To expand on this, I want to hash out a setting that is more than "Medieval Europe but with Magic".
I think a good starting point is removing all the elements that won't exist in the setting based on typical DnD lore. In most settings, the magic comes from a energy known as the Weave, this energy is born directly from a goddess, first by Mystryl and then by others. Meaning that there would be little in the way of burning witches when your local cleric comes bursting in and says that a goddess will destroy the town if they kill the magic user. This will lead to an establishment of a new Estate in the powers of society.
The Estates of Power is a medieval concept dividing up the powers in the realms. The Estates in Real World were the Nobles, then Clergy, the Commoners and later on, the Merchants. The King and Queen were considered separated from this, protected by a mandate from heaven. This can be given true form in DnD as deities who manage kings and queens could directly handle them if they move out of line.
In DnD, the advent of magic creates a new Estate, the Mages. Specifically, the formal organization that seeks to regulate and direct all of the State Sanctioned Mages. This could lead to a lot of interesting story elements: Sorcerers and Warlocks hiding from patrols of Magic Hunters trying to collect those who gain powers outside of the Sanctioned institutions, Wizards who get their learning in secret and away from the control of masters. Smuggling of magical artifacts away from the prying eyes of the rulers. Forging documents and indemnification to pass off Unsanctioned Mages as Approved Mages.
At the same time, this could mean a lot more magic available in the public: A shovel enchanted with a form of "Mold Earth" to easily dig irrigation channels, a plow with an animation spell that tills land. An eye-piece that lets a merchant see if an item is really magical, cleansing stones in most every tavern that cares about such things. Roaming bands of clerics and paladins that feed the hungry and heal the sick. A stick with the cleaning from Prestidigitation embed on it so wealthy people can always have clean clothes. Traveling magical minstrels that delight folks with magic and song.
I'm going to write a full scale document about this that looks at how society would have developed from the bottom up, but I want to hear some ideas y'all have explored in this setting and/or theme.
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For those who don't know: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HighFantasy
To expand on this, I want to hash out a setting that is more than "Medieval Europe but with Magic".
I think a good starting point is removing all the elements that won't exist in the setting based on typical DnD lore. In most settings, the magic comes from a energy known as the Weave, this energy is born directly from a goddess, first by Mystryl and then by others. Meaning that there would be little in the way of burning witches when your local cleric comes bursting in and says that a goddess will destroy the town if they kill the magic user. This will lead to an establishment of a new Estate in the powers of society.
The Estates of Power is a medieval concept dividing up the powers in the realms. The Estates in Real World were the Nobles, then Clergy, the Commoners and later on, the Merchants. The King and Queen were considered separated from this, protected by a mandate from heaven. This can be given true form in DnD as deities who manage kings and queens could directly handle them if they move out of line.
In DnD, the advent of magic creates a new Estate, the Mages. Specifically, the formal organization that seeks to regulate and direct all of the State Sanctioned Mages. This could lead to a lot of interesting story elements: Sorcerers and Warlocks hiding from patrols of Magic Hunters trying to collect those who gain powers outside of the Sanctioned institutions, Wizards who get their learning in secret and away from the control of masters. Smuggling of magical artifacts away from the prying eyes of the rulers. Forging documents and indemnification to pass off Unsanctioned Mages as Approved Mages.
At the same time, this could mean a lot more magic available in the public: A shovel enchanted with a form of "Mold Earth" to easily dig irrigation channels, a plow with an animation spell that tills land. An eye-piece that lets a merchant see if an item is really magical, cleansing stones in most every tavern that cares about such things. Roaming bands of clerics and paladins that feed the hungry and heal the sick. A stick with the cleaning from Prestidigitation embed on it so wealthy people can always have clean clothes. Traveling magical minstrels that delight folks with magic and song.
I'm going to write a full scale document about this that looks at how society would have developed from the bottom up, but I want to hear some ideas y'all have explored in this setting and/or theme.