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D&D World-Building 101: Introduction to Setting Creation!

In this self-paced course, students will explore the essentials of world-building for D&D. They’ll learn how to create rich, immersive worlds by developing geography, cultures, political systems, and more.
Beth Stone
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(108)
Class

What's included

5 pre-recorded lessons
1 week
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Projects
2-4 hours per week. included
Certificate of Completion
included

Class Experience

Beginner - Advanced Level
In this self-paced course, you'll dive into the essentials of world-building for D&D. We’ll cover the fundamentals of creating immersive worlds, including geography, culture, politics, and story elements. 

Throughout the five lessons, you'll learn how to craft physical landscapes, develop rich cultures, design complex political systems, and weave captivating storylines.

The course is designed to be flexible, with each lesson featuring instructional videos, practical activities, and detailed assignments to guide you. 

My teaching style is supportive and engaging, focusing on providing clear instructions and constructive feedback to help you succeed. 

You’ll have the chance to interact with me through message boards for feedback on your assignments, and optional Q&A sessions to address any additional questions you may have.
Learning Goals
Create a Basic World Map: Develop a simple map of your world that includes essential geographical features such as continents, oceans, and major landmarks. Understand how these features influence the layout and development of your world.
Outline Fundamental Cultures: Design basic cultures with key characteristics like societal norms, traditions, and basic customs. Learn how to create diverse cultures that provide a foundation for more detailed development in future courses.
learning goal

Syllabus

5 Lessons
over 1 Week
Lesson 1:
Foundations of World-Building
 Video Lesson: Introduction to world-building concepts and why they are crucial for D&D.

Activity: Identify key elements of a successful world.

Assignment: Create a basic outline of your world’s main features. 
Lesson 2:
Geography and Environment
 Video Lesson: How to design the physical landscape of your world, including continents, climates, and natural features.

Activity: Sketch a map of your world’s geography.

Assignment: Detail the geographical features and their impact on the world’s cultures and societies. 
Lesson 3:
Cultures and Societies
 Video Lesson: Developing cultures, languages, and social structures within your world.

Activity: Create a detailed description of one or more cultures.

Assignment: Write about the customs, traditions, and societal norms of your cultures. 
Lesson 4:
Political Systems and Conflicts
 Video Lesson: Designing political systems, governments, and key conflicts that drive your world’s narrative.

Activity: Map out the political landscape and major factions.

Assignment: Describe the political dynamics and ongoing conflicts within your world. 

Other Details

Learning Needs
The course is designed to be accessible for learners with diverse needs, including those with ADHD, Dyslexia, and ASD. Interactive elements and clear instructions will support all students.
Parental Guidance
No content likely to be upsetting or require extra precautions. Suitable for all interested in creative writing and game design.
Pre-Requisites
No prior experience with D&D is required, though an interest in creative writing or storytelling is beneficial.
Joined October, 2020
5.0
108reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hey, Outschool Families! 

I'm Beth, a multi-passionate human and homeschooling mom of four dragon children aged four, six, ten, and thirteen. 

I'm a best-selling author and TTRPG writer that has worked for companies such as Dungeon in a Box, Modiphius, and D&D in a Castle.  I'm also the creator of multiple websites in the D&D, Ravenloft, and homeschooling niches. 

I've been passionate about learning through gaming since I was a young child and have since grown captivated by the world of Dungeons & Dragons. My family and I love mythology and story, so D&D lends very well to our passions. 

I've grown to believe, "Families that game together stay together!" 

This is because Dungeons & Dragons has added a whole new level of bonding between myself, my partner, and our children. The amount of time we spend around the table laughing, calculating, and reminiscing will make a positive lifelong impact.

As a visual learner, I try my best to be a very visual educator as well. In the last couple of years, I've discovered that one of my daughters has dyslexia. Through trial, error, tears, and victories, I have also learned how to meet her needs as a visual and hands-on learner with reading struggles. 

This is something I carry over into my educational techniques through topics such as D&D because I want the game to be accessible!

I will be adding new class sections where I find interest from families. 

Feel free to request time frames that you need, and I'll do my best to accommodate! I offer courses for new D&D players, advancing D&D players, budding dungeon masters, and real-play campaign sessions as well! 

If you "like" any of my courses, you'll receive updates if I post new sections. If the courses you want or need are booked, reach out, and let's chat! 

CLASS POLICIES (Live Courses)
1. It is Outschool policy for me to see your student's face, at least briefly, at the beginning of class to identify that they are, in fact, a student. It's a safety thing, and I appreciate your cooperation. If I cannot verify your student, they'll be placed back into the waiting room. Again, this is Outschool policy and is very important!

2. That said, I will not require your student to stay on video during the entire class if they are not comfortable with that. While it does increase engagement and socialization for the students to see each other's faces, I do understand that there are special circumstances and that children have individual needs. As long as identity is verified, your student can choose to go with or without a camera.

3. A working microphone is required, and a good-quality microphone is highly recommended!

4. My classes will always be inclusive and safe. There will be absolutely no racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, or other bigotry allowed. If there is a genuine misunderstanding in this arena, there will be a gentle but stern one-time warning before removal. Teachable moments help us all grow and learn and do better!

5. If a class has fewer than the minimum number of students required to run the course, I will very likely cancel the course, but I will keep in touch with families about this. 

6. If no students, or not enough students, enter the classroom within ten minutes of the class start time, I will end the session.

7. If you have to miss a session in a single, multi-day, or ongoing series, there will be a recording to watch so your student may stay caught up! In some cases, rescheduling may be possible (for example, this would be easy with a single-session course).

8. If student activity becomes disruptive during class, such as abusing the chat or being generally rude and/or disruptive, they will be asked once to stop the behavior. If it continues, they'll be moved back to the waiting room and may have to finish the class via the recording afterward. We all have to work together to make everyone feel focused and supported!

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Self-Paced Class
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$34

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5 pre-recorded lessons
1 week of teacher support
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Ages: 13-18

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