World Primer
It's about shared discovery
Greetings, friends, and welcome! I'm glad you’ve found your way to the Saucy Tart, safe and sound behind the sturdy palisade walls of Eastdale. It’s a bone-cracking chill out there tonight in these Northern Reaches, isn’t it? Come closer, warm your hands by the fire, and take a moment to let the frost melt from your boots.
Allow me to call over Sultra; she’ll bring us a belly-warming shot of her finest. No worries, the sun’s well beyond the horizon—no one’s breaking any of the Red Laws tonight. You know how the Church is with their "laws" and their watchful eyes. As if we were children in need of tending! Ah, forgive me; I let my thoughts slip out too freely.
But tell me, traveler, what brings you to the Prelacy of Middenmark? Are you seeking the forsaken ruins in the blasted lands to the east? Or is your path bound further north, to the capital city of Threshold? I’ve got all night to hear your tale—no place I’d rather be, thanks to this wind and snow that’s blanketed the land. So, stay a while, and let’s trade a story or two.
Current year 11 AC
Age of the Covenant (AC)
The "Age of the Covenant" (AC) emphasizes the foundational agreement that brought the Prelacy into existence. This naming convention highlights the importance of the Covenant as a symbolic and literal pact that established the laws, faith, and unity of the region. It reflects the ongoing commitment of the people to uphold the principles laid down at the founding.
Table of Contents
Quick Questions First
Where the Heck Are We?
The Prelacy of Middenmark lies within the harsh expanse of the Northern Reaches—a rugged borderland where ancient traditions clash with the strict doctrines of the Church of St. Ygg. Here, bitter winters, dense forests, and echoes of a lost age shape the landscape. Towns like Eastdale and Westkeep cling to survival, nestled among wild crags and shadowed by mysterious woodlands. The people who call this place home are hardened by a relentless struggle against both the unforgiving elements and lurking supernatural forces.In this low-fantasy setting, life is grounded and gritty, with the practical and the everyday often valued above the mystical. Magic is rare and sometimes feared, its presence as unsettling as it is revered. The land itself sets the tone: jagged mountains, ancient ruins, and deep woodlands whisper of a time when the old gods held sway. For many, the tension between these old gods and the encroaching power of the Church is a part of daily life, felt in every chapel and shrine scattered across the Reaches.
Is This Original Work?
Credit where credit is due: this setting is heavily inspired by the works of Dr. Greg Gillespie, particularly his megadungeon supplement, Forbidden Caverns of Archaia. The supplement itself is a vast 296 pages, yet only a modest 8 pages are dedicated to detailing the Prelacy, with another 5 covering the town of Eastdale and its NPCs. The remaining pages focus on the intricacies of the megadungeon that lies within this region.The rich but compact section on the Prelacy offered just enough inspiration to make it the foundation for my own campaign setting, expanding upon the concepts and lore presented there.
For those interested in exploring Dr. Gillespie's original works further, you can find links to his Personal Blog and his OSR Publishing catalog on DriveThruRPG, where his popular megadungeons—Barrowmaze, Highfell, and Dwarrowdeep—are also available.
What Should I Expect?
This setting serves primarily as a scaffold for play within the Shadowdark RPG system, with many loose ends left intentionally open. Why? Because this world is designed to leave space for player choice and spark the creativity of those who explore it. Some parts of the world are yet unwritten, waiting for players to discover them, while others haven’t even crossed my mind as the GM.In this world, I don’t dictate the story or steer its direction—I'm merely here to provide the canvas. Together, we’ll shape it, and that means there may be imperfections, occasional contradictions, or shifting perspectives. But whatever unfolds, it will be a truly authentic experience born from the collaboration between player effort and GM response.
Central Tensions - The Anganach & The Futurus
Caught in a constant push and pull between the old and the new, tradition and authority, belief and survival. On one side lies the Church of St. Ygg, pushing its rigid doctrines and the "New Gods" upon the people, promising order, salvation, and protection. On the other are the ancient, pagan beliefs held by those who revere the old gods and the natural world, who see the Church's rise as a threat to their way of life. This clash is not just theological but deeply woven into the daily lives of the people, evident in every village, forest shrine, and market square. These tensions fuel conflicts small and large, from whispered dissent in local taverns to outright clashes between zealous missionaries and those who stubbornly cling to the old ways. Here, in the unforgiving north, survival isn’t just about weathering the elements—it’s about navigating the clash of beliefs that may determine the future of the Prelacy.Divine Spotlight
Where do I Start?
This world is an evolving one that reflects both the players' journeys and my own growth in writing and worldbuilding. You'll notice a progression in style and polish as you explore, from the rough beginnings of Eastdale, our primary entry point, to the refined detailing in Kirkliston, and the rich, immersive experience of Westkeep, which became the focal point in Season 2. Each town captures different stages of development, and together, they highlight the passion and dedication poured into this realm by all involved.
Safe Havens
Adventure Locations
Major Plots
Movers and Shakers
Factions
NPC's
As the World Turns
Thats cool Obannon but I want to play...
Rules Changes
Comments