World-Building in Ardinock: Creating a Living World

Hey there, adventurers!

Welcome back to another deep dive into The Ardinock Chronicles. Today, we’re going to chat about one of my favorite parts of creating a Dungeons & Dragons world: world-building! If you’re someone who loves crafting your own fantasy realms or is just getting started with it, you’re in the right place. I’m going to walk you through how Ardinock, the vibrant continent in my campaign, came to life. Plus, I’ll share some tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way that might help you in your own world-building adventures.

The Art of World-Building: From Dice Rolls to Digital Maps

World-building is where all the magic starts. It’s where you get to dream up entire landscapes, cultures, and histories from scratch. For me, Ardinock began as a tiny island meant for my very first D&D adventure. I was inspired by the immersive world-building in the Shadow and Bone series on Netflix and wanted to create something equally magical and mysterious.

In the beginning, I didn’t have a clear plan—just a lot of enthusiasm and a few rough ideas. And you know what? That’s okay! Sometimes, the best worlds start with just a simple sketch or a random idea that snowballs into something much bigger. In fact, one of the first things I did was throw some dice on a piece of paper and trace around them to create the basic geography of Ardinock. I don't remember where I saw this idea, but I was thought it was such a interesting way to concept. It was chaotic, but it was a fun way to start mapping out my world. With that basic concept I used the Agzaars Fantasy Map Generator as well, and got what would be the basis for the island I used for the first DM experience I ever had.

Note: The names on this ended up being what I used for my homebrew game. This was sort of a beta v1.

From there, I moved on to more detailed planning and organization. I started out using Tavern Keeper to keep track of my notes, but as the project grew, I needed something more robust. Tavern Keeper was great for easily setting up my story trees though, which I really enjoyed.

Enter Milanote—a fantastic tool for organizing all my ideas, from character backstories to intricate timelines. I’ve tried using World Anvil for timelines of events in the past, but Milanote’s flexibility won me over, and now it’s my go-to tool for everything. If you’re serious about world-building, having a good organizational tool can make a world of difference. (I also very heavily use just the basic Notepad program, but thats until it gets added to Milanote.)

When it came to bringing Ardinock’s geography to life, I used Inkarnate, a digital map-making tool that lets you create beautiful, detailed maps. I honestly have more fun using Inkarnate that almost anything else because, It helps you really flesh out the world. I was inspired by settings like Grim Hollow and Taldorei Reborn and wanted to create something that felt just as rich and layered. I took my first DM experience, then expanded on that world with a one-shot, and then kicked off a 5 year campaign that continued the process of fleshing out the world. With Inkarnate, I was able to turn my chaotic dice-traced outlines and Agzaars map reference into something that looked more like a real continent, with mountains, forests, and cities that players could actually explore.

Exploring the Key Locations of Ardinock

Now, let’s take a tour of Ardinock and explore some of the key locations that make this world tick.

These are locations I have spent time building over the last 5 years or so that I will be updating as I flesh them out. They are not the exact locations I use in my homebrewed game, as I've left most of that world to my players. This is a world that is inspired by what we have built.

Whether you’re designing your own world or just love learning about new ones, understanding how each location fits into the broader story is key.

1. Port Ardin

Location: Southwestern coast of Ardinock
Description: Port Ardin is the major coastal port town that acts as the gateway to Ardinock. Positioned on the edge of the ocean, it’s got easy access to trade routes and is surrounded by fertile lands that supply the town. It’s bustling, it’s lively, and it’s where many adventures begin, including a mysterious attack that disrupts trade and leaves the town in turmoil.
World-Building Tip: When creating a major hub like Port Ardin, think about how its location influences its culture and economy. What makes it unique? Why do people live there? How does its geography shape the lives of its inhabitants?

2. Arcana Magisterium

Location: Central Ardinock, northeast of Port Ardin
Description: This prestigious magical university is set on a small plateau, making it a beacon of knowledge and arcane power. It’s centrally located, with easy access to nearby villages and towns, making it a natural hub for magical research and learning.
World-Building Tip: Schools and universities can be fantastic settings for stories because they’re natural gathering places for all kinds of characters. Think about what makes your magical school unique. What kinds of magic do they study? What secrets are hidden within its walls?

3. GleamWands Citadel

Location: Slightly north of the Arcana Magisterium
Description: The GleamWands Citadel is a fortress for the elite protectors known as the GleamWands. Located in the mountains, it’s got natural defenses and a clear view of the surrounding regions. This strategic location allows the GleamWands to respond quickly to any threats across Ardinock.
World-Building Tip: When designing a fortress or stronghold, consider why it’s placed where it is. Is it defensible? Does it oversee important territory? The location should serve its purpose in the world.

4. Bafflestone Forge

Location: Northeastern forest, near the Ashen Mountains
Description: Deep in a dense forest near the Ashen Mountains lies Bafflestone Forge, a hidden gnome factory known for its magical creations. Its remote location keeps it secretive but also vulnerable to attacks.
World-Building Tip: Hidden locations like Bafflestone Forge add layers of mystery to your world. Who knows about it? Who’s trying to find it? Think about how secrecy and security play into its story.

5. Stonehaven

Location: Southern foothills of the Ashen Mountains, north of Port Ardin
Description: Stonehaven is a small, close-knit village at the base of the Ashen Mountains. It’s a trading partner with Port Ardin but is also somewhat isolated due to its mountainous surroundings, making it a unique blend of coastal and mountain life.
World-Building Tip: Small villages like Stonehaven can add a lot of flavor to your world. They’re perfect for creating tight-knit communities with their own customs and ways of life. Think about how geography affects daily life and interactions.

6. Ashen Mountains

Location: Northern part of the continent
Description: The Ashen Mountains are a massive range that stretches across northern Ardinock. Known for their rugged terrain and dangerous inhabitants, these mountains are full of hidden caverns, ancient shrines, and magical anomalies.
World-Building Tip: Mountain ranges create natural barriers in your world, which can affect everything from trade routes to political boundaries. Think about what’s hidden in the mountains and how they impact the surrounding regions.

7. Hidden Cavern

Location: Lower elevations of the Ashen Mountains
Description: The Hidden Cavern is a concealed cave near the base of the Ashen Mountains. It’s a lair for dangerous creatures and houses the mysterious Stone of Shadows.
World-Building Tip: Caves and hidden places are great for secrets and surprises. Consider what makes this place special. What kind of creatures live there? Why is it hidden?

8. Elemental Nexus

Location: Deeper within the Ashen Mountains
Description: The Elemental Nexus is an ancient shrine high in the mountains, where elemental energies converge. It’s a place of great power and danger, accessible only to those who can survive the journey.
World-Building Tip: Places of power like the Elemental Nexus can be key points in your world’s lore. Think about why it’s powerful and how its energy affects the area around it. Who would want to control it?

9. Earthbound’s Lair

Location: Deep underground within the Ashen Mountains
Description: Earthbound’s Lair is a vast cavern deep within the Ashen Mountains. It’s a mysterious and dangerous place, hidden far beneath the earth.
World-Building Tip: Underground locations like Earthbound’s Lair can add depth to your world (literally!). Think about what kind of creatures or characters would dwell there and how they interact with the surface world.

10. Shadow Citadel

Location: Northeastern Ardinock, in a realm of perpetual darkness
Description: The Shadow Citadel is an ancient fortress located in a shadowy realm, far removed from the inhabited parts of Ardinock. It’s shrouded in mystery and darkness, making it an intriguing place for adventure.
World-Building Tip: A shadowy realm or dark citadel can be a great setting for stories involving secrets, forbidden magic, and ancient evils. Think about how this place came to be and what’s kept hidden within its walls.

11. Sunken Temple

Location: Off the northwestern coast, beneath the ocean
Description: The Sunken Temple lies beneath the ocean, hidden in a submerged valley off the coast of Ardinock. It’s accessible only through underwater exploration or magic, holding ancient secrets lost to the depths.
World-Building Tip: Underwater locations like the Sunken Temple add an extra layer of challenge to your world. Consider how your players might explore it and what kinds of threats or treasures lie beneath the waves.

12. Crystal Caverns

Location: Within the Ashen Mountains
Description: The Crystal Caverns are a network of caves filled with glowing crystals deep within the Ashen Mountains. They’re beautiful but dangerous, filled with both wonder and peril.
World-Building Tip: Unique natural features like the Crystal Caverns can make your world feel magical and otherworldly. Think about how these features came to be and what makes them special.

13. Temple of Eternal Light

Location: On a mountain peak in the northern Ashen Mountains
Description: The Temple of Eternal Light is an ancient temple situated on one of the highest peaks of the Ashen Mountains. It’s a place of worship and mystery, accessible only to the bravest adventurers.
World-Building Tip: Temples and places of worship add spiritual and cultural depth to your world. Think about what gods or spirits are worshipped here and how they influence the surrounding areas.

14. Cursed Grove

Location: Eastern Ardinock, within a dark forest
Description: The Cursed Grove is a dense, shadowy forest filled with magical anomalies and dangerous creatures. It’s a place of dark enchantment, often storm-laden and shrouded in mystery.
World-Building Tip: Enchanted forests or cursed places add an element of danger and intrigue. Consider what caused the curse or enchantment and how it affects the flora, fauna, and those who dare enter.

15. Old Lighthouse

Location: On the northern coast of Ardinock, near the Ashen Mountains
Description: The Old Lighthouse stands abandoned on a cliff overlooking the northern sea. Once a beacon for ships, it now serves as a reminder of forgotten times.
World-Building Tip: Ruins like the Old Lighthouse add a sense of history and depth. Think about what happened to make it abandoned and what secrets it might still hold.

Visual Layout Summary

Southwest: Port Ardin
Central: Arcana Magisterium, GleamWands Citadel
Northeast: Ashen Mountains (including Bafflestone Forge, Stonehaven, Hidden Cavern, Elemental Nexus, Earthbound’s Lair, Crystal Caverns, Temple of Eternal Light)
Northwest: Sunken Temple (offshore), Old Lighthouse (coastal)
East: Cursed Grove, Shadow Citadel (in a shadowy realm)

Conclusion: Watching Ardinock Evolve and Thanking You

Watching the world of Ardinock evolve from a simple sketch to a fully fleshed-out continent has been one of the most exciting parts of this journey. Every iteration, inspired by my favorite stories and settings, has added new layers of depth and richness. It’s a constant process of discovery, and I’m thrilled to keep exploring this magical land with all of you. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! Your interest and enthusiasm helps bring Ardinock to life. Stay tuned for more, and may your own world-building journeys be filled with creativity and wonder!