I'm feeling the itch to get back to writing a new campaign setting. But need tips on how to organize the writing process.

Question

So it's been a whole semester where I haven't played DND and I'm starting to feel my imagination aching to just create a new DND world filled with new mysterious, mythologies, and stories. However I wanted to asked for tips on the structure or order one should write the ideas. I know just writing on your head and let it all out with the intention of just filling the gaps.

But I feel I would benefit from some organization on the writing process. Thanks in advance.

Sean · Accepted Answer

So I reccomend thinking about the setting of the world first. Is it medieval, scifi, steampunk etc. Let the world take shape on its own. Then find some reasons as to why its the shape it is after it forms. Is there a great bay shaped like a crater? Maybe an ancient meteor hit there. That tyoe of thinking. This way you can write out what details you want to flesh out the world but leave enough vague to fill or reform as needed. Next you find the plot point. Is it form a new goncerment? Is it destroy some evil? Is it make your debts go away? Why would the party need to form? Then form a few logical steps on how they would get there and maybe a couple contingincy plans. The party will either make the rest as they go or will make the shape that the DM must fill for them. Thats my advice in building a new world for any ttrpg.

Jaycen · Answer

The traditional approach would be to start from the beginning, either the beginning of the world itself, or the beginning of an important character's life.  In traditional writing that would be a book's main character.

I have done both for different D&D worlds, I've also started with the concept of a country a worked outward from there.

Jaycen · Answer

My advice is very ADD advice.  Just let it happen.  Structure and organization is only important for other people to be able to understand what's going on.  As long as you can keep track of it all in your head, you don't need a structure.

That said, if you can't keep it all in your head, there is services like Campfire and World Anvil to help with that.

I'm feeling the itch to get back to writing a new campaign setting. But need tips on how to organize the writing process.

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