dungeons and dragons fantasy world map creator

For example, a town could have a well-known drunkard who hangs out at the local tavern and does magic.NPCs can be friendly, rude, aggressive, or greedy just like any player-character (or PC). It is a general term for any in-game individual that isn’t controlled by the players. NPC is shorthand for non-player character.Memorable characters will make your players feel like they’re attached to something in the city, and could motivate them to become involved in a local conflict. Choose motivations for your NPCs and think about where the party could find them. Create 2 NPCs (non-player characters) and give them names. Don’t say, “No,” just because you aren’t prepared.Ĭreate 1 or 2 colorful NPCs for the players to interact with. You have to be able to improvise and roll with it. Players will take unexpected routes, and they may not go where you want.Don’t start your players off in the bottom of a pit with no way to get out. Player choice is essential to creating a fun world.You can always move an encounter at the last minute! Avoid doing this as often as possible, even if you really want the players to experience something. Dungeon masters often unintentionally railroad their players when they really want them to go somewhere.Keep as many options open to the players as possible so that they feel like they’re a part of the world. Maybe a town has too many guards or walls. It could also mean that your world has too many rules. This could mean that part of the map is off-limits, or a town is unreachable for no real reason. Railroading refers to the act of removing choice from the players. Īvoid railroading as you’re building your world by including options. You can make a randomly-generated map online at. Inkarnate is a popular map-making service, and can be found at. It will also be easier to stay consistent, since you’ll have thought through the entire world well in advance of the game. When players ask a character a question about the world, you’ll have an answer that will feel real and prepared.

The major advantage of this approach is that your world will feel intricate, real, and rich.

Naming, designing, and populating an entire continent is a lot of work up front, and some dungeon masters will spend months crafting an entire world.

The major disadvantage of this approach is that it’s a lot of work.

Pick where you’re going to start your players out at and work your way out from there. Name the states or nations and pick capital cities.

You can draw one from scratch, or use an online program to construct one.

If you really enjoy designing, drawing, and writing, start with a world map and work your way down. Create a continent and work your way down if you want a sprawling campaign.

Dungeons and dragons fantasy world map creator