Allowed to live near the elite but can never own property.
Some have minor magical privileges, but they are highly regulated.
Green (The Governed)
Bureaucrats, scholars, and minor nobles.
Tasked with maintaining laws and governing lower castes.
Limited access to magic and knowledge.
Blue (The Chosen)
Elite scholars, military officers, and those trained in magic.
Control magic research and dictate policies in Veymoor and Eldraxis.
Rarely interact with lower castes unless enforcing laws.
Violet (The Sovereign)
The ruling elite, royalty, and high priests.
Reside in Eldraxis, governing with absolute power.
Have full access to magic and divine knowledge.
White (The Ascended)
A near-mythical class, seen as godlike figures.
Few ever meet them, and their existence is shrouded in mystery.
Believed to be immortal, divine, or something beyond human.
Their word is absolute law, and their presence is considered a holy event.
Black (The Silent)
Elite secret service agents chosen by the Violets or Whites.
Operate in secrecy, enforcing laws, eliminating threats, and protecting the elite.
Their identities are hidden, and their loyalty is unquestioned.
The Language of Elarin
In my D&D world, Elarin is the refined and sophisticated language of the upper class, scholars, and ruling elite. It is a language of power, diplomacy, and tradition, often associated with nobility, high-ranking officials, and those who wield influence. Common folk may know a few words or phrases, but full fluency is typically reserved for those born into privilege or those who have spent years in study.
How It Works:
Everyday Writing: When written in normal contexts—such as books, official documents, or conversation—Elarin follows a recognizable alphabet, making it readable to those who understand the language.
Magical Script: However, when used in magical texts, spell scrolls, or arcane inscriptions, Elarin is written in an ancient, symbolic script. Each letter of the standard alphabet is replaced with a unique symbol (e.g., A = 𐌀, R = 𐌔, etc.), making these writings indecipherable to the untrained eye. This reinforces the belief that magic is something separate, sacred, and inaccessible to the unworthy.
Cultural Importance:
Elarin is a status marker—those who speak and write it fluently are often people of influence.
It is the language of law, governance, and academia, ensuring that the lower castes struggle to fully understand the workings of the elite.
The arcane script is said to hold inherent magical properties, making spellcasting more precise and powerful when written properly.
Who Uses Elarin?
The Nobility & Ruling Class – The Sovereign caste and other high-ranking individuals use Elarin in official decrees and formal settings.
Scholars & Scribes – Those who study history, law, and magic must be fluent in Elarin to access ancient knowledge.
Magic Users – Wizards, sorcerers, and scholars of the arcane write spells in the magical script to enhance their potency.
Priests & Theologians – Sacred texts and divine scriptures are often recorded in Elarin, reinforcing the connection between faith and power.
a – a Abacus – abak about – beron Acid – asid Alchemist's Fire – alkereth all – ala also – duva Ammunition – amun Amulet – amul antioxin – antoksin Arcane focus – arkafok Armor – kash Art – arol as – kas at – ta backpack – bakpak ball bearings – balber barrel – barol Basket – basik BattleAxe (Weapon) – batak be – es because – sora Bedroll – bedrol Bell – bel Blanket – blanet Block and tackle – bloktak Blowgun (Weapon) – blogon Blowgun needles – blognid Book – buk Breastplate (Armor) – bratal Brewer – bruvr bright – liri Bucket – buket by – bes Calligrapher – kaligraf Caltrops – kaltrop can – fir Candle – kandel Carpenter – karpenter Cartographer – kartografr Case (for map or scroll) – kesa Chain Mail (Armor) – shen maal Chain Shirt (Medium Armor) – shen shir Chalk – shalak Chest – chesa Climber's kit – klimkit Clothes (common) – klotha Clothes (costume) – klotora Clothes (fine) – klothin Clothes (traveler’s) – klothar Club (Weapon) – klub Cobbler – kobler come – veni Component pouch – komponpuk Cook – kuk could – fira Crossbow (hand) (Weapon) – kroshand Crossbow (heavy) (Weapon) – zor krosbow Crossbow (Light) (Weapon) – krosbow Crossbow bolts – krosbol Crowbar – krorab crystal – krisal Dagger (Weapon) – dagor Dart (Weapon) – dart do – ful Druidic focus – drufok Emblem – emblem even – evan find – lavu Finesse – fini fire – reth first – piran Fishing tackle – fisatak Flail (Weapon) – flal Flask or tankard – flasikar forest – tava friend – doru from – fren Gems – kevar get – gor Glaive (Weapon) – gliv Glass Bottle – glasbot Glassblower – glasblor go – gon Grappling hook – grakrok Greataxe (Weapon) – grekak Greatclub (Weapon) – graklub Halberd (Weapon) – halber Half Plate (Armor) – hem tal Hammer (sledge) – hamtrak Hammer (tool) – hamtak Handaxe (Weapon) – handak have – hena he/she – sil Healer’s kit – healkit heart – keval Heavy – zor Heavy Armor – zor kash her – sila here – heri Hide (Armor) – hidan kash him – silo his – silor Holy symbol – holsym Holy water (flask) – holwaen Hourglass – hurglas how – kuran Hunting trap – huntrap I – eth Ink – inka Ink pen – inkpen into – enan it – it Items – ivar its – itor Javelin (Weapon) – javlin Jeweler – zelker Jewelry – zelinor Jug or pitcher – kugor just – jast kind – dor Ladder – ladar Lamp – lampa Lance (Weapon) – lank Lantern (bullseye) – lanber Lantern (hooded) – lanhud Leather (Armor) – leran kash Leatherworker – lerakut Light – leva Light Armor – leva kash Light Hammer (Weapon) – leva hamar like – lasa Loading – lodin Lock – lok Longbow (Weapon) – lonbow Longsword (Weapon) – longsal look – loku Mace (Weapon) – masak Magic – selar Magnifying glass – magglas make – maka man – maro Manacles – manakl Mason – masin Maul (Weapon) – maul me – etha Medium Armor – mido kash Mess kit – meskit Mirror (steel) – mirstel moon – luna more – morin Morningstar (Weapon) – morstar mountain – milo my – ethin mysterious – fen Navigator – navator Net (Weapon) – net new – niva not (negation) – ne now – nora of – ov Oil (flask) – oilflas only – olin orb – orba other – otan our – enosin out – tor Padded (Armor) – padin kash Painter – paintir Paper – papir Parchment – parkin people – paro Perfume (vial) – perfuvil Pick (miner’s) – pikmin Pike (Weapon) – pik Piton – piton Plate (Armor) – tal kash Poison (basic) – poisbas Pole – pol Pot (iron) – potir Potion of healing – potheal Potter – potar Pouch – puch Quarterstaff (Weapon) – kwar taf question marker – ra Quiver – kiver Ram (portable tool) – ramak Range – ranor Rapier (Weapon) – rapir Rations (food) – ratin Reach – rech Reliquary – relik Ring Mail (Armor) – reng maal Robes – robas rod – roda Rope (hempen) – rophem Rope (silk) – ropsil Sack – sak say – sal Scale (merchant’s) – skamar Scale Mail (Medium Armor) – skal maal Scimitar (Weapon) – scimit Sealing wax – sewalak Shield – sharn Shortbow (Weapon) – shorbow Shortsword (Weapon) – shorsal Shovel – shoval Sickle (Weapon) – sikar Signal whistle – sigwis Signet ring – sigrin Silvered – kelorid Sling (Weapon) – slin Slings bullets – slinbul Smith – smith Soap – sap Spear (Weapon) – selak Special – spal Spellbook – spelbuk Spikes (iron) – spikir Splint (Armor) – splin kash Sprig of mistletoe – sprimisto Spyglass – spiglas Stealth – shilan strong – zal Studded Leather (Armor) – stur leran kash sun – ara Tent (two-person) – tentiv than – thar that – tha the – te their – venin them – vena then – tena there – tera these – tesa they – ven thing – thal think – thiv this – thi those – thesa Thrown – throrn Tinderbox – tindrak Tinker – tinkar to know – ken to run – var to see – mir to shine – sel to speak – dal Torch – torch Totem – totam Trade – trel Trade Goods – trelikar Trident (Weapon) – tridn two – tiva Two-Handed – duhan up – upa use – usen Versatile – versin very – vera Vial – vil want – velar War Pick (Weapon) – warpik Warhammer (Weapon) – warham water – aen Waterskin – aenskin way – vay we (inclusive) – enos Weapons – kolaror Weaver – vevar well – wela what – hata when – hena Whetstone – hetston which – hichi Whip (Weapon) – whip who – hwi will – wil Woodcarver – tavkar Wooden staff – tavstaf would – wold Yew wand – evvand you – thir
A → 𐌀 B → 𐌁 C → 𐌂 D → 𐌃 E → 𐌄 F → 𐌅 G → 𐌆 H → 𐌇 I → 𐌉 J → 𐌊 K → 𐌋 L → 𐌌 M → 𐌎 N → 𐌏 O → 𐌑 P → 𐌒 Q → 𐌓 R → 𐌔 S → 𐌕 T → 𐌖 U → 𐌗 V → 𐌘 W → 𐌙 X → 𐌚 Y → 𐌛 Z → 𐌜
Calendar Breakdown:
Arcanum Calendar: Every year consists of 10 Arcs (each 40 days) plus 5 extra Unbound Days that defy regular time, offering opportunities for wild magical events. Each Arc is themed by a set of deities—think renewal, agriculture, magic, storms, trickery, death, war, lore, endurance, and celebration. This makes each segment of the year not only a marker of time but also a direct influence on your world's events, magic, and cultural shifts.
Scaling Up Time:
Years: Use the basic unit, e.g., “Year 24” within the current Aeon.
Decades: A decade is 10 consecutive years, each assigned a thematic title like the Decade of Awakening, Bounty, Innovation, Storms, Shadows, Endings, Valor, Wisdom, Trials, or Celebration.
Aeons: An Aeon spans 100 years (10 Decades) and ends in a “Grand Convergence” — a rare celestial/magical event that can serve as a major campaign pivot.
Shorthand Notation:
You can condense a full date into a compact form, instead of: 3rd Aeon, Year 24, Decade of Shadow, Arc 7, Day 16. 3A24, DoS, A7 D16
3A24: Aeon 3, Year 24
DoS: Decade of Shadows (for example)
A7 D16: Arc 7, Day 16
Decade Abbreviations:
Decade of Awakening – DoA
Decade of Bounty – DoB
Decade of Innovation – DoI
Decade of Storms – DoSt
Decade of Shadows – DoSh
Decade of Endings – DoE
Decade of Valor – DoV
Decade of Wisdom – DoW
Decade of Trials – DoT
Decade of Celebration – DoC
Money:
Bronze (br) – The Foundation of Trade
Shape & Size: Roughly circular but with a slightly irregular, hammered edge, Bronze coins measure around 15 mm in diameter and are thin, about 1.5–2 mm thick. Their uneven surface not only makes them easy to grip but also symbolizes their role as the working-class currency.
Material & Texture: Made from a copper alloy, they have a warm, earthy glow and a gritty, matte finish that quickly tarnishes with use. The slight imperfections are celebrated—each coin is a testament to its widespread circulation and long service in everyday life.
Argent (ag) – The Refined Standard
Shape & Size: Unlike Bronze, Argent coins boast a perfect, smooth circle with a diameter of about 18 mm. Their edges are crisp and finely reeded, lending a sense of precision and quality that sets them apart.
Material & Texture: Crafted from polished silver, these coins reflect light with a subtle gleam. Their surface is almost mirror-like, accentuating the detailed engravings and intricate filigree that define their elegance.
Aureus (au) – The Gold Standard
Shape & Size: Aureus coins are larger and heftier—perfect circles around 22 mm in diameter with a satisfying thickness of approximately 3–4 mm. Their size is a constant reminder that gold isn’t just money; it’s a measure of true wealth and influence.
Material & Texture: Cast in genuine gold (or a high-quality alloy to emulate it), these coins exude opulence with their warm, radiant sheen. Their surface is meticulously polished, yet features deliberately deep, reeded edges that speak to the coin’s storied history.
Regal (rg) – The Pinnacle of Wealth
Shape & Size: Regal coins break from tradition with an unconventional design—a slightly oval medallion, roughly 28–30 mm across, with beveled edges that catch the light from every angle. Their greater heft and size (around 4–5 mm thick) make them unmistakable tokens of supreme status.
Material & Texture: Composed of a rare, lustrous alloy with flecks of precious metals, Regal coins are designed to dazzle. They have a high polish finish and sometimes incorporate subtle inlays of gemstones or enamel accents that underscore their ceremonial value.
Help...
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My top 3 answers: "You can try to do that." "No, that does not mean I like pans." "Yes, I am pansexual."
I'm not sure precisely what you feel is lacking or what you want but here's a few random thoughts/questions which jumped out at me while reading which hopefully are helpful.
Is the entire world these 5 united but disparate floating islands or does there exist nations beyond it? - more nations gives you more options for quests I find but also it would make it more complicated.
What's the purpose of maintaining Hollow and its people? It is effort, even if only a minimal one, to do so, so for what purposes do they need expendable people?
Is there a middle class?
You'll need Key places for each area, e.g.:
Eldraxis – Palace, some mansions of key figures, offices for the most important officials, some kind of place of entertainment perhaps
Veymoor – The main college, independent researcher labs.
Ironreach – A few main factories, mining operations, etc
Driftmark – Some flats are notable for being the best in the area, a tavern
The Hollow – a desolate slum area, probably several taverns
Organisations:
The city watch - who are they, ranking system, do they exist on all the levels and do they have varying levels of equipment
The palace guard
Mages - are they all united in one group or are there a diversity of competing groups (I prefer the latter, because I think it gives more to work with - in this case what are their different aims? What do they disagree on? Whose favour [if anyone's[ are they trying to win).
Thieves Guilds
For the labourers, they can't really unionise, but maybe they make some equivalent of guilds for the different jobs where they try to take care of their own (since the elite will only do that barely)?
You'll also need to design the key NPCs for each area:
The King, Watch Commander, Champion perhaps, Leaders of each area and/or notable people from each group/island/caste.
That's all I've time for now, but hopefully it's a little helpful. With specific questions about what you need help with, I can clearer advice.
Also, how do you organize all your information? What systems do you use to break stuff up into separate documents? (As of right now, I have everything in one long GoogleDoc that is not organized)
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My top 3 answers: "You can try to do that." "No, that does not mean I like pans." "Yes, I am pansexual."
I just organise my stuff into separate files/folders on dropbox - I put organisations in one folder, places in another, deities in another, etc, and then I'll further divide it up according to my needs, e.g. organisations -> mercenaries -> purple dragon knights & heroes of salvation (or whatever).
I tend to start with all my info in one place, as you've done, and then create separate documents with more details (and do the same again if those separate documents start getting too full).
This works for me. Not sure, if it would suit everyone. I know 'Kanka' is an online worldbuilding management site for RPGs & such. As far as I know it's free.
I plan on having the Hollow there as the place for adventures. I'm waiting to share more details on each island until I have a better map.
Regarding the City Guard, Blues are the military officers and Yellows are the guards.
Regarding the Mages. That is a great idea. I'll need to create that system and people.
Regarding the Guilds. I think this is smart. When I get to mapping out Ironreach I'll implement this.
1) So does it serve no other purpose?
1.2) Also possible overarching quest suggestion, if you do decide that the expendables have outlived their usefulness (according to the powers that be in your world), you could create a secret plot for the destruction of the Hollow island inhabitants - secret because (a) they want to have to deal with the hassle of riots, etc and (b) they don't the other peoples worrying that it might happen to them as well in the future.
Some other random thoughts for important buildings:
Banks, a colosseum/arena, gambling dens (Hollow), Casino (Eldraxis)
Is there a prison or do all criminals of any kind from any caste just end up in Hollow?
Are the higher castes indifferent to the lower classes or actively exploiting in immoral ways? - here I'm thinking less slave labour and more say using them in the equivalent of death matches.
This all my current thoughts. I'll have another look/think about this later and get back to you again.
Hope it helps.
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First time building my own world, I need help.
This is what I have so far.
The Five Floating Islands
The Caste System & Crystal Markings
Caste Colors & Their Roles
Black (The Silent)
The Language of Elarin
In my D&D world, Elarin is the refined and sophisticated language of the upper class, scholars, and ruling elite. It is a language of power, diplomacy, and tradition, often associated with nobility, high-ranking officials, and those who wield influence. Common folk may know a few words or phrases, but full fluency is typically reserved for those born into privilege or those who have spent years in study.
How It Works:
Cultural Importance:
Who Uses Elarin?
a – a
Abacus – abak
about – beron
Acid – asid
Alchemist's Fire – alkereth
all – ala
also – duva
Ammunition – amun
Amulet – amul
antioxin – antoksin
Arcane focus – arkafok
Armor – kash
Art – arol
as – kas
at – ta
backpack – bakpak
ball bearings – balber
barrel – barol
Basket – basik
BattleAxe (Weapon) – batak
be – es
because – sora
Bedroll – bedrol
Bell – bel
Blanket – blanet
Block and tackle – bloktak
Blowgun (Weapon) – blogon
Blowgun needles – blognid
Book – buk
Breastplate (Armor) – bratal
Brewer – bruvr
bright – liri
Bucket – buket
by – bes
Calligrapher – kaligraf
Caltrops – kaltrop
can – fir
Candle – kandel
Carpenter – karpenter
Cartographer – kartografr
Case (for map or scroll) – kesa
Chain Mail (Armor) – shen maal
Chain Shirt (Medium Armor) – shen shir
Chalk – shalak
Chest – chesa
Climber's kit – klimkit
Clothes (common) – klotha
Clothes (costume) – klotora
Clothes (fine) – klothin
Clothes (traveler’s) – klothar
Club (Weapon) – klub
Cobbler – kobler
come – veni
Component pouch – komponpuk
Cook – kuk
could – fira
Crossbow (hand) (Weapon) – kroshand
Crossbow (heavy) (Weapon) – zor krosbow
Crossbow (Light) (Weapon) – krosbow
Crossbow bolts – krosbol
Crowbar – krorab
crystal – krisal
Dagger (Weapon) – dagor
Dart (Weapon) – dart
do – ful
Druidic focus – drufok
Emblem – emblem
even – evan
find – lavu
Finesse – fini
fire – reth
first – piran
Fishing tackle – fisatak
Flail (Weapon) – flal
Flask or tankard – flasikar
forest – tava
friend – doru
from – fren
Gems – kevar
get – gor
Glaive (Weapon) – gliv
Glass Bottle – glasbot
Glassblower – glasblor
go – gon
Grappling hook – grakrok
Greataxe (Weapon) – grekak
Greatclub (Weapon) – graklub
Halberd (Weapon) – halber
Half Plate (Armor) – hem tal
Hammer (sledge) – hamtrak
Hammer (tool) – hamtak
Handaxe (Weapon) – handak
have – hena
he/she – sil
Healer’s kit – healkit
heart – keval
Heavy – zor
Heavy Armor – zor kash
her – sila
here – heri
Hide (Armor) – hidan kash
him – silo
his – silor
Holy symbol – holsym
Holy water (flask) – holwaen
Hourglass – hurglas
how – kuran
Hunting trap – huntrap
I – eth
Ink – inka
Ink pen – inkpen
into – enan
it – it
Items – ivar
its – itor
Javelin (Weapon) – javlin
Jeweler – zelker
Jewelry – zelinor
Jug or pitcher – kugor
just – jast
kind – dor
Ladder – ladar
Lamp – lampa
Lance (Weapon) – lank
Lantern (bullseye) – lanber
Lantern (hooded) – lanhud
Leather (Armor) – leran kash
Leatherworker – lerakut
Light – leva
Light Armor – leva kash
Light Hammer (Weapon) – leva hamar
like – lasa
Loading – lodin
Lock – lok
Longbow (Weapon) – lonbow
Longsword (Weapon) – longsal
look – loku
Mace (Weapon) – masak
Magic – selar
Magnifying glass – magglas
make – maka
man – maro
Manacles – manakl
Mason – masin
Maul (Weapon) – maul
me – etha
Medium Armor – mido kash
Mess kit – meskit
Mirror (steel) – mirstel
moon – luna
more – morin
Morningstar (Weapon) – morstar
mountain – milo
my – ethin
mysterious – fen
Navigator – navator
Net (Weapon) – net
new – niva
not (negation) – ne
now – nora
of – ov
Oil (flask) – oilflas
only – olin
orb – orba
other – otan
our – enosin
out – tor
Padded (Armor) – padin kash
Painter – paintir
Paper – papir
Parchment – parkin
people – paro
Perfume (vial) – perfuvil
Pick (miner’s) – pikmin
Pike (Weapon) – pik
Piton – piton
Plate (Armor) – tal kash
Poison (basic) – poisbas
Pole – pol
Pot (iron) – potir
Potion of healing – potheal
Potter – potar
Pouch – puch
Quarterstaff (Weapon) – kwar taf
question marker – ra
Quiver – kiver
Ram (portable tool) – ramak
Range – ranor
Rapier (Weapon) – rapir
Rations (food) – ratin
Reach – rech
Reliquary – relik
Ring Mail (Armor) – reng maal
Robes – robas
rod – roda
Rope (hempen) – rophem
Rope (silk) – ropsil
Sack – sak
say – sal
Scale (merchant’s) – skamar
Scale Mail (Medium Armor) – skal maal
Scimitar (Weapon) – scimit
Sealing wax – sewalak
Shield – sharn
Shortbow (Weapon) – shorbow
Shortsword (Weapon) – shorsal
Shovel – shoval
Sickle (Weapon) – sikar
Signal whistle – sigwis
Signet ring – sigrin
Silvered – kelorid
Sling (Weapon) – slin
Slings bullets – slinbul
Smith – smith
Soap – sap
Spear (Weapon) – selak
Special – spal
Spellbook – spelbuk
Spikes (iron) – spikir
Splint (Armor) – splin kash
Sprig of mistletoe – sprimisto
Spyglass – spiglas
Stealth – shilan
strong – zal
Studded Leather (Armor) – stur leran kash
sun – ara
Tent (two-person) – tentiv
than – thar
that – tha
the – te
their – venin
them – vena
then – tena
there – tera
these – tesa
they – ven
thing – thal
think – thiv
this – thi
those – thesa
Thrown – throrn
Tinderbox – tindrak
Tinker – tinkar
to know – ken
to run – var
to see – mir
to shine – sel
to speak – dal
Torch – torch
Totem – totam
Trade – trel
Trade Goods – trelikar
Trident (Weapon) – tridn
two – tiva
Two-Handed – duhan
up – upa
use – usen
Versatile – versin
very – vera
Vial – vil
want – velar
War Pick (Weapon) – warpik
Warhammer (Weapon) – warham
water – aen
Waterskin – aenskin
way – vay
we (inclusive) – enos
Weapons – kolaror
Weaver – vevar
well – wela
what – hata
when – hena
Whetstone – hetston
which – hichi
Whip (Weapon) – whip
who – hwi
will – wil
Woodcarver – tavkar
Wooden staff – tavstaf
would – wold
Yew wand – evvand
you – thir
B → 𐌁
C → 𐌂
D → 𐌃
E → 𐌄
F → 𐌅
G → 𐌆
H → 𐌇
I → 𐌉
J → 𐌊
K → 𐌋
L → 𐌌
M → 𐌎
N → 𐌏
O → 𐌑
P → 𐌒
Q → 𐌓
R → 𐌔
S → 𐌕
T → 𐌖
U → 𐌗
V → 𐌘
W → 𐌙
X → 𐌚
Y → 𐌛
Z → 𐌜
Calendar Breakdown:
Arcanum Calendar: Every year consists of 10 Arcs (each 40 days) plus 5 extra Unbound Days that defy regular time, offering opportunities for wild magical events. Each Arc is themed by a set of deities—think renewal, agriculture, magic, storms, trickery, death, war, lore, endurance, and celebration. This makes each segment of the year not only a marker of time but also a direct influence on your world's events, magic, and cultural shifts.
Scaling Up Time:
Shorthand Notation:
3A24, DoS, A7 D16
Decade Abbreviations:
Money:
Bronze (br) – The Foundation of Trade
Roughly circular but with a slightly irregular, hammered edge, Bronze coins measure around 15 mm in diameter and are thin, about 1.5–2 mm thick. Their uneven surface not only makes them easy to grip but also symbolizes their role as the working-class currency.
Made from a copper alloy, they have a warm, earthy glow and a gritty, matte finish that quickly tarnishes with use. The slight imperfections are celebrated—each coin is a testament to its widespread circulation and long service in everyday life.
Argent (ag) – The Refined Standard
Unlike Bronze, Argent coins boast a perfect, smooth circle with a diameter of about 18 mm. Their edges are crisp and finely reeded, lending a sense of precision and quality that sets them apart.
Crafted from polished silver, these coins reflect light with a subtle gleam. Their surface is almost mirror-like, accentuating the detailed engravings and intricate filigree that define their elegance.
Aureus (au) – The Gold Standard
Aureus coins are larger and heftier—perfect circles around 22 mm in diameter with a satisfying thickness of approximately 3–4 mm. Their size is a constant reminder that gold isn’t just money; it’s a measure of true wealth and influence.
Cast in genuine gold (or a high-quality alloy to emulate it), these coins exude opulence with their warm, radiant sheen. Their surface is meticulously polished, yet features deliberately deep, reeded edges that speak to the coin’s storied history.
Regal (rg) – The Pinnacle of Wealth
Regal coins break from tradition with an unconventional design—a slightly oval medallion, roughly 28–30 mm across, with beveled edges that catch the light from every angle. Their greater heft and size (around 4–5 mm thick) make them unmistakable tokens of supreme status.
Composed of a rare, lustrous alloy with flecks of precious metals, Regal coins are designed to dazzle. They have a high polish finish and sometimes incorporate subtle inlays of gemstones or enamel accents that underscore their ceremonial value.
Help...
My top 3 answers: "You can try to do that." "No, that does not mean I like pans." "Yes, I am pansexual."
Rubik's PR: 18.05 Ao5: 21.49 Ao12: 24.35 Ao100: 27.97
What exactly do you need help with? You seem to have covered every base
Why didn't a century of resistance explode the caste system?
I'm not sure precisely what you feel is lacking or what you want but here's a few random thoughts/questions which jumped out at me while reading which hopefully are helpful.
Is the entire world these 5 united but disparate floating islands or does there exist nations beyond it? - more nations gives you more options for quests I find but also it would make it more complicated.
What's the purpose of maintaining Hollow and its people? It is effort, even if only a minimal one, to do so, so for what purposes do they need expendable people?
Is there a middle class?
You'll need Key places for each area, e.g.:
Organisations:
The city watch - who are they, ranking system, do they exist on all the levels and do they have varying levels of equipment
The palace guard
Mages - are they all united in one group or are there a diversity of competing groups (I prefer the latter, because I think it gives more to work with - in this case what are their different aims? What do they disagree on? Whose favour [if anyone's[ are they trying to win).
Thieves Guilds
For the labourers, they can't really unionise, but maybe they make some equivalent of guilds for the different jobs where they try to take care of their own (since the elite will only do that barely)?
You'll also need to design the key NPCs for each area:
The King, Watch Commander, Champion perhaps, Leaders of each area and/or notable people from each group/island/caste.
That's all I've time for now, but hopefully it's a little helpful. With specific questions about what you need help with, I can clearer advice.
Ok, so... there are questions I need to ask here:
1. What are the external threat's/sources of instability?
2. What is the theme of your game beyond having a caste society?
3. Are the players supposed to be upholding this?
4. Are there any other cultures and/or locations beyond this?
5. What is the cosmology of this setting looking like?
6. Are people happy in this world?
7. what exactly are the players supposed to do in this setting?
Like these are questions that need to be answered.
@Ashla_Mason
Wow. Actually so helpful, a warm thanks goes out to you. As soon as I figure those details out I'll share them.
@fiaraven
I plan on having the Hollow there as the place for adventures. I'm waiting to share more details on each island until I have a better map.
Regarding the City Guard, Blues are the military officers and Yellows are the guards.
Regarding the Mages. That is a great idea. I'll need to create that system and people.
Regarding the Guilds. I think this is smart. When I get to mapping out Ironreach I'll implement this.
My top 3 answers: "You can try to do that." "No, that does not mean I like pans." "Yes, I am pansexual."
Rubik's PR: 18.05 Ao5: 21.49 Ao12: 24.35 Ao100: 27.97
Also, how do you organize all your information? What systems do you use to break stuff up into separate documents? (As of right now, I have everything in one long GoogleDoc that is not organized)
My top 3 answers: "You can try to do that." "No, that does not mean I like pans." "Yes, I am pansexual."
Rubik's PR: 18.05 Ao5: 21.49 Ao12: 24.35 Ao100: 27.97
I just organise my stuff into separate files/folders on dropbox - I put organisations in one folder, places in another, deities in another, etc, and then I'll further divide it up according to my needs, e.g. organisations -> mercenaries -> purple dragon knights & heroes of salvation (or whatever).
I tend to start with all my info in one place, as you've done, and then create separate documents with more details (and do the same again if those separate documents start getting too full).
This works for me. Not sure, if it would suit everyone. I know 'Kanka' is an online worldbuilding management site for RPGs & such. As far as I know it's free.
1) So does it serve no other purpose?
1.2) Also possible overarching quest suggestion, if you do decide that the expendables have outlived their usefulness (according to the powers that be in your world), you could create a secret plot for the destruction of the Hollow island inhabitants - secret because (a) they want to have to deal with the hassle of riots, etc and (b) they don't the other peoples worrying that it might happen to them as well in the future.
Some other random thoughts for important buildings:
Banks, a colosseum/arena, gambling dens (Hollow), Casino (Eldraxis)
Is there a prison or do all criminals of any kind from any caste just end up in Hollow?
Are the higher castes indifferent to the lower classes or actively exploiting in immoral ways? - here I'm thinking less slave labour and more say using them in the equivalent of death matches.
This all my current thoughts. I'll have another look/think about this later and get back to you again.
Hope it helps.