Reactive World Design

[The_Universe]

Where does magic come from and why? What makes arcane magic different from divine magic? Is there a difference? Do both types exist or is there only one type based on where and how it is accessed?

Arcane magic is almost a science. The fabric of reality is held together by threads and stitches. Conceptually similar to ley-lines, these threads can be tugged and pulled to change the appearance and makeup of the fabric that they help to create. Somatic spell components represent that pulling and tugging on the fabric of reality.

Divine magic is believed to be a gift of the gods, exempt from the stringent magical laws that bind Arcane magic. This is not true, however. Divine magic actually comes from a powerful consciousness that is both above and beyond the three gods. The Triad are aware that some such power must exist, but beyond that, even they do not know its nature. They propogate the myth that it is they who grant divine magic, despite the fact that this is not actually the case.

Followers of the Soullord tend to learn true Clerical magic, and both the lord of the expanse's and the heathlord's followers tend to manifest druidic magic (because of their belief, not because of the gods)

 

[The_Universe]

2x post. crap.

 

[The_Universe]

What are the dominant species? Are they all Tolkein-esque or unique?

What's the land-to-water composition of the planet?

Humanity is the dominant species. They believe themselves to be the only truly sentient race in the world, and they have expanded to cover its known surface. There are creatures that display cunning in the wilderness, but they are not believed to be intelligent.

Land covers almost 80% of the surface. It is a dry world, and nearly all water is either underground, or pooled in small springs and lakes.

 

[The Grackle]

How much does it cost to board the floating island, and how long does a trip to the continent of the undead take?

 

[The_Universe]

In the village of Kirack, The Devil's Due is the most popular inn. Operated by a vaguely sinister looking old man, rumors whisper that the proprietor can acquire anything that visitors desire....for the right price.

 

[nyrfherdr]

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?

Who are the little people and where do they come from?

If I rifle through a dead man's pockets for loose change, is that a crime? (in the eyes of the law, the 3 gods, or the powers beyond the 3?)

Do magic items exist? Who makes them? Are they for sale? If no one sells them, why do they get made?

 

[The_Universe]

What are the most common metals in use? for currency? for tools? for weapons?

Can I play a half-dragon?

Are there dragons?

What do the civilized folk know of their own history? Is there history (thinking of dawnforge)? Are there civilized folk?

Almost all metals are common. The world below is rich with ore for those brave enough to acquire it.

Steel remains the most common metal used for tools and weaponry, but there are whispers of mountain people who can forge weapons stronger and lighter than those used by the people in the lowlands....

Gems are used for common currency.

You may play a half-dragon, but you are unaware of half of your origin. You are a freak - a monster. An aberration of the worst sort, you are driven from every town and village you encounter once your nature is revealed.

As such, there must be dragons. Hiding in the earth, the dragons sleep, waiting for the signal for their awakenings, and return. A few wake, fitfully, and walk upon the earth among the strange apes that now dominate the surface, hiding among them, seeming to be one of them. The world has changed since they began their slumber...but the time to awake is soon, the Dragon thrones have been empty for too long....

There are civilized folk. They know of their history for the past 500 years or so, although detail is lost the further back one wishes to go. It is said that the people sailed on a forgotten black sea that can no longer be accessed, refugees from an island that was destroyed not by war, but by peace. Raiders from across the forgotten sea came, and drove the peaceloving people away. All that now live are descended from the refugees, and they have learned the lesson of their past - they shall not be conquered, or chased. These are warriors!

 

[The_Universe]

Who holds the power over sentient beings there, and how do they hold it?

The closest kingdom, the kingdom in which the Devil's Due sits, is ruled by a council of elders, who are themselves advised by the Circle of Swords. The Circle is made up of the 9 greatest warriors in the land, and each year during the day in which the sun stands longest in the sky new warriors may fight for entrance into the Circle. Exiting members are usually not killed, as the fights are generally taken only to first blood. When a member of the Council of Elders dies, he is replaced by the longest serving member of the Circle of Swords. In such a case, the seat on the circle remains open until the next "election" to the circle, during which a special tournament is held to fill the vacant seat.

They rule with the help of a well-trained army, primarily using the fear of the wilderness as a way to keep the outlying areas in line. Both the circle and council are relatively benign.

 

[The Grackle]

Where do Lemork, Karomel(Caramel? ), and Dorinae keep their corporeal bodies? Could they be killed? or usurped? Have such things happenned in the past?

What are the types of exchange gems and their relative value (=X diamonds).

How do the council of elders obtain their positions, other than age?

 

[Woas]

- What are the major power centers of humanity? Are there soverign governments or one organization that controls all civilization or something else?

- How do the general population view magic (arcane and divine)? Is it common enough to be taught to wealthy noble children like language and rheotric was to our worlds nobles years ago? Or is it something rare and mystical?

- Are there dinosaurs?

- Does the lack of water on the surface of the planet create any conflicts with the civilized people of the world? If there is water located underground, do the people above ground know it? And if yes, is there any conflicts with the above ground people with anything that may live underground?

- If a wagon train leaves City A going 8 MPH heading east toward City B, and second wagon train leaves City B one hour later heading west on the same, 1 lane road towards City A at 10 MPH, and the road between the two cities measures 86 miles, when will the two wagon trains crash?