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Fantasy Classes are Real

https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=449731

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Fantasy Classes are Real

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 2:28 am
by Infected Mushroom
I would like to discuss the real world political implications of this hypothetical in addition to getting people to discuss what Class they would be personally.

Imagine a world where fantasy classes are real. 200 people, you included, are selected by the gods to be gifted with the powers of a fantasy class character archetype. For simplicity's sake, we will use the Hearthstone system.

Specifically, the chosen 200 can be of the following classes (we'll use the Simplified Blizzard/Hearthstone class system); the class descriptions/explanations are spoilered for those not familiar with this system. The classes are:

Druid
Hunter
Paladin
Priest
Mage
Rogue
Shaman
Warlock
Warrior

...

Druid

Druids harness the vast powers of nature to preserve balance and protect life. With experience, druids can unleash nature’s raw energy against their enemies, raining celestial fury on them from a great distance, binding them with enchanted vines, or ensnaring them in unrelenting cyclones. Druids can also direct this power to heal wounds and restore life to fallen allies. They are deeply in tune with the animal spirits... As master shapeshifters, druids can take on the forms of a variety of beasts, morphing into a bear, cat, storm crow, or sea lion with ease. This flexibility allows them to fill different roles during their adventures, tearing enemies to shreds one minute and surveying the battlefield from the sky the next. These keepers of the natural order are among the most versatile heroes..., and they must be prepared to adjust to new challenges on a moment’s notice. It is known that druids can use their powers to eliminate natural disasters.


Hunter

From an early age the call of the wild draws some adventurers from the comfort of their homes into the unforgiving primal world outside. Those who endure become hunters. As masters of their environment, hunters are able to slip like ghosts through the trees and lay traps in the paths of their enemies. These expert marksmen drop foes dead in their tracks with flawless shots from a bow, crossbow or rifle. With the ability to wield two weapons simultaneously, hunters can unleash a flurry of blows against anyone unfortunate enough to stumble into close combat with them.''

The art of survival is central to the isolated life of a hunter. Hunters track beasts with ease and enhance their own abilities by attuning themselves to the feral aspects of various creatures. Hunters are known for the lifelong bonds they form with animals of the wild, training great hawks, cats, bears, and many other beasts to fight alongside them.


Paladin

This is the call of the paladin: to protect the weak, to bring justice to the unjust, and to vanquish evil from the darkest corners of the world. These holy warriors are equipped with plate armor so they can confront the toughest of foes, and the blessing of the Light allows them to heal wounds and, in some cases, even restore life to the dead. Ready to serve, paladins can defend their allies with sword and shield, or they can wield massive two-handed weapons against their enemies. The Light grants paladins additional power against the undead and demons, ensuring that these profane beings corrupt the world no longer. Paladins are not only zealots, but also guardians of the righteous, and they bestow blessings on those the Light would shine upon. The Light radiates from paladins, and worthy allies who stand near them are emboldened by its power.


Priest

Priests are devoted to the spiritual, and express their unwavering faith by serving the people. For millennia they have left behind the confines of their temples and the comfort of their shrines so they can support their allies in war-torn lands. In the midst of terrible conflict, no hero questions the value of the priestly orders. These masters of the healing arts keep their companions fighting far beyond their normal capacities with an array of restorative powers and blessings. The divine forces at the priest’s command can also be turned against foes, smiting them with holy fury.
As light cannot exist without darkness, and darkness without light, some priests tap into shadow to better understand their own abilities, as well as the abilities of those who threaten them


Mage

Students gifted with a keen intellect and unwavering discipline may walk the path of the mage. The arcane magic available to magi is both great and dangerous, and thus is revealed only to the most devoted practitioners. To avoid interference with their spellcasting, magi wear only cloth armor, but arcane shields and enchantments give them additional protection. To keep enemies at bay, magi can summon bursts of fire to incinerate distant targets and cause entire areas to erupt, setting groups of foes ablaze. Masters of ice can command blizzards that tear into flesh and limit movement. Should enemies manage to survive this assault, the mage can shrink them into harmless sheep in the blink of an eye.
Powerful magi can even generate enhancements and portals, assisting allies by sharpening their minds and transporting them instantly across the world. Mage abilities have relatively high energy costs for the user.


Rogue
For rogues, the only code is the contract, and their honor is purchased in gold. Free from the constraints of a conscience, these mercenaries rely on brutal and efficient tactics. Lethal assassins and masters of stealth, they will approach their marks from behind, piercing a vital organ and vanishing into the shadows before the victim hits the ground. Rogues can dip their weapons in paralyzing toxins that render foes unable to defend themselves. These silent stalkers wear leather armor so they can move unencumbered, ensuring that they land the first strike.
With the rogue’s poisons and speed, the first strike is often the last step before the killing blow.


Shaman

Shaman are spiritual guides and practitioners, not of the divine, but of the very elements. Unlike some other mystics, shaman commune with forces that are not strictly benevolent. The elements are chaotic, and left to their own devices, they rage against one another in unending primal fury. It is the call of the shaman to bring balance to this chaos. Acting as moderators among earth, fire, water, and air, shaman summon totems that focus the elements to support the shaman’s allies or punish those who threaten them.
These masters of the elements can also call upon elemental forces directly, unleashing torrents of lava and bolts of lightning against foes. The elements can create, destroy, support, and hinder. The experienced shaman balances the vast spectrum of these primordial forces into an array of diverse abilities, making shaman versatile heroes and valued members of any group.


Warlock

In the face of demonic power, most heroes see death. Warlocks see only opportunity. Dominance is their aim, and they have found a path to it in the dark arts. These voracious spellcasters summon demonic minions to fight beside them. At first, they command only the service of imps, but as a warlock’s knowledge grows, seductive succubi, loyal voidwalkers, and horrific felhunters join the dark sorcerer’s ranks to wreak havoc on anyone who stands in their master’s way. Warlocks can ignite distant enemies in searing flame, send them fleeing in terror and pain, or afflict them with corrupting diseases and curses that steal the victim’s vitality.
These practitioners of the profane are feared..., and many who have felt their wrath now prefer to fight alongside a warlock than against one.


Warrior

For as long as war has raged, heroes from every race have aimed to master the art of battle. Warriors combine strength, leadership, and a vast knowledge of arms and armor to wreak havoc in glorious combat. Some protect from the front lines with shields, locking down enemies while allies support the warrior from behind with spell and bow. Others forgo the shield and unleash their rage at the closest threat with a variety of deadly weapons. The warrior’s battle cries embolden friends and leave foes cowering in fear. With legendary precision, warriors target the smallest gaps in armor and slice at hamstrings in a blur of steel.
Every dragon slain, corrupted tyrant toppled, and demon banished... has trembled in the face of these lords of war


...

Now for the purposes of the thread, it will be assumed that in addition to these 200 gifted people, the world is also suddenly populated by demons, dragons, and other magical creatures/spirits referenced in the above descriptions. For balance purposes, assume that non-magical Class people have superhuman physiques. For balance purposes, magical powers will be read restrictively and purposively while physical classes will be interpreted generously.

Several discussion questions flow from this:

1. How do you expect the world's governments would react to this new development (assume the US government etc became aware that the sudden appearance of dragons, demons, spirits etc is linked to the gifting of 200 individuals with magical powers but doesn't yet know at the start who these 200 people are)? What will the consequences be?

2. Based on your own personality, interests, and social circumstances... what Class would you be? Feel free to discuss why other Classes don't fit or are close.

3. Having chosen your Class, what do you imagine you would end up doing (if anything) with the powers in a real life 21st century setting?

...

1.

I imagine the governments of the world would band together and form new paranormal military task forces to try and destroy all magical creatures and hunt down those 200 individuals because of the threat they pose to the Old Order. Some of those 200 individuals might join the government for benefits and serve them as super soldiers... others would join some freedom movement in the wake of the inevitable government crackdown on freedoms.

2.

To be honest Mage and Druid sound like they are more powerful. However, going with my personality and interests, I'd have to go with Warlock.

Everything else assumes some kind of deference/respect to a higher power and/or a strong physical prowess/survivability which don't suit me. I have always been drawn to the darkness.

3.

Probably use my powers to gain advantages and eliminate enemies from the shadows. The warlock's kit is well suited for this. I'd probably be quite successful but eventually I would overstep and become exposed (probably after some mind games go wrong because the enemy has magic too and was one step ahead). Then I'd probably have to fight against overwhelming odds until a group of "heroes" take me down (but not before I kill many of them). I will make sure to go down after a Kira laugh and a grand speech though...

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 2:45 am
by Right wing humour squad
So how is battle for Azeroth?

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 2:53 am
by Valrifell
Mages are always the best, so. They'd probably form some kind of elite being magic and all, and being magic is just fun in general

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:06 am
by Infected Mushroom
Valrifell wrote:Mages are always the best, so. They'd probably form some kind of elite being magic and all, and being magic is just fun in general


They sound like the most powerful of the group? Their magic is best?

Also, do you think this elite of mages would work with or against the governments of the world?

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:12 am
by Dumb Ideologies
Yes! I'm all over the idea of an NSG isekai, and this scenario is fairly close :p

Now, the questions:

1) Honestly the existing authorities would probably immediately seek to destroy these people as a threat. Perhaps temporarily bribing them to do their bidding, but a less powerful master is always in a dubious position in "using" a more powerful servant and is liable to grow paranoid. If a lot of them end up in the same place at a given time I'm seeing military strikes and forcing them into a position of conflict. If the class of specially talented individuals manage to seize power then we're probably talking wild swings between benevolent authoritarianism and brutal repression depending on the internal politics of the group.

2) I'm seeing myself in the shaman class. I don't think I'm quite dark or edgy enough for warlock, not a physical combat type, and the spirituality that appeals is that which has some base in the concretely-existing, so a nature angle seems more natural than those based around summoning creatures or being an avatar of a god or goddess.

3) I would keep a relatively low profile and once the group dynamics start to shake out I'd throw my weight behind whichever group seemed to be stronger.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:28 am
by Siburria
Rouges are likely going to be contracted by large corporations to kill Druids and their hippy pals.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:35 am
by Infected Mushroom
Siburria wrote:Rouges are likely going to be contracted by large corporations to kill Druids and their hippy pals.


Does that include shamans?

Would paladins side with the hippies or the government though? What about warriors?

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:39 am
by Siburria
Siburria wrote:Rouges are likely going to be contracted by large corporations to kill Druids and their hippy pals.

Also the priest class existing has the implications that there is a divine entity(are divine entities? "Divine Forces" As in deities or just referring to the classes powers?)

I'm sure this will be effecting society in a big way.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:44 am
by Infected Mushroom
Siburria wrote:
Siburria wrote:Rouges are likely going to be contracted by large corporations to kill Druids and their hippy pals.

Also the priest class existing has the implications that there is a divine entity(are divine entities? "Divine Forces" As in deities or just referring to the classes powers?)

I'm sure this will effecting society in a big way.


Deities would exist but would be generally non interventionist except where Priests ask for powers.

I mean, people could still believe in God and say the deities are “demons.” One person’s god is another persons demon.

I suppose the difference between deities and the Light would be that the Light is seen as an impersonal but benevolent force (that Paladins can draw strength and inspiration from) while deities are personal but generally adopt non intervention except where called upon at the right times. Then you have the demons and monsters that warlocks can summon from their otherworldly prisons to carry out contracts.

But this is my interpretation, if someone more well versed in Warcraft lore could jump in and make suggestions on how it better fits together...

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:44 am
by Siburria
Infected Mushroom wrote:
Siburria wrote:Rouges are likely going to be contracted by large corporations to kill Druids and their hippy pals.


Does that include shamans?

Would paladins side with the hippies or the government though? What about warriors?

Probably would include Shamans yes.

I'm not sure about the Warriors, it depends on how well they can handle bullet and bullet accessories.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:46 am
by Infected Mushroom
Siburria wrote:
Infected Mushroom wrote:
Does that include shamans?

Would paladins side with the hippies or the government though? What about warriors?

Probably would include Shamans yes.

I'm not sure about the Warriors, it depends on how well they can handle bullet and bullet accessories.


Since it’s in a modernized 21st century context and they are “masters of war” I think it’s only fair that they are pros/prodigies with guns too

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:51 am
by Olthar
I'll go warlock. Anti-heroes always have more fun.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:52 am
by Siburria
This is my last post here, does the Druid's ability to restore life to those that died extend to normal people or only those with classes?

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:53 am
by Uxupox
become sorcerer king and install a mageocracy. all non-mages will be exterminated.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:55 am
by Infected Mushroom
Siburria wrote:This is my last post here, does the Druid's ability to restore life to those that died extend to normal people or only those with classes?


It extends to normal people (since the descriptions are for RPG/HS and have to be re-interpreted in a non quest context).

However, the healing would be a lot less powerful than that of the Priests (since the Priests have a much greater focus on healing).

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:05 am
by Olthar
Uxupox wrote:become sorcerer king and install a mageocracy. all non-mages will be exterminated.

I'm not sure a society can survive with, at most, 200 people. That just sounds like plain old human extinction to me.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:07 am
by Uxupox
Olthar wrote:
Uxupox wrote:become sorcerer king and install a mageocracy. all non-mages will be exterminated.

I'm not sure a society can survive with, at most, 200 people. That just sounds like plain old human extinction to me.


even better. an rpg must always have a villain.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:16 am
by The Supreme Magnificent High Swaglord
I've a few questions before I post my response, namely: what is our character level, and why did you choose Azeroth of all of the possible fantasy settings to emulate?

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:38 am
by Valrifell
Uxupox wrote:become sorcerer king and install a mageocracy. all non-mages will be exterminated.


Yes.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:45 am
by Alvecia
Why would you pick anything other than a magic user? A little bit of creativity is all it needs to be OP. Mage all the way.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:46 am
by Infected Mushroom
The Supreme Magnificent High Swaglord wrote:I've a few questions before I post my response, namely: what is our character level, and why did you choose Azeroth of all of the possible fantasy settings to emulate?


there are no character levels, you just have the gift of the class (which you must develop on your own although you will be very gifted intuitively)

Azeroth/simplified Hearthstone is one of the most familiar systems out there (the class descriptions are also detailed enough to be interesting and have real world implications)

D and D gets too cluttered, I'm definitely not going with the Tolkien stuff (because quite honestly, you have no clue what specific types of beings in there can or can't do, he's very lazy with power descriptions so it wouldn't be very engaging), what else would you have recommended?

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:48 am
by Ifreann
Infected Mushroom wrote:1.

I imagine the governments of the world would band together and form new paranormal military task forces to try and destroy all magical creatures and hunt down those 200 individuals because of the threat they pose to the Old Order. Some of those 200 individuals might join the government for benefits and serve them as super soldiers... others would join some freedom movement in the wake of the inevitable government crackdown on freedoms.

2.

To be honest Mage and Druid sound like they are more powerful. However, going with my personality and interests, I'd have to go with Warlock.

Everything else assumes some kind of deference/respect to a higher power and/or a strong physical prowess/survivability which don't suit me. I have always been drawn to the darkness.

3.

Probably use my powers to gain advantages and eliminate enemies from the shadows. The warlock's kit is well suited for this. I'd probably be quite successful but eventually I would overstep and become exposed (probably after some mind games go wrong because the enemy has magic too and was one step ahead). Then I'd probably have to fight against overwhelming odds until a group of "heroes" take me down (but not before I kill many of them). I will make sure to go down after a Kira laugh and a grand speech though...

As usual your answers are deeply concerning. Your first thought of what you'd do if you had access to magic powers is that you'll murder your enemies(and it is terrifying that you think you have enemies) until you force a confrontation with law enforcement and give them no choice but to kill you? That is insane.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:50 am
by Valentine Z
It's funny knowing that there are weird attributes that you can attach to them. I once heard of this character that throws ladders as a form of attack. :P

I want to be a Druid that conjures up spells with weird dances of the 80s. You want me to rain down healing energy? Dance with me to the tunes of Tarzan Boy!

Do you want me to give you an ability to fly? Sing Danger Zone for me while I do an aeroplane dance.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:56 am
by Infected Mushroom
Alvecia wrote:Why would you pick anything other than a magic user? A little bit of creativity is all it needs to be OP. Mage all the way.


Well it’s not supposed to be able picking what is op but what fits you personally

The other thing to say is that the magic of the Classes is quite rigid and limited, for instance no one can really pull off something like the Fidelity’s Charm in Harry Potter or conjure a nuclear missile from thin air

It’s because it’s all meant to operate in a medieval context

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:57 am
by Alvecia
Infected Mushroom wrote:
Alvecia wrote:Why would you pick anything other than a magic user? A little bit of creativity is all it needs to be OP. Mage all the way.


Well it’s not supposed to be able picking what is op but what fits you personally

Magic fits everyone. The problem with fantasy classes is realistically, magic can be used to effectively imitate any of the other classes.
Anything steel can do magic can do better.

The other thing to say is that the magic of the Classes is quite rigid and limited, for instance no one can really pull off something like the Fidelity’s Charm in Harry Potter or conjure a nuclear missile from thin air

It’s because it’s all meant to operate in a medieval context

Nonesense, of course they can. They just haven't had the thought to.
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