Phil Athans, industry veteran and New York Times Best Selling Author, discusses worldbuilding for RPGs. Highlights include challenges in transitioning RPG editions, managing storytelling consistency in a shared setting, evolution of Forgotten Realms world-building, nostalgic reflections on Greyhawk 2000 project, educational benefits of RPGs, and creating innovative fantasy settings in RPGs.
Worldbuilding in RPGs requires balancing continuity and new storytelling elements.
Transitions between D&D editions pose challenges for magic systems and world continuity.
Corporate acquisitions impact storytelling constraints and world building in tabletop settings.
Deep dives
Worldbuilding for Tabletop Settings and Managing Shared Settings
Creating worlds for tabletop settings and managing shared settings for novelizations is the focus of this episode. The discussion delves into methods for crafting settings for D&D campaigns or collaborative settings. The episode features Phil Athens, a seasoned world builder from Wizards of the Coast, who shares insights on his extensive experience with the Forgotten Realms and world building.
Challenges of Transitioning From Third to Fourth Edition D&D
The episode highlights the challenges faced during the transition from third to fourth edition D&D, particularly in the context of the Forgotten Realms setting. The discussion touches on the complexities of adapting to major rule changes, including the significant impact on magic systems and world continuity. The episode also explores the struggles encountered during the Fourth Edition campaign setting development.
Navigating Changes and Reactions to Fourth Edition
The episode delves into the reactions and adjustments necessitated by the changes introduced in the Fourth Edition D&D campaign setting. It discusses the shift in narrative direction, particularly with the introduction of radical alterations to the magic system. The conversation reflects on the balancing act of maintaining continuity while embracing new storytelling elements and world building concepts.
Impact of Corporate Changes and Business Dynamics on World Building
The episode sheds light on the impact of corporate acquisitions and changing business dynamics on world building within the realm of tabletop settings. It explores the evolution of storytelling constraints and ethical considerations, from the restrictive code of ethics to the gradual loosening of content restrictions. The discussion emphasizes the creative challenges faced and the innovative approaches taken amidst evolving industry norms.
Impact of Role-Playing Games on World Building
The podcast delves into how role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons have significantly influenced world building. It highlights how RPGs have provided a structured way to understand and establish the rules and limitations within fantastical settings. The conversation emphasizes that RPGs compel individuals to consider the specifics of their created worlds, such as magic systems, creatures' abilities, and societal structures.
Evolution of Fantasy World Concepts
The episode also discusses the evolution of fantasy world concepts in RPGs. It mentions the distinction between high fantasy settings like Dragonlance and gritty, sword-and-sorcery worlds like Dark Sun. The conversation explores the need for unique and multifaceted settings that go beyond traditional fantasy tropes, encouraging creators to craft worlds with varied cultures, governments, religions, and magic systems to enhance storytelling possibilities.
Join Dino (Tyler), Chris, and Ragolution as they discuss worldbuilding for RPGs. Focusing particularly on worldbuilding as a shared setting, and getting a behind the scenes look into the RPG publishing world from their special guest. Joining for this episode is industry veteran Phil Athans, who is a New York Times Best Selling Author, founding partner of Athans & Associates Creative Consultants, and former senior editing manager for Wizards of the Coasts on their Forgotten Realms DnD line.
This episode was edited by Anna Hannon.
Phil is running a worldbuilding workshop for Writer's Digest, it can be found here:
