Creating a D&D Mythology
Across the face of the green country, where castles and towns dot the hillsides and the riverbanks, a series of ancient artefacts stand as monuments. They are remnants, stalwart legacies of a forgotten time. Their magic is powerful, but unknown to the modern kingdom. They are myths, stories. And they are how we will discuss creating a D&D mythology.
Welcome back, adventurers! My name is Ryan of the Red Quills, and today, we're embarking on a journey into the heart of myth and legend. In this episode of The Red Quills Guide to World Design, we'll be exploring the creation of mythology for your D&D world.
In this episode, I’ll be creating more lore and backstory for the world that we’ve been exploring in this series. To that end, I’ll be illustrating this map of the Tors - the archaic towers of the elder giants, from the beginning of creation. And this is an excellent opportunity to explore how to create the mythology that illustrates the backdrop of the world.
If you want to watch the full video tutorial, you can check it out here: Creating a D&D Mythology
Or, if you like the map and want to use it, you can download the full A2 version here: The Tor Network
So, let's grab our quills and parchment and begin weaving the tapestry of your world's mythology!
We’re going to be creating a slightly unusual map today. Like the previous maps, it is usable in the setting of the Kingdom of Endon, which we’ve been exploring throughout this series. But because it maps the ancient towers - and the accompanying Agdu, which we’ll talk about later - it has a different style to usual.
What I’m aiming for is a puzzle of a map, something that can be given to players to decipher, and reveal knowledge and lore incrementally as they progress. So, let’s talk about that. The basis of what we’re working on is the mythology of the world.
Writing Myths and Legends
Creating compelling myths and legends involves understanding the different types of stories that form the foundation of any mythology. Now, we’ll talk about the three types of myths and legends that your world will need, and I’ll illustrate with some examples of my own.
Type 1: Creation and Primordial Myths
Creation myths explain the origins of the world, the gods, and the first beings. These stories often involve cosmic battles, divine interventions, and the formation of the natural order. They provide a sense of awe and mystery, setting the stage for the world your players will explore.
Obviously, this is a huge topic - creating a full religious explanation for the world and everything in it is a daunting task, and is really only the beginning. In order to do it properly, it could be argued that you actually need several versions to explain it all, as different cultures come to different conclusions.
In my case, I’ll be working off the mythology of the giants, to explain the creation of the giants. It may - or may not - be true.
In their view of the universe, they claim that everything began with the void, and the dreamer. The dreamer dreamed the first ones, who created the world itself and all living things on it. There were six kinds of first one, and each was responsible for a different kind of living creature.
But most important to this myth are the youngest of the first ones: the elder giants and the elder dragons. Each was titanic in size and power, and were deathless. But they made children, and hated each other. So they planned for a war, and bred children to be soldiers.
Type 2: Heroic, Transformative, and Transitionary Myths
Heroic myths focus on the deeds of legendary figures who shaped the world through their actions. These stories often involve quests, battles, and transformative journeys that bring about significant change.
For example, the elder giants eventually wasted away. Their bodies, miles long, decayed over time to create forests teeming with their overflowing power. And they entrusted their mission, their history and their magicks, to their mortal children. And they began to explore the world.
The elder giants made the giants, to embody the elemental runes that they had devised. And then they made their heirs, the goliaths. They have a long history, isolated from the other mortal races, and a tradition of great deeds.
But they forgot the purpose of the towers, and the other artefacts of the elder giants, because of their shorter lifespans. Their isolation from the other races led to a dwindling, and they were driven into the mountains by the children of the elder dragons, the yuan-ti.
Type 3: Prophetic and Moral Myths
Prophetic myths foretell future events or the destiny of individuals and nations. Moral myths teach lessons about right and wrong, often involving the gods' punishment or reward for human behaviour.
In my world, the significant prophecy is the Scalemount Prophecy, which tells of a final confrontation between the elder giants and the elder dragons. Long ago, they realised what had happened: when they created the lesser races, they had given each child some small aspect of their power. Over time, as they multiplied, they took more and more.
And so the first ones had dwindled. Unable to truly die, but too weak to live.
The elder giants and the elder dragons disagreed on the solution to this problem: the elder dragons wanted to wipe out the mortal races so that they could be restored to their original power. The elder giants wanted to allow themselves to pass on peacefully. And, according to the prophecy, they would choose champions amongst the mortals to decide in a fight to the death.
Artefacts of the Ancients
So, now we have our mythology. To be frank, I’ve summarised quite a bit for the purposes of this video. I’ll be releasing more information in the accompanying Lore Archive series - as well in the next episode, when I’ll discuss how I wrote the prophecy itself. But let’s move on to how these myths impact the world around them, so that you can explore them.
Artefacts play a significant role in mythology, often carrying the weight of ancient stories and legendary powers. In our case, the artefacts that we’re discussing are the Tor, the towers of the giants, and the Agdu, their elemental cities. They’re… rather larger than most artefacts, but that suits the giants themselves.
Your artefacts can be much smaller, of course. But the principles are the same.
Purpose in the Distant Past and Use in the Modern Day
Artefacts should have a clear purpose in the myths of old, which can provide clues to their current use. These items might have been tools of the gods, symbols of power, or keys to ancient mysteries.
These artefacts are the remnants of an ancient transportation method. The Tors are tall, tapered cylinders of carven stone. They are built around petrified tree trunks that hold bronze wedges called celestiveres, which are the source of the tower’s powers. They use ‘lightning travel’ to teleport instantaneously from one tower to another.
Being Forgotten or Misused
Over time, the true nature and purpose of artefacts can be forgotten, leading to misuse or misunderstanding. This adds a layer of mystery and danger to these items, as well as giving your players the opportunity to discover the use. This map could help players to figure out what the towers do, for instance.
In the modern day, no one truly remembers what the towers can be used for. Their powers are still intact, but since the goliaths were driven from the lowlands into the mountains, they were separated from their artefacts. Over time, how to use them was forgotten.
Substances of Legend
Artefacts might be made from legendary materials that add to their mystique and power. These substances can be rare, difficult to work with, or possess unique properties. The bronze of the celestiveres comes from the bronze wood of the leiptre trees of Agduvar, the City of Storms. It can only be refined in the forges of the fire giants.
More importantly, though, the towers were not built for use in the past. They were built for use in the eventual future conflict between the agents of the elder giants and the elder dragons. The players finding out how to use them is foretold, and will preface the events of the prophecy.
We’re delving deep into mythology now, and it’s getting complex. But let’s not forget the most important part of interacting with legends: the characters.
Creating Legendary Characters
Now that we've established the mythological foundation and the artefacts of the ancients, let's turn our attention to the characters who will bring these stories to life. Legendary characters are the heart and soul of your mythology, their deeds and tales weaving the rich tapestry of your world's history. These figures should be memorable, their actions impactful and resonant with your players.
Great Victories and Inevitable Defeats
Legendary characters are often defined by their great victories and inevitable defeats. These moments of triumph and tragedy shape their legacy and influence the world around them.
Consider the tale of Annapippalagra, the goliath hero known for her many incredible achievements. She was a warrior, a mage, and a diplomat, and her deepest desire was to find some way to rejuvenate her dying mentor, the elder giant Ithilenna. But despite all her accomplishments and her power, she could not - and her very life contributed to the death of what she strove to protect.
Grudges of the Ancient Past
Long-standing grudges and feuds add depth to your characters and their motivations. These ancient animosities can drive the plot and create engaging conflicts for your players to navigate.
In our world, the grudge between the goliaths and the yuan-ti is a direct result of their shared history. The elder giants and elder dragons' ancient war birthed this enmity, carried down through generations. The yuan-ti, children of the elder dragons, drove the goliaths from their ancestral homes, creating a lasting hatred. This grudge shapes the interactions between these races, fueling tensions and providing rich story material.
Truth versus Story
Legends often blur the line between truth and story. The passage of time and the retelling of tales can distort events, creating a mythologized version of history. This ambiguity allows you to play with perceptions and expectations, adding layers of intrigue to your campaign.
Take, for instance, the story of the Stormlord, Ull. According to legend, he was the first of the storm giants, the greatest of the greatest amongst the giants. Some say he was a saviour, protecting his people from the wrath of the dragons. Others claim he was a tyrant, using his abilities to control and dominate. Eventually, he left to explore the world - or perhaps find new powers to bend to his will. It is said that he will return, but he must be long dead by now.
When creating the characters that your players will hear about, or even encounter, always consider the way that story and history treats people.
Dwindling Peoples
As we delve further into the mythological fabric of your world, we encounter the dwindling peoples—those races whose isolation and sense of superiority have led to their cultural and demographic decline. These groups add a layer of melancholy and complexity to your world, embodying the themes of loss, memory, and the inexorable passage of time.
Clinging to the Past, Forgotten by the Future
Isolationist races, like the goliaths and the giants, often cling to their glorious past. But they are also forgotten by the future. Their reluctance to engage with other races and adapt to changing times results in a slow degradation of their once-great civilization.
In the case of the goliaths and the giants, their self-imposed isolation and belief in their own superiority have caused them to retreat from the world. They hold tightly to the remnants of their ancient culture, even as their numbers dwindle and their knowledge fades. The towering Tors and the elemental Agdu cities stand as silent witnesses to their former grandeur, now shrouded in myth and obscurity.
Resentment Inherent to Culture
The goliaths and the giants harbour a deep-seated resentment towards other races, born from their shared history and the ancient conflicts that have shaped their existence. This resentment permeates their culture, influencing their interactions and decisions.
Their disdain for the yuan-ti, children of the elder dragons, is a prime example. Driven from their ancestral homes by the yuan-ti, the goliaths' isolationist stance has only deepened their animosity. This cultural resentment not only isolates them further but also fuels ongoing tensions and conflicts.
Power in Isolation
Despite their decline, these dwindling peoples possess a unique power that stems from their isolation. Their seclusion has allowed them to preserve certain ancient secrets and magics, unknown to the wider world. This hidden knowledge can be a double-edged sword, both a source of strength and a reason for their continued isolation.
The goliaths and the giants still hold the keys to the celestiveres within their ancient towers. The potential power of these artefacts remains untapped, waiting to be rediscovered. This latent power can serve as a crucial element in your campaign, offering players the opportunity to uncover and wield the forgotten magic of the past.
In creating the mythology of your dwindling peoples, emphasise the themes of loss, memory, and isolation. Their stories are a poignant reminder of the inevitable passage of time and the consequences of a closed-off existence.
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As we draw this exploration of mythology to a close, remember that the myths and legends you create will add depth and richness to your world. They provide a backdrop for your campaign, shaping the cultures, conflicts, and adventures your players will experience. By weaving together the threads of ancient artefacts, legendary characters, and dwindling peoples, you create a vibrant tapestry that brings your D&D world to life.
Thank you for joining me, Ryan of the Red Quills, on this journey into the heart of myth and legend. Stay tuned for our next episode! We'll delve even deeper into the lore of the Kingdom of Endon and beyond. Until then, keep your quills sharp and your imaginations sharper.