The defining trait of this place in one sentence.
Overview
Describe the settlement. What is its function? How is it familiar? What’s the fantastic element?
Atmosphere
What is the energy of the settlement? What are the sights, smells, and sounds? What stands out to someone first approaching the city? What story does the architecture tell?
Size
While an exact population isn’t necessary, a rough population size helps inform the experience of the settlement. Examples of types include metropolis, large city, small city, town, village, hamlet, etc.
Inhabitants
What species inhabit the settlement? What are the demographics the party can expect to encounter? These definitions help inspire interesting encounter design.
Government
What form of government rules this settlement? Who are the key players in making decisions? This can be a one word answer like “meritocracy, council, patriarchy, democracy, etc” or it can include a few details about the rulers and how they rule.
Defenses
How does this settlement defend itself? Think in terms of natural defenses (waterways, mountains, etc), built defenses (towers, walls, motes, etc), and people defenses (city guard, local militia, wizards, etc).
Commerce
What does the industry and trade look like for this settlement? What goods are produced and sold here? What goods are brought in from elsewhere?
History
A brief history of this place.
Organizations
What organizations hold power within the settlement? What factions are ready to provide quests? What religions are ready for worship? What guilds seek new members? Starting with at least three organizations that can provide conflict, quests, or information is perfect.
GM Only—Secrets & Change
Hidden truth the GM needs.
How this settlement evolves over time.
Interesting Locations
These are the “sub-locations” within our settlement: taverns, temples, and tanners. We don’t need to overwhelm ourselves with defining the entire settlement but adding three interesting locations is an excellent start.
We should focus on locations that are common to campaigns (taverns and temples) while also adding something fantastic (a mage’s tower or magical garden).
Fantastic Location 1
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Common Location 2
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Common Location 3
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On the Horizon
What nearby locations are “just on the horizon” of the settlement? Here be dungeons, dragons, and dire wolves. We should aim for a location that can be seen as well as others to be found via rumors in town.
Visible Location 1
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Rumored Location 2
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Rumored Location 3
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