D&D 5E Fantasy Appalachia

[MNblockhead]

I've been reading Paul Bunyan (the Wadsworth version) to my boys recently, and he's actually from Maine.
I know the Appalachian Trail runs into Maine, but it's not usually considered part of Appalachia from a cultural/historical perspective.

If you're just doing a "non-coastal America" pastiche though, he's fine. The version we're reading has several unusual monsters:
The Agropelter (hides in trees, throws a club to kill people)
Gumberoo (round, very hard skin, carnivorous, always hungry - but extremely vulnerable to fire)
Whirling Whimpus

SACRILEGE! Paul Bunyon is Minnesotan. Now, there are some weak claims about him being from Wisconsin or Michigan, and he may have spent some time in the Dakota's. I can humor such mistakes with a polite smile. But Maine? Nonsense!

You have me snorting at such a claim with the power of Babe the Blue Ox in full rage.

 

[Tom Bagwell]

Just wanted to second the podcast:

The Old Gods of Appalachia

Great for ideas.

 

[Azzy]

On another thread, it got me thinking. an Appalachia game could have serious potential. The Hat Fields and the Mccoys, giants (that might be where Paul Bunyan originally came from), witches, and trickster anthropomorphic rabbits in a keep on the borderlands environment could have serious potential. then you add the cultural mixing of the north, south, African mythology, and Cherokee and other tribes and whammo, a seriously unique environment. However, feel seriously underqualified in this environment so throwing it out there to see where it leads.

Check out the maps at this seller, they might be fitting for your campaign.

 

[Zardnaar]

Appalachia is also really old geologically.

So any prehistoric races predating dinosaurs......

 

[ccs]

My advice: Don't let anything in your campaign world be recognizable as a homage to something specific in the real world. You can use real world lore for inspiration, but always mix it heavily with something else to make sure it is distinct and does not end up being criticized for insensitivity. You may still get it, but you can say you are intentionally distancing it, at least.

Well, that rules out playing D&D.

 

[Shades of Eternity]

Appalachia is also really old geologically.

So any prehistoric races predating dinosaurs......

Well Rifts did put the Dinosaur Swamp in roughly the same location, so no complaints there.

 

[MockingBird]

I would suggest moving the Natchez Trace and adding it to your new map. The trace could act as a main or secondary highway and it has a lot of cool stories around it. Several famous highwaymen and road houses for the weary traveler.

 

[Twiggly the Gnome]

Another good resource is...

It Still Lives

The podcast of the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center.

 

[THEMNGMNT]

This idea reminds me a bit of Orson Scott Card's Alvin Maker series. I don't love Card's politics, but I really like those books. Worth checking out!

 

[nevin]

This idea reminds me a bit of Orson Scott Card's Alvin Maker series. I don't love Card's politics, but I really like those books. Worth checking out!

Those are a great alternate america.