Page 31 - Dungeon Master's Guide

Who or what is to blame for the loss? 8. DISCOVERY, EXPANSION, INVENTION
Describe an immediate consequence of the loss. Discoveries of new lands expand the map and change
Forecast one way that the loss impacts or changes the boundaries of empires. Discoveries of new magic
the world in the long term. Who or what suffers the or technology expand the boundaries of what was once
most as a result of the loss? Who or what benefits the thought possible. New resources or archaeological finds
most from it? create opportunity and wealth and set prospectors and
power groups in motion to vie for their control.
7. NEW ORGANIZATION
A new discovery-or rediscovery-can impact your
The foundation of a new order, kingdom, religion,
campaign world in a meaningful way, shaping the
society, cabal, or cult can shake the world with its
course of history and the events of the age. Think of this
actions, doctrine, dogma, and policies. On a local
discovery as a big adventure hook or series of hooks.
scale, a new organization contends with existing power
This is also an opportunity to create a unique monster,
groups, influencing, subverting, dominating, or allying
item, god, plane, or race for your world. As long as the
with them to create a stronger base of power. Large
discovery matters, it doesn't have to be wholly original,
and powerful organizations can exert enough influence
just flavored for your campaign.
to rule the world. Some new organizations benefit the
A discovery is particularly impressive when the
populace, while others grow to threaten the civilization
adventurers in your campaign are the ones who
they once protected. make it. If they discover a new mineral with magical
Perhaps an important new organization arises in one properties, map a new land that's eminently suitable
part of your world. It could have humble or auspicious for colonization, or uncover an ancient weapon with
beginnings, but one thing is certain: it is destined to the power to wreak devastation on your world, they
change the world as long as it progresses along its
are likely to set major events in motion. This gives
present course. Sometimes an organization's alignment
the players the opportunity to see exactly how much
is apparent from inception, but its morality can remain influence their actions have on your world.
ambiguous until its doctrines, policies, and traditions Decide on the type of discovery that is made or use
are revealed over time. Choose the type of organization, the Discoveries table to generate ideas.
or use the New Organizations table to generate ideas.
DISCOVERIES
NEW ORGANIZATIONS
dl 0 Discovery
dlO New Organization
Ancient ruinflost city of a legendary race
Crime syndicatejbandit confederacy
2 Animalfmonsterfmagical mutation
2 Guild (masons, apothecaries, goldsmiths)
3 lnventionftechnologyjmagic (helpful, destructive)
3 Magical circlefsociety
4 New (or forgotten) god or planar entity
4 Military/knightly order
5 New (or rediscovered) artifact or religious relic
5 New family dynastyftribejclan
6 New land (island, continent, lost world , demiplane)
6 Philosophy/discipline dedicated to a principle or ideal
7 Otherworldly object (planar portal, alien spacecraft)
7 Realm (village, town, duchy, kingdom)
8 People (race, tribe, lost civilization , colony)
8 Religionjsectjdenomination
9 Plant (miracle herb, fungal parasite, sentient plant)
9 Schoolfuniversity
10 Resource or wealth (gold, gems, mithral)
10 Secret societyfcultfcabal
Once you have determined the type of discovery, flesh
Then consider some or all of the following options:
it out by deciding exactly what it is, who discovered
The new order supplants a current power group in it, and what potential effect it could have on the
the world, gaining territory, converts, or defectors and world. Ideally, previous adventures in your campaign
reducing the previous power group's numbers. Who or will help you fill in the blanks, but also keep the
what does the foundation of this new order supplant? following in mind:
The new order appeals to a specific audience. Decide This discovery benefits a particular person, group, or
whether this order attracts a certain race, social class,
faction more than others. Who benefits most? Name
or character class.
three benefits they stand to gain from this discovery.
The leader of this new order is known for a particular
This discovery directly harms another person, group,
quality valued by his or her followers. Elaborate on
or faction. Who is harmed the most?
why they respect him or her for this quality, and
• This discovery has consequences. Name three
what actions this leader has taken to retain the
repercussions or side effects. Who ignores the
followers' support.
repercussions?
A rival group opposes the foundation of this new
Name two or three individuals or factions struggling
organization. Choose an existing power group from
to possess or control this discovery. Who is likely to
your campaign to oppose the new organization, or
win? What do they stand to gain, and what are they
create one from the categories on the table. Decide willing to do to control the discovery?
why they oppose the new group, who leads them, and
what they plan to do to stop their rival.
CHAPTER l I A WORLD OF YOUR OWN
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