There are few things surrounding writings about D&D than those who create "tips" for worldbuilding that are fuzzy, utterly lacking in practicality or even describe actual "worldbuilding." Let me offer three examples. First, one from Lou Anders & Travis Vengroff, from dndbeyond.com:
I won't deconstruct these. The schoolchild level of inventiveness is painfully obvious. Here's one from playandground.gg
It's plain from the text that the problem isn't overreaching but "incompetency." Know what you're doing, and why you're making each part, and you're not "overreaching," you're building a masterpiece. Here's one from cbr.com:
With an expenditure of brain sweat of this level on the subject at hand, it's a miracle if you DON'T create an amazing game world. At least the picture has nothing whatsoever to do with the point being made.
I've been stumbling across articles like these for years. "Let me explain in 1,100 words, of which the first two hundred will be an introduction about why the other 900 words are of great importance, how to make a game world." I've glanced through them, noted how useless they are, felt a twinge of fury at how an enormous, largely misunderstood subject is treated with less effort than teaching someone how to make a strawberry tart, and moved on.
Then, perhaps having something to do with my recent Saturnalian celebration post, it's occurred to me that I could address it. I received a recent private letter from M., who knows who he is, about the game world he's starting to build ... and while he didn't ask me for advice, I thought about what I could offer.
What is the point of being furious if we're not going to do something about it.
Well, it's Christmas Day here; the day is ending and everyone's in their beds but me. So I think this is a poor time to dig in. I am a little the worse for rusty nails in liquid form. But ... I'd like to begin a series of posts discussing how to start worldbuilding, with a little more to say than "start small and work up" or "start big and zoom in."
This seems like a worthy effort. I'll get started when my holiday season offers me another window. Merry Christmas, all.
Merry Christmas, Alexis. I trust your grandson (Julian?) enjoyed his first celebration.
ReplyDeleteA year ago it was nearly impossible to type. My hand issue still almost totally a mystery -- and I'm far from recovered -- but slowly regaining range of motion. The only gift I need!
He's 15 months old; crazy number of toys last night, and today. Kid's shoulder deep in toys. But lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteOne day at a time on your hand, Maxwell. One day at a time. I hope they figure out what's wrong soon.
I'm excited for this series. I'm in the early writing stages for my world & have been re-reading your last few chapters in How to Run. I'm curious to see how your thought process has changed over the years. Your work, past & present, is definitely helping me create my "forever-world".
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! Here's to a year of better games with good friends.