Looking for a nation to hold my campaign

[Cryptichorror]

I'm looking for a nation in Golarion that is more or less a generic, mideval fantasy setting. Something filled with goblins, elves, orcs, forests, ruined castles, etc. So many of the nations in Golarion seem so themed (which is great in certain cases), but I'm looking for something kinda generic and basic. Oh, and ideally it would have a ruined castle somewhere right on the coast of a large body of water. (If that doesn't exist, I can just create one.)

[Haladir]

Sounds like you're describing Varisia to me.

It's probably the best-developed region of Golarion, and there are TONS of official supplements that cover it.

Good luck!

[DM Jeff]

Varisia would be good, but for a more intimate feel go for Nirmathas.

[W E Ray]

I'd point out that though the cultural and and population centers in Golarion are heavily themed, I don't really see many of the rural areas as themed. Exceptions exist, of course (Ustalov), but even those seem to be rural only because the theme requires a rural setting.

What you're describing sounds equally perfect for rural Taldor, Cheliax, Andoran, Varisia, River Kingdoms, Molthune, Nirmathas and maybe a few others.

[sunbeam]

I second Nirmathas.

Elminster gave it a bad name, but Nirmathas is tailor made for some Dales type action ala FR.

You can do a lot of things there, Robin Hood type things, lot of low level outdoor stuff.

You can also branch out and deal with Orcs in the mountains or incursions from Molthune.

There are a lot of interesting places close by too. The dwarven cities, that village between Korvosa and the area where Nirmathas is (the one with all the fey in that adventure).

You could venture onto the Lake (Encartha?). Go to Lastwall, Ustalav, or up to the Worldwound. Those wonky Rand cultists from Druma or regular cultists from Razmiran might be up to something. The River Kingdoms and those isolationist elves are close too.

And you could even go as far as Galt.

My choice anyway.

[SirGeshko]

Nirmathas or Northern Varisia.
You've got more freedom with Nirmathas, as less has been published...