Dungeon Master's Guide Notes

SETTLEMENTS

What purpose does it serve in your game?

How big is it?

Who lives there?

Who governs it? Who else holds power? Is it part of a larger state?

What are its defenses?

Where do characters go to find goods and services they need?

What temples and other organizations feature prominently?

What fantastic elements distinguish it from an ordinary town?

Why should the characters care about the settlement?

MAGIC

Is some magic common?

Is some socially unacceptable? Which magic is rare?

How unusual are members of each spell casting class? How common are those who can cast high level spells?

How rare are magic items, magical locations, and creatures that have supernatural powers? At what power level do these things go from everyday to exotic?

How do authorities regulate and use magic? How do normal folks use magic and protect themselves from it?

INVOLING THE CHARACTER

Are you a native. born and raised in the area? If so, who's your family? What's your current occupation?

Are you a recent arrival? Where did you come from? Why did you come to this area?

Are you tied to any of the organizations or people involved in the events that kick off the campaign? Are tehy friends or enemies>