Seeking Feedback On My New Campaign Setting Aethelgard

Hey everyone! I'm super stoked to share a brand new campaign setting I've been working on, and I'm really eager to get your thoughts and feedback. Creating a compelling and immersive world for players to explore is a huge passion of mine, and I believe that collaboration and community input can elevate a setting from good to truly amazing. This setting is still in its early stages, so your feedback is incredibly valuable in shaping its development. I'm open to all kinds of suggestions, from broad strokes about the overall tone and themes to nitty-gritty details about specific locations or NPCs.

A Glimpse into the World

The campaign setting, which I'm tentatively calling "Aethelgard" (still workshopping the name, haha!), is a high-fantasy world with a strong emphasis on political intrigue, ancient mysteries, and the clash between civilization and the wild. Think a blend of classic fantasy elements with a touch of dark fantasy and historical inspiration. Aethelgard is a land scarred by a long and turbulent history, with the remnants of fallen empires and forgotten civilizations scattered across the landscape. These remnants hold both immense power and untold dangers, drawing adventurers and treasure hunters from far and wide. The political landscape is fractured, with several powerful kingdoms and city-states vying for dominance. Alliances are fragile, betrayals are common, and the threat of war looms large. This creates a rich backdrop for player characters to become involved in epic conflicts, navigate treacherous political webs, and shape the destiny of the realm.

The magic system in Aethelgard is intended to feel both wondrous and dangerous. Magic is not a common skill, and those who wield it are often viewed with suspicion or awe. The sources of magic are ancient and mysterious, and the use of magic can have unforeseen consequences. I want players to feel a sense of both power and responsibility when they wield magic in this world. The setting also features a diverse array of races and cultures, each with their own unique history, traditions, and beliefs. I've tried to avoid simply reskinning existing fantasy races and instead create cultures that feel distinct and nuanced. I believe that this diversity will add richness and complexity to the setting and provide ample opportunities for interesting character interactions and storylines.

One of the core themes I'm exploring in Aethelgard is the tension between civilization and the wild. Vast stretches of the land remain untamed, filled with dangerous creatures and ancient secrets. The civilized kingdoms are constantly pushing their borders outward, encroaching on the wilderness and sparking conflicts with the creatures and peoples who dwell there. This conflict provides a compelling backdrop for adventure and allows players to explore the moral complexities of expansion and progress. I envision campaigns set in Aethelgard as having a strong emphasis on exploration, discovery, and the consequences of choices. I want players to feel like their actions truly matter and that they can have a lasting impact on the world around them. Whether they choose to become heroes, villains, or something in between is entirely up to them. I'm aiming for a setting that is both challenging and rewarding, with plenty of opportunities for players to create memorable stories.

Key Features and Inspirations

Here’s a breakdown of some key features and inspirations behind Aethelgard:

• Political Intrigue: Inspired by historical periods like the Wars of the Roses and the Italian Renaissance, Aethelgard is rife with political maneuvering, betrayals, and shifting alliances. Player characters can become entangled in the schemes of nobles, merchants, and religious leaders, or forge their own path to power.
• Ancient Mysteries: The world is dotted with the ruins of fallen empires and forgotten civilizations, each holding secrets and treasures. Unearthing these mysteries can lead to great rewards, but also to terrible dangers.
• Civilization vs. the Wild: The ongoing conflict between the civilized kingdoms and the untamed wilderness provides a rich backdrop for adventure. Players can explore the moral complexities of expansion, defend the wilds from encroachment, or forge their own destinies in the wilderness.
• Magic System: The magic system is intended to feel both wondrous and dangerous, with ancient and mysterious sources. Magic users are often viewed with suspicion or awe, and the use of magic can have unforeseen consequences.
• Diverse Cultures: Aethelgard is home to a variety of cultures, each with its own unique history, traditions, and beliefs. This diversity adds richness and complexity to the setting and provides ample opportunities for interesting character interactions.
• Inspirations: Some of my key inspirations include the works of George R.R. Martin, Robert E. Howard, and J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as historical periods like the Early Middle Ages and the Bronze Age. I've also drawn inspiration from video games like The Witcher and Elden Ring, which both feature compelling world-building and morally gray characters.

Specific Areas Where I'd Love Feedback

To help focus your feedback, here are some specific areas where I'd really appreciate your thoughts:

1. Overall Tone and Themes: Does the overall tone and theme of the setting resonate with you? Does it sound like a world you'd be interested in playing in? Is there anything that feels out of place or inconsistent?
2. Political Landscape: Does the political landscape feel believable and engaging? Are the various kingdoms and city-states distinct and interesting? What kind of conflicts and storylines do you envision arising from this political situation?
3. Magic System: Does the magic system sound intriguing? Does it strike a good balance between power and danger? Are there any aspects of the magic system that you'd like to see expanded or changed?
4. Races and Cultures: Do the races and cultures feel diverse and interesting? Are there any cultures that you'd like to learn more about? Do any of the cultures feel stereotypical or problematic?
5. Ancient Mysteries: Do the ancient mysteries sound compelling? What kinds of secrets and treasures do you imagine being hidden in the ruins of fallen empires?
6. Civilization vs. the Wild: Does the conflict between civilization and the wild provide a compelling backdrop for adventure? What kinds of stories do you think could be told in this context?
7. Name: What do you think about the name