Magic-Centered, GOT-like Cool RP idea

[Ichthys]

Please excuse the scatterbrained appearance of this interest check. I promise you that my idea is much better organized in my private notes.

Anyways, my idea is as follows:

• An RP series called "Coven" set in some fantasy universe, in some time similar (albeit different) to the middle ages and dark ages. I plan for it to be pretty dark and pretty Gothic, although not really macabre or anything, just something to reflect the harsh reality of the world.


• The RP will be split into "Books", that is a thread/installment. Each book is like a season of a show, marking a complete story arc, although part of a bigger overarching plot. Each thread ("book") will be comprised of "chapters" just to provide some structure and clear objectives to the RP.


• In this country within this world (which is nameless and unspecified right now), instead of the normal kingdoms and states, there are various covens of witches (note: witch is a broad term for both men and women). Covens are not as entirely secretive and stereotypical as they are in this world; they are much more political and organized, although also embedded deeply in the occult.


• Particularly, the setting of this first installment of the RP deals with the coven under the family name of D'Cerf, what is considered the most prestigious and powerful coven in the land, looked to at the rulers of the others, being a sort of figurehead for the other countries/peoples. Unfortunately, through a series of unfortunate events, the coven is having a bit of a civil war among its members because of a sudden power vacuum. Furthermore, another coven is challenging the rule and authority of this divided coven, only making the ordeal that much worse.


• One way or another, a war is at hand and more than steel and magic will be used to fight. There are only three questions: Who will fight? What will they fight for? And who will win?

This is the general synopsis. I'm already working on a nicely detailed OOC, but I thought I'd put up the interest check a little sooner than when I'd finish the OOC, just to make sure there is actually interest.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. As mentioned, I already have a detailed OOC (and have even begun some pretty picture-making/marketing/illustration, as showcased in my signature), so just because this interest check is rather generic, does not mean I don't have it fleshed out. :)

[Ichthys]

Here's a snippet of the OOC post just to stir up some excitement or imagination or interest.

Coven
Book One: Shattered

"I remember when times were different. Times when we were one, united. When the D'Cerf were of one house, one coven, one family. In our communion with the occult, regardless of the form and expression, all spirits were in harmony. We lived alone and together, finding company in our isolation. Times now are not the same. The D'Cerf stands in pieces, separate, in civil war, disfigured. Each poor, incomplete sliver vies to become victorious over the other, have power over its own, lost in thinking that a house divided can stand, against itself and against the others."

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
General Information

Homed in Castle Moonshearth, the coven of witches known as the D'Cerf was once well-reputed, known for their magic, resources, wealth, prestige and kinship. In their power, they ruled among the other covens, acting as the informal, political leader; they were the kings of the occult, ambassadors to magic, nobles of the witches. Exclusive yet still rather large in number—in comparison to the other covens—, diversity and conflict was to be expected among them, but they always stayed true to themselves and one another. However, the community began to drift apart when they were challenged by another coven, aligned under the family name of Vilicus.

Under the pressure of being usurped of their power, the mighty house began to crumble. The veil beginning to tear, many voiced their convictions and advice, some even suggesting to voluntarily give up their position to the Vilicus in order to stave off a detrimental war. However, before the two heads of the coven—a political leader and an occult leader—could arrive to a course of action, the very foundation of the coven was shaken! ...

[Maxwell]

Possibly, but I'll hold out for more.

[Kierkegaard]

I'm down

[Enix]

This seems to be a very interesting Roleplay, I'll have to keep my eye out for it. Are you going to be looking for Players to be signing up for Coven positions, or more of a foot soldier-esque kind of role? Also, are you going to keep the Magic possibilities to a more narrow approach(Kind of like "Healing/Offensive/Defensive" varieties), or are you going to let the Players kind of flesh out the options with a broad generalization with what would be acceptable without stepping out of bounds (More of like Elemental/Necromancy/Curses/etc)?

[Katelyn]

Very nice. I'm interested.

[Dead Cruiser]

I'll keep my eyes on this, but more information would definitely be a boon.

[Nib]

I may be interested in this. I do have a question: Will our characters have to be magic users?

[Ichthys]

Hello, everyone! :)

It's so good to hear that there is interest for this. Due to such interest, I will be posting up an OOC sometime nearer to (or during) the weekend, since in the middle of the week, I am focusing on my work and classes right now.

Regardless, before the OOC, I'll address the current concerns.

"Are you going to be looking for Players to be signing up for Coven positions, or more of a foot soldier-esque kind of role?"
- In short, yes and yes. Now, let me explain: as stated in the little, bullet-pointed overview, within the first post, coven are much more structured and political in this realm. Attribute them more closely to a medieval, noble household/group of people (such as a duchy or some other thing); the people within may not be related and may have different roles, but they align under one name. In other words, all players will have their characters be in the coven (meaning a part of being a resident in the castle/household) but their actual role may be something else (such as a foot soldier or whatever else). In the OOC, I will add a little section of ideas and suggestions to the roles within the castle and coven, in light of this question.

As a side note: witch is a broad term for any person who is a part of a coven (which has been defined above). It's a state of affiliation more than a quantifiable position. You can be a witch and a servant, or a witch and a count, for instance.

"Also, are you going to keep the Magic possibilities to a more narrow approach(Kind of like "Healing/Offensive/Defensive" varieties), or are you going to let the Players -kind of flesh out the options with a broad generalization with what would be acceptable without stepping out of bounds (More of like Elemental/Necromancy/Curses/etc)?"
- Within the IC, magic is being approached from a very ambiguous and natural way. It isn't a science in the slightest; it's not studied at all. Rather, it's very intuitive, so these classifications of "healing/offensive/defensive" and "elemental/necromancy/curses" are both too specific; they add too many constraints. That isn't to say there isn't a basic organizational system formulated by the people, within the IC, such as calling one set of spells 'charms' and the other 'curses'; but this is to say that magic and spells can work in a very broad, general way and a specific one. There may be instances where someone will do something akin to telekinesis, like that of a superpower and not pure magic, as well as instances of a traditional, elemental fireball.

The reason behind this madness is based on the premise that magic is very integral and present in most aspects of the realm. Although spells may be devastating, awe-inspiring and noticeable, magic in general is very common and regular, not given all that much attention by certain people. A very rough comparison would be to breathing in our world. Truthfully, it is one of the MOST important things we can do, allowing us to live, but because everyone does it, it isn't exactly spectacular. Still, there are situations when breathing is really noted and revered in our world (after holding your breath underwater for a long time, or when belting out a long note). In a similar way, this is how magic is.

Another rough illustration would be found in the Harry Potter universe (within the Wizard world specifically). Since everyone in the wizard world uses magic, there isn't much of a system to differentiating magic users (I mean there are basic ones and also very rare, specific ones [like an animage] but in general, there isn't). Voldemort isn't a necromancer, and he doesn't confine himself to only necromancy. To continue the example, the difference between a curse, a jinx and a hex can be pretty gray at times, and in essence they are the same thing; the only difference is to the damage it causes which can be an obscure thing to quantify.

To conclude though, in the OOC, I will be providing a reference in the actual formulation/RPing of magic and spells. It'll still be freeform for the most part, but it will have necessary constraints in order to achieve a cohesive and consistent magic system. This will be explained in the OOC.

"Will our characters have to be magic users?"
- First, see the answer above; using this answer, I can safely say that, in pure technicalities, EVERYONE will be a magic user, but it is on the use and volume of the magic that characters will differ. A witch devoted to battle with a sword (with perhaps magical augmentation) may use magically differently and maybe to a lesser extent, in comparison to one who avidly uses magic as a constant form of divination, consulting the occult for answers and guidance to everything.

---

I hope this has cleared some things up. Remember, if you have any questions whatsoever, to ask them. :) I will do my best to respond; these questions do not only help you; but, others, me and the RP in general as well.

[Dead Cruiser]

What is the stance on magical or mythical creatures in the RP? Both in a fantasy sense and in a more supernatural sense?

[Ichthys]

Since this RP is on the darker side and also heavily influenced by magic, the world does boast magical and mythical creatures, except most of them come in more unsavory variations. Also, bringing up a previous point, these creatures are completely normal, and thus are treated relatively normal to that of our animals - used for basic companionship or labor, not really especially prized or sought after. See, they aren't the usual unicorn and glittering fairy. For the most part, magical creatures are pretty savage and simple; there aren't many other intelligent beasts besides humans (which is what witches are, since as I already said, witch is a term for affiliation and not race or anything). Furthermore, magical creatures aren't superbly powerful. The more powerful and more intelligent ones are very uncommon. One is still more likely to see a normal deer (except maybe for contorted horns or something else that makes it unusual to us, but usual to them in their world) in the woods than a pack of talking, almighty white stags of magic (in fact, I don't plan talking creatures at all).

In a fantasy sense, all creatures are just that: creatures. Nothing fantastical about them. Yep, that bug may be able to spontaneously set its body on fire, but it's just like any other bug. Yep, that's a lion-eagle (Griffin), so what? They fly around occasionally.

In a supernatural sense, some creatures do have a closer connect to magic and the occult, but not in any civilized sense. They don't practice any formal magic or spells. Some of the stranger creatures are just a little more magical, in comparison to our world, but again, it's natural and normal in their realm. That said, some animals are symbols for magic because of their nature. The white stag for instance is more a symbol of magic because of its odd color, and that fact that they are only seen on full-mooned nights. They aren't super powerful or anything though.

What I'm basically requiring of you for this RP, in terms of animals/creatures, is to get rid of the notions and stereotypes that we have in the real world. Things work differently. Magic isn't really magical, in terms of it being fantastical and splendid and irregular. It's normal, a tool and a force, like gravity or wind.

[Nemaisare]

Seems pretty cool to me. Down to earth, in a way. I'm interested.

[Dead Cruiser]

Are there such entities as faeries, spirits, demons, etc? What about cursed or transformed humans: vampires or werewolves or such.

[Lexicon]

Tentative interest.

[Ichthys]

I've pondered this question and for now: it's a no, on the existence of intelligent, mythical creatures. No fae, and the fae-like creatures that do exist are barbaric, with little intelligence (as mentioned in my previous post on creatures). On the topic of cursed creatures, though, I might allow it, but in the realm, they are VERY rare and, the cursed creatures are more cursed then empowered. Vampires aren't entirely immortal and are disfigured in some way, more cursed than super. In terms of 'transformed' characters, there really isn't going to be much of that; transformations are limited, as in say, the Harry Potter world. It's not a race or type of person that allows them to change; it's the magic.

Now, that isn't to say that I might not change my mind; if given proper reasoning or something, I may change my stance on creatures. They really have no use or place in the universe, and summoning and dealing with otherworldly beings isn't really gonna be allowed to much, OOCly. I just don't want to mess with that for now. :p Occult beings will really only be an abstract thing; they don't take a direct approach in the realm. They are more spectators and unknown forces to commune with, than actual entities..

Ultimately, things involving transformations or summoning and stuff, isn't really allowed all too much for the players and their characters. Again though, this is something I may change my stance on. Right now though, its just that I see no use for them, and if anything, they'll make things more difficult in a very bad way. And suffice to say, no characters are expected to be transformed or cursed as of this moment.

[Dead Cruiser]

I appreciate your patience and explainations thus far.

How do you feel about haemonculi? Sapient, semi-intelligent, autonomous or otherwise? And what would be the role of alchemy in this setting?

[Ichthys]

In what way and to what extent would the haemonculi be used?

Answering the question on alchemy, it will play a role in the RP, but typical alchemy is considered to be related with normal cooking. In the same way a good meal makes one feel good, so to does that one relaxing elixir, to illustrate the point. Both affect subjects when ingested, what makes them different, besides the mere ingredients or the occasional spatter of incantations? Therefore, most witches disregard the magic of alchemical creations and treat them with relative normalcy.

That said, alchemy is still an area of skill and possible expertise, just as cookery. They aren't ignorant of it or its capabilities (similar to how no one eats poisonous mushrooms, no will will ingest a random poison willy-nilly; they understand), and in fact, some witches (especially those whose skills and interests are within the field of alchemy) still use the field to achieve various effects, but it's not seen as anything utterly spectacular in general. Now, specific elixirs and potions may be more greatly prized, but as with certain creatures, these are the exceptions and not the status quo. Thus, if you're planning an alchemical character, have at it, and don't let me change your mind on anything. A traditional alchemist, one who uses magic and concoctions to achieve effects is still viable and possible, just expect the character to be reacted to a bit differently. If you want to try something a bit different though, you could have an alchemist also have a role as a groundskeeper or cook, which both share certain areas with typical alchemy.

One thing to keep in mind though is the technological resources available (or should I say unavailable) in the realm. As detailed in the first post, the age is reminiscent of the dark ages/middle ages, things like automatons and alchemical/technological marvels and creations will be hardly existent. And those that are will be more-or-less simple and far from advanced automatons, although not technically useless. Technology, even with the help of magic, just isn't at the proper level to be sufficient for the more 'magitek' like creations.

[Nemaisare]

On a purely curious note, are there people in this world that cannot use magic?

I know you've mentioned that it's a natural aspect of life, but there often seems to be exceptions to this rule. I mean, there are people who do have a harder time breathing than others, and babies sometimes forget(or just don't) to do it. And even in Harry Potter, is Squib the term I want? What was Filch? Anyway! Are there people like that around? And is that considered weird, or just as normal as someone who uses magic? What might the ratio be if this is a naturally occuring phenomenon? Would a coven accept those people into their group/home/family?

Just wondering how far the variation in capabilities might go between doing something exceptional and not being able to do anything at all, at least as far as magic is concerned. Or if the sliding scale stops before it cuts anyone off from this particular ability.

[Raptorman]

Just out of curiosity, largely since I have a character who might be quite fun in a setting like this. What is your stance on Phylacteries and life preservation magic of that sort?

[Ichthys]

Regarding those without magic, there are none, in terms of not having the ability to use magic, but there are those who just don't use it or who use it minimally. These people are not really looked at any differently since, again, magic is a natural thing. Just as someone who has trouble breathing isn't really looked at differently, so to are those who don't use magic all too often. Still, one important distinction is that these people don't really have trouble using magic (as one may have trouble breathing), they just choose not to use it. Another thing to note is that in some way, shape or form, even these who don't use magic may still find themselves associating with some sort of magic, if following the premise that magic is a natural force, ever-present. See, in the realm, magic is persistent; one cannot really be non-magical in the realm, since non-magic isn't really a thing. Therefore, a coven would accept one who doesn't use magic just as they would one who does. But some people may question why someone would refrain from magic, and certain people would allow such a choice to affect their view on the person, but in general, its not that big of a deal - more of just a quirk.

Regarding phylacteries and life preservation, it is definitely plausible and theoretically possible, but OOCly, I don't think I'd want to allow a player and their character access to immortality. In practice, it just brings about the fear of over powered characters and et cetera. I don't even think that any of the enemies in this book will be using any techniques like this, candidly. Still, like some of the other specifics that have been discussed, I might be persuaded otherwise.