One of the biggest challenges I face is creating a world that I and others will want to retreat to, explore, and pass some time in. To start this journey, I recently spent some time developing the world paradigm for Wistblade. All I knew when I started was I wanted humans as the only goodly, “playable” race and that I wanted two other foundational fantasy races as the other factions. I also needed the introduction of this world to be fast enough for a “board-game-night” scenario. This is what I came up with…

Three Great Powers Shape the Realms

Humans, once a goodly empire of knights and magi, are now fractured and weak. Bandits are common and heroes are few. But those who remain still cling to the arcane and radiant magics of old.

Maniacal Goblins raze lushness to wasteland. These imps are addicted to violence, destruction, and chaos… and are ever hungry for more. They are masters of illusion, rot, shadow, and fire.

Giant Cyclops roam the land, mortal enemies to Goblins, enslavers of Humans, and the self-proclaimed Guardians of the world. They are austere, psionic, time-controlling beasts without equal.

The Fight for Good Over Evil

Each race harnesses powerful and deadly magics known as the Azure. But only in Humans can be found the light of virtue. Will Humans survive this epoch of war and destruction? Or will their last holds of civilization crumble before the darkness?

Heed Adventure’s Call

But it is not too late to hope. An ancient fellowship of adventurers has at long last returned: the Wistblades. Empowered by noble vows and guided by the Stewards above, the Wistblades and their Fellowship are destined to restore virtue and establish a new Human empire… if their courage holds out.

The Wistblade Mantra

By blade and bow our loved Defend.
By word and deed our honor Reveal.
By sweat and coin our legacy Build.
Nation rise and dragon fall; One Fellowship immortal!

The Game Plan

I don’t think there is any recipe for creating a world-class gaming universe. However, I do feel like the foundation always includes quality fiction and moving artwork, and so that’s where I plan to start, albeit in bite-sized chunks to begin. Just enough to paint the vision and let your imagination run wild with the possibilities. Then, with time, if the game grows, perhaps we can push that world into greater and more defined depths and heights.