Hey Everyone!
I am reaching out to P2TM to test interest in a high fantasy setting created by myself and/or others; the end goal being an original universe for us to have a continent wide political and military RP. Of course if you are open to the idea of a faction RP, but not necessarily an original one, I would instead create a faction RP based on an established universe (ie Dragon Age, Witcher, the Last Airbender, etc.) If there is interest in a collaborative universe, the primary focal point would be a high fantasy universe with technology and aesthetic from the Renaissance to Age of Exploration. As rifles and mass armies enter usage, and the Knight in Shining Armor starts to decline in obscurity.
For the RP itself, the main focus would be on the cultivation of wealth and research in order to build more armies and equipment. Similar to the Mass Effect Factions Series, cities would be constructed and armies would be raised in order to defend and expand your fledgling empire. However unlike MEF, we are focused on regions rather whole planetary clusters. This RP in scale would be simplified and the length of time to build whole armies increased. A map would be provided by me, that would keep trap of army locations, major forts, cities, areas of interest, etc.
NOTE:
This RP, like Mass Effect Factions, would have players purchase units and upgrades at the beginning of each month; a set time later, the unit and building would be constructed and ready to use on the field. While I will make great strides in order to simplify the math, I can't promise that it will always be easy. Luckily for me, I've gotten much better at Excel.
There would also be a main plot and story, and mythical heroes who could lead entire armies and save the world. However, it will be up to the players in order to propel the story further and advance their own interests.
Possible Questions:
1.What would you need from us?
Factions specifically. I've thought about factions before, but the trouble with these types of settings is that it doesn't necessarily mean people will play it. Knowing what players want, let's me focus on developing a plot from there on. If you're interested in doing more or have a great idea that you want to try, just let me know.
2. Well, what type of factions can we play?
Nations and Kingdoms will be the primary focus. As the transition from the Late Middle Ages to the Age of Empires, Feudalism will be dying. However, that is not to say you can't play a noble house; smaller factions akin to the Catholic Church, Dutch East India Company, the House of Medici, the Steppe Hordes, and Overseas Colonies will have their own unique play-styles supported.
3. Which Races can we be allowed to play?
Humans, Elves, and Dwarves are guaranteed to be open. Other races such as the Drow, Vampires, Dragonborn, Illithid, I am very much thinking of allowing whether as player factions or NPCs. Races I am hesitant to allow such as Orcs, Goblins, Gnomes, and Kobolds are too one note in order to really develop in terms of their lore potential from my perspective. I may allow some as players, but not necessarily factions but this is tentative. I also would prefer if races identified more with their Kingdom and Nation rather their Race as I find that far more interesting.
Speaking of which, each player will have access to racial and national benefits depending on the nation and their lore to ensure their creativity better reflects in mechanics.
4. Any idea for units, just for better clarification?
No war has been won by magic. Pike-men and Infantry are the backbone of any military force, they are the ones who hold your territory. Cavalry, whether made up of nobility or professional soldiers, are great at smashing through enemy lines. Constantinople fell to Cannons, and Scouts/Rangers ensure that enemies are where you think they are.
Of course, magic helps. Wizards based on the Schools of Magic from DnD will be able to provide a wide array of abilities. Whether raising an army of demons through the use of a Forge Master or destroying said armies through Evocation. Clerics ensure the vitality of your armies, or perhaps your laymen can manipulate the elements through innate gifts. Maybe an alchemist infuses magic with technology or a losing factions turns to more eldritch knowledge in order to save their homes.
That is not to forget about the advances in sailing, control the seas with Ship of the Lines and Frigates starves your enemies even before they reach your shores. As for air travel, don't be foolish. The stories of floating ships and dragon riders are no more than superstition.
5. What are your main inspirations?
Historically? I really enjoy the Three Kingdoms Saga of Chinese History, as well as the Age of Empire Building that we saw after the discovery of the Americas.
Fantasy wise? ASOIAF is the first thought that comes to my head, based on the realpolitik and military squabbling in a power struggle. As for others, Dragon Age, Dark Souls, DnD, and Castlevania are also factors whether for mechanics or flavor.
6. This seems a little too grand, perhaps an established universe instead?
No problem. As stated, I would probably look towards the Witcher Series or the Last Airbender are my two favorites. Of course their are others but I think they provide the best balance of realism and fantasy for an RP like this to work. If there any other worlds, feel free to mention.
7. I want to be involved, just not with nations. Can I play as a small group and/or hero?
Yup. How it will work and its mechanics will be expanded later.
8. I am interested, how to get involved?
With enough posts here, I'll create a poll and then a discord. From there we can create the major factions as well as their intertwined histories. One of the many issues I find in situations like this is that they often forgo combining different inputs, making the history feel disjointed and odd.
9. Any experience?
Of course, go look at that MEF thread again. However, it may be noted that RP was years ago, and that's fair. Just with recent current and personal events, I will have a lot more time in the immediate future to sit down and actually make this RP.
So now I have a questions for you guys. Would you be interested in this? What can I improve or change? What would you add or want to see? No reservations as of now, but feel free to state which factions you might be interested in playing as.
