09/18/2024

Today, we continue to build up my Shadowdark Campaign Setting, Shadows of the Sundered Throne. Providing maps in a sandbox-style fantasy TTRPG campaign is crucial because they offer players a tangible sense of the world and the freedom it promises. Large area maps give a broad view of the setting, while local and town maps help ground them in specific locations, making the world feel lived-in and cohesive. These visual aids foster immersion, spark curiosity, and empower players to shape the narrative by choosing where to go and what to investigate. Maps also serve as a useful tool for the GM, helping manage geography, track player decisions, and maintain consistency across sessions.

With that idea in mind, here is a general map of the entire continent of Eldoria.

The Kingdom of Thessaria is on the right side of the map, circled in red. It is one of the smaller Kingdoms that is based on Ancient Greece. The red capital in the center of Thessaria is Athendria with Golden Fields to the east. The campaign should never need to use this map but it is available if the players decide to keep going, have questions about the other Kingdoms, etc.

Here is a local area around Golden Fields. The players will start having an idea of the other local towns but that is it. They are all new to the area (unless something comes out of Session Zero that is interesting enough to include). If they want more information, they must ask the locals (rumors) or explore the region. The hexes are 3 miles each so the players should be able to make it to the other cities in the area by traveling the roads for a day.

Here is the village map of Golden Fields for the players. They will start out knowing only a few of the key locations (inn, general store, church, etc) Since this will start as their base of operation, the players will spend quite a bit of downtime here, at least at the start.

I would print these maps out (in-person game) or provide them as a jpg/pdf (online game) so the players could have a copy to mark up as they discover locations.

The players will know the rumors and background information in the Campaign Sheet (here). Beyond that, they will be given different opportunities by acquiring rumors from the locals, job offers from NPCs, and notes displayed on notice boards, etc.

Keep on gaming!