I offered up an idea to my DnD group that we work together to create a world of our own. We randomly decided on a theme to work with.
Project: Brave New World
Theme: Hindu/Indian culture and mythology
Basic project outline: Each player in my group, myself and a friend are each contributing a region to the world.
Player/race/region:
#1: Halflings, farmland with rivers and towns. lots of merchants.
#2: Elves, jungle.
#3: Humans, undecided
#4: Dwarves, mountain halls obv.
#5: Evil realm of monsters and whatnot.
#6: I'm making the central region my special features are Aasimar, Tieflings and Werecow Monks in a citadel. The werecows are solely for NPC purposes.
What I need help with is more setting issues. I've found resources for Hindu/Vedic deities so that isn't the issue. I'm having trouble with naming conventions. I don't know if anyone here speaks Hindi, Urdu etc. If I could get help with some names I would appreciate it.
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For Lists, Click Here EDH: GW: Selvala, Let us help YOU. UB: Mirko Vosk, when outmatched cheat BW: Vish Kal, The Arbiter of Reanimation UG: Prime Speaker Zegana, the science of sorcery RB: Malfegor, Traitor's Haven UW: Daxos, Control-Fort-Tron BG: Pharika, Goddess of Stax RW: Gisela, Boros Control RG: Ruric Thar, a Primal Surge deck RU: Niv-Mizzet the Firemind, Spellslinger?!?! B:(Pauper) Mikaeus the Unhallowed R: Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient: The Power of Engineering
Be as detail-oriented about it as you want to be, but don't let yourself stress over "getting it wrong". When in doubt, just invoke the Miko Miyazaki defense.
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Vive, vale. Siquid novisti rectius istis,
candidus inperti; si nil, his utere mecum.
The first thing you need to understand is that 'India' isn't a singular place any more than 'Europe' is - each region in India has its own distinct culture and language. 'Hindi' is really only spoken as a primary language in central and northern India. This is important because it's really key to worldbuilding a fantasy Indian setting - India is a melting pot
Don't worry about accuracy with naming conventions too much. All the languages in that region are largely based on Sanskrit (just as many, but not all, of Europe's languages have Latin roots). Look here for some examples:
It has some great information to give you a better idea of Indian climates - India goes all over the spectrum from Arid to Tropical. So you have a good start. Also, don't forget that Sri Lanka and Pakistan were once part of India as well, so researching some of their cultures may help build a world. I would highly recommend looking a little more deeply into Indian culture - I think it would help. Here are some recommendations:
Overall Worldbuilding:
- A lot of Indian Culture comes from the fact that they are very different places that have slowly merged over time - so there are many traditions that have transcended cultural barriers while still retaining distinct cultures.
- A second huge piece is the influence by the Persian Empire. There are a large number of Muslims in India throughout, and Pakistan split off due to huge differences, although the regions bordering India and Pakistan are heavy with strife, even though they mostly share the same culture
- A lot of the philosophy revolves around the concept of death and rebirth in Hinduism, but Buddhists and Muslims also greatly shape the culture. Make sure to emphasize the cultural melting pot component.
- The two big Holidays, Diwali (Festival of Light) and Holi (Festival of Colors) involve stories about the defeat of evil forces. A lot of Indian Mythology is pretty badass, and you could use some of the stories as quests of your own.
#1: Halflings, farmland with rivers and towns. lots of merchants.
- Research the Gujarati. They are well known in India as the shrewedest merchants, although opinions on them also fall into the 'cheap' side of things (Think Jewish stereotypes).
- Key cultural impact: Part of the original Indus Valley Civilization, Birthplace of Shiva's Avatar, Home of Ghandi
- They have a heavy Persian influence http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujurat
#2: Elves, jungle.
- Research Sri Lanka
- There are some amazing real-life sites in Sri Lanka, like the Fortress in the Sky and many Buddhist Shrines that would make for great 'elf' locations http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_lanka
#3: Humans, undecided
- Humans should really be central/northern India, what is typically thought of as 'India' by westerners. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttar_Pradesh
#4: Dwarves, mountain halls obv.
- Why restrict yourself to tropes? I would make your Dwarves the stand-ins for the Persians in India, who were responsible for a lot of the cultural mixing in India and their influence is what built a lot of the monumental sites.
- The Mughal Empire would be your best influence for them. They can still have 'mountain' homes, but I think it would be pretty cool to have a greater backstory for them and their influence on the region.
- A dwarf analogue for Akbar might make for a great central figure in your campaign. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_Empire
#5: Evil realm of monsters and whatnot.
- You should look at the 'Asura' realm. Some quick research turns up some Buddhist realms that may help develop this. Naraka, specifically, is the name of the 'hell' realm for both Hindus and Buddhists, so you could use that. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desire_realm#Asura_Realm
#6: I'm making the central region my special features are Aasimar, Tieflings and Werecow Monks in a citadel. The werecows are solely for NPC purposes.
- Werecows seem a little offensive, honestly. Why wouldn't powerful monks change into weretigers?
- Research Devas and Asuras - they are a pretty perfect Indian analogue for Aasimar and Tieflings. You could consider them 'Avatars', or the equivalent of Demi-gods descended from the Devas (Good/Lawful) and Asuras (Chaotic/Evil).
Very appreciated your answer... Amazing links you share with us thanks
Indian and also in other nations or countries we looks, that many names are taken from their history that contain their warriors, society or on other acts. But here about India, as there living peoples are Hindu in majority , Sikhs and Muslims, so they take their names in their background like veejay Sharma, Adhara etc here is a site i read last week that is also related to your topic i hope you will get something more from history https://www.worldlastnames.com/indian-last-names/
When we see to Muslims they also have their names and their history , so in Indian Muslims most popular names according to their background you can look here https://www.worldlastnames.com/muslim-last-names/
Project: Brave New World
Theme: Hindu/Indian culture and mythology
Basic project outline: Each player in my group, myself and a friend are each contributing a region to the world.
Player/race/region:
#1: Halflings, farmland with rivers and towns. lots of merchants.
#2: Elves, jungle.
#3: Humans, undecided
#4: Dwarves, mountain halls obv.
#5: Evil realm of monsters and whatnot.
#6: I'm making the central region my special features are Aasimar, Tieflings and Werecow Monks in a citadel. The werecows are solely for NPC purposes.
What I need help with is more setting issues. I've found resources for Hindu/Vedic deities so that isn't the issue. I'm having trouble with naming conventions. I don't know if anyone here speaks Hindi, Urdu etc. If I could get help with some names I would appreciate it.
For Lists, Click Here
EDH:
GW: Selvala, Let us help YOU.
UB: Mirko Vosk, when outmatched cheat
BW: Vish Kal, The Arbiter of Reanimation
UG: Prime Speaker Zegana, the science of sorcery
RB: Malfegor, Traitor's Haven
UW: Daxos, Control-Fort-Tron
BG: Pharika, Goddess of Stax
RW: Gisela, Boros Control
RG: Ruric Thar, a Primal Surge deck
RU: Niv-Mizzet the Firemind, Spellslinger?!?!
B:(Pauper) Mikaeus the Unhallowed
R: Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient: The Power of Engineering
candidus inperti; si nil, his utere mecum.
Don't worry about accuracy with naming conventions too much. All the languages in that region are largely based on Sanskrit (just as many, but not all, of Europe's languages have Latin roots). Look here for some examples:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_name
Here are some common Indian names (there are some that are obviously western):
http://www.snaphow.com/218/most-popular-names-in-india-top-100-best-indian-names
And Last Names:
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/names/popular-indian-names.htm
I'd also recommend reading through this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_India
It has some great information to give you a better idea of Indian climates - India goes all over the spectrum from Arid to Tropical. So you have a good start. Also, don't forget that Sri Lanka and Pakistan were once part of India as well, so researching some of their cultures may help build a world. I would highly recommend looking a little more deeply into Indian culture - I think it would help. Here are some recommendations:
Overall Worldbuilding:
- A lot of Indian Culture comes from the fact that they are very different places that have slowly merged over time - so there are many traditions that have transcended cultural barriers while still retaining distinct cultures.
- A second huge piece is the influence by the Persian Empire. There are a large number of Muslims in India throughout, and Pakistan split off due to huge differences, although the regions bordering India and Pakistan are heavy with strife, even though they mostly share the same culture
- A lot of the philosophy revolves around the concept of death and rebirth in Hinduism, but Buddhists and Muslims also greatly shape the culture. Make sure to emphasize the cultural melting pot component.
- The two big Holidays, Diwali (Festival of Light) and Holi (Festival of Colors) involve stories about the defeat of evil forces. A lot of Indian Mythology is pretty badass, and you could use some of the stories as quests of your own.
#1: Halflings, farmland with rivers and towns. lots of merchants.
- Research the Gujarati. They are well known in India as the shrewedest merchants, although opinions on them also fall into the 'cheap' side of things (Think Jewish stereotypes).
- Key cultural impact: Part of the original Indus Valley Civilization, Birthplace of Shiva's Avatar, Home of Ghandi
- They have a heavy Persian influence
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujurat
#2: Elves, jungle.
- Research Sri Lanka
- There are some amazing real-life sites in Sri Lanka, like the Fortress in the Sky and many Buddhist Shrines that would make for great 'elf' locations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_lanka
#3: Humans, undecided
- Humans should really be central/northern India, what is typically thought of as 'India' by westerners.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttar_Pradesh
#4: Dwarves, mountain halls obv.
- Why restrict yourself to tropes? I would make your Dwarves the stand-ins for the Persians in India, who were responsible for a lot of the cultural mixing in India and their influence is what built a lot of the monumental sites.
- The Mughal Empire would be your best influence for them. They can still have 'mountain' homes, but I think it would be pretty cool to have a greater backstory for them and their influence on the region.
- A dwarf analogue for Akbar might make for a great central figure in your campaign.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_Empire
#5: Evil realm of monsters and whatnot.
- You should look at the 'Asura' realm. Some quick research turns up some Buddhist realms that may help develop this. Naraka, specifically, is the name of the 'hell' realm for both Hindus and Buddhists, so you could use that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desire_realm#Asura_Realm
#6: I'm making the central region my special features are Aasimar, Tieflings and Werecow Monks in a citadel. The werecows are solely for NPC purposes.
- Werecows seem a little offensive, honestly. Why wouldn't powerful monks change into weretigers?
- Research Devas and Asuras - they are a pretty perfect Indian analogue for Aasimar and Tieflings. You could consider them 'Avatars', or the equivalent of Demi-gods descended from the Devas (Good/Lawful) and Asuras (Chaotic/Evil).
I hope that helps!
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Indian and also in other nations or countries we looks, that many names are taken from their history that contain their warriors, society or on other acts. But here about India, as there living peoples are Hindu in majority , Sikhs and Muslims, so they take their names in their background like veejay Sharma, Adhara etc here is a site i read last week that is also related to your topic i hope you will get something more from history
https://www.worldlastnames.com/indian-last-names/
When we see to Muslims they also have their names and their history , so in Indian Muslims most popular names according to their background you can look here
https://www.worldlastnames.com/muslim-last-names/