Best sourcebook for a medieval setting

[The Cleric]

I'm currently GMing a homebrew campaing, in a world with no magic (as far as the player know). The action take place in a medieval era where commercial trade lead the world. So, right now, i'm searching for good material like Ships, castles, manors, military ranks etc.... We are using Iron Heores for combat and character issues.

What Kind of book or source does anyone on ENworld use for this kind of work.

Thank you, and sorry for my bad english, i'm not use to write.

Luc

 

[Loonook]

your English isn't that bad... however, as I suggested in my article series in discussion of realistic magical societies, the best current sourcebook (though it is a bit droll and boring at times) is probably Expeditious Retreat Press' Magical Medieval Society: Western Europe.

Though you are playing Iron Heroes and have no magic, the concepts presented in MMS: WE are pretty universal. They discuss a large variety of issues from the clergy, nobility, peerage, etc. which will be highly useful to you quest for a good source.

Slainte,

-Loonook.

 

[HeavenShallBurn]

Expeditious Retreat Press makes one called Magical Medieval Society: Western Europe

despite the name the magical elements can be easily ignored if they aren't applicable. Either way it's the best product on creating a medieval feeling campaign or setting I've ever seen

 

[jdrakeh]

HarnWorld. You already have the low magic rules covered with Iron Heroes, I think. HarnWorld presents a truly low magic fantasy setting, right down to mundane details like trade routes, farming, etc.

 

[Aus_Snow]

You would be lucky to find a book that covered all the things you listed. But yeah, A Magical Medieval Society: Western Europe is OK for most of it.

I agree, HarnWorld is also a very nice resource, regardless of system.

There are a few d20 sources for ships, and a number on military ranks, orders and such things. I'm hesitant to recommend any of them, though.

Dynasties & Demagogues (from Atlas Games) could be handy for the political side of things. But that might be a little outside the requirements. . . anyway, thought I'd mention it. I like it anyhow.

 

[grodog]

Another good resource is White Rose Publishing's Fief and (if you can find it) Medieval France. Fief is now available from S. John Ross' Cumberland Games at http://www222.pair.com/sjohn/fief.htm and he'll eventually get around to re-publishing Medieval France too. Fief is an excellent resource, well-worth picking up.

 

[Roger]

Everything Harn (Ha^rn) is what you want.


Cheers,
Roger

 

[GrumpyOldMan]

Another vote for HârnWorld.

The HârnManor supplement covers manorial economics and gives you some idea on likely guilds.

Pilots Almanac is the ship building and shipping/trading supplement. Even it’s fans think that it’s a little difficult to follow (layout is, er, not good) but you could check out the Hârn Forum as there has been a lot of discussion on shipping and trade recently. Also look for a fan site by Roy Denton (who has been leading the discussion)

http://home.comcast.net/~alienage1/alienage.htm

You’ll find a huge amount of information about mercantylers, usurers etc.