civil war

[Tamara]

Hi
In the past 4 months disasters have rained down upon my land Kemeit on the
planet Orono and on my "poor" players.
First a wave originating in another land on the planet snuffed out all magic
in the land except in the temple areas. Buildings (especially pharaoh's
palace) collapsed (being held up by magic), the many undead disappeared, the
magical communication lines broke down, weapons and stuff became very not
magical. Magic worked again immediately afterwards but being a high magic
area the effects were a disaster.
Then 3 months later a new moon rose slightly red in color (in my campaign
red is evil not black which is the color of fruitfulness). Right after that
a metal plague swept the country. All iron and silver started out getting
white spots. These grew and then the weapon/coin/jewelry became dust.
This caused the first riots. Loosing one's wealth is never popular
especially when there is nothing you can do to protect yourself.
The guy playing pharaoh said he would rater be feared than loved so he sent
out the stormtroops to quell the riots. (He is a foreigner sitting on the
throne thanks in part to these troops).
2 weeks later the sun did not rise 4 mornings in a row.
Now pharaoh being the son of Re the sun god and the conduit between gods and
men is the upholder of the universal order called Maat. As long as pharaoh
honors the gods and obeys the laws, Maat is in balance and all is well. But
if pharaoh fails, the people will suffer, for Maat forms the basis of all
things.
So of course the people is beginning to see the present pharaoh as being no
longer (if he ever was) blessed by the gods and then it is their right to
rise against him.
Now with his attitude he has reacted swiftly and ruthlessly. The nomarks
(provincial rulers) whom his spies have told him are against him have all
with their families been arrested, martial laws have been imposed in all
cities and his storm troops spread all over the land in order to ensure
peace and quiet.
This of course is the beginning of a civil war and now I am stumped.
The economy is in ruins. Weapons must be made of bronce (a technique almost
forgotten not having been used for several thousand years). Many everyday
things made of metal are no longer existing. The dwarves have shut
themselves into their mountains in a desperate attempt to keep the metal
plague out and hence the firestones (coal) used for heating and cooking are
no longer available etc etc etc.
How do I go from here?
Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanx

 

[Tonguez]

SO if I understand correctly the PCs include the Pharoah - are the other PCs thus loyal to the Pharoah and supporters of his regime?

If so then you have a perfect setting for political manouvering against a backdrop of strife and war.

I'd have the Enemy Nation responsible for the Anti-magic wave stage an invasion sincve they know that Kemmit no longer has metal weapons and is otherwise in disarray.

The PCs need to ride through the empire using diplomacy to regain authority and show that the Pharoah is still worthy. Somehow they need to assure the populace that the gods still protect Kemmit and then go about rebuilding the buildings and bringing in grain from the Pharoahs storehouses to feed everyone.

Then they need to convince the people that the Invading foreigners are responsible and rouse them to arms.

 

[Tamara]

re :civil war

Actually my gaming situation is a bit complex. I run 3 groups all based in Kemeit. One of the groups has members who have been playing with me for almost 10 years and of course those players have several characters not in play all the time. Some of their characters are pro pharaoh, others are indifferent to him.
Your suggestion of an invasion from the country Thauria from which sprang the anti-magic wave would be great but for several points.
Kemeit is placed on a planet called Orono which is a shared world with 10 GMs. I am a player in the land Thauria (actually pt I have 2 characters there and one of them is the king).
1. The king and the pharaoh are friends so there will be no invasion from Thauria.
2. The metal plaque is worldwide (a masterplot with many ramifications) so all are in more or less trouble depending on technology level in the different lands.

Since Kemeit has other enemies whose tech level is low (stone age) they will combine to attach her in her hour of need. Here the players will get a chance to shine.

But what I chiefly need are suggestions how to run a land in civil war.

 

[Sagan Darkside]

Re: re :civil war

But what I chiefly need are suggestions how to run a land in civil war.

It would strike me that since both sides' weapons are not dust- they are both scrambling to make weapons from wood, bone, and stone. It may be primitive, but during time of crisis- you don't have the luxury of choices.

Perhaps rumors of a lost mithril (if it is immune, if not some metal that is) supply of weapons comes up- and both sides send forces after it. Since who every retrieves it would be at the advantage.

Considering the chaos- most food must be now scarce, which might mean the forces on either side are in disarray. Battles take the form of mob wars- those supporting the pharoah and those who are not. If you have a chance in seeing Gangs of New York, then this is what image comes to mind.

Eventually large fires would break out- and there is no group organized to take care of them. Unless the pharoah calls in well fed troops from outside the area, then it is likely he is left alone with a few loyal troops.

Good luck
SD