Seeking Detailed Setting I Can Ruin

[davout1805]

Hi,
I'm looking to create an exploration sandbox (West March-ish) campaign. What I'd like to do is take a published setting as my setting's past by adding a cataclysm. I'm looking for a setting that has a deep level of detail/history. I know Forgotten Realms has a lot of info and a significant book just on it's history. The problem with FR I see is that the area is so large all that detail is probably spread thin.

I have several of the 1e Harn books but I think I'd like something not as low fantasy as Harn.

Suggestions? Thanks

 

[Neonchameleon]

If you want something steampunky that started life as a dark D&D setting, Privateer Press is currently inflicting a cataclysm (demonic incursion) on its fairly detailed Iron Kingdoms.

 

[davout1805]

If you want something steampunky that started life as a dark D&D setting, Privateer Press is currently inflicting a cataclysm (demonic incursion) on its fairly detailed Iron Kingdoms.

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. But at least one of my players is not into steampunk.

 

[aramis erak]

You might want to look at the D&D known world (aka Mystara) - similar size, but without near as much detail built up.

Kingdoms of Kalamar (Kenzer & Co) is a good option, as well.

Lace and Steel has a fun, Renaissance flavor, and unusual races...

 

[davout1805]

You might want to look at the D&D known world (aka Mystara) - similar size, but without near as much detail built up.

Kingdoms of Kalamar (Kenzer & Co) is a good option, as well.

Lace and Steel has a fun, Renaissance flavor, and unusual races...

I'll have to look at my Grand Duchy of Karameikos. I'll take a look at Kalamar.

Thanks.

 

[davout1805]

Kingdoms of Kalamar (Kenzer & Co) is a good option, as well.

Any books besides the main one you'd recommend for fluff/history. I don't need crunch.

Thanks again.

 

[aramis erak]

Any books besides the main one you'd recommend for fluff/history. I don't need crunch.

Thanks again.

I've only ever gotten the main setting book for KoK... mind you I got that for 2E and again for 3E...

 

[Cergorach]

What about Middle Earth, specifically MERP Middle Earth, pretty detailed imho, has a detailed history, low magic, etc.

 

[hawkeyefan]

I feel like you would need to go with a world that the players know, because otherwise "this is how things are NOW!!!" means a lot less because they aren't familiar with how things were.

So I think the best thing you can do is use the world that most of your players would be familiar with.

 

[davout1805]

I feel like you would need to go with a world that the players know, because otherwise "this is how things are NOW!!!" means a lot less because they aren't familiar with how things were.

So I think the best thing you can do is use the world that most of your players would be familiar with.

I think I need to add some context. The player will be exploring recently discovered continent. This continent will be the post-cataclysm ruined version of said setting. Therefore I prefer a setting the players know nothing about.