Creative Minds Wanted!

If discussion of magic and magic systems are still open, this is my theory of magic. May I suggest taking some of my concepts and adding it in?


Also, it would be great to have an actual document that we can edit and combine all our ideas on so we have a comprehensive or "official" version of what is going on. We have a lot of good ideas that are kind of scattered about from different sources. I volunteer (as tribute, wait, no...) to combine all the ideas, organize them, and spit out a final product that integrates all the ideas/concepts. Here's what I'm thinking: The first post of worldbuilding info by LeonardPCollins will be the baseline and any additions we can integrate.


Also, to make things smoother, do you guys want to divvy up roles like who wants to be in charge of what? Then after each person comes up with a base concept, others can add in their thoughts and opinions.


What do you all think? Any objections? What do you like/dislike?


I'm just thinking that this will make things more organized and clear.


A Theory of Magic


Magic leaves traces as it is a type of energy that CHANGES. This special category of energy transforms anything it touches, either chemically, physically, or puts it into motion.



Magic is available in trace amounts everywhere in our world but only manifest through a medium. Raw magic cannot be observed by those not attuned to it. Even then, magic is only visible/tangible on a certain plane of consciousness detached from normal consciousness.



The requirement to manipulate M-energy is unknown but a weak to moderate correlation can be made between manipulation ability and genetics (ability of the parents).



To manifest M-energy, or make it available for our senses to detect, is the compression, or gathering, of this energy, similar to a magnet attracting the opposite charge, then compressing and activating it with another unknown element which is often confused with 'willpower.'



Though not directly related, one's will does seem to have some correlation to one's ability to manipulate M-energy. This element, commonly referred to as the G-element (“general element”), is always present in a magic user's body, although not always active. Recent studies have shown that even inactive G-element can still be detected, however faintly.



Resonance is one method of detection. A Magic user with high sensitivity/awareness will be able to sense others carrying the G-element when partially activating their own G. Users with extremely high sensitivity are called Sensors and may be able to detect ones with dormant "magic" (those who have magical ability not manifest).



Most magic users have only one type of magic such as distortion, creating wind, or even changing the color of an object. Two is uncommon, and three is extremely rare, while four is unheard of.



Manipulation/Control can be increased through practice. Some have naturally high skill level. It seems that control can only be increased up until a certain point, at which time full mastery is obtained.



Black Magic is an exception to some rules. High skill level/control is not needed to use this magic, though large sacrifices must be made. It is also known as “Anti-Magic” or “anti-energy” (not to be confused with antimatter). It is largely forbidden in many cultures as it can become highly destructive and uncontrollable. Using A-M in small amounts leads one to using it in large amounts which causes magic sickness. Magic sickness is the slow deterioration of the user, much like a parasite slowly kills its host.



Magic sickness is different from magic fatigue. Fatigue is the overuse of M-energy. If Fatigue builds up, the ability of the user may decrease over time.



Magic also depends on the amount of M-energy available in the environment. Some places have abundant M-energy where magic is often a dominant part of life, while others have very little to no M-energy. There, magic is a myth.



Magic takes much training to use effectively. Those with naturally high skill level need less training. This training usually takes place at a Magic Academy or training center of some sort. There, users spend much of their time to control, sense, and otherwise prepare themselves for the use of M-energy. This is a lifestyle, so generally, users with any ability attend an academy.



Nexus: The Center Link: An Introduction



The Realms are interconnected. At their center lies Nexus, a realm steeped in fable and mystique. The ‘stars’ in Nexus’ night sky are cross-Portals (aka trans-portals, C-ports, T-ports) to other dimensions/realms. Each configuration in the ‘Stars’ is different, enabling one to cross into different dimensions, instead of all T-ports leading to one dimension which may occur in one Realm.






BTW, we need to agree on a name for magic!
 
Nyctophiliac said:
If discussion of magic and magic systems are still open, this is my theory of magic. May I suggest taking some of my concepts and adding it in?
Also, it would be great to have an actual document that we can edit and combine all our ideas on so we have a comprehensive or "official" version of what is going on. We have a lot of good ideas that are kind of scattered about from different sources. I volunteer (as tribute, wait, no...) to combine all the ideas, organize them, and spit out a final product that integrates all the ideas/concepts. Here's what I'm thinking: The first post of worldbuilding info by LeonardPCollins will be the baseline and any additions we can integrate.


Also, to make things smoother, do you guys want to divvy up roles like who wants to be in charge of what? Then after each person comes up with a base concept, others can add in their thoughts and opinions.


What do you all think? Any objections? What do you like/dislike?


I'm just thinking that this will make things more organized and clear.


A Theory of Magic


Magic leaves traces as it is a type of energy that CHANGES. This special category of energy transforms anything it touches, either chemically, physically, or puts it into motion.



Magic is available in trace amounts everywhere in our world but only manifest through a medium. Raw magic cannot be observed by those not attuned to it. Even then, magic is only visible/tangible on a certain plane of consciousness detached from normal consciousness.



The requirement to manipulate M-energy is unknown but a weak to moderate correlation can be made between manipulation ability and genetics (ability of the parents).



To manifest M-energy, or make it available for our senses to detect, is the compression, or gathering, of this energy, similar to a magnet attracting the opposite charge, then compressing and activating it with another unknown element which is often confused with 'willpower.'



Though not directly related, one's will does seem to have some correlation to one's ability to manipulate M-energy. This element, commonly referred to as the G-element (“general element”), is always present in a magic user's body, although not always active. Recent studies have shown that even inactive G-element can still be detected, however faintly.



Resonance is one method of detection. A Magic user with high sensitivity/awareness will be able to sense others carrying the G-element when partially activating their own G. Users with extremely high sensitivity are called Sensors and may be able to detect ones with dormant "magic" (those who have magical ability not manifest).



Most magic users have only one type of magic such as distortion, creating wind, or even changing the color of an object. Two is uncommon, and three is extremely rare, while four is unheard of.



Manipulation/Control can be increased through practice. Some have naturally high skill level. It seems that control can only be increased up until a certain point, at which time full mastery is obtained.



Black Magic is an exception to some rules. High skill level/control is not needed to use this magic, though large sacrifices must be made. It is also known as “Anti-Magic” or “anti-energy” (not to be confused with antimatter). It is largely forbidden in many cultures as it can become highly destructive and uncontrollable. Using A-M in small amounts leads one to using it in large amounts which causes magic sickness. Magic sickness is the slow deterioration of the user, much like a parasite slowly kills its host.



Magic sickness is different from magic fatigue. Fatigue is the overuse of M-energy. If Fatigue builds up, the ability of the user may decrease over time.



Magic also depends on the amount of M-energy available in the environment. Some places have abundant M-energy where magic is often a dominant part of life, while others have very little to no M-energy. There, magic is a myth.



Magic takes much training to use effectively. Those with naturally high skill level need less training. This training usually takes place at a Magic Academy or training center of some sort. There, users spend much of their time to control, sense, and otherwise prepare themselves for the use of M-energy. This is a lifestyle, so generally, users with any ability attend an academy.



Nexus: The Center Link: An Introduction



The Realms are interconnected. At their center lies Nexus, a realm steeped in fable and mystique. The ‘stars’ in Nexus’ night sky are cross-Portals (aka trans-portals, C-ports, T-ports) to other dimensions/realms. Each configuration in the ‘Stars’ is different, enabling one to cross into different dimensions, instead of all T-ports leading to one dimension which may occur in one Realm.






BTW, we need to agree on a name for magic!
Wow this is really good!
 
Let's do this.


1. High Church of the Holy Light


This religion is based off of the idea of the Sun and it's light. The Church believes that the sun itself is a holy being, in which has come down to the people to give them the gift of light. The Sun rests in his domain, the Sky, and continuously gives the world his gift. The Moon however, is the equivalent of the devil. It turns the the Sky, into a dark black, and shines it's unholy lights upon the land. Bathing in the moonlight is like bathing in sins- it's a sign of a unholy being. This goes for creatures of the the night too, with animals like owls being messengers of the moon. There are also several signs. If the sun is clouded up, it's a sign of the Sun's falling power, with the Clouds representing the Moon's reach. Each phase of the Moon as well signifies the falling or rising power of the Moon. Both Lunar and Solar Eclipses are a representation of the everlasting battle between the Sun and the Moon's Light. Their name comes from their belief that the church is the "true" religion, and it's belief on the light of the sun. It's symbol, obviously, is the sun.


2. Forgotten Church of the Shadow:


Unlike the High Church of the Holy Light, this religion is based upon the idea of balance. It has no ruling deity, but believes in the soul. The religion preaches on how one's soul is easily tampered with, but how one must find the perfect peace between the good and evil within it. They believe that one is not truly human if one is fully good or evil, and that all would be chaos if there would be one without the other. Their idea of souls, however, is different from others. They believe that the human body is only but an empty shell that hosts the soul. They believe that instead of the mind working on it's own, it's only a simple "machine" that tells the body the soul's command. Their name comes from how the Church is not as commonly practiced, if not forgotten by most churches, and it's effort to still exist, as if a "Shadow" from what had been, or could been.


3. The Emerald Temple:


Unlike the other 2 religions, this religion is only found in one place, and that's deep within the forest. This religion believes in no god, but in their planet being a sentient being. They named it "Mother Nature", as it believes that all of life on the planet is made by Nature, and thus it being their "Mother". They think that all life shall be appreciated, but believes that no matter how harsh things are, they shouldn't change the way nature works. They despise technology due to it being "unnatural", and how it makes one less appreciative of nature, and when one "kills" nature (i.e. chopping down a tree). Rumors float around about how they sacrifice both who do "kill" nature, but there's no evidence for this. Their name comes from their single place of worship, The Emerald Temple.


(ill work on this more later on)
 
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Well, the theory of magic for Modern Supernatural is that it's connected to space and time but only a certain amount of people to connect their minds to it. Magic can affect things and people mentally and emotionally, but it can affect things physically too (only very weak) so magically killing someone would be like suicide inducement or anything to drive them to insanity. To heal, it can be done for emotional issues but weak if trying to physically heal someone.
 
Hmm, how about we talk about the world of the roleplay? like geographically and politically
 
Ooooh, for politics let's do something a bit out of the box. Here I'm going to have politics influenced by the High Church of the Holy Light as the main religion of X country.


Every 17th new moon there is an Election (a.k.a. The Choosing) in which 50 people will be chosen to rule [the main country the rp is based in] by a mysterious device known as the Colouring Box. The Colouring Box is an ancient relic passed down through the generations. No one is sure how it works but they say that it is infused with arcane powers and old technology that has been long forgotten. In reality, the Box chooses according to a common "theme" that it predicts will be needed for the coming times. Examples of themes could be "people with painful pasts" or "people with abnormal powers" or "people who are leaders in their field." These 50 will form the Ruling Council of Divine Light.


Once the Fifty have been chosen, they convene in the LightHouse for the Second Election in which all doors will be locked and sealed with magic for an indeterminate period of time. The LightHouse is really an entity on its own. It seems to think for itself and follows a code of magic programmed into its structure that allows for communication and transportation to take place seemingly outside of space and time. This magitech has been long lost and cannot be replicated. Thus, the LightHouse is the only edifice of its kind.


The period of time the governing body is known to be "in flux." No one knows what exactly happens behind those locked doors but when they open again 10 people are announced to be The Sons of the Sun (how's that for wordplay?). Generally referred to as "The Sons," they are the final decision making body and hold 70% of the power while the Fifty have the remaining 30%.
 
Nyctophiliac said:
Ooooh, for politics let's do something a bit out of the box. Here I'm going to have politics influenced by the High Church of the Holy Light as the main religion of X country.
Every 17th new moon there is an Election (a.k.a. The Choosing) in which 50 people will be chosen to rule [the main country the rp is based in] by a mysterious device known as the Colouring Box. The Colouring Box is an ancient relic passed down through the generations. No one is sure how it works but they say that it is infused with arcane powers and old technology that has been long forgotten. In reality, the Box chooses according to a common "theme" that it predicts will be needed for the coming times. Examples of themes could be "people with painful pasts" or "people with abnormal powers" or "people who are leaders in their field." These 50 will form the Ruling Council of Divine Light.


Once the Fifty have been chosen, they convene in the LightHouse for the Second Election in which all doors will be locked and sealed with magic for an indeterminate period of time. The LightHouse is really an entity on its own. It seems to think for itself and follows a code of magic programmed into its structure that allows for communication and transportation to take place seemingly outside of space and time. This magitech has been long lost and cannot be replicated. Thus, the LightHouse is the only edifice of its kind.


The period of time the governing body is known to be "in flux." No one knows what exactly happens behind those locked doors but when they open again 10 people are announced to be The Sons of the Sun (how's that for wordplay?). Generally referred to as "The Sons," they are the final decision making body and hold 70% of the power while the Fifty have the remaining 30%.
AAs comoared to your theocracy, I propose a utopian facist city state
 
LeonardPCollins said:
AAs comoared to your theocracy, I propose a utopian facist city state
What do you mean by "AAs comoared?"


We will have to have multiple governments anyways since there are multiple countries in the world, right? We can have both.
 
Nyctophiliac said:
What do you mean by "AAs comoared?"
We will have to have multiple governments anyways since there are multiple countries in the world, right? We can have both.
**As compared. Derp. My phone keyboard isn't the best to type fast on.
 
[QUOTE="Jamie Ea]Ladies and Gentlemen!
Do you have ideas for a fantasy roleplay that has been on your mind for awhile? Do you want to create a fantasy roleplay so detailed that it almost seems like an actual world of itself?


You've came to the right place, because we can create a roleplay that has magic, mystery, majesty and adventure!


Do you have your thinking caps on? Because brain power will be essential for you, me and all your friends here (^U^)

[/QUOTE]
I have some ideas that have been nagging me that I would love to put into action
 
Good on you guys for fleshing out your RP! I came visiting to see what ideas you guys are flashing around and see if there is anything useful I can incorporate into the fantasy nation building RP I already have going on... Seems to be going well, so if I can help with any type of ideas I don't mind sharing!!!


My best advise is to get as detailed as you can while still being able to maintain things in the abstract. If you keep distances, and amounts, and number stuff nebulous, the game doesn't get bogged down in mechanics. As the game evolves you can develop a dice or system culture to handle the situations that may call for it down the road.
 
Suppose we have a sort of Christendom, where the king is seen as the representative of the god(s)


Feel free to release your ideas! (^U^)


We could use some help, the more the merrier! (^U^)
 
I'll just elaborate on the political system/perhaps economy too of my own city called Damasceane. It draws inspiration from Singapore, China, Japan, modern and Nazi Germany. Feel free to hate.


I Origins.


Its origin is one of struggle and rebellion, and closely tied to another country called
Onesh. One century past year zero (Year 0 is internationally considered the start of the first renaissance in my own fictional world, when man wakes up from the dark ages, education, technology, arts flourished and the central focus was on humans rather than gods, religion, etc) there was a coalition of dwarven kingdoms in a large, mountainous region called Onesh. There were nine kingdoms in total, that had their homes built inside mountains. Everything from the palace to the market were inside those mountains. Outside those mountains were some villages that were small supply-colonies, that supply the mountain dwelling dwarves with ale, food, and anything that can't grow underneath the mountains. The Dwarves saw themselves as a higher sort of species as compared to those in the supply colonies, because the dwarves were tall, muscular, and fierce. The supply colonies were villages that 'donated' to the kingdoms for 'protection'. If they fail to chalk up the supplies demanded, the kingdoms of Dwarves send raiders to the village to pillage it. One of these villages was Verim. An excommunicated noble ran the village and made sure the annual donations kept flowing, not because he sided with the dwarves, but because he wanted to protect his people, and his family. He was a human, but was cast out of his family for marrying an Elf from a neighboring country of Onesh, Veneziene. This exiled noble had a son, who would become a smith, a scholar, and eventually the leader of Verim in its great exodus from Onesh. With his tactical, technological, and logistics knowledge the noblle's son, named Leon ploughed through the bigger, better equipped armies of Onesh by using guerrilla tactics, and shrewd politics. He picked up a number of friends and life long allies on the way and soon formed a council that managed the nomadic people of Verim. Having forethought, Leon befriended an elvish girl, who taught him her language, which allowed him to negotiate with the ruler of Veneziene to let them through. With an offering of an expertly crafted sword, the Elvish ruler not only allowed them passage but also informed them of a peninsula with nothing but grass and a beach.


Leon accepted and found a brothel known as the
Thorny Rose upon a hill. He would settle around there, and of course, frequent it quite often. But the Oneshians were not far behind, for near the shore of the nameless peninsula, Oneshian troops mounted an attack on a floating city that was dedicated to the acquisition of knowledge off the shore of the peninsula. This was Izalith, the scholar city of mages and students of the arcane. Knowing that they would make a great ally, Leon helped evacuate the city as it was sent into the sea by Oneshian cannonfire. The mages of Izalith were offered a plot of land, to rebuild their city by Leon, who was then the de facto ruler of the people of Verim, and the mages gratefully accepted. This new city-academy will turn into the Damascean Integrated University (D.I.U.) in the future.


After a final war with the dwarves, Leon commissioned the building of a great city-state where the brothel was, when it was destroyed in the war with the Dwarves. In honor of the brothel, he named the palace Rozenberg, or mountain of Roses. The city was named
Damasceane, a word used a lot in Leon's speeches before battle. Damasceane was a word in old human language that was synonymous with "Future, hope and more closely, Destiny" as the soldiers under Leon weren't loyal to him, but loyal to the promise of a home, free from Oneshian oppression. After the war, some of the Elves from Veneziene decided to stay in Damasceane after its construction. Damasceane and the Elvish country of Veneziene thus established a brotherly connection with one another, both against the Oneshians. And although the hate for Onesh has since died down, a minority of people living in Damascean still resent the people in Onesh. In recent history, Damasceane has flourished and became the ideal city state, focusing on industry, security, and education to create a self-sustainable utopia that doesn't involve itself in other countries' affairs.


II. Government/Security


Originally, there was a totalitarian council formed by Leon of Vimir, his sister, and scholars of Izalith. The people submitted to him, and the intellectual elite to lead them to a bright future. Since the people trusted them, Leon and his council were committed to fulfilling their part. This trust between the people and their leaders was key to making a utopian society. Should there have been plots or conspiracy, it would have fallen into an indecisive democracy. The council evolved to include some other nobles, and commoners. Eventually the rule by lineage was forfeited, when the education system improved.



In current times, the system became became Meritocratic, with a council of statesmen, who, like any Damascean, share almost the same values and love his or her country, and choose the best performing political scholar/apprentice to become the new Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is in office for as long as he lives, or as long as he is useful to the country. The Prime Minister has all Judiciary, Legislative, and Executive powers. He is only guided by the interest of his people, and the values of Damasceane. Other countries that criticize Damasceane for this are either worse off them them or jealous. As a result of selfless loving of one's nation and people, there is absolutely no corruption in government.



Since the time of Leon, there was a secret police unit that operated in the shadows. There were no guards, or police in uniforms, only the
Damascean Institution of Enforcement (D.I.E.). They operate covert operations. They wear civilian clothes most of the time, and sometimes are drugged to become sleeper agents of criminal syndicates, only to awaken and ruin their plans before they even spring into action, or dismantle the syndicates altogether. There is a hidden surveillance network all over Damasceane. Nothing happens in Damasceane without the government knowing. Though perceived as a breach of privacy by other nations, Damasceans welcome it, and see it as a means to fight external and internal threats. It is so easy for the police unit to replace a terrorist's gun with a water squirter, and the police would often times allow crimes to take place only to fail, when the criminals realize they have been sabotaged. Due to the spotless record of Damasceane Police, everyone trusts them and will continue to do so. There are no prisons in Damasceane and criminals are judged on the spot. If they are foreigners, they are deported via transportation missile. If they are Damascean citizens, they are given two options: The first is to be accepted into society and to be treated like nothing happened, or they forfeit their rights as a citizen and are treated like property to the offended party. The Damascean people do not see anything wrong in this, as they were given a choice. If they were forgiven in the past but commit another crime, they are automatically ruled as slaves. This form of punishment is taken from when one of Leon's council members committed a crime and he quickly forgave him, and allowed him to atone for his sins. There is a game show where slaves are killed for fun or executed.


III Economy


As the foremost leading country in terms of Industry and Services, it generates a lot of income. Government allows for businesses to flourish, but under strict monitoring and regulations. Most of the companies within the city are government ran, and the private sector is almost nonexistent. This is to secure that no greedy individual manipulates the system. As far as the social strata goes for the Damascean society, there is no such class lower than middle class. Poverty has been eliminated, and unemployment is nonexistent. If there are no jobs to be taken, they will be created. Due to close relationships with Veneziene, Elvish businesses also flourish among the Damascean ones. People in the upper strata of Damascean society have to pay heavier taxes, from 50-70% of their annual income. This is alright with them, as it is composed of mostly the remnants of the outdated aristocracy. Those of noble blood still have to find jobs. Damasceane is mostly an exporter, creating cheap magical-technological implements and pricing them high. they are bought nonetheless, as the quality of their products are irreproductable. The large budget of hundred thousands of Damascean Dollars go to Education and Manufacturing.



There is also an agricultural sector, but its main focus is to supply Damasceane, but unlike in the past, these farmers are treated nicely and farming isn't a thankless job.



IV Society


The values of Damascean Society revolves around a few words:
Family, Strength, Destiny.


These words resonate the ideals of every Damascean citizen and shapes their philosophies. It is usually the family that teaches these values.
Family comes from the familial bond between each and every Damascean, the willingness to sacrifice him or herself for one another, in order for the whole to survive. Every adult is ready to join the Armed Forces and fight a war if it means keeping Damasceane away from harm. However, just like families in real life, they will not intervene in the dealings of other countries, as it is simply not their place. Through this, they are able to focus on their own weaknesses and fix them.


Strength is a backbone of Damasceane Society and culture. Not to be interpreted that they cast away the weak, Damascean Society empowers the incapable to make them stronger to serve Damasceane. There will be no weak link in the chain that is Damasceane, for rather than cutting them off, they harden and polish these rusted links. This is also the value that makes Damasceane a strong country, wherein rather than outsourcing experts, they create experts far more superior in quantity and quality.


Destiny is the name of the city state that is Damasceane, in the old human language. It is vaguer than the other two core values, but in essence, Damasceane people see a future for themselves, and would work hard to secure that future, if not for them, for the generations ahead.


These three core values together would form a statement: "
Strength through Family, to reach our Destiny"


That said, it isn't a surprise that Damasceane is a closely knit community, and seen almost like an 'ant colony'.



V Religion


The religion of Damasceans is that of
Victricism, a monotheistic religion of ancient man. It is said that there exists a deity--named Victoria--who watches over mankind, though her faith by a lot of mankind in the Oneshian region wavered when they were enslaved by the dwarves. She was thought to have guided Leon of Vimir in guiding the Damasceans through Onesh as a mysterious woman who followed him in his pilgrimage. The woman who followed him was in reality a witch from the academy city of Izalith, who Leon tricked people into believing that she was the goddess herself. While not as strong an influence in modern damasceane, the church of the Goddess did serve in guiding the morality of the people in Damasceane. The Goddess, who is in fact real, judges those who die. Her rule of heaven is simple, those who are sorry for their past misgivings may enter her heaven, those who aren't are to be cast into the nine rings of hell. Faith to the Goddess is essential to clerics, as part of the scripture details on light based magic and healing words.


There is a Church of Victricism that rests on top of a waterfall, where she is believed to have jumped from to be released from her mortal body.



VI. Race


Damasceans, although are officially labeled as pure humans, a bit of Elvish blood is in them. This is part of a long term plan by Leon, who was, secretly, the father of Eugenics. With his highborne human and elvish blood, he impregnated all the women in Damasceane while putting everyone asleep. With a modified strand of DNA, he made successfully a race of superhumans impervious to disease. This project, continued in secrecy, evolved over time, as more and more strands of bacteria and viruses are made. He also made everyone seen 'weak' sterile. This was known as the Night that Lasted Three Days. Leon asked the elves in Damasceane to kindly stay outside the walls while he got busy.



VII Others.


Damasceans speak a language that was drawn up anew by Leon himself, requiring it to be taught. This new language, in comparison to Oneshian-their former language-borrows a lot from Elvish and Wyrmblut. In the future, its language would be taught alongside the universal language.



Food in Damasceane is a blend of Elvish (inspired by Vietnamese and Thai food) and Oneshian dishes (Ukrainian, German, French).



 
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