(c) Jerry Harris, 2013
Published here as Open Game Content.
Characters
History 1, History 2
Personalities 1, Personalities 2
Groups 1, Groups 2
Places 1, Places 2
Items 1, Items 2
Adventure and Sample County
Keeper Hill Adventure
Playing in the Real (but Mythic) World
This setting is essentially set in the real world, with its actual geography and history. More or less. It functions on the conceit that it also incorporates the mythology of the world as well. It is the real world, but with working magic, actual monsters, and an Otherworld where most supernatural beings normally live. The world still looks about the same however, because the magic users are very rare, the monsters are probably even more rare, and the Otherworld is not easily accessible.
This particular setting is set in a fantasy Ireland. It is vaguely historical, but not strictly, so no complaints. Why Ireland? Mostly this is thanks to the careful preservation of their ancient myths by Christian monks. I’m a bit more familiar with this mythology than some others, because of this. Also, there is the concept of the Fianna (the King’s men), which I’ve taken liberties with, that I think would work well in an RPG setting.
Overview
The characters are members of the King’s Men. They are the field agents of the high-king and loyal only to him. Their commission is to keep all of Ireland safe from foreign (and supernatural) domination and to help keep the peace internally.
This is a big task. Norsemen have colonized the coasts and invaded inland. The monstrous Fomorians (monsters and humanoids) are constantly plotting a return to power. Mysterious dwarves and mischievous fey bring trouble from their realms. The Irish people are fractured into many clans and minor kingdoms, nearly all of which are spoiling for a fight with one another. The land is Christian and disempowered druids and bards sulk in the shadows, seeking a return to preeminence. There are haunted ancient battlefields and prehistoric tombs (possibly containing powerful lost magical items) to explore.
This should all keep the characters busy for quite a while.
My research was based mostly on a couple of general mythology books and especially The Flowering of Ireland by Katharine Scherman. I should warn that many of the places and people listed are subject to many variant spellings. Also, the myths and stories are also not entirely consistent. Yes, I’m aware the text and the Wikipedia links may be completely at odds with each other. They’re just there to provide additional on-line material. While I’m open to any corrections from Irish mythologists, otherwise, just go with it.
This is one of the better maps I’ve seen of Ireland. It’s modern, but I think it’ll work well as an overview for a campaign.
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