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.