The Campaign Builder's Guild

Quote from: Magnus Pym

QuoteSo say I'm a powerful sorcerer. What is stopping me from summoning a ton of titanic creatures and just taking over the world?

What I'm getting at is that there is a possible power imbalance situation here in that someone with magic talent could use their skills to completely flatten everyone else. And if this exists then you should regularly see magicians taking the chance for a major power grab with the non magic people getting tossed around like pawns. The likely result being a mass purge of magic users out of fear (think salem witch trials stuff). If the magic casters hold all the power why not band together and steamroll everyone else?

I was aware of that and understood the question. I think that what I am getting at is not all practitioners of magic are as powerful as you think they are. It doesn't mean I've said that magic can create black holes that everyone can. And it also doesn't mean that all spellcasters are insane and hell bent on controlling the world and razing its inhabitants.

Yes there might be, at times, imbalance. Read my story and you'll notice happenings that are way beyond human control. At least, normal humans.
[spoiler]It's also a "coming-plot" that a magician tries to take control and probably will succeed, for a time.[/spoiler]

Never forget that it's one of the state's primary duty to regulate the use of magic. And that magic is rare. (Low-magic setting)

I hope that answers the question, otherwise you need to clarify (again, haha).

[note]I'd like to say that anything here is subject to change.[/note]

5BS(Before Unified State)- Start of the period of Warring States.

1BS (Before Unified State)- Bagian junior is born. The Last Battle against Bharakha starts.

0 '" The Last Battle ends with Pluton I as the victor. He forms a city-state which he names after his fallen comrade, Bagian. Time and events are now recorded by a group of sage called The Calendar.

1- Pluton II is born.

4- Regnum Pluton sends his first readied troops northward to expand his territory.

5- A postal system is created within the city and accessible by the State Officials to easy communication between them.

6 '" A new wave of soldiers is sent eastward into the forests and jungles. In the meantime, troops from the north came back, injured and horrified at what they encountered.

7 '" Veterans from the first northern expedition are given more men and are sent to the north again to fight the tribes for the territory and resources. (Mines mostly)

8- Messenger from the east come back with news of a natural paradise, unfortunately inhabited by barbaric men. They need more men to be able to overwhelm these ferocious, naturally-talented fighters. A messenger from the north also comes back with the request for more soldiers, the fight is harder than expected against the northern people.

9- The request to send more men east and north is overwhelming and even with a conscription system, they cannot train fast enough for the actual needs. Regnum Pluton orders the Orators to build forward posts and stay put until more men are sent.

10- Finally, the gargantuesque statue depicting Pluton I is erected in Bagian. This wonderful construction becomes a source of pride for the people of the city-state.

11- A Magnas is assassinated. The Regnum forms a group of agents that act only under his authority and are given as much resources as they need to do their work. Pluton's Secret Service is created. In the meantime, another Magnas is appointed by Pluton and their duty is re-evaluated.

14- The region on which Bagian lies suffers from a terrible earthquake, a tenth of the population falls and the rest is left with a shattered city. The wife of the fallen Bagian dies, as well as the Dux and the Magnas who's been appointed three years before. A new Magnas is named and also a Dux. It is Herades, a proud veteran from the northern campaign and master swordsman who becomes the Regnum's personal advisor.

15 '" With the recent earthquake which left the city in shambles and the Regnum's ever-increasing dreams of expansion, the populace and slaves stand in an uprising against Pluton I. For the first time, his rule becomes seriously challenged.

16- The Regnum forms a council, named the Senata. The Senata is presided by the regnum of course, but houses Senators; men in which the people put great trust. In the end, it's still Pluton who decides who becomes a Senator and it's still he who has the last word. This gesture is considered a good start by the citizen and is the first step in the creation of a democratic system.

17- His ambitions greatly slowed by the Senata and the citizens, Pluton I slowly becomes depressed. Thinking his dreams shattered, he passes all his time in the palace. People see this as a sign of weakness and many try to take the opportunity to change things. Unfortunately, they all fail.

20- Pluton I sends the maximum number of soldiers northward and eastward to finally gain control over these territories. He does that even without the support from the Senata, which advise him to not move now and wait for more troops to assure the state's security while the troops are abroad.

21- Regnum Pluton I dies from poisoned drink and his son Stephanos (renamed Pluton II) takes his place on the throne. He abolishes the obligatory military service system. He also receives news of impending victory to the north, nothing concrete though.

22- In a desperate effort to push back the invading forces, the Mindhu tribe of the north summons forth a titanic humanoid mass of magma. Magmus decimates the Bagian forces to the north and walks on Bagian in an uncontrolled rage. In the end, Pluton II personally puts an end to his rampage and becomes not only the Regnum, but a true hero and another source of pride amongst the citizens of the city-state. The joy after Magmus defeat is short-lived, the state is now at war with a crazy and powerful enemy.

Quote from: Magnus PymI was aware of that and understood the question. I think that what I am getting at is not all practitioners of magic are as powerful as you think they are. It doesn't mean I've said that magic can create black holes that everyone can. And it also doesn't mean that all spellcasters are insane and hell bent on controlling the world and razing its inhabitants.

Yes there might be, at times, imbalance. Read my story and you'll notice happenings that are way beyond human control. At least, normal humans.
[spoiler]It's also a "coming-plot" that a magician tries to take control and probably will succeed, for a time.[/spoiler]

Never forget that it's one of the state's primary duty to regulate the use of magic. And that magic is rare. (Low-magic setting)

I hope that answers the question, otherwise you need to clarify (again, haha).

I think then you need to clarify that. My question was based upon the information you had given which puts forth an assumption that magic users are these nigh unstoppable forces without limits to their magic. It's a cool concept, I'm just asking for clarification on magic :)

QuoteMagic

Spells can be cast by weaving magical particles that are part of the atmosphere. Those particles are called mana particles, or just mana. Upon excitement or certain guidance, they will manifest and create an effect. Often called miracles or simply magic. There are very few spellcasters and they are generally feared, even shunned. Their practice is still a mystery to the common man.

QuoteQuick question: What is magic capable of accomplishing?

Quote...as they hold vast...

Ok... I should've said CAN hold?

If one reads between the lines, and I'm not implying anything here or trying to offend anyone, he'll discover that what I'm saying is that;

1st - There aren't many spellcasters
2nd - Spellcasters are somewhat controlled by the state.
3rd - Magic CAN be extremely powerful, but the amount of ressources and time required to learn and/or cast such powerful spells are great. So one is easily identified by the state if he tries something funny.

Of course now we fall in the subject of rogue practitioners, who hid all their lives and learned their art in the dark. Nobody knows about them. Well, you know what, TADA! Plot opportunity.

Yes, there will be crazy spellcasters who dream of world domination and others who dream of a humanless world... maybe even much worse! Things as hardcore as this happen in the real world too (except without the magic element). Hitler held vast powers (military power) and used it to erase the jews from the map. He didn't succeed... but hell he made a great lot of people afraid and was responsible for commiting atrocities such as mass killing. He's not the only one. The Cold War between USA and Russia with threats on both side of using nuclear weapons. Alexander The Great and Genghis Khan on their great conquest. They are not all evil, but all had grand schemes and were helped by the influence/powers they held.

I'd like to repeat that my campaign setting tries to stay in touch with reality (even though it's based in ANOTHER world), but also makes use of fantasy elements.

Make no mistake, I'm glad that you guys machine-gunned me with questions such as these because I had to take a step back and rethink my things, ESPECIALLY about magic on which I hadn't put too much thought. Besides, as I put in more content, which is already written down and just needs some copy/pasting, things will become more and more clear to everyone.

Actually I have previewed this post and I think it really needed to be done... read between the lines or not. Thanks Nomadic.

[blockquote=Magnus Pym]Yes, there will be crazy spellcasters who dream of world domination and others who dream of a humanless world... maybe even much worse! Things as hardcore as this happen in the real world too (except without the magic element). Hitler held vast powers (military power) and used it to erase the jews from the map. He didn't succeed... but hell he made a great lot of people afraid and was responsible for commiting atrocities such as mass killing.[/blockquote]Heh hooray for Godwin's Law!

Looks like a cool sort of setting.  If you haven't encountered them already you should check out Llum's Bronze Setting, which is similarly Hyborian in concept, and Ghostman's Savage Age, which takes place in a world that's young and, well, savage.

Royal Family & State Officials

Bagian Force (Bagian army commanded by the Regnum)

Pluton's Secret Service (Secret agents whose members identities are unknown but to the Regnum himself, from which they receive their orders. They are extremely loyal and oversee state's security, but are more focused on the Regnum and his family's safety)

The Cabal (They are a publicly known branch of the Pluton's Secret Service (though that, they do not know) and their duty is to control the use of magic and hunt rogue practitioners who are considered a threat to the state or the royal family)

The Calendar (A group of sages who keep track of time and events. They are closely watched by the Regnum and his secret service)

Mindhu Tribe (A powerful shamanic tribe from the northern mountains who try to protect their lands against the Bagian imperialists)

Black Mantle (Led secretly by Dux Herades, their goal is to overthrow the royal family and take the throne to create a new world where they would reign supreme. This organization finances researches and practitioners of dark magic, but also assassins and spies)

Liberacion (Led by Aristeous, this pacific movement encourages total democracy over a monarchy. They are based in the city-state itself and have the sympathy of a state officials. The movement was born years before the death of Pluton I, but was only publicly known after his fall. Even though Pluton II is on good terms with Aristeous and vice-versa, he's still greatly pressured by this movement which constantly gains the heart of the more radical (often young) citizens. It is safe to say that they hate the Black Mantle organization and their lame, cowardly actions as much as the State Officials do)

[note]I will most probably add to the list.[/note]

QuoteHeh hooray for Godwin's Law!

Looks like a cool sort of setting. If you haven't encountered them already you should check out Llum's Bronze Setting, which is similarly Hyborian in concept, and Ghostman's Savage Age, which takes place in a world that's young and, well, savage.[/quote]

I haven't check out Bronze Setting yet, but thanks, I will.

I did go through pretty much everything on the Savage Age setting. I was impressed and inspired. Especially because the Bagian culture is similar to his depicted empire. I think he's been at it a little longer than me though, he's really put much time into the details and it shows.

And thanks.

Pluton the First used to be one of the warlords during the Warring States, a period of constant war in ancient civilization that preceded the creation of the city-state. He rallied all the warlords under a single banner and slayed those who opposed his reign. When he formed the city-state, it was his family that contributed the most to the financing of the construction of state buildings and residences. He built walls and law enforcement outposts to keep the citizens safe from outside threats. With his rule came the formation of an army. Only he could command the Bagian Force.
His ultimate goal was the dominion of a vast empire. One that would reach farther than the northern tribal mountains, into the cold plains'¦ farther than the jungles and the desert to the east, where a long chain of mountains stood tall and proud. He wanted to have everything under his control'¦ a real emperor's dream.
During his march on foreign lands, he would rarely take prisoners, preferring to make slaves out of them. He had many followers, even amongst the slaves themselves who sometime looked up to him in awe. But not everyone was content with his dictatorial regime and so he had many enemies, often nebulous organizations operating in the dark. Pluton I will always be notorious for his founding of the city-state, the founding of a military force and bizarrely benevolent behavior towards slaves. In the end, he died a lame death by poisoning, during a mundane family night at the palace.

* One might ask why would slaves look up to him as an idol. Well, he got them jobs. When you are a slave, you are fed. If your not a slave and you can't work, or simply don't work, you don't get to feed yourself without having to do illegal things, of course. So for a portion of them, he was a savior.

Stephanos, renamed Pluton the Second, grew up mostly enclosed in the palace walls, studying and practicing martial arts, philosophy and military strategy. He was given the best resources to learn and he took full opportunity of this, knowing very well he was blessed, but at the same time, given a responsibility to become the next Regnum. He was a quick thinker and wise, which eased the learning process.
Around the age of ten, he and his best friend, Bagian, discovered the art of magic. His father, the Regnum, allowed him access to his fallen comrade's personal library which contained many essential manuals to learn the science of magic. He and his friend were also supplied a teacher. One of great knowledge and important background (he was, at the time, Bagian's apprentice before said person fell in the Last Battle.) Xedeus was his name and he would become Pluton II's teacher of mystical arts.
Pluton the Second didn't get out often, but when he was bored enough to, he helped the citizens all he could. It was also in his best interest to create a strong bond with the people of the state and become aware of their lifestyle. He knew that very well and because of his involvement, despite its casualness, the people liked him.
He witnessed his father's sudden death, caused by poisoned drink. The assassin's identity is unknown and there are many possibilities, but Pluton II has his own guess. He immediately became ruler, wasting no time and keeping the state rolling. He took the opportunity to change a couple of things. He stopped the conscription, or let's say obligatory military service and trained only volunteers instead. He believed strongly that each new soldiers would be twice, if not thrice as strong and proud as the current ones if serving their people was their own decision instead of a long-awaited-long-lasting obligation. He abolished the curfew, allowing the people of the state to remain active during night times. This increased economic productivity and the citizens (and slaves) morale. This created a need for night law enforcement troops.
Not long after these modifications, the city-state was attacked by Magmus. A walking molten monster of titanic size and power sent by the Mindhu tribe of the north. He finally killed the beast single-handedly. With his troops to the north decimated and his city partly destroyed, only one thing could happen. He was preparing war against the northern people who were now officially the state's enemies.
With his epic accomplishments he became a figure of respect and authority, more than just what he'd be as a Regnum. Some even worshipped him, thinking him a god.

Bagian was Pluton I's best friend. He was a practitioner of the mystic arts and famous for working healing miracles. He was killed by Bharakha while defending Pluton I at the Last Battle. He left a child and a wife, which were and are still given royal respect and treatment and housing at the palace. His son's name was Bagian as well. After the Warring States era, Pluton I assembled the territories into one city-state which he named after his fallen comrade, forever honoring his sacrifice. Also, Bagian had a few apprentices, which are given proper housing and equipment to become teachers of their healing art.

 [note]Of course, some people before them made history. For what it matters, all the warlords should have their name and a small biography here. But it's unnecessary, as they are no longer alive and the people they led are fully integrated into the new, unified state now.[/note]

On magic. I'm getting the impression that wild magic is quite common, but humans with the ability to use it aren't? I'm not sure if I would count that as high magic or low magic. Interesting.

If all mages are regulated by the state, does magic have any effect on politics? Do they hold high positions? Are they granted some sort of special status?

Great setting so far. I'd love to see how it develops.

Quote from: Magnus Pym

QuoteMagic

Spells can be cast by weaving magical particles that are part of the atmosphere. Those particles are called mana particles, or just mana. Upon excitement or certain guidance, they will manifest and create an effect. Often called miracles or simply magic. There are very few spellcasters and they are generally feared, even shunned. Their practice is still a mystery to the common man.

QuoteQuick question: What is magic capable of accomplishing?

Quote...as they hold vast...

Oh it's all fine I was just a bit curious as to the limits of magic and wanted to put out a few possible consequences based on what I'd read. Anyhow it's looking good and I'm sure I'll be keeping tabs on your setting. And yes we're well known for "machine gunning" people with questions (haha I like that term) as we're pretty big on constructive criticism here. On that note feel free to look at someone else's thread and machine gun them with questions in turn.

Another question, you talk about resources required to learn or advance in magic arts. I'm assuming one of those resources being teaching materials or learned teachers themselves who can help you. Are there other resources that magic uses? Focuses, tomes, magical items, etc? It seems you're looking to connect magic to "miracles" so are there perhaps legends of people who did miraculous things (parting the red sea, stopping the sun in the sky, stealing the moon, etc) that were actually just magicians using their abilities? I do love a good myth :)

welcome to the forums MP. I've only read your initial post about the Bagian region, and so far it's piqued my interest. Both Ghostman, Llum, and myself have settings based in antiquity/earlier history (Savage Age, Bronze Setting and Arga (although mine's admittedly much more anachronistic), respectively) so it's in my alley.

Anyhoo, these are my thoughts so far.

-This will come off blunt and fast, but I'm not sure the name Bagian is what you want. It really doesn't scream 'ancient' to me. Baghyan maybe, or Bhaigyn. Same with the names I've read so far. Pluton immediately makes me think of Plutarch, Pluto, and Pliny, all which in turn make me think Rome/Greece, which, while you said that was what you were aiming for geographically, it doesn't make me think prehistory. Simple descriptors also seem to work well for this kind of setting, like Kor the Red, or Ghem of Seven Arrows.

Also, a fun way to "cheat" is to base areas/religions/cultures/etc. off of ancient cultures, but just don't tell us ;).

-The magic system could use some flava. Brutality, risk, addiction, consumption, and enslavement all make great themes for magic in a pre-historic/ancient setting. Look to the Hyborian Age for examples. As much as a I dislike elemental-themed things, in such a setting it could actually work well. If your setting is pre-historic, think prehistoric.

Criticisms aside, your emphasis on exploration and discovery of other worlds, peoples, religions, and technologies is pretty awesome. Just please don't have orcs, dwarves, and goblins waiting to be discovered. I still think one-footed cyclops need a home.

Also awesome is the level of pre-history you're aiming for - like flint-tipped spears and floating logs for boats. The fact that you left religions open-ended and undefined is something near and dear to me own little heart. Conundrum Crow would probably like that too. Hell, a lot of us probably like that.

Keep it up dude.
 

Quote from: LeetzThe fact that you left religions open-ended and undefined is something near and dear to me own little heart. Conundrum Crow would probably like that too. Hell, a lot of us probably like that.

I like it, my setting uses that because I was tired of the confirmed single pantheon of gods meddling in mortal affairs thing that has over-saturated the fantasy market as of late.

QuoteOn magic. I'm getting the impression that wild magic is quite common, but humans with the ability to use it aren't? I'm not sure if I would count that as high magic or low magic. Interesting.

If all mages are regulated by the state, does magic have any effect on politics? Do they hold high positions? Are they granted some sort of special status?[/quote]Great setting so far. I'd love to see how it develops.[/quote]
Thanks

Heh I see a druid using his nature powers to protect and otherwise help a village prosper. Help their crops, give them proper weather, drive away animals and raiders, etc. They might set him up as the village chief or even revere him as a god or spirit of some kind depending on their beliefs and his aloofness. A possible plot hook when the cabal finds out about him too.