A Beginner’s Guide to Pathfinder RPG offers advice on building a fantasy setting for a tabletop roleplaying game. The first step is to define a theme, which will form the basis of consistent decisions around everything from landscapes, to characters. Next comes the creation of a basic outline of the world through the design of a map, followed by the addition of various races to inhabit it. A rich history should be included to explain the state of the world,  magic rules and religions can add complexity, and the creation of NPCs can give a story depth. Finally, create an adventure players will enjoy.

A Beginner’s Guide to Pathfinder RPG: How to Build Your Own Fantasy World

If you are a beginner to tabletop roleplaying games, you might be wondering how to start creating your own fantasy setting for a Pathfinder RPG campaign. While it may seem intimidating at first, creating your own world can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Define Your Theme

The first step is to decide on the overall theme of your world. What kind of story do you want to tell? Is it a high magic setting with dragons and wizards everywhere, or a low magic setting where magic is rare and mysterious? Are there multiple races living together in harmony, or are they constantly at war with each other?

Once you have a basic idea of your theme, you can start building your world around it. This will help you make consistent decisions about everything from the landscape to the characters that inhabit it.

Create a Map

The next step is to create a map of your world. This can be done by hand or using a digital tool. Start with a basic outline of the continents, then add in rivers, mountains, and other important features. Consider how the landscape affects the people who live there. For example, a desert region might have nomadic tribes that move frequently, while a mountainous region might have a more isolated and self-sufficient population.

Add in Races

Now it’s time to decide on the different races that inhabit your world. Take inspiration from real-world cultures, but feel free to add in your own unique twist. Think about how each race fits into your theme and how they interact with each other. Do some races live in specific regions of the world or are they more spread out?

Develop Your Religion(s)

Religion can play a big role in a fantasy setting. Decide on the major religions that exist in your world and how they affect the people who follow them. What are their core beliefs and practices? How do they interact with each other and with the other races in the world?

Create Important NPCs

Non-player characters (NPCs) can add depth and richness to your world. Start by creating important NPCs such as rulers, legendary heroes, and powerful villains. Consider their motivations, goals, and backstories. How do they fit into your overall story?

Build a History

Your world should have a rich history that helps explain the current state of the world. Think about important events that have happened in the past and how they have shaped the world you are creating. Consider wars, natural disasters, and other significant events. What kind of impact have they had on your world?

Add in Magic

Magic can be a fundamental aspect of a fantasy world. Decide on the rules of magic in your world. How do people learn magic? What kind of magic exists and how is it used? How does magic affect the world?

Create Adventures

Finally, it’s time to start creating adventures for your players. Start by creating a basic storyline that fits into your theme. Consider how your players will interact with and influence the world you have created. Think about the choices they might make along the way and how those choices will affect the outcome of their adventure.

Building your own fantasy world can be a daunting task, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. Start small and build from there. With a little creativity and imagination, you can create a world that your players will love to explore and adventure in.