Comments on: Fantasy Worldbuilding in Action: A Magna Carta

By: Berin Kinsman

Berin Kinsman — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:29:39 +0000

One thing tho: I like anachronisms.

So that would go on your “likes” Magna Carta.

any chance you could discuss the interaction between a GM’s magna carta and players’ (usually unwritten) magna cartas?

Coming soon. There are a lot of indie games, like Primetime Adventures and Dirty Secrets, where the game is all about the player creating a collaborative Magna Carta. It’s not called that, but it’s the same principle.

you are not saying that a fantasy game should never have mobile trebuchets powered by peasants on giant hamster wheels (which would be awesome), but rather that an armourer stocking both bronze breastplate and Maximilian-style full plate on the same shelf, even though both are ‘heavy’ armour, or something like using Continual Light globes in every peasant’s hovel (or every dungeon corridor) as though they were electric lights, right?

I’m saying that in a straight-up fantasy game, my paladin shouldn’t have a phase plasma rifle (40 megawatt range), UNLESS I have clearly indicated that those sorts of thing might turn up in the setting for some reason. For example, in Brimstone and Gall, the general tone of the setting is late 17th/early 18th century, but there are a few, sparing steampunk elements out of the late 19th/early 20th century. That’s built in.

But the armor point is a good one, too, that speaks to look/feel/tone of the game. If I set up a culture where their army runs around dressed like Roman centurions, and another who dress like Samurai… well I need reasons for that. Because It one culture as better arms and armor, the other is going to go out of its way to steal that tech so they can have better arms and armor, too. I also don’t see one armorer making varying styles of heavy armor, because he’s probably going to be specialized… unless some adventurer came and traded in the old bronze breastplate.

By: Sir Golgotha Kinslayer, K-E of PS

Sir Golgotha Kinslayer, K-E of PS — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:05:27 +0000

Other than the bit about anachronism, it’s almost like you reworded the first lists I made with Midian. After reading the comments of Mr. St. Andre and the ‘good’ Doctor, I realised you might have meant something slightly different than what we read. If I am guessing correctly, you are not saying that a fantasy game should never have mobile trebuchets powered by peasants on giant hamster wheels (which would be awesome), but rather that an armourer stocking both bronze breastplate and Maximilian-style full plate on the same shelf, even though both are ‘heavy’ armour, or something like using Continual Light globes in every peasant’s hovel (or every dungeon corridor) as though they were electric lights, right?

By: Xose Lucero (AKA Hypnoangel)

Xose Lucero (AKA Hypnoangel) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:55:15 +0000

Good stuff. Might be off the topic of this article but any chance you could discuss the interaction between a GM’s magna carta and players’ (usually unwritten) magna cartas?

By: Dr. Checkmate the Librarian

Dr. Checkmate the Librarian — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:40:32 +0000

Let me recommend three books if you don't already have them: Ancient City by Peter Connolly and Hazel Dodge Ancient Inventions by Peter James and Nick Thorpe The Genius of China by Robert Temple Eliminate anachronism from your games with out your players ever knowing you have! Dr. Checkmate the Librarian’s last blog post..Sick Day Wanderings

By: Ken St. Andre

Ken St. Andre — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:39:10 +0000

Hey, I should try this. One thing tho: I like anachronisms. That gets one to thinking how is this possible, or could this have happened? Archaelogy indicates that the ancient Greeks had electric batteries of a crude sort. What were they doing with that electricity? Definitely on my list of things to avoid is uber-baddies like Sauron. Replace the Shadow with god-like beings with mortal origins and feet of clay. Gotta play with this magna carta concept.

By: Anarkeith

Anarkeith — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:32:29 +0000

Great topic and list, B! Another good takeaway from Baty’s book is the unedited creativity he encourages. When you’re starting your worldbuilding, throw it all out there. Focus on getting ideas out of your head and on paper (or in your computer.) Save the critical thinking and editing for later.

To find those magna carta dislikes you’ve gotta throw all the ideas out on the table and stir ‘em up.

Looking at all your options, you’ll be surprised at the connections and ideas that evolve out of the brainstorm.