Ifpherion: Age of Expansion Discussion

[Raelifin]

Humans are the most populous race on Ifpherion, though Elves and Half-elves come close.

The Kobaloi have a special enmity for the gnomes, simply because they see the gnomes as 'tainting the proper stature'.[/quote]drives[/i] this to be more than just the sum of its parts?

[Ghost]

Humans are the most populous race on Ifpherion, though Elves and Half-elves come close.

The Kobaloi have a special enmity for the gnomes, simply because they see the gnomes as 'tainting the proper stature'.

drives[/i] this to be more than just the sum of its parts?
[/quote]

Alright. Thank you for replying. I'll be editing the thread soon...

I'm not sure If i'm going to keep pure elves in the setting. It's possible they'll go, in favor of sticking closer to the theme of evolution from humans.

Hmm. You raise a good point about the gnomes and dwarves. I wanted to keep the races somewhat similar to the Handbook versions, but I think I've made that more difficult with the evolution theme. I'll edit them once i've figured out what to do.

About the names...I guess I haven't fully integrated the names yet. It's quite difficult to know when to use world-specific names and names that players are more familiar with. I guess i'll edit the names to the world-specific versions in more places.

The Diamondheads are merely one of many inconsistencies and incomplete pictures that I will be filling out.

Hmm. After looking back, I can't explain why so many races would exactly procreate with the Lizardfolk. Hmm...i'll edit it - there are many different possible reasons for the races to come about that could fit here.

Gravetite is one of the big holes I have yet to fill on the thread. I've written about it on my in-progress webpage, but I unfortunately haven't put the info here yet. Same with the conflict - I have yet to import it here.

Thank you for noticing these - Ifpherion is a big project, and I might not have corrected such errors without outside input.

Edit: I've been thinking of making a companion setting for Ifpherion. A more ethocentric world, where different influences would be incorporated - namely, Australian (both 'modern' and native), China/Japan (possibly even incorporating my contest entry), Polynesia, West Africa, Egypt, and native North America. It would definitely have less advanced technology, and magic that is more divinely oriented (yes, it would even have gods). The black to Ifpherion's white. What do you think?

[Ghost]

Update: Added a list of definitions to the first post, and added a new prestige class. I've begun work on a cohesive word/eventually PDF version of Ifpherion, so as I complete that i'll update the thread.

I've also noticed the similarities to the Stars Above setting, by Elven Doritos. Ifpherion has [spoiler=background secret!!!]hyper-intelligent cyborg dragons who are the masters of a galaxy[/spoiler], and Stars Above has the Myrath. I have to thank him for much inspiration.

[Matt Larkin (author)]

Well, I haven't gotten through all the new material yet, but I like the fact you have a pistol named "firebreather."  And that it shoots alchemical fire.

Ifpherion is a setting unlike many others; it takes place within a universe devoid of 'gods' as we perceive them. Of course, the societies of Ifpherion beleive in gods all the same - their devotion in the mental constructs they see as gods can be quite strong.

really[/i] distant, since they're not real.  I like that effect.  I'm a big proponent of religion mattering without divine intervention or proof of divine existence.

As well, the magic that suffuses the Arcane Bubbles* scattered throughout the universe indeed allows for a being of sufficient talent or wisdom to gain wondrous, even godlike powers. But none are born or created with these abilities. Even the celestial objects, such as stars or black holes, have only the merest spark of magical capabilities, due to the magical field being warped by the intense activity from these objects. Planets that host sentient races are the same, though they may become more aware as the arcane field is warped by any magical manipulations the sentient species are capable of.

The biggest way this affects the rules is that Clerics and Paladins do not receive their spells from their gods, but merely from their own magical capabilities, which are empowered by the power of their beleif, or from spell formulae taught to them by church elders.[/quote]* - One of the secrets given by the Dragons to the ancient leaders, scientists, and wizards of Ifpherion is the presence of the Arcane Bubbles. These are purportedly vast regions of space, up to several galaxies in length, where magic is indeed obvious, and able to be manipulated by beings of sufficient skill. These Bubbles are scattered throughout the universe, and seem to move away from each other over the eons as the universe expands.

Ifpherion happens to be near the center of such a bubble.[/quote]
So, if I'm clear on this, magic exists on Ifpherion because Ifpherion is in a galaxy which is in an arcane bubble?  Neat, but why make this distinction?  Would not everything ever known by the people of the planet be within this bubble, and thus the distinction be meaningless?  Like a creature born blind has no conception of color...

Also, a side note, the word arcane means "secret."  While you mention the bubbles are a secret, you seem to mean more like they are "eldritch" than "secret" in terms of their nature.  Just a thought.

It's nice to see how much progress you've made.

[Ghost]

Well, I haven't gotten through all the new material yet, but I like the fact you have a pistol named "firebreather."  And that it shoots alchemical fire.

Theoretically, spellcasters certainly can gain godlike powers. Indeed, there are many instances of such occurances. But most sentient spellcasters are content with some lower goal - pleasure, power, destruction of a particular object, or revenge. There are also the Dragons, who keep a constant watch out for those who would become physical gods; they've gone through the trouble of destroying all gods once, and they do not want the universal pantheon to increase ('when' they did this is a difficult thing to answer; since their battles against the Gods spanned all history and all the universe, they cannot be said to have done it at any one time).

But all except for a very privileged few on Ifpherion would know about any of this. The Dragons are very, very selective about who should learn such knowledge and who shouldn't; otherwise, their experiments would be ruined.[/spoiler]

[Stargate525]

Hey, I was looking around the homebrew forums in a spat of 'i don't wanna look at my campaign setting anymore,' and yours looked interesting. Let the review commence. I'll be writing this as a read, so forgive me if I ask questions that are answered later in the setting.


Magic and high technology... I like it. It might be that i don't get to play them often, but high tech worlds always make me smile.

The Races: I like how you connected several of the races into evolutionary trees. It's a very good explanation of why there are so many different races. I especially liked the SSA quote in the human block, I found it somewhat funny.

I do have a question about the kobolds. You said they were a cross between lizardfolk and gnomes, yet they hate the gnomes and barely tolerate the lizardfolk. Why the leanings towards the lizardfolka dn not the gnomes?

I also like how you incorporated other races via the use of portals. Makes it easy for the DM to explain why there aren't any others of a certain race around. I would have loved an out like this for my own campaigns. So far, I'm finding very little to criticize.

geography: ...Wow. That's all I can really say. I'm starting to love this setting more and more. There are only three planets in the system then? Also, you seem to be missing a moon. Can't wait to see what gravetite is, and that last sentence is very suspenseful.

political entities:
The volle
grand barony: Seems to be a rather large powerhouse. Is their main trade with Altax, or are they diversified? You say that a dragon united the many nations into one... How was this done, through force? If so, what's the motivation for them to stay together and not fragment?

The Westenray Federation: Hmm. So they thrive off of mining, agriculture, or both in modern times? Your post confused me a little in that respect. I like the government system, it reminds me of the thanes in... scotland... I think it was. Seems to be a generally nicer place than the Barony. I don't know if that's true or not, but that's the impression I got.

Altax: I'd like to review it, but I can't seem to get to the page...

Genabi Principalities: An interesting conglomeration of different cultures. They remind me faintly of indian tribes. I notice you said that their culture varies between the different cities. If so, what keeps them from breaking up into different entities? or are they only a loose confederation? Do they deal with other nations as nine cities or as a whole?

Nightshade Kingdom: Not a whole lot of information is given here. I'm torn between envisioning them as a xenophobic kingdom or simply very conservative. The regard of nature is the first I've seen, and it's kinda nice. I can't get much on their culture either. I know they revere nature and disdain technology, but what's their government set up as? What's their hierarchy? you mentioned nobles and elite knights. Is that evidence of a sort of feudal system?

Kingdom of the Forgotten: The wars that were waged over this land, were they for control of the drug, or to facilitate in its destruction? So I'm assuming the name refers to the last state that existed here, since now it seems like some sort of hippie commune. What's preventing the other countries from simply moving in and setting up shop? the current residents don't seem too terribly difficult to push through. I do like the concept, however, and think it's a nice touch to the setting.

Genim: No complaints here. An enlightened monarchy that places the power in the hands of  not just the people, but into the hands of the LOWER CLASS. very nice.

Jecha: Interesting. I like the concept of the enlightened research and knowledge city-state. I think the strict social laws are a nice touch.

Voldot: If I'm not mistaken this is the first theocracy in the setting. Doesn't seem too terribly pleasant. What is the purpose of the grain palace?

Narzagon: Seems like an interesting place. What's their government like? Trade? What are they noted for?

Bleaklands: Sounds desolate. It also reminds me of yellowstone... eh. Dangerous and unforgiving, sounds like a really bad desert.

horsland
Middle east? There's not a whole lot of information here yet, but that's the impression I got.

Lat Daera
Cimri: Cool. Very cool. I like the concept alot. If it's a small place, why haven't its enemies simply wiped it off the planet? Seems to me that this would be the ideal place for metalwalkers to live.

The other islands are all really neat. I like how you have a different concept on a separate island, makes it far more plausible to have radically different concepts in play that are accessible to each other.


technological advancement
ooo, drawings. Shiny. I offer my own crappy skills should you want them, I like drawing technical stuff quite a bit.

Classes
Support for the PHBII. Me like. Like the flavor for bards. It fits for what they'd be in a more... developed society. I like how you noted that wizards can be something other than the enclaved hermits buried in books. That seems to be overlooked alot. You also removed by biggest headache from your world. Congrats, you have a convert.

your altitude training feat might have a problem. What do you suffer from when the temperature is over 60F? in summer I call that pretty darned cold, and I live in wisconsin.

For your spell voidbreather, you fail to specify the number of people this can affect. I like the concept very much, but does that air remain fresh? For instance, if you were to have one of these active and run into a smoke-filled room, would you be breathing fresh air?

Arcane Engineer sounds like fun, although I think you could make the class really spark by giving it some more unique skills.

Interesting sites
Ah, I see you've described the Grainmaster's Hall. Jolly good.

Religion
So no Gods. Not too terribly surprised. Are there 'religions' that worship heroes or saints?

Unique Equipment & Items
Coranid Libations: What is this used for? If you've got them captured well enough to spread this on, flying shouldn't be a problem... Do you throw it?

communications pads: Nice. Tricorders! Very, very cool. Depending on how expensive they are, that 500 mile transmission radius seems pretty large.

Tamuliop's Telepathic Deliverance Interface: telephone? Have you been pulling names from seventh sanctum by any chance?

Lonwe's Oscillating Matrix: does it work on living things? I know the first thing I'd try with one of these is to attach it to a purple worm or something...

Very cool items, and I'm seriously considering retooling that communications pad for my setting, with your permission, of course.

Timekeeping
seems relatively straightforward. What's the division of months/weeks?

Whew. Finished. I look forward to the next update on this, and will be watching it. I hope I didn't talk[type] your ear off, and I hope it was helpful.

[Ghost]

Hey, I was looking around the homebrew forums in a spat of 'i don't wanna look at my campaign setting anymore,' and yours looked interesting. Let the review commence. I'll be writing this as a read, so forgive me if I ask questions that are answered later in the setting.


Magic and high technology... I like it. It might be that i don't get to play them often, but high tech worlds always make me smile.

The Races: I like how you connected several of the races into evolutionary trees. It's a very good explanation of why there are so many different races. I especially liked the SSA quote in the human block, I found it somewhat funny.

I do have a question about the kobolds. You said they were a cross between lizardfolk and gnomes, yet they hate the gnomes and barely tolerate the lizardfolk. Why the leanings towards the lizardfolka dn not the gnomes?

I also like how you incorporated other races via the use of portals. Makes it easy for the DM to explain why there aren't any others of a certain race around. I would have loved an out like this for my own campaigns. So far, I'm finding very little to criticize.

geography: ...Wow. That's all I can really say. I'm starting to love this setting more and more. There are only three planets in the system then? Also, you seem to be missing a moon. Can't wait to see what gravetite is, and that last sentence is very suspenseful.

political entities:
The volle
grand barony: Seems to be a rather large powerhouse. Is their main trade with Altax, or are they diversified? You say that a dragon united the many nations into one... How was this done, through force? If so, what's the motivation for them to stay together and not fragment?

The Westenray Federation: Hmm. So they thrive off of mining, agriculture, or both in modern times? Your post confused me a little in that respect. I like the government system, it reminds me of the thanes in... scotland... I think it was. Seems to be a generally nicer place than the Barony. I don't know if that's true or not, but that's the impression I got.

Altax: I'd like to review it, but I can't seem to get to the page...

Genabi Principalities: An interesting conglomeration of different cultures. They remind me faintly of indian tribes. I notice you said that their culture varies between the different cities. If so, what keeps them from breaking up into different entities? or are they only a loose confederation? Do they deal with other nations as nine cities or as a whole?

Nightshade Kingdom: Not a whole lot of information is given here. I'm torn between envisioning them as a xenophobic kingdom or simply very conservative. The regard of nature is the first I've seen, and it's kinda nice. I can't get much on their culture either. I know they revere nature and disdain technology, but what's their government set up as? What's their hierarchy? you mentioned nobles and elite knights. Is that evidence of a sort of feudal system?

Kingdom of the Forgotten: The wars that were waged over this land, were they for control of the drug, or to facilitate in its destruction? So I'm assuming the name refers to the last state that existed here, since now it seems like some sort of hippie commune. What's preventing the other countries from simply moving in and setting up shop? the current residents don't seem too terribly difficult to push through. I do like the concept, however, and think it's a nice touch to the setting.

Genim: No complaints here. An enlightened monarchy that places the power in the hands of  not just the people, but into the hands of the LOWER CLASS. very nice.

Jecha: Interesting. I like the concept of the enlightened research and knowledge city-state. I think the strict social laws are a nice touch.

Voldot: If I'm not mistaken this is the first theocracy in the setting. Doesn't seem too terribly pleasant. What is the purpose of the grain palace?

Narzagon: Seems like an interesting place. What's their government like? Trade? What are they noted for?

Bleaklands: Sounds desolate. It also reminds me of yellowstone... eh. Dangerous and unforgiving, sounds like a really bad desert.

horsland
Middle east? There's not a whole lot of information here yet, but that's the impression I got.

Lat Daera
Cimri: Cool. Very cool. I like the concept alot. If it's a small place, why haven't its enemies simply wiped it off the planet? Seems to me that this would be the ideal place for metalwalkers to live.

The other islands are all really neat. I like how you have a different concept on a separate island, makes it far more plausible to have radically different concepts in play that are accessible to each other.


technological advancement
ooo, drawings. Shiny. I offer my own crappy skills should you want them, I like drawing technical stuff quite a bit.

Classes
Support for the PHBII. Me like. Like the flavor for bards. It fits for what they'd be in a more... developed society. I like how you noted that wizards can be something other than the enclaved hermits buried in books. That seems to be overlooked alot. You also removed by biggest headache from your world. Congrats, you have a convert.

your altitude training feat might have a problem. What do you suffer from when the temperature is over 60F? in summer I call that pretty darned cold, and I live in wisconsin.

For your spell voidbreather, you fail to specify the number of people this can affect. I like the concept very much, but does that air remain fresh? For instance, if you were to have one of these active and run into a smoke-filled room, would you be breathing fresh air?

Arcane Engineer sounds like fun, although I think you could make the class really spark by giving it some more unique skills.

Interesting sites
Ah, I see you've described the Grainmaster's Hall. Jolly good.

Religion
So no Gods. Not too terribly surprised. Are there 'religions' that worship heroes or saints?

Unique Equipment & Items
Coranid Libations: What is this used for? If you've got them captured well enough to spread this on, flying shouldn't be a problem... Do you throw it?

communications pads: Nice. Tricorders! Very, very cool. Depending on how expensive they are, that 500 mile transmission radius seems pretty large.

Tamuliop's Telepathic Deliverance Interface: telephone? Have you been pulling names from seventh sanctum by any chance?

Lonwe's Oscillating Matrix: does it work on living things? I know the first thing I'd try with one of these is to attach it to a purple worm or something...

Very cool items, and I'm seriously considering retooling that communications pad for my setting, with your permission, of course.

Timekeeping
seems relatively straightforward. What's the division of months/weeks?

Whew. Finished. I look forward to the next update on this, and will be watching it. I hope I didn't talk[type] your ear off, and I hope it was helpful.

Thanks for the comments.

With geography, I haven't exactly finished that section yet. There will be description for the last moon soon.

About the Races...I guess i'll change the Kobaloi to basically revering the Lizardfolk and the few Dragons they've encountered (some beleive that the Dragons are avatars of Halcanir, and the Lizardfolk were Halcanir's first favored children, and now the Kobaloi must prove their worth to Halcanir after the virtual extinction of the Lizardfolk) and still hating the gnomes.

There's a little bit more on Gravetite in the Definitions page, though i'll make sure to make a new post soon dedicated solely to Gravetite and it's uses.

I haven't really addressed the trade and diplomatic relations between the nations yet - I haven't found inspiration in that regard. Maybe i'll specifically browse and see how it's done elsewhere. As well, some of the smaller nations need to be fleshed out some more, I know - indeed, two nations that with potential for intrigue, Gelraemoniy and Fosw, are missing descriptions entirely. I'll start filling them in soon.

Oh my...when I designed the Voidbreather spell, I had only the vacuum of space in mind. But you've reminded me of other ways it could be used.

About the datapad, I envisioned it as more of a pda-esque device, with a flat screen. But your idea is pretty cool too. The Libations...i'll edit that as well.

Thank you for your interest.

[Stargate525]

Thanks for the comments.

With geography, I haven't exactly finished that section yet. There will be description for the last moon soon.

I figured out after a bit that this wasn't finished, so I look forward to it.

About the Races...I guess i'll change the Kobaloi to basically revering the Lizardfolk and the few Dragons they've encountered (some beleive that the Dragons are avatars of Halcanir, and the Lizardfolk were Halcanir's first favored children, and now the Kobaloi must prove their worth to Halcanir after the virtual extinction of the Lizardfolk) and still hating the gnomes.

Sounds good. There was really no need to add another whole aspect just for this. I was just curious as to why they seemed to take the lizardfolk's side.

There's a little bit more on Gravetite in the Definitions page, though i'll make sure to make a new post soon dedicated solely to Gravetite and it's uses.

Looking forward to it.

I haven't really addressed the trade and diplomatic relations between the nations yet - I haven't found inspiration in that regard. Maybe i'll specifically browse and see how it's done elsewhere. As well, some of the smaller nations need to be fleshed out some more, I know - indeed, two nations that with potential for intrigue, Gelraemoniy and Fosw, are missing descriptions entirely. I'll start filling them in soon.

see above.

Oh my...when I designed the Voidbreather spell, I had only the vacuum of space in mind. But you've reminded me of other ways it could be used.

Ah. So it also equalizes pressure and temperature?

About the datapad, I envisioned it as more of a pda-esque device, with a flat screen. But your idea is pretty cool too. The Libations...i'll edit that as well.

Thank you for your interest.

My pleasure. I could definitely see a datapad-esque device for the civilian pads, but the military ones have a number of scanning features, so a PDA might be a little awkward for the scanning motion.

[Ghost]

Thanks for the comments.

With geography, I haven't exactly finished that section yet. There will be description for the last moon soon.

I figured out after a bit that this wasn't finished, so I look forward to it.

About the Races...I guess i'll change the Kobaloi to basically revering the Lizardfolk and the few Dragons they've encountered (some beleive that the Dragons are avatars of Halcanir, and the Lizardfolk were Halcanir's first favored children, and now the Kobaloi must prove their worth to Halcanir after the virtual extinction of the Lizardfolk) and still hating the gnomes.

Sounds good. There was really no need to add another whole aspect just for this. I was just curious as to why they seemed to take the lizardfolk's side.

There's a little bit more on Gravetite in the Definitions page, though i'll make sure to make a new post soon dedicated solely to Gravetite and it's uses.

Looking forward to it.

I haven't really addressed the trade and diplomatic relations between the nations yet - I haven't found inspiration in that regard. Maybe i'll specifically browse and see how it's done elsewhere. As well, some of the smaller nations need to be fleshed out some more, I know - indeed, two nations that with potential for intrigue, Gelraemoniy and Fosw, are missing descriptions entirely. I'll start filling them in soon.

see above.

Oh my...when I designed the Voidbreather spell, I had only the vacuum of space in mind. But you've reminded me of other ways it could be used.

Ah. So it also equalizes pressure and temperature?

About the datapad, I envisioned it as more of a pda-esque device, with a flat screen. But your idea is pretty cool too. The Libations...i'll edit that as well.

Thank you for your interest.

My pleasure. I could definitely see a datapad-esque device for the civilian pads, but the military ones have a number of scanning features, so a PDA might be a little awkward for the scanning motion.

Indeed, the spell does equalize pressure and temperature, down to the upper limits of the subject's endurance. I mean, the  subject would feel intensely cold when in space, and intensely hot (possibly enough to take a small amount of damage if wearing metal weapons or armor) when swimming in lava, but he would not die, or even lose much concentration.

[Stargate525]

Indeed, the spell does equalize pressure and temperature, down to the upper limits of the subject's endurance. I mean, the  subject would feel intensely cold when in space, and intensely hot (possibly enough to take a small amount of damage if wearing metal weapons or armor) when swimming in lava, but he would not die, or even lose much concentration.

Then you might want to retool this to make it a bit more specialized. Using this relatively low-level spell, I would be immune from fire damage (fireballs, burning buildings, the surface of the sun), cold damage(arctic circle, blizzards), most poisons, drowning (since it equalizes pressure I could literally walk across the bottom of the ocean), suffocating(which is what you intended, but I could be buried alive and live quite comfortably), and a host of other similar effects.

[Ghost]

Indeed, the spell does equalize pressure and temperature, down to the upper limits of the subject's endurance. I mean, the  subject would feel intensely cold when in space, and intensely hot (possibly enough to take a small amount of damage if wearing metal weapons or armor) when swimming in lava, but he would not die, or even lose much concentration.

Then you might want to retool this to make it a bit more specialized. Using this relatively low-level spell, I would be immune from fire damage (fireballs, burning buildings, the surface of the sun), cold damage(arctic circle, blizzards), most poisons, drowning (since it equalizes pressure I could literally walk across the bottom of the ocean), suffocating(which is what you intended, but I could be buried alive and live quite comfortably), and a host of other similar effects.

Hmm. Maybe i'll raise the level of it...or just limit the protecting effects to the vacuum of space.

[Stargate525]

Then you might want to retool this to make it a bit more specialized. Using this relatively low-level spell, I would be immune from fire damage (fireballs, burning buildings, the surface of the sun), cold damage(arctic circle, blizzards), most poisons, drowning (since it equalizes pressure I could literally walk across the bottom of the ocean), suffocating(which is what you intended, but I could be buried alive and live quite comfortably), and a host of other similar effects.

Hmm. Maybe i'll raise the level of it...or just limit the protecting effects to the vacuum of space.

Limiting it to space would work. You could also say that it doesn't work in a theoretically breathable atmosphere, so it could retain its uses underwater, for instance.

By the by, I like your badge design. Very cool. What is it?

[Ghost]

Then you might want to retool this to make it a bit more specialized. Using this relatively low-level spell, I would be immune from fire damage (fireballs, burning buildings, the surface of the sun), cold damage(arctic circle, blizzards), most poisons, drowning (since it equalizes pressure I could literally walk across the bottom of the ocean), suffocating(which is what you intended, but I could be buried alive and live quite comfortably), and a host of other similar effects.

Hmm. Maybe i'll raise the level of it...or just limit the protecting effects to the vacuum of space.

Limiting it to space would work. You could also say that it doesn't work in a theoretically breathable atmosphere, so it could retain its uses underwater, for instance.

By the by, I like your badge design. Very cool. What is it?

It's a stylized 'I', with green and blue parts, representing a planet.

[Stargate525]

It's a stylized 'I', with green and blue parts, representing a planet.

Very cool.

[Ghost]

It's a stylized 'I', with green and blue parts, representing a planet.

Very cool.

Thanks.

If you'd like, you can put the badge in your signature. Here's the code:

 [spoiler]

Code Select Expand

[img]http://www.thecbg.org/e107_files/public/ifpherionbadge.gif[/img]

Version with link:

Code Select Expand

[url=http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?23663][img]http://www.thecbg.org/e107_files/public/ifpherionbadge.gif[/img][/url]
[/spoiler]