See the Campaign Map here:
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/8752/campaignmap.png
This is my new campaign setting for the Adventurer Conqueror King System (ACKS), which I've pre-ordered in hardcopy along with its Player's Companion and for which I already have the PDF. It is set in a northern realm of a world in the throes of an ice age, inspired by my previous Wounded Gaia attempts but liberally re-interpreted to suit ACKS. The above map is the preliminary campaign map, 32x32 hexes with each hex being 24 miles across. So far I've only marked the capitols on it; later I'll add smaller cities as well (though, as per ACKS, small towns won't be shown on such a large-scale map).
Note that Dwarven domains get Germanic-sounding names while Human realms get Russian-sounding realms; these are approximations for the Human language (which is a bit similar to Russian) and the Dwarven tongue. Slavic and Nordic myth will be a major source of inspiration for this setting - expect a lot of fey (both Neutral - the Seelee and Chaotic - the Unseelee).
Also note that flora, fauna and climate follow (in rough terms) Earth's latest Glacial Period - mammoths (some tamed by nomads!), sabertooth cats, auruchs, woolly rhinos, cave bears, dire wolves and so on in addition to more mundane beasts such as grizzly bears, horses and sheep.
The main religion in this lands is the worship of Svarog, a Lawful quasi-monotheistic god, originally a Dwarven world-forging smith-god and now the main Lawful god of Humanity as well. The older Human faith is in the Zoriya - the three Neutral goddesses of twilight, midnight and dawn; some Humans still worship them. Chaos has a larger number of deities, such as Koschei the Lich God, Marzanna the Frost Goddess, and Chernobog the High Lord of Chaos.
More to come.
Here is the map key:
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/9463/legendi.png
Here is my setting's blog:
http://woundedgaia.blogspot.com/
Golan - this looks great. Thanks for sharing the campaign.
Will you be posting your demographics and development on your blog? I'd like to see how ACKS works for your world.
I'll definitely be posting demographics and other ACKS stats on my blog and here as well - when I'll have some free time to do them.
I'm thinking of the population densities in my campaign, as not all areas have the same fertility.
The Elven Confederation, for example, is mostly forested and has quite a low population density; I'd say about 25 Elves/square mile (150 families per 6-mile hex or 2,500 families per 24-mile hex). The same goes for the mostly Steppe-Forest Principality of Tagorsk.
The mountainous Dwergerhold and Dwergerberg, for example, are mostly mountains and have quite a low rural population density, but, on the other hand, they're quite urban; so I'd say about 40 Dwarves/square mile (250 families per 6-mile hex or 4,000 families per 24-mile hex).
The Three Principalities (Norokh, Vorkono and Gironov) are the breadbasket of the region, with a population density of 80 people per square mile (500 families per 6-mile hex; 8,000 families per 24-mile hex).
The Two City-States of Zagadur (Igorgrad and Shakhtar) contain mostly mountainous terrain and forests, with some arable land, so their population density would be 50 people per square mile (300 families per 6-mile hex; 5,000 families per 24-mile hex).
Now, on to ACKS world-building, nation by nation!
Let's start with the Elven Confederation. It covers an area of 36 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 2,500 families per hex, and encompasses 340 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 90,000, most of them Elves but also some Humans (proper Fey are not included in this count). This makes them a sizable, though sparsely populated, Principality under ACKS rules. In-game, however, it is a confederation of Elven tribes, Ruled by the Council of Elders. Apart from the Amaya region (with a population of 7,500 families) run directly by the Council, the Confederation is divided into 6 Tribes (Duchies) with an average population of 13,750 families each, each of which is divided into a capitol district (with an average population of 1,500 families) and 6 districts (Counties) with an average population of 2,041 families each.
Total urban population is 9,000 families. The largest settlement in the Confederation is Amaya, which is a Small City of 1,800 families and a Class IV Market. The rest is distributed between various villages and hamlets, with each Tribe having a Large Village (Class V Market) of approximately 275 families as a Capitol and each district centred on a Hamlet (class VI* Market). This is a very dispersed, rural nation with very little urbanization.
Now, Dwergerhold. It covers an area of 24 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 4,000 families per hex, and encompasses 340 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 96,000, Dwarves with a sizeable Human minority. making it a small Principality. Apart from the Dwarf-King's Own Domain region (with a population of 7,500 families), Dwergerhold is divided into 4 Duchies with an average population of 22,125 families each, each of which is divided into a Duke's Domain (with an average population of 1,500 families) and 4 Counties with an average population of 5,156 families each.
Total urban population is 9,600 families. The largest settlement in Dwergerhold is Norinsberg, which is larger than a usual capitol city of this kind of realm due to the Dwarves' tendency towards urbanization. It is a City of 2,500 families and a Class III Market. The rest is distributed between various towns and villages, with each Duchy having a Small Town (Class V Market) of approximately 450 families as a Capitol and each County centred on a Village (class VI Market).
Now, Norokh.
It covers an area of 32 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 8,000 families per hex, and encompasses 1,088 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 256,000 families, making it a sizeable Principality. Apart from the Prince's Own Domain (with a population of 7,500 families), Noroch is divided into 5 Duchies with an average population of 49,700 families each, each of which is divided into a Duke's Domain (with an average population of 1,500 families) and 6 Counties with an average population of 8,033 families each.
Total urban population is 25,600 families. The largest settlement in Norokh is Akhatov, which is a Large City of 5,000 families and a Class II Market. The rest is distributed between various towns and villages, with each Duchy having a Large Town (Class IV Market) of approximately 985 families as a Capitol and each County centred on a Village (class VI Market).
On to Vorkono.
It covers an area of 60 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 8,000 families per hex, and encompasses 1,500 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 480,000 families, making it a HUGE Principality which skirts the lower end of a kingdom's size. Apart from the Prince's Own Domain (with a population of 7,500 families), Vorkono is divided into 6 Duchies with an average population of 78,750 families each, each of which is divided into a Duke's Domain (with an average population of 2,500 families) and 6 Counties with an average population of 12,875 families each.
Total urban population is 48,000 families. The largest settlement in Vorkono is Lesgorod, which is a Large City of 9,600 families and a Class II Market. The rest is distributed between various cities, towns and villages, with each Duchy having a Small City (Class IV Market) of approximately 1,250 families as a Capitol and each County centred on a Large Village (class V Market).
Updated Vorkono:
It covers an area of 60 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 8,000 families per hex, and encompasses 1,500 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 480,000 families, making it a HUGE Principality which skirts the lower end of a kingdom's size. Apart from the Prince's Own Domain (with a population of 7,500 families not including Lesgorod), Vorkono is divided into 6 Duchies with an average population of 77,150 families each, each of which is divided into a Duke's Domain (with an average population of 3,500 families including the Kuchy capitol) and 6 Counties with an average population of 12,275 families each.
Total urban population is 48,000 families. The largest settlement in Vorkono is Lesgorod, which is a Large City of 9,600 families and a Class II Market. The rest is distributed between various cities, towns and villages, with each Duchy having a City (Class III Market) of approximately 2,500 families as a Capitol and each County centred on a Large Village (class V Market).
Note the six additional Class III Markets in this realm - which will show up on the Campaign Map!
Now, Gironov.
It covers an area of 19 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 8,000 families per hex, and encompasses 340 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 152,000 families, making it a populous Principality. Apart from the Prince's Own Domain (with a population of 7,500 families), Gironov is divided into 4 Duchies with an average population of 36,125 families each, each of which is divided into a Duke's Domain (with an average population of 1,500 families including the Duchy capitol) and 4 Counties with an average population of 8,656 families each.
Total urban population is 15,200 families. The largest settlement in Gironov is Korovod, which is a City of 3,040 families and a Class III Market. The rest is distributed between various towns and villages, with each Duchy having a Large Town (Class IV Market) of approximately 723 families as a Capitol and each County centred on a Village (class VI Market).
On to Dwergerberg.
It covers an area of 7 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 4,000 families per hex, and encompasses 50 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 28,000 families, making it a medium Duchy. Apart from the Dwarf Lord's Own Domain (with a population of 2,500 families), Dwergerberg is divided into 6 Counties with an average population of 4,250 families each.
Total urban population is 6,250 families, as this Duchy is highly urban in nature. The largest settlement in Dwergerberg is Barinstadt, which is a Small City of 1,250 families and a Class IV Market. The rest is distributed between various towns and villages, with each County centred on a Village (class VI Market).
Now, Tagorsk.
It covers an area of 25 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 2,500 families per hex, and encompasses 340 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 62,500 families, making it an underpopulated Principality. Apart from the Prince's Own Domain (with a population of 7,500 families), Tagorsk is divided into 5 Duchies with an average population of 11,000 families each, each of which is divided into a Duke's Domain (with an average population of 1,500 families including the Duchy capitol) and 4 Counties with an average population of 2,375 families each.
Total urban population is 6,250 families. The largest settlement in Tagorsk is Barisgorod, which is a Small City of 1,250 families and a Class IV Market. The rest is distributed between various villages, with each Duchy having a Village (Class VI Market) of approximately 220 families as a Capitol and each County centred on a Hamlet (class VI* Market).
On to the City State of Igorgrad.
Igorgrad controls an area of 7 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 5,000 families per hex, and encompasses 1,500 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 35,000 families, making it a medium-sized Duchy. Apart from the Boyar's Own Domain (with a population of 5,000 families), Igorgrad's land is divided into 6 Counties with an average population of 5,000 families each. Every County is divided into 4 Marches in addition to the Count's Own Domain (with 780 families on it), each of approximately 1,055 families; each March, in turn, is divided into a Marquis' Domain (with 320 families on it) and 5 Baronies, of 147 families each on average.
Total urban population is 3,500 families, most of it concentrated in Igorgrad. The largest settlement is, of course, Igorgrad, which is a City of 2,500 families and a Class III Market. The rest is distributed between various villages, with each County being centred on a Village (class VI Market) of 100 families each; every March centred on a Hamlet (class VI* Market) and each Barony centred on a small Stronghold (class VI* Market). So we have one City, 6 Villages, 24 Hamlets and 120 small Strongholds.
Updated Igorgrad:
Igorgrad controls an area of 7 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 5,000 families per hex, and encompasses 103 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 35,000 families, making it a medium-sized Duchy. Apart from the Boyar's Own Domain (with a population of 5,000 families), Igorgrad's land is divided into 6 Counties with an average population of 5,000 families each. Every County is divided into 4 Marches in addition to the Count's Own Domain (with 780 families on it), each of approximately 1,055 families; each March, in turn, is divided into a Marquis' Domain (with 320 families on it) and 3 Baronies, of 245 families each on average.
Total urban population is 3,500 families, most of it concentrated in Igorgrad. The largest settlement is, of course, Igorgrad, which is a City of 2,500 families and a Class III Market. The rest is distributed between various villages, with each County being centred on a Village (class VI Market) of 100 families each; every March centred on a Hamlet (class VI* Market) and each Barony centred on a small Stronghold (class VI* Market). So we have one City, 6 Villages, 24 Hamlets and 72 tiny Baronial Strongholds.
Now, the City State of Shakhtar.
Shakhtar controls an area of 8 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 5,000 families per hex, and encompasses 120 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 40,000 families, making it a medium-sized Duchy. Apart from the Boyar's Own Domain (with a population of 5,000 families), Shakhtar's land is divided into 7 Counties with an average population of 5,000 families each. Every County is divided into 4 Marches in addition to the Count's Own Domain (with 780 families on it), each of approximately 1,055 families; each March, in turn, is divided into a Marquis' Domain (with 320 families on it) and 3 Baronies, of 245 families each on average.
Total urban population is 4,000 families, most of it concentrated in Shakhtar. The largest settlement is, of course, Shakhtar, which is a City of 3,000 families and a Class III Market. The rest is distributed between various villages, with each County being centred on a Village (class VI Market) of 100 families each; every March centred on a Hamlet (class VI* Market) and each Barony centred on a small Stronghold (class VI* Market). So we have one City, 7 Villages, 28 Hamlets and 84 tiny Baronial Strongholds.
Final Igorgrad and Shakhtar:
Igorgrad controls an area of 7 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 5,000 families per hex, and encompasses 103 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 35,000 families, making it a medium-sized Duchy. Apart from the Boyar's Own Domain (with a population of 5,000 families), Igorgrad's land is divided into 6 Counties with an average population of 5,000 families each. Every County is divided into 4 Marches in addition to the Count's Own Domain (with 780 families on it), each of approximately 1,055 families; each March is not subdivided any further.
Total urban population is 3,500 families, most of it concentrated in Igorgrad. The largest settlement is, of course, Igorgrad, which is a City of 2,500 families and a Class III Market. The rest is distributed between various villages, with each County being centred on a Village (class VI Market) of 100 families each; every March centred on a Hamlet (class VI* Market) and each Barony centred on a small Stronghold (class VI* Market). So we have one City, 6 Villages and 24 Hamlets.
Shakhtar controls an area of 8 24-mile hexes, at a mean population density of 5,000 families per hex, and encompasses 120 domains. Therefore, it has a population of 40,000 families, making it a medium-sized Duchy. Apart from the Boyar's Own Domain (with a population of 5,000 families), Shakhtar's land is divided into 7 Counties with an average population of 5,000 families each. Every County is divided into 4 Marches in addition to the Count's Own Domain (with 780 families on it), each of approximately 1,055 families; each March is not subdivided any further.
Total urban population is 4,000 families, most of it concentrated in Shakhtar. The largest settlement is, of course, Shakhtar, which is a City of 3,000 families and a Class III Market. The rest is distributed between various villages, with each County being centred on a Village (class VI Market) of 100 families each; every March centred on a Hamlet (class VI* Market) and each Barony centred on a small Stronghold (class VI* Market). So we have one City, 7 Villages and 28 Hamlets.
Updated Campaign Map:
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/8752/campaignmap.png
Amazing stuff. I'm glad to see the ACKS tools and approach have worked so well.
Thanks!
Here is the Regional Game Map of the Isle of Zagadur:
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2710/localmap.png
Note that I've placed several published adventures on my map:
B2: Keep on the Borderlands
Barrowmaze
Skull Mountain
Stonehell Dungeon
Are there any additional published adventures that you think would fit my setting and its themes?
Gods of the Frost-Bitten Lands
There are various gods worshipped by the population of the Frost-Bitten lands, from the Lawful monotheistic god Svarog, through the triune Zorya to the numerous Lords of Chaos (AKA Demon Lords). Alignment is more important in matters of religion than in any other aspect; Lawful characters worship Svarog; Neutral characters can worship any god; and Chaotic characters worship the Lords of Charos. Clerics must be of the same alignment as their god(s).
Svarog is the Lawful god, a smith-god who, according to legend, forged the world out of molten iron and rock. Is was originally a Dwarven monotheistic god, but Dwarven missionaries have brought this faith (as well as literacy and the knowledge of steel-working) to Humanity after Mankind was liberated by the Dwarves from the bondage of the Dark Elves. Clerics of Svarog admire craftmanship and technology, grudgingly accept the older Zorya worship and Lawful or Neutral Arcane magic, but must make an effort to root out the Lords of Chaos wherever their cult-worship emerges. All Dwarven Craftpriests worship Svarog and are, thus, Lawful.
The Zorya are three Neutral goddesses: Zorya Utrennyaya (Morning Star; the Maiden), Zorya Vechernyaya (Evening Star; the Mother) - and Zorya Polunochnaya (Midnight Star; the Crone). They are always worshipped together as three parts of the Cycle of Life. This faith is very tolerant - even outright supportive - of most Arcane magic, except for necromancy, grudgingly accepts the Svarog worship, dislikes the Lords of Chaos (but is far less zealous about destroying their worship compared to the Svarog clerics) and dislike technology when it interferes with the natural order. Most priests of the Zoriya are female, usually Bladedancers (ACKS Core) or Priestesses (ACKS Player's Companion) while priests of the Cleric class are rarer.
The Lords of Chaos are legion, all Chaotic to the core:
Berstuk - the mad god of Forests and Wild Beasts (think of a 'male' Shub-Niggurath).
Chernobog - the Black God; the Patriarch of Chaos (think of Cthulhu or Arioch).
Marzanna - the goddess of Death, Winter and Nightmares.
Baba Yaga - goddess of Sorcery; not as evil as the other Lords of Chaos.
Blud - god of Madness and Debauchery.
Chort - Lord of Demons; Master of Possession.
Koschei - god of Undeath.
Poludnitsa - goddess of Summer and Madness; sometimes sacrifices are made to her to bring solace in the harsh winter.
Likho - the one-eyed goddes of Misfortune.
Tryasavitsa - goddess of Plagues and Illnesses.
Each Chaotic Cleric worships one of the Lords of Chaos and does his or her utmost to spread Chaos in the world. The Evil Shrine of Chaos in B2: Keep on the Borderlands is dedicated to Marzanna.
I cannot recommend enough that you place Death Frost Doom by the Lamentations of the Flame Princess author James Raggi. It's a great module, and serves to break up a fighty campaign with some 'weirdness' along the lines of the spookier RE Howard stories or Lovecraft. Prepare for weird fantasy at its best. Should be an easy conversion, as well. My only (Criticism? Warning?) is that it's very framework-y at parts. You'll have to use a bit of the old noodle to puzzle out how it fits and what it looks like.
http://www.lotfp.com/RPG/products/death-frost-doom
Indeed, I have this adventure and plan on adding it to the setting, as well as Dwimmermount and Hammers of the God.