Conflict: A village should feature both internal and external conflicts to remain engaging for the PCs. This doesn’t necessarily mean open fighting in the streets, but there should be tension or friction between different individuals or societal segments. Some conflicts may be evident to the PCs, while others might be hidden, but all contribute to shaping the village’s physical and social landscapes. Without some form of conflict, a settlement can seem dull and unrealistic for adventurers.
- Internal Conflicts: These are the tensions that arise within the village itself. They could stem from disagreements between families, rival businesses, or even differing religious or political views. For example, a village might have a longstanding feud between two prominent families, or a group of villagers could be upset about a new policy enforced by the village leader.
- External Conflicts: These are challenges that come from outside the village, such as threats from nearby rival settlements, roaming bandits, or natural disasters. For instance, a village might be on edge due to frequent raids by a neighboring tribe, or they might be struggling to recover from a recent flood that destroyed many homes.
Flavour: Adding unique local flavour can distinguish a village from its neighbors. Consider whether the villagers have particular religious practices, celebrate certain festivals with enthusiasm, or if the buildings and clothing have a distinct style.
- Religious Practices: The villagers might worship a deity unique to their area, with rituals and ceremonies that are unlike those in other settlements. Perhaps they have a sacred grove where they hold moonlit ceremonies, or a temple with a distinctive architectural style.
- Festivals: Festivals can provide a lot of local colour. Maybe the village celebrates a harvest festival with unique games, dances, and foods, or they have a week-long celebration every spring where everyone decorates their homes with flowers and greenery.
- Architecture and Clothing: The design of the buildings and the style of clothing can also add to the village’s uniqueness. Perhaps the houses are built from a rare type of wood found only in the nearby forest, or the villagers wear brightly colored fabrics that they dye themselves using local plants.
History: A well-defined, vibrant, and relevant history should be apparent in the village’s layout and condition. It’s intriguing if the village has secrets in its past that perceptive or diligent PCs can uncover.
- Historical Events: These could include significant events like battles, plagues, or visits from famous figures. For example, the village might have been the site of a major battle long ago, and remnants of this past could be seen in the ruins of an old fortress or the local legends told by the elders.
- Secrets: Hidden aspects of the village’s history can provide great plot hooks. Maybe there’s a forgotten crypt beneath the village that holds the remains of a cursed noble, or the village was once home to a powerful wizard whose abandoned tower still stands on the outskirts.
Industry: The trades, industries, and shops present should logically fit within the village’s context. For instance, unless there’s a good reason, there shouldn’t be magic shops or highly skilled weaponsmiths just waiting for adventurers to visit.
- Local Resources: The industries should reflect the natural resources available nearby. A village near a forest might have a thriving lumber trade, while one near a river could be known for its fishing and boat-building.
- Economic Activities: The types of shops and tradespeople should make sense for the village’s size and location. A small village might only have basic amenities like a general store, blacksmith, and tavern, whereas a larger or more strategically located settlement could have specialized craftsmen, such as a weaver or a potter.
Nearby Adventures: Place a nearby site of adventure, such as a ruin, haunted forest, or old burial mound, for the PCs to explore if they choose.
- Adventure Sites: These could be ancient ruins, mysterious forests, abandoned mines, or any other location that promises excitement and danger. For example, an old castle ruin on a hill could be rumored to be haunted, or a dark forest nearby could be home to dangerous creatures and hidden treasures.
- Accessibility: These sites should be close enough for the PCs to reach relatively easily but far enough that getting there poses a challenge. This allows for interesting travel encounters and heightens the sense of adventure.
NPCs: Describe key NPCs in a memorable and evocative manner. Many NPCs should have their own goals, aspirations, quirks, and relationships, enhancing the sense that the village is a living place and its inhabitants are not merely waiting for adventurers to arrive.
- Distinctive Characters: Give each key NPC unique traits and backstories. Perhaps the village blacksmith is a former soldier with tales of war, or the innkeeper is known for her incredible storytelling abilities and mysterious past.
- Personal Goals and Relationships: NPCs should have their own lives and ambitions. For example, the local healer might be secretly researching a cure for a rare disease, while the mayor is struggling to maintain peace between feuding families.
Reason for Existence: Every settlement needs a reason for its existence. Perhaps the village formed around a small castle or straddles the only ford for miles. This reason often significantly influences the settlement’s physical makeup and population.
- Strategic Location: The village might be situated at a critical crossroads, near a valuable resource, or at a defensible location. For instance, a village at the only river crossing for miles would naturally become a hub for trade and travel.
- Founding Purpose: Consider why the village was originally established. Was it to support a nearby mine, serve as a trading post, or protect a vital route? This origin will shape the village’s development and current status.
Final Note: Remember, the inhabitants need food and water to survive. Every village should be near a fresh water source and ideally be able to provide for its own food needs to some extent.
- Water Source: Ensure there is a reliable water source, such as a river, lake, or well, near the village. This is crucial for the village’s survival and can also provide opportunities for interesting geographical features and challenges.
- Food Supply: Villages typically grow crops, raise livestock, or rely on local hunting and foraging. The village should have fields, pastures, or orchards, depending on the local environment, and possibly a market where villagers trade goods.
