the patron of many women, because she is the only female Saint.  Women who aspire to greatness and power often take Susannah as their patron and role model.  They usually see her as an example of what women can accomplish under the teachings of Bodin.  Susannah is also commonly the patron of healers.  From small town apothecaries to the healers if the Great Army of the Empire, all revere Susannah and pray to her for guidance.

Alignment: Neutral Good
Portfolio: Healing



Saint Cuthbert
Cuthbert was Arthurâ,¬,,¢s personal bodyguard and the man in charge of policing the lands under Arthurâ,¬,,¢s control.  In this station, Cuthbert became known as a kind of champion of justice.

Cuthbert was taught the teachings of Bodin by Arthur so that he could enforce them among the people and begin to teach them what was good and what was right.

Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Portfolio: Law


Saint Steven
As Arthurâ,¬,,¢s childhood teacher and life long advisor, Steven was the first person to receive the teachings of Bodin from Arthur.  In truth, most of Bodinâ,¬,,¢s teachings were the same as what Steven already believed and had taught to Arthur all of his life.  Because of this, they were very easy for him to accept.

Steven took Bodinâ,¬,,¢s teachings to the people and got them to believe.  He rallied more people under the teachings of Bodin than any other in the service of Arthur.  When the First War came, Steven led nearly half of Arthurâ,¬,,¢s army.

Alignment: Neutral Good
Portfolio: Truth


Saint Roland
Saint Roland is commonly known as the Wanderer. At the time of Bodinâ,¬,,¢s first coming, Roland was a common drifter. He mostly stayed away from the business of the warlords and their fighting, instead keeping to himself. It is said this is why Bodin chose him to be one of his instruments in the mortal world.

Roland never stayed with one group of people long and therefore thought very independently. The teachings of Bodin made sense to him, and he did what he could to spread them across the land. Many people in many different places learned these teachings from Roland. Because of this, the revolution went much easier when it came to these places.

Alignment: Chaotic Good
Portfolio: Travel, Knowledge


Saint Edward
Edward was a common hunter in the dark days before the First War began.  He spent much of his time alone in the Grey Forest.  As if directed by fate, Edward just happened to be in a village outside of the Grey Forest getting supplies when Roland arrived one day.  Edward was quick to wholly accept the teaching of Bodin.  After his encounter with Roland, Edward gave up the hunterâ,¬,,¢s life and joined Roland on his journey to spread the teachings of Bodin.

Alignment: Chaotic Good
Portfolio: Nature


Saint Jacob
The youngest of the saints, Jacob was only twelve years old when he met Roland and Edward.  As a boy, Jacob easily accepted the teachings of Bodin.  He even joined Roland and Edward on their journey.  Jacob drew many people to the cause because of his dedication at such a young age.

Later on, Jacob met Arthur and Susannah and became their adopted son.

Alignment: Neutral
Portfolio: Vitality

Ever read the Dark Tower, davey?

Quote from: daggerhartsounds awesome so far... i love that kind of simplicity in the details.

Thank you.Ã,  Simplicity is something that I wanted in my setting.Ã,  I see no need for a lot of rarely used names that would be hard for everyone to remember.Ã,  I played in a Forgotten Realms camoaign for over a year and today I don't remember anything detailed about the calendar.Ã,  I remember that the term tenday was used, and I remember that there was a month called Kythorn.Ã,  I believe that Kythorn was some time in the summer.Ã,  I don't want that with my world.Ã,  The calendar is simple and logical, but it still exists and it can still be referenced in-character without sounding too out of place.

Also, I want other people to be able to use the things that I create for my campaign world.Ã,  I have seen some worlds that are very well made.Ã,  Some of them have even had ideas or rules that I would like to barrow and use in my own world.Ã,  However, it is not uncommon for one aspect of a world to become completely burried in the history and mythos of that world to the point where it can't be taken out and used in another world without either recreating it or losing it's meaning.Ã,  I don't want that in my world.Ã,  I want the parts to be interchangable.Ã,  That is one reason I am building my world one part at a time.

I hope that my response makes as much sense as I intended it to.Ã,  I am tired at the moment and when I am tired I can often become confusing.Ã,  If anyone has any questions or feedback I would be happy to hear from them.

Quote from: WixmanEver read the Dark Tower, davey?

Yes, I have read the Dark Tower series.Ã, Ã, I don't know if I have ever read anything that I have enjoyed more.Ã,  That isÃ, where I have drawn theÃ, namesÃ, of the saints from.Ã,  I figured that the Dark Tower books were not well known enough to draw immediate attention to that fact.Ã,  There have been people (many, in fact) that have suggested that I change the names I have used for the saints because of this, but I am still undecided.Ã, 

if you're not trying to publish, i wouldnt worry about it.

Quote from: daggerhartif you're not trying to publish, i wouldnt worry about it.

I don't plan to publish this world for money.Ã,  I may put it in PDF form and possibly distrute it to interested parties when it is complete, though.Ã,  However, I have only used names that were used in the Dark Tower series, not actual characters.Ã,  Because of that, I don't think that there would be any legal problems.Ã,  The thought was that people would read about my world and immediately identify it with the Dark Tower books, which is not what I want.Ã,  This is its own world, I just barrowed names that I happen to like.

well im interested in updates.. so just keep them coming.

Quote from: daggerhartwell im interested in updates.. so just keep them coming.

I will keep updates coming over time.Ã,  For another few months they will be irregular and likely come in waves, since I do not graduate from high school until June.Ã,  After that, though, I will have more to spend working on this.Ã, 

If ur not going to publish or even thinking about it then you should definately incorporate as much of the books into it as you want to. A multi-existant-pseudo-sorcerer villain is just what a campaign needs!

Quote from: WixmanIf ur not going to publish or even thinking about it then you should definately incorporate as much of the books into it as you want to. A multi-existant-pseudo-sorcerer villain is just what a campaign needs!

I didn't even really take much from the books as it is.Ã,  A 'King Arthur' is not strictly Dark Tower mythos, for example.Ã,  I think the ideas that I did use were that Saint Roland is a drifter and Saint Jacob is young.Ã,  Also, Saint Edward giving up the life he had to journey with Roland is similar to, though not taken from, what happened in the Dark Tower.

I think that I may want to do a little bit more work on the religion in the near future.Ã,  To me, it seems like it is lacking in detail.Ã,  I could easily create more.

Here are the ideas I had:
1. Make the story or/information about section for each Saint at least a little bit longer.
2. Give the Saints larger portfolios and more domains.Ã,  This may be difficult, however, because I am not yet sure how (or even if) domains will work in regard to magic, since I plan on making this a pretty low-magic setting.
3. Give much more detailed information about the major Saints (Arthur and Roland) but leave the lesser Saints as they are.

Please let me know what you all think.Ã,  Feedback would be very helpful and appreciated.Ã,  In one day I have already gotten almost as much feedback here as I did in months of having the same material on the WotC boards, and I thank you for that.

"The Saints
In the Empire, people do not worship a pantheon of false gods. Instead, they pay tribute to a number of saints. These saints were people that really existed and really had a lasting impact on the world."


This seems a bit hokey and uninformative.
Is "Bodin" the only god?Ã,  Or the only god of the empire?
I, for one, like things spelled out in a CS.Ã,  If people belive something other than the "truth" of the CS, fine, note that, but make it clear from the get go, at least for a DM's sake, what the real deal is, then go into how a particular culture sees things with their little blinders.

umm...   in case some of you missed it, the dark tower books use a meta-setting...  
between the wizard of oz, his old books, and some random poems, king isnt exactly breaking new boudaries with his creativeness.
he just put it all together in an entertaining way.

Quote from: CYMRO"The Saints
In the Empire, people do not worship a pantheon of false gods. Instead, they pay tribute to a number of saints. These saints were people that really existed and really had a lasting impact on the world."


This seems a bit hokey and uninformative.
Is "Bodin" the only god?Ã,  Or the only god of the empire?
I, for one, like things spelled out in a CS.Ã,  If people belive something other than the "truth" of the CS, fine, note that, but make it clear from the get go, at least for a DM's sake, what the real deal is, then go into how a particular culture sees things with their little blinders.

In answer to your question, I don't want there to be a 'true religion' in my world.Ã,  From one place to another, different people will believe in different religions.Ã,  Obviously, everyone will believe that their religion is the one and only true religion.Ã,  I think that this at least partially justifies making divine spellcasters very rare.Ã,  I look at it this way: if almost anyone can become a cleric of a certain god and be able to use magic because of it, that god must really exist.Ã,  If only a select few have magical powers that they claim come from their patron, it casts more doubt on them.Ã,  (It could be that their magic is just their intense belief made manifest.Ã,  Or maybe they are telling the truth, and their patron gives them powers.Ã,  But in that case, why does that Saint not give the same powers to other people?)

I hope I got my point across without being too confusing here.Ã,  In my mind, I know how I want my world to be.Ã,  Sometimes it just is not easy to find the words to clearly explain the way things are or,Ã, at least, how I want them to be.Ã,  Thank youÃ, for your comment, CYMRO.Ã,  I will take your point of veiw into consideration and try to clarify my previous posting sometime in the near future.Ã,  When I do so, I will let you know personally and I you can once again give me your thoughts on it, if you so chose.

Answering questions such as these really helps me flesh out my world even more than I could ever do on my own.Ã,  If anyone has any more comments or constructive criticism I would be happy to hear what you have to say.Ã,  I can take negative comments about my world as long as they are meant to be helpful or point out something doesn't make sense or you do not like.

So, besides Un, what other political entities exist?
And, is all well within the Unian Empire?

Quote from: CYMROSo, besides Un, what other political entities exist? And, is all well within the Unian Empire?

I have created very little outside of Un.Ã,  The one other place, far to the south east of Un is called the Commonland.Ã,  The Commonland is a place free from control by any one government.Ã,  It is an agreed upon neutral zone where most of the worlds trading and international diplomatic relations take place.

All is well within Un, to the extent that all is well within any country.Ã,  There are problems, of course, but nothing major or special.

Conflict is the stuff adventures are born from. I'd love to see more.

Quote from: Black Jack Davey

Quote from: CYMROSo, besides Un, what other political entities exist? And, is all well within the Unian Empire?

I have created very little outside of Un.Ã,  The one other place, far to the south east of Un is called the Commonland.Ã,  The Commonland is a place free from control by any one government.Ã,  It is an agreed upon neutral zone where most of the worlds trading and international diplomatic relations take place.

All is well within Un, to the extent that all is well within any country.Ã,  There are problems, of course, but nothing major or special.

So if Un is without unrest, where do the adventurers get some action? :fencing:

Quote from: CYMROSo if Un is without unrest, where do the adventurers get some action? :fencing:

The adventurers find work in Un just like they would anywhere else.  There are always things to do.

I concur with previous posters.  There needs to be some sort of explicitly-stated conflict going on in or around this empire.  As is, it sounds as though adventuring is just tedious sacking of this or that monster for the good of society, while Bodin steps in as deus ex machina every time some really interesting political intrigue is about to break out.

Quote from: Epic_MeepoI concur with previous posters.  There needs to be some sort of explicitly-stated conflict going on in or around this empire.  As is, it sounds as though adventuring is just tedious sacking of this or that monster for the good of society, while Bodin steps in as deus ex machina every time some really interesting political intrigue is about to break out.

I understand what you mean.  But look at other campaign worlds...does every country have something wrong with the government?  Sure, Un has some political intrigue.  However, since the government comes from the religion, there is very little of it.  I never did say that things were perfect in Un.  I only said that things are stable.

Also, Bodin has only helped when the government of Un was on the verge of being corrupted.  Eventually, when I have more of Un's history documented, you will be able to see many cases where Bodin has done nothing for the Great Empire.

There is a threat to the people of Un that will account for much of the adventuring that takes place in my campaigns.  That is the threat of the goblinoids that are centralized in the Borderland Mountains to the far south :chase:.  I have a lot written about them, but it is not yet perfected.  I have them posted on the WotC boards.  If there is any interest, I would be willing to post what I have over there on these forums to be looked at before I finish up all the detail work with them.

Quote from: Black Jack Davey

Quote from: Epic_MeepoI concur with previous posters.  There needs to be some sort of explicitly-stated conflict going on in or around this empire.  As is, it sounds as though adventuring is just tedious sacking of this or that monster for the good of society, while Bodin steps in as deus ex machina every time some really interesting political intrigue is about to break out.

I understand what you mean.  But look at other campaign worlds...does every country have something wrong with the government?  Sure, Un has some political intrigue.  However, since the government comes from the religion, there is very little of it.  I never did say that things were perfect in Un.  I only said that things are stable.

Also, Bodin has only helped when the government of Un was on the verge of being corrupted.  Eventually, when I have more of Un's history documented, you will be able to see many cases where Bodin has done nothing for the Great Empire.

There is a threat to the people of Un that will account for much of the adventuring that takes place in my campaigns.  That is the threat of the goblinoids that are centralized in the Borderland Mountains to the far south :chase:.  I have a lot written about them, but it is not yet perfected.  I have them posted on the WotC boards.  If there is any interest, I would be willing to post what I have over there on these forums to be looked at before I finish up all the detail work with them.

There can be plenty of conflict, particularly political intrigue, in a pseudo-theocracy (ancient Egypt, the Aztec empire, etc) setting. Priests fighting for the spiritual, political, and military control of places like this have every precedent. Don't be afraid for there to be devisions among the faithful who favor one saint over another, or who wish to take more direct control over the military, or who want to overthrow the high priest. It doesn't have to come down to war, you just need for there to be interesting things happening that could inspire those things called adventures.

It doesn't matter how intricate or interesting your setting is, if your adventures cannot be intertwined with it. You don't write this whole campaign setting and then plop a bland old tomb of horrors clone in it.

Un can be stable and still be interesting, but if all the conflict comes from outside forces, then all your adventures will end up focused elsewhere. Think about what can be added to Un to make it interesting and fun for adventures at home.

I personally think you've gotten off on a good start, with the Saints, and an overpower-type-deity, but Un itself needs something exciting to pull people in. JMHO

-Nasty-

Quote from: nastynateThere can be plenty of conflict, particularly political intrigue, in a pseudo-theocracy (ancient Egypt, the Aztec empire, etc) setting. Priests fighting for the spiritual, political, and military control of places like this have every precedent. Don't be afraid for there to be devisions among the faithful who favor one saint over another, or who wish to take more direct control over the military, or who want to overthrow the high priest. It doesn't have to come down to war, you just need for there to be interesting things happening that could inspire those things called adventures.

It doesn't matter how intricate or interesting your setting is, if your adventures cannot be intertwined with it. You don't write this whole campaign setting and then plop a bland old tomb of horrors clone in it.

Un can be stable and still be interesting, but if all the conflict comes from outside forces, then all your adventures will end up focused elsewhere. Think about what can be added to Un to make it interesting and fun for adventures at home.

I personally think you've gotten off on a good start, with the Saints, and an overpower-type-deity, but Un itself needs something exciting to pull people in. JMHO

-Nasty-

There can always be these things, of course.  I know that, in part, these comments come from the fact that I am the only one who has access to all of my notes and ideas (obviously).  Because of this, no one else knows all of the things that are going on in Un.

In particular, there is a cult called the Church of Saint Steven Alive.  They believe that Saint Steven was not taken away with the other Saints.  They think that Steven was granted immortality and is still alive somewhere in the Great Empire, watching over the people.

Sweet. Maybe I'll just wait for you to post more before I jump the gun then.

-Nasty-

Quote from: nastynateSweet. Maybe I'll just wait for you to post more before I jump the gun then.

-Nasty-

It's fine.  I will likely never have all of this world posted, if even created.  I am really enjoying getting feedback on what I currently have.  It is helping me further develope the setting greatly, and showing me things that I have missed or not considered.  Thank you, everyone.  Any more comments you have would be appreciated.

Quote from: black jackAlso, I want other people to be able to use the things that I create for my campaign world.  

can i use your calendar?   i really think its the best thing i've seen in a long time.

Quote from: daggerhart

Quote from: black jackAlso, I want other people to be able to use the things that I create for my campaign world.  

I would be happy if you did.  I think it would be great that someone is getting use out of some of this.

I have updated the religion section a bit.  This is only the first of many revisions that we will be seeing there.  I added a small amount of flavor/detail.  All of the changes are only in the top section, before the entry on Bodin.  Check it out.

More to come.  Thank you to everyone who is following the development.  You give me the motivation I need to keep going.

I have done another update to the religion section.  I added quite a bit to the Bodin section.  I added more to each paragraph, giving it much more flavor and detail.  Also, I added much more detail to the last paragraph, concerning the corrupt Emperor.

There has been yet another update to the religion section.  This time, the area just under The Saints has been updated, along with the entries for Saint Arthur and Saint Susannah.

I now present you with...the roughest rough draft map you will ever see!  Behold, the Great Empire of Un.

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b164/BlackJackDavey/GreatEmpireofUn.jpg)

...aww, crap...anyone know a better place to store this that won't shrink it down?

Quote from: Black Jack DaveySure, Un has some political intrigue.  However, since the government comes from the religion, there is very little of it.  I never did say that things were perfect in Un.  I only said that things are stable.

Also, Bodin has only helped when the government of Un was on the verge of being corrupted.  Eventually, when I have more of Un's history documented, you will be able to see many cases where Bodin has done nothing for the Great Empire.

There is a threat to the people of Un that will account for much of the adventuring that takes place in my campaigns.  That is the threat of the goblinoids that are centralized in the Borderland Mountains to the far south.

That sounds like it will make for an interesting conflict.  And don't feel too pressured to throw in more political intrigue than you are comfortable with.  External conflict can also work well in a campaign when the campaign is geared towards that sort of thing.

If you want to emphasize the conflict with the goblinoids more than any internal strife, I'd suggest making the goblinoid threat something that seems very ominous and very immediate; perhap the goblinoids have just pulled off a daring and devastating attack or some such.  If everyone in Un knows that these goblinoids are a serious danger, that gives them even more incentive to put aside whatever differences they may have.

I really like so far. How much do the saints relate to the Dark Tower - as soon as I saw that they were related, I skipped over, since I haven't finished the series and don't want to accidentally spoil anything. Also, I'd like to know more about races (unless I overlooked that) - what races, humanoid or otherwise, can be found in the Empire of Un?

lol, look at the little map!

The whole religous conflict sounds very good. Is it internal or external conflict>?

I think Photobucket only shrinks the image if you are using up a decent amount of space on your account. You could try deleting other images and then uploading it again.

Deviant Art and Sheezy Art are available too, although I've never used them.

Quote from: Xathan, Last Of The FallenI really like so far. How much do the saints relate to the Dark Tower - as soon as I saw that they were related, I skipped over, since I haven't finished the series and don't want to accidentally spoil anything. Also, I'd like to know more about races (unless I overlooked that) - what races, humanoid or otherwise, can be found in the Empire of Un?

For the most part, the Saints are only the same in name.  The only ways that they are similar in are very broad: Roland is a drifter, Jacob is young, Edward gives up the life he had been leading to travel with Roland.  These similarities are not there to make it like the Dark Tower, they just make for a good story.

Quote from: Wixmanlol, look at the little map!

The whole religous conflict sounds very good. Is it internal or external conflict>?

Within the religion of Un, there are different people that believe different things.  Some of those things are very strange, and some of them bother the people that don't believe in them.  It is similar in many respects to real world Christianity.

Quote from: Epic_Meepo

Quote from: Black Jack DaveySure, Un has some political intrigue.  However, since the government comes from the religion, there is very little of it.  I never did say that things were perfect in Un.  I only said that things are stable.

Also, Bodin has only helped when the government of Un was on the verge of being corrupted.  Eventually, when I have more of Un's history documented, you will be able to see many cases where Bodin has done nothing for the Great Empire.

There is a threat to the people of Un that will account for much of the adventuring that takes place in my campaigns.  That is the threat of the goblinoids that are centralized in the Borderland Mountains to the far south.

That sounds like it will make for an interesting conflict.  And don't feel too pressured to throw in more political intrigue than you are comfortable with.  External conflict can also work well in a campaign when the campaign is geared towards that sort of thing.

If you want to emphasize the conflict with the goblinoids more than any internal strife, I'd suggest making the goblinoid threat something that seems very ominous and very immediate; perhap the goblinoids have just pulled off a daring and devastating attack or some such.  If everyone in Un knows that these goblinoids are a serious danger, that gives them even more incentive to put aside whatever differences they may have.

The goblinoids are really only considered a serious threat in the southern parts of Un.  All across the land there are different problems in different places.  I never did say that Un was perfectly peaceful, only that it is stable and there are not any particularly large conflicts within the government.  There will always be some things in a human society.

Quote from: Black Jack DaveyI now present you with...the roughest rough draft map you will ever see!  Behold, the Great Empire of Un.

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b164/BlackJackDavey/GreatEmpireofUn.jpg)

...aww, crap...anyone know a better place to store this that won't shrink it down?

Open a website with Angelfire (it is free), upload all your art and other goodies to it.
I think the free service is 20-25 MB of space.

I really like the new story about the corrupt emperor.  Adding the part about the mace that Bodin left behind turned it around completely.  Now, instead of feeling that Bodin will intervene if things get really bad, I get the impression that Bodin expects mortals to take their destiny into their own hands.  Very nicely done; between that added layer to the story of Bodin and the campaign map, Un is starting to look like a very interesting place.

Quote from: RaelifinI think Photobucket only shrinks the image if you are using up a decent amount of space on your account. You could try deleting other images and then uploading it again.

Deviant Art and Sheezy Art are available too, although I've never used them.

Quote from: CYMROOpen a website with Angelfire (it is free), upload all your art and other goodies to it.
I think the free service is 20-25 MB of space.

After asking my question, I thought of a couple of ways to show the picture full size, I just haven't gotten around to doing it yet.  Creating an account with a service such as Angelfire was one idea.  Also, PhotoBucket shrank my picture down even thought I only have seven pictures on there, and it has loaded others just fine.

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b164/BlackJackDavey/0833357-R1-008-2A.jpg)ALF in my room.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b164/BlackJackDavey/MountainDragon.jpg)A Mountain Dragon that I have created for my setting (more detail to come to these boards).
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b164/BlackJackDavey/0833357-R1-012-4A.jpg)A local metal band called Phedge.

Until I do have the extra time, I think that the small picture at least give you a vague idea of what the Great Empire of Un looks like.  This map was only a very rough draft to begin with.  The mountain range at the edge, and in ths more southern position of the map is the Borderland Mountains.  The mountain range higher up would be the Sooth Mountains.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b164/BlackJackDavey/GreatEmpireofUn.jpg)

Quote from: Epic_MeepoI really like the new story about the corrupt emperor.  Adding the part about the mace that Bodin left behind turned it around completely.  Now, instead of feeling that Bodin will intervene if things get really bad, I get the impression that Bodin expects mortals to take their destiny into their own hands.  Very nicely done; between that added layer to the story of Bodin and the campaign map, Un is starting to look like a very interesting place.

I'm glad I was able to take away the idea that Bodin will always step in to save the day.  That is not how things work in my world, and I didn't want to give that impression.  I'm glad to see that you read and enjoyed the updated version of the religion.  More detail is coming for the rest of the Saints as well, but that may take a while.  Elder Scrolls IV comes out tomarrow, I'm going to a show at a local bar on Wednesday and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I will be gone at an anime convention (Anime Detour).

I thought that the story of the corrupt Emperor in particular could use more detail, and that is why I added what I did. I think that giving names also helped that story seem more real and more a part of the world.

I could also just do this.
(//../../e107_files/public/1142918276_26_FT1039_great_empire_of_un.jpg)

All hail uploading!

Yay! The mighty upload option strikes again!

EDIT: I really need to go back and read you updates...I've been wrapped up in the TWF thread, and my own campaign for a few days, and have really neglected my duties to the community. I shall repent, and read more about UN.

The area near the south is a greenish color on here.  On my computer it was more brown than that.  It is meant to be a desert, though I am not sure if I will keep it or not.

Those blue lines are not rivers.  That was a bad color choice.  They are the borders of the Baronies.  I have only named three of the Baronies and Farthing is the only one that I am sure will stick with the same name.

Because of Un's position in the world, the name of the South Sea is likely to change, though it may remain the same for the people of Un.  The white area on and around the Sooth Mountains is snow.  The lightly colored edge of the land is meant to be beach area.  I don't know now why I bothered to put that on there.  There is another sea to the west, I just didn't have room to name it.

That is all for now.  Thank you, come again.

Quote from: nastynateYay! The mighty upload option strikes again!

EDIT: I really need to go back and read you updates...I've been wrapped up in the TWF thread, and my own campaign for a few days, and have really neglected my duties to the community. I shall repent, and read more about UN.

Thank you.  I would appreciate that.  I wish the updates had added a lot more, but my time is limited.

After re-reading your original presentation post-errata, I really like it. While it is strikingly similar to the gunslinger, I am a fan so that doesn't bother me too much. Take careful effort to emphasise the differences of your setting from the work of Steven King. Not so much because of any silly copywrite reasons, but because you don't want people like me to know too much, before we get started.

I love the mace (does it have a name?) and high priest who is responsible for tempering the power of the emperor. That is a fantastic way to keep things interesting in an otherwise peaceful empire.

Keep the stuff coming, and don't worry too much about the map. So long as I can reference it for simple details it'll do fine for now. I can read the new big version, and that's good enough for me.

-Nasty-

Quote from: nastynateAfter re-reading your original presentation post-errata, I really like it. While it is strikingly similar to the gunslinger, I am a fan so that doesn't bother me too much. Take careful effort to emphasise the differences of your setting from the work of Steven King. Not so much because of any silly copywrite reasons, but because you don't want people like me to know too much, before we get started.

I love the mace (does it have a name?) and high priest who is responsible for tempering the power of the emperor. That is a fantastic way to keep things interesting in an otherwise peaceful empire.

Keep the stuff coming, and don't worry too much about the map. So long as I can reference it for simple details it'll do fine for now. I can read the new big version, and that's good enough for me.

-Nasty-

I may have to change things some.  While I am a fan of the Dark Tower, the world was not meant to be anything really like it.

I think that Bodin's mace should have a name, I just haven't decided what it should be.  I think that mace adds a good checks and balances system.  It gives the High Priest the power to eliminate the Emperor.  However, if he were to do so, he would obviously have to answer to the people.  Also, it would be easy for the Emperor to have someone eliminate the Hight Priest at any time, but he would also have to answer to the people at that time.

That is exactly what I was going for with the map.  It has the major things, but not too much detail (yet).

map:    is your scale correct?  @ 1000 miles/ 1/2inch that makes each of your countries roughly the size of russia at it's widest point.

im not saying it cant be,  it just seems like it would be extremely difficult to get anywhere.   considering it would take well over 200 days to walk across 1 country, or over 25 days on a horse at a dead run.

from east coast to west coast, the US is 2500 miles wide. (fyi)

Quote from: daggerhartmap:    is your scale correct?  @ 1000 miles/ 1/2inch that makes each of your countries roughly the size of russia at it's widest point.

im not saying it cant be,  it just seems like it would be extremely difficult to get anywhere.   considering it would take well over 200 days to walk across 1 country, or over 25 days on a horse at a dead run.

from east coast to west coast, the US is 2500 miles wide. (fyi)

The scale is a little off yet, but Un is big.  It is a very rough draft.  It was done in Pain in 15 minutes.

ok,  if you're using paint, i might can help a little.

Paint.NET (http://www.eecs.wsu.edu/paint.net/index.html)   this is a free program designed to replace the default paint program.

after you download, and install it, it will tell you that you need the '.NET framework' and will automatically send you to this (http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework/downloads/updates/default.aspx) page to get it.

its totally free and about a billion times more powerful than MSpaint.

:new: This is my first post on this site!

I have this realy crazy idea that involves the goblins for you, if you are interested. But requires the existance of dragons, specificaly the red dragon, as presented in the monster manuel. And more willing suspension of disbelief. Two words just to tease: Red Mohawks.

Quote from: the_taken:new: This is my first post on this site!

I have this realy crazy idea that involves the goblins for you, if you are interested. But requires the existance of dragons, specificaly the red dragon, as presented in the monster manuel. And more willing suspension of disbelief. Two words just to tease: Red Mohawks.

In my world, dragons do not exist as presented in the monster manual.

Hey, I know we don't have a campaign hosting feature yet, but I would really appreciate being able to read details without sifting through discussion. Just presenting the new material in recognizable posts or having a table of contents on the first post would rock.

I'm also looking for a core ethos statement, an introduction or a summary. Any of these would be great! :D

Always demanding,
-Rael

Quote from: Black Jack DaveyIn my world, dragons do not exist as presented in the monster manual.

I'll give it to somebody else then.

ok,  ignore the rest of these chumps (present company excluded...), but i want to hear more about Un.

gimme a PM if you want some help w/ the hosting.

i'll write you out an HTML template too if you want...   i just wanna hear more!.

(in case you can't tell, your calendar alone sold me on the world...  and i'm sure its rare for someone to fall in love with a calendar...)

so, do you Dm within your setting?  or are you still designing?

I haven't done much work for my setting recently, but I am now back.

At this moment, I am adding more detail to the religion of Un.  It seems that I am going to be at that for quite a while.  I am going to do a seperate write up about the church of each saint, what they do, and what the followers are like.

This doesn't really fit anywhere above, so I will post it here.  This is a very rough draft, mostly just information.  It well get more organized some day.

Saint Arthur
Titles
Saint Arthur has many names among his servants.  Most commonly he is called Saint Arthur The Virtuous.  Other times he is known as The Just, The Righteous, The Enlightened, or The Divine Touched.  In writings, Arthurâ,¬,,¢s name is followed by one of these titles more often than not.  All of these titles are recognized by the Church of Arthur, but none of them are considered his â,¬Ëtrueâ,¬,,¢ or â,¬Ëofficialâ,¬,,¢ title.

Church Hierarchy
Almost all of the high ranking members of the Church of Arthur were raised from a young age by the church.  Some children are even given into the care of the church from birth.  While many join the Church of Arthur later in life, few of them go very far.

The church practice of grooming children for a role in the church may be responsible for the Church of Arthur having some of the most devoted clerics of all.  This also causes a less positive side effect.  The higher ranking members of the church, which have been groomed for their position, have been known to behave in an almost aristocratic and snobby manner, as if they were chosen by Arthur himself.  This attitude often repels would-be members resulting in the Church of Arthur having one of the smallest memberships.

The highest ranking clerics in the Church of Arthur receive the title of Arthurian Cleric.  Just below that are the High Clerics of Arthur and below that the Clerics of Arthur.  In the Church of Arthur, it often takes many years of dedicated service and study to achieve the rank of Cleric of Arthur, which can only be bestowed by someone that has already achieved the rank of Arthurian Cleric.  Ranks above Cleric of Arthur can only be given by the Arthurian Council, which is a gathering of all Arthurian Clerics that takes place once every year.

Knights of Arthur
The Church of Arthur sponsors an order of knights that call themselves the Knights of Arthur.  The sponsorship of the Church of Arthur assures that the Knights of Arthur are officially recognized by the Great Empire and not considered simple vigilantes.

The Knights of Arthur mostly serve the Church of Arthur.  This service in not exclusive, however, and the Knights of Arthur sometimes take on work for others, as long as it is something that they consider to be in the service of Saint Arthur.

An individual member of the Knights of Arthur may not take on work without the approval of a superior in the Knights of Arthur.  Also, the organization as a whole does not take on work without the approval of the Church of Arthur.