I'm looking for people interested in designing (cooperatively as the title suggests, of course) a fantasy setting to eventually be released. The method of release will most likely be free downloadable PDF files. The initial setting design will be system-independent though will most likely be released in several system-specific forms (one for Hero, one for GURPS, one for d20, etc.), which is why I'm seeking people from various systems (I've already scouted at the GURPS forum and d20 is next on my list).
My personal goal for creating this setting is to create the most detailed fantasy setting ever created (probably not something I could do alone in less than 20 years). I want it to be unique and flavorful, not another Tolkien/D&D rip-off. Don't get me wrong, I love Tolkien's work, but it's become too common a style emulated by RPG settings and I want to do something a little bizarre. Nothing too alien, but something along the lines of Talislanta maybe. I plan to lay the setting “book” out in a similar manner to the Kingdoms of Kalamar Atlas, breaking the world up into small "tiles" to be finely detailed. I should also mention the World of Khaas for it’s level of detail, so that everyone understands this will be a large-scale and long-term project, as well as Hârn for it’s famous level of detail. There will at least be the setting book, but we will most likely do more than one book, such as a Flora & Fauna book, Organizations book, etc.
I bring my writing and designing skills to the table, of course, but also page layout, mapping (I have Campaign Cartographer 2), and editing skills. At this moment, we have very little set in stone, so you'd be getting in at the very beginning. I do have a rough map draft, which you can see at the forums. So, if you're interested in this project, PM me and I'll get back to you asap.
Other notes (origionally posted in response to people on other forums that would be relevant to anyone who was interested in joining):
1. As for style, I've already stated my general desire but I'll be a little more specific now. I'd like to go with a Talislanta-like setting, that is, strange races, exotic cultures and religions, etc. I would like a stone age-to-middle age tech level (no guns or swashbuckling fencers) throughout the world. It would be large enough to have all government types and there could be several different systems of magic if needed (in fact I think it would probably benefit from it). I'd also like to gear the world towards a more realistic ecology.
2. I've already got a design layout to build the book from. Basically, the book will be presented in english from the viewpoint of the most advanced, powerful and prosperous empire (English will represent the language of that Empire). There will be translations to other (game) languages available in the book, so for example, an area known as "The Burning Forest" to the Empire might also be noted as being called "Telvashia" by Nation A, "Xang-Xu" by Nation B, etc. We could even do entire books on the languages of other empires (no silliness such as a single race having a single language - unless it's a very local race).
3. Again, that is my personal desire at the moment, and the only things I would have to insist on is the tech level (I don't want to do steampunk or swashbuckling) and the final book layout & formatting. If you can live with those two, you've got plenty of room to shape the world and the project.
4. As for project management, I think we'll need a world/project manager (I guess that's me), and then several regional managers which oversee the development of the individual regions.
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