When describing cities

[Ultramagnus]

I am working on a campaign world and have pretty much completed a world map. I am know creating a locations of interest page for myself and players.

I have never used a campaign setting resource like forgotten realms, planescape, darksun etc and was wondering if anybody could let me know what sort of things would be useful to include in such a description

 

[møgøre]

When describing a campaign world (be it cities or contries), the most obvious comes into mind first. That is things like major personalities, interesting locations, special customs and laws ("yes sir, it is not illegal to eat your wife), important organisations ... etc. etc.

But when that is done you're only half way there. If you're making a city campaign, then you need to have descriptions of the PC's local area. Things like the names of the local smith/bartender/shopowner, you need to be familiar with the outlay of the local tavern, where the local temple is and so on. Simply put - know all the things that make a campaign world a living and beliveable place.

This is just a little of what to do - there are tons and tons of other things that you can do, but the most improtant thing is not to overdo yourself. Always leave some room open for expantion - and if needed improvise.

 

[Hand of Evil]

Steal - take descriptions from books.

Use pictures/art as this s what you see.

Use desciptive language. Place them on index cards and title the cards. Titles can be stuff like, poor side of town, docks, the fish market, the empty streets at night, main street during a parade.