TVTropes builds a campaign setting!

I'm likely going to be away from Tv Tropes for a while. I need a break. I don't know when I'll be back, I'll try and get my votes in by tomorrow.

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• Special Tactics Fighting- Aye
• How can a vanilla mortal stand up to an Insert Something Magical Here?- Aye
• Spira , God of will power / determination- Aye
• The Game Master- Nay
• Veik, God of weakness- Aye
• The Ceathair-Aon-Naoi Ritual- Aye
• Atrocities of Hadhism- Aye
• Twyn, the spirit eater- Aye
• Spirit slayer- Aye
• Sky pit- Aye
• Knights of the Fallen- Aye
• The Dances of Imitation Transcendent- Aye
• Hadhism- Aye
• Butannaziba the Godlumthakathi- Dude, he's Ancient Chinese Batman. How can I say no?
• Detect Evil- Ethomancy- Aye, bonus points for correct use of "-mancy"
• The Abominable The God of Evil- Aye
• The Amenity Goddess of Good- Aye
• The Devils- Viceroys- Nay
• The Gods of Temptation And their counterparts- Aye
• 8 Disturbing Gods- Nay, a little too dark.
• Darlian the Dancer- Aye
• Amniel the Unbound- Aye
• The caustic witch* of the coal swamps- Aye
• First Singer, World Singer- Aye
• Further Elaboration Upon the Nature of Elena and Her Spirits- Some of this is unclear, I'll have to say postpone
• Elementals- Yes
• Sasasluvs- No
• Sloth Gauza- No
• Sheiaoueuiasap The Everhungering Maw- For the love of Brighid, shorten the name and make it pronounceable. When a proficient Irish speaker cannot pronounce something, there is something wrong.
• Noname- Yes

Mura: -flips the bird to veterinary science with one hand and Euclidean geometry with the other-

Gentlemen, I have begun the process of writing the ever-eulsive first draft of the campaign book in earnest.

Mura: -flips the bird to veterinary science with one hand and Euclidean geometry with the other-

Butannaziba, his name at least, is African.

Vyc: Sorry to see you leave, hope you come back soon. Your contributions were truly original and you conversation fun.

Exe: Glad to hear it. Post it so we can see it sometime OK?

Me: Oops, I haven't voted yet! Let me double-check my facts and I'll do so ASAP.

Things I'm thinking of:

- Wyrms: Chinese style dragons, made for wizard-ing

- "Flesh" Duergar: Un-Elemental-y Aspected Duergar

So I was asking my friend to run a game in our setting because he likes G Ming.

I was going to have him use a modified FUDGE systems with 50 point buy. FUDGE works is basicallt the GM, the player or both can make up stats to put points in, so basically Custom: The Game.

It would have three sections of Abilities, Attributes, Skills and Powers of which everything within can get made-up as I said. Attributes had three sub-sections, Physical, Social and Mental of which different Attributes made-up by the player would hopefully fit under either one. Each point in an Ability is worth one die roll.

• The more specific an Ability and more it has to do with the challenge at hand, the lower the DC.
• Chains of Abilities can be rolled as one, so long as it can be justified and perhaps another balancing factor.
• Stunts: Describing awesomeness allows certain bonuses, justifying particular Ability Chains, bonus die, auto successes or a percentage cut off the DC.
• I haven't come up with a equipment, armor or health/wound system. I'm considering ripping of M&M 2e.

Sorry this took so long. I'm back now though, at least for a short time.

1. Special Tactics Fighting -yes
2. How can a vanilla mortal stand up to an Insert Something Magical Here? -yes
3. Spira , God of will power / determination -yes
4. The Game Master - yes
5. Veik, God of weakness -yes
6. The Ceathair-Aon-Naoi Ritual- yes
7. Atrocities of Hadhism - yes
8. Twyn, the spirit eater -yes
9. Spirit slayer - yes
10. Sky pit - yes
11. Knights of the fallen -yes
12. The Dances of Imitation Transcendent -yes
13. Hadhism -yes
14. Butannaziba the Godlumthakathi -yes
15. Detect Evil- Ethomancy -yes
16. The Abominable The God of Evil -sure
17. The Amenity Goddess of Good -sure
18. The Devils Viceroys -sure
19. The Gods of Temptation And their counterparts -yes
20. 8 Disturbing Gods -yes
21. Darlian the Dancer -yes
22. Amniel the Unbound -yes
23. The caustic witch of the coal swamps -yes
24. First Singer, World Singer -yes
25. Further Elaboration Upon the Nature of Elena and Her Spirits - yes, I love this idea XD
26. Elementals - yes
27. Sasasluvs - yes
28. Sloth Gauza -needs more work
29. Sheiaoueuiasap The Everhungering Maw -needs more work
30. Noname- sure

edited 10th Jun '12 10:38:57 PM by Vyctorian

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So, thoughts on my would-be game?

The Dreamscape

The Aether as visualized through mortal eyes, the Celestial's 'world'. When the Celestial Gods are described as doing something, it is either as manifestation in the Real World or as manifestations in the Dreamscape, glimpsed by mortals in dreams, visions and spirit quests. It is possible for a mortal to enter the Dreamscape by means of Astral Projection. It is also said that ancient civilizations had means of physical entry into the Dreamscape although others dismiss it as impossible.

The Shrine

In the Dreamscape, their is a shrine. It is a simple structure, always just big enough for whomever comes to it to enter without a problem but otherwise very small and claustrophobic. Their is a space large enough for just one person, another space for a pedestal where normally an idle would be placed but is empty and behind it a black curtain which completely hide another space.

Here, the Celestial Gods come to pray. A manifestation of Solka, the God of Heroes, stand constant sentinel guard of the shrine and he has never been seen entering, but some get the sense that he does when none are looking. There are some gods who avoid it, the darker gods who feel uncomfortable in its presence. Then there is the Abominable, who comes to the shrine but is unable to bring himself to enter. He only kneels outside the entrance and mourns. His demons follow suit.

Many other Celestial gods, Terrestrial gods, fae and mortal spirits, alive and dead, come to visit the Shrine, coming to the pedestal-altar to kneel and pray. Of those, all except the Celestial Gods have those will dare to walk pass the curtain and those that do never return. Their is an exception twice over, Elena has occasionally walked behind the curtain and walked out, looking confused or disappointed.

There is a plaque on the pedestal:

THE AMENITY

edited 11th Jun '12 10:10:03 PM by God_of_Awesome

I was just about to post my own concept of dreams.

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Let's hear it.

—=====

Well that's my take on dreams in DS. I tried to blend fantasy with several real world theories on dreams and leave them as something mysterious. Having dreams being something fully known and explored I feel would run against the entire appeal of dreams. Dreams have to be one of the ultimate mysteries, and each dream is different. I tried to design this with that in-mind, a lot is known but much more is assumed, and I hope I left even more unknown.

As for the types of mages I tried to make them something that was strong and versatile but rare, these wouldn't be paths PC's would be suggested to take, it's more something to create interesting NPC's and scenarios. If PC's were to take a classes like these it be something an entire campaign would likely need to be built around.

Actually give me a day I want to iron some things out.

edited 12th Jun '12 2:54:26 AM by Vyctorian

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Campaign: Why would the gods be praying? Moreover, why would most of them care if the Amenity is gone?

Hm, taking liberties with appearance of Dwarfs and Brownies; will post descriptions later.

Mura: -flips the bird to veterinary science with one hand and Euclidean geometry with the other-

"Domhain Sceal is not clear-cut heroic fantasy by default, nor is it an abysmal playground for demons and emos. We- the dev team- are firm believers that the good guys should usually come out on top, but we also believe that the journey to the top should be rocky and occasionally mentally scarring. "

I feel like this is slightly off somehow. Suggestions?

Dwarfs:

DWARFS

[PIC:TD]

[CAP: “A short, sturdy creature fond of drink and industry. - Toady One”]

Dwarfs are broad, stout creatures that reach about 1.6 metres in height on average. They are possessed of thicker hair than other humanoids, especially facial hair, and unusual strength and endurance. In addition, nearly all Dwarfs have a manifested Gift of some sort; this means that Dwarf Magicians are very rare, while Dwarf everything else are quite common.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO HUMAN GENE POOL: Short, stout Humans (epic facial hair optional) likely have Dwarf heritage. Dwarfs are thought by some to be the origin of many of the Gifts which run through Humanity.

edited 12th Jun '12 11:48:17 AM by Exelixi

Mura: -flips the bird to veterinary science with one hand and Euclidean geometry with the other-

• It's not a tomb, only the Abominable treats it this way.
• It's a more of a crib. What Elena is going behind the curtain is to check on the development of the nascent goddess of virtue and continues to be disappointed.
• Even the Celestials have something have something they wish for: Goodness. Love, Heroism, Righteous Anger, Shared Pleasure, even the darker Celestial Gods ultimately believe theirs is right one and look to the birth of the Amenity to prove themselves right. This is what they worship.

Also, Dwarfs are super-powered ape men. Brownies are tiny chimp people.

Although, even that can be tweaked and liberated without betraying the source.

edited 12th Jun '12 11:45:06 AM by God_of_Awesome

So this is set some time in Sceal's past (as relevant to the era we've been working with- I'm going to make a timeline)?

I still don't see how or why gods would worship something else. They're gods; if they needed to pray, they'd do it to themselves.

Mura: -flips the bird to veterinary science with one hand and Euclidean geometry with the other-

Just realised a snag.

Orcs don't lactate, yet I don't want them to be overly unattractive, since half-Orcs are a thing.

By a quick show of hands, Non-Mammal Mammaries, yes or no?

Mura: -flips the bird to veterinary science with one hand and Euclidean geometry with the other-

The ability or inability to lactate isn't on my sexiness scale so I don't care. Granted I prefer barley noticeable breasts irl :p

---

===————————-

Realm of Dreams- Dreams seem to be a mysterious force which exists within the mind of sentient life and outside of the conventional realms at the same time. It's a part magic, part memory but mostly mystery. The realm of dreams is connected to all realms and planes but it is it's own separate plane, and it can only be entered via dreaming and exited via awakening. How and why the dream realm and dreams work is debated but the inner workings remain a mystery. Some believe dreams to be their own force, others believe dreams to scrambled memories, or some reflection of inner-self. The Dream Academy sees all theses as possibilities and trains mages to walk a path which allows them to seek out what they see as the truth.

Inner realm- The inner realm is something of a pocket dimension, which is a connection between the dreamer and realm of dreams. The wall between this pocket dimension is thin but it is a wall, only certain forces may penetrate it.

The inner realm is mostly made up of a person's memories and subconsciousness. Those who learn lucid dreaming can control the direction of their dream in this realm, and those who learn lucid dream magic can even pull items from this realm to be used in the waking world, but they need to be carefully they don't wander into the outer-realm.

Outer-realm- This is the realm of dreams outside of the pocket dimensions generated by the minds of sentient beings, and the passage way that connects one mind to another. It seems to be made up of raw aether, and bits and pieces of the subconsciousness of every being who has ever dreamed. The outer-realm is sometimes called the ''World memory'. It's theorized that a magic user with enough will power could tap beyond their inner realm and into the outer-realm for power, but thus far only the gods of dreams and memories have shown this ability. Those who venture into the outer-realm must also be wary it's easy to be get lost and/or over-whelmed by the collective energies that make up the realm.

Dream Academy-

Dream magic is powerful magic. Magic which is connected via fibers of memories, desires,fears, and the Realm of dreams a mysterious place where aether, spirit and mind meet.

Dreams are chaotic to an untrained eye though, often having no apparent rhythm or reason behind them.

This is where the dream academy comes in. The study of dreams is a new one, which is constantly evolving, and the realm of dreams seems to be different and more complex then the realm of the mind which mages have been messing with for years.

The Academy teaches two paths each with it's own sub-section, these are Dream-readers: The outer-path and Dream-crafters: The inner-path.

Dream-readers- use mental magic and dream magic, in combination with their teachings to analyze and solve peoples personal problems.

• Dream-writers - go a step beyond probing a person dreams from the outside and actually traverse the realm of dreams to which the person their trying to help and deal with their problems head on.

Dream-crafters- go through a special and dangerous form a training using a device known a Dream-bed to capture their dreams within special crystals so that they may learn to manifest creatures and weapons from their dreams and memories*

. Sadly many fail, and few of those who don't dare try and become Dream-masters.

• Dream-Masters - take their captured dreams and find the common thread that connects them. Through years of training and exploring their inner realm. Eventually they will come to find their dream-self, the dream-self is not bad or evil but is often made up of the traits they reject. A dream-master merges with this Dream-self and by extension is able to use dream-magic within the waking world, but if they fail the dream-self can gain a greater influence on them can cause them to become highly neurotic or even violent in their waking life.
  • It should be noted, non-magical Dream Masters exist.

Dream beds-

Are magical beds surrounded with runes and crystals which are meant to capture dreams. Dream-crafter use them when they sleep to capture dreams, once they have filled every crystal with dreams they may begin to piece together the aether within their mind and learn to call it worth at will in the waking world. Sadly many fail due to a lack of will, often times the dreams captured are exciting, adventurous, and idealistic it is very easy for a person to give into hedonistic temptation and live their life more in the dream-world then in reality.

Those who fail to walk the tight rope between dreams and reality often become addicted to their inner dream worlds. Sleeping most hours of the day and night and only waking long enough to take care of the base needs of their body, if they don't just casts spells to take care of it for them.

If they are awake for long periods they tend to be eccentric, frumpy, and in a state of drunken highness.

Despite their failure they are very often allowed to remain with the Dream Academy, due to the fact that if it weren't form them they would not be in this state to begin with and that they tend to be peaceful and low-maintenance.

The Dream Academy exists all across Domhain sceal but it's prime location is in Hoviann Lake a rainy lake with a small city-state located around it's banks.

Dream-magic- Normally magic does not work as well in the dream realm, the aether isn't as stable as it is in the waking world. So specialized magic known as dream magic is used, dream magic takes a bit longer to cast in the Dream realm though it can be faster if who has mastered their

Dream-self. Those few who can cast dream-magic in the waking world, cast spells by drawing on the aether of their inner realm. These spells are often very colorful, and temporary distort the aether in the air.

Gods of dreams -

Matilda, Celestial goddess of dreams -

Matilda watches over all dreams and the realms of dreams but she is only represents what sentient creatures think of dreams, the dream realm has secrets even she can't solve on her own. She often appears to people in dreams as a women with ivory skin, in a lavender dress with bold wavy violet hair and no facial features other than a nose and cheekbones , though they are said to be universally beautiful looking. If meet in the waking world she has pale blue eyes which are abnormally large though still alluring, and she has a pale blue set of lips.

More to come...

—-

Okay, tightened up some things. I tried to work in multiple dream theories from recent scientific ones such as dreams as training, to Jungian one's like Dreams as shadow self and even standard fantasy ones like dreams as another realm. :)

edited 12th Jun '12 7:50:09 PM by Vyctorian

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Hey guys, sorry I haven't been very active of late. Apparently my new medication makes me drowsy during the day and keeps me awake too long at night (I was warned that might happen though) and as a result I haven't had the energy to write much this past weekend. But I feel better now and I hope to be back in full swing by tomorrow (I would have done so today but I go called to help some friends, typical.) Anyway glad to see you're carrying on, I'll have the last voting resolved by tomorrow.

Exelixi: In the Amenity's entry, I stated that she had not yet been full born yet, as true path of goodness and virtue had not yet been discovered or agreed upon, depending on how you view it.

And, personally, I just found it poignant that even the highest Celestials had something they looked up to.

Looking up to and praying too are two different things. I look up to Neil Gaiman and John Green but I don't pray to them.

edited 12th Jun '12 11:45:20 PM by Vyctorian

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. . . No you didn't. You said she was silent, and that other gods called themselves her intermediaries, but nothing about not being born.

Also, what Vyc said.

For example, as a pagan, I believe in the Daoine Sidhe and many gods- let's use Brighid as an example.

I have on occasion asked for the guidance of the Fair Folk- some have asked them for specific favours, but I've not seen the need- and I admire them greatly, but I do not worship them. On the other hand, I do worship Brighid. I dedicate everything that falls under her sphere of influence to her. Art (including writing, including this very project), anything related to fire, music, and any time I try to assist with the healing of mind or body. In all of these activities, I utter her name in reverence and ask that she make me more like her as I continue to move through life.

edited 13th Jun '12 6:07:16 AM by Exelixi

Mura: -flips the bird to veterinary science with one hand and Euclidean geometry with the other-

Huh, so I did.

Hrmmm....

Finally, my votes:

• Special Tactics Fighting: yes
• How can a vanilla mortal stand up to an Insert Something Magical Here?: Yes
• Spira , God of will power / determination: Yes
• The Game Master: No
• Veik, God of weakness: Yes
• The Ceathair-Aon-Naoi Ritual: Yes
• Atrocities of Hadhism: No
• Twyn, the spirit eater: Yes
• Spirit slayer: Yes
• Sky pit: Yes
• Knights of the fallen: Yes
• The Dances of Imitation Transcendent: Yes
• Hadhism: Yes
• Butannaziba the Godlumthakathi: Yes
• Detect Evil- Ethomancy: Yes
• The Abominable The God of Evil: Yes
• The Amenity Goddess of Good: Yes
• The Devils Viceroys: Yes
• The Gods of Temptation And their counterparts: Yes
• 8 Disturbing Gods: No
• Darlian the Dancer: No
• Amniel the Unbound: No
• The caustic witch* of the coal swamps: Yes
• First Singer, World Singer: Yes
• Further Elaboration Upon the Nature of Elena and Her Spirits: Yes
• Elementals: Yes
• Sasasluvs: Yes
• Sloth Gauza: Yes
• Sheiaoueuiasap The Everhungering Maw: Yes
• Noname: Yes

Vote tally and update tomorrow.

edited 13th Jun '12 9:14:01 PM by Sijo