Matelo Kaloje
11700 PR
Scope
The motivation behind building Matelo Kaloje
This world serves three purposes:
- As an alternative setting for Ghosts of Saltmarsh
- As a new vector for exploring themes of Nature v Industrialization/Fantasy v Modernity, as well as Colonialism
- To correct past worldbuilding mistakes, by truly embedding science, the rules, and culture into the world.
The goal of the project
I am hoping to get a believable, thematic, and playable world for my D&D campaign(s), which will hopefully last quite a while.
Matelo Kaloje's Unique Selling point
The hook is the maritime and colonial focus, as well as the converse opportunity for exploration of Dwarves & the Underdark. The ground and mountains are in contest with the sea and coast.
I am also excited for using the united Spirit World and Spell Points variants.
I am also excited for using the united Spirit World and Spell Points variants.
Theme
Genre
Low magic, flintlock fantasy (maybe take inspiration from gaslamp fantasy?) Technology is pre-industrial, sort of pike and shot with magic (i.e. 15th to 17th centuries). Spells of 3rd level or higher are very rare, casters are not incredibly common but aren't rare.
Given the region and flavor, Northwest Coast Native Americans, Southwestern and Southeastern Native Americans, the Spanish Empire, and the Age of Sail are prime historical inspirations.
Given the region and flavor, Northwest Coast Native Americans, Southwestern and Southeastern Native Americans, the Spanish Empire, and the Age of Sail are prime historical inspirations.
Reader Experience
The world should feel mysterious, with it's blue foliage and rings arching over the sky, and wonderfully beutiful in that mystery. But all of that is a backdrop to the political intrigue of the empire, sea princes, and piracy - along with the ongoing war and colonialism ruining the world. That backdrop isn't merely a static image, however; it ought to be dynamic and respond to the changing world around it.
Reader Tone
Somewhere in the middle, leaning dark but not full-on grimdark. There is wonder and fun and adventure, but it largely deals with serious topics.
Recurring Themes
The dwarves (and humans and rock gnomes) have corrupted the world and ruined much of traditional elf and hafling soceity. The pact made in the Silverwood or whatever will likely be broken a la native treaties. The seas, a magical but dangerous realm beneath, are covered in pirates and scoundrals. Meanwhile, the spirit world is increasingly retreating.
The ruins scattered around the landscape hint to the ruined civilzations lost to Colonailsim. Many cultures despise dragons (at least the Chromatic ones), and perhaps soon they too will disappear from this world.
Character Agency
They should have a great deal of agency. In GoS, they are involved in the local politics and unveiling a conspiracy. They have the ability to greatly impact the local area and larger politics of the realm.
Focus
Drama
Colonial expansion
Show spoiler
The Scarlet Brotherhood
The Sea Princes
The retreat of nature
Dragons and their Decline
Deep History & Revisionism