World Building

[fred_jaboobi]

I am working on building a world where only the elves can be the "major" magic users. Preferred race will be human, and they will have access to all classes except Cleric, Sorcerer and Wizard.

Will the player characters be outmatched at the higher levels?

[InzeladunMaster]

It depends on the system you use.

In 3E, things should be fine if plenty of magic items are available, but probably this idea would be difficult. D&D really focuses on magic, and the magic-using classes are the best at this focus.

In Iron Heroes, that should work as stated.
In Conan, that would work just fine.
If you are using RuneQuest, or Savage Worlds, I think it could work also.

I don't know about 4E, though.

[Grimhelm]

Another simple solution is to simply cap the NPC elves level attainment. You could even take certain spells available for the higher levels and dumb them down so that they could still be used but would have less punch, so to speak.

[BobProbst]

I like Grimhelm's suggestion but I would assert that the DM is always in control of just how balanced the the game becomes. If it starts looking like a high level elf is going to kick their asses -- rein it in a bit.

[Grimhelm]

The other thing that this might do is create a culture of unity and teamwork among elves. Certainly if their power was limited they would band together more and fight as more unified forces...

[InzeladunMaster]

I could see all kinds of interesting scenarios for this kind of world.

1) The elves (of all kinds) live in an alternate universe with connecting portals - most people do not believe in elves, but high level characters will, as they will have become involved in them. Some people will vanish as they stumble into the faerie circles and other portals. The elves perhaps are battling other elves - and the human world is the battle ground.

2) The elves are an elite, but small, group ruling over the humans by right of magical might. There are still good and evil elves, and they pit human armies against each other as they strive to control their resources.

3) The elves function as demons and angels, coming from alternate planes as helpers of the humans for their own ends, offering their magicla services to mankind (perhaps for a price) - which can be either good or bad.

I certainly don't like the idea of unified elves, as that reduces conflict - and, hence, story opportunities.

[Grimhelm]

"I certainly don't like the idea of unified elves, as that reduces conflict - and, hence, story opportunities."

No, no. You mistake me. I simply meant for small fights, elves would naturally use their magic together. They could easily be targeted singly, as individually their power is limited, but in small groups would make much more effective enemies. Of course the same might be said for humans, but in this setup the individual human might very well be more powerful than the individual elf. I guess I was sort of thinking of the way that certain spellcasters (is it an epic addition?) might combine their power for more impressive effects. Anyway, my idea was simply about how they might create stronger magics together as opposed to individually...

[InzeladunMaster]

Originally Posted by Grimhelm

Anyway, my idea was simply about how they might create stronger magics together as opposed to individually...

The Conan rules have a pretty good system for that. I don't remember if 3E has a system for group spells or not.

[Fyrestryke]

Hey Fred! Long see, no time. How's everything?

I say check out 4E on Friday/Saturday at your FLGS. It's supposed to handle things like that really well with healing surges, and all that stuff.