Scope
The motivation behind building The Bennorian Chronicles
I'm hoping to make a world that I could share with others and be proud of. Not something as juvenile and amateurish I've created before. Something that grows beyond the works I've made before which in hindsight fall into the traps of many unexperienced writers. With hope not only will this be a good TTRPG setting but also something I could possibly write stories for.
The 2020 World Ember is what has inspired me to create this whole new project.
The goal of the project
My primary goal is a setting for TTRPGs, primarily D&D 5e, maybe also Savage Worlds. Secondary goal is to also use this for a short story/novel setting.
The Bennorian Chronicles's Unique Selling point
In old days, the Deities of the world each had a
Divine Avatar who wielded a unique Divine Relic. Those days are gone. The Avatars and their Relics were lost in the "Great War" (to be renamed later). Now odd things are starting to happen all across the world. The Relics are reappearing and causing havok.
Theme
Genre
High fantasy. Medieval for the most part, but with magic-tech in small amounts.
Reader Experience
Rural and expansive, opportunities for adventure and travel. Life is hard, but since
The Fall and their has been less upheval.
Reader Tone
Nobledim - While things seem ok, it's on the verge of plunging into an age of chaos if no one intervenes.
Recurring Themes
- Is one bound by fate or can they deify it and blaze their own path in life?
- Can something evil be used for good? Can something good be used for evil?
- The status quo will not hold. Will it slip into chaos or lead to a brighter future?
Character Agency
My goal is to let there be as much Player Agency as possible. I'd love to see the world develop in new and interesting ways beyond what I initially design. Players will have the oppturnity to make lasting changes that impact the entire setting.
Focus
Government Presence
What are the kingdoms and nations, how do they interact with each other. Is there open war, cold war, trade wars between them. Who is allied with whom.
Drama
Conflict between nations, possible escalating to war.
Extreme weather in distant areas.
Rumbles of monsters organizing
More odd happenings rumored in the world.