Dominus Mensa
Scope
The motivation behind building Dominus Mensa
This world is a blend of what D&D and the real world could be, if D&D was real. I want this world to feel as though D&D has come to life and jumped right out of the books. I imagine Player Characters as our modern version of what super heros would be, backed by the power of D&D. A modern superhero tale, with a D&D twist!
The goal of the project
I want my players to create fun, and amazing character concepts. I want my players to have full control of the world around them with no agendas or limitations. I was to provide a world with unlimited options for fun and entertainment, but with a hook that makes you want to unravel more of the world's mysteries.
Dominus Mensa's Unique Selling point
A meteorite named Lacumdrac has passed earth, creating a solar eclipse. This meteorite somehow has blended the planes of our earth and Faerun together, while closing off this city from the rest of the world. D&D creatures are running rampent, "superheros" are being created with oddly similar abilities to Player Characters in D&D, and of course... There are villans, as there are always two sides to any coin. Only those who are familiar with D&D can recognize some of what's going on, while the rest of the city just thinks the world is coming to an end. How will people survive? What is causing this phenomenon? Can anyone stop this, or is the city doomed to stay like this forever?
Theme
Genre
Dystopian, modern America. Anarchy and a loose form of Martial-Law control the city of Dominus Mensa, as it is magically sealed off from the rest of the world. Superheros, monsters, and supervillans now roam the streets almost as commonly as ordinary humans. Pieces of ancient D&D lore have been appearing all over this city, blending fantasy with our modern technology. Most magic and abilities from heros and villans are viewed as superpowers unless specifically themed as magical.
Reader Experience
The city feels both modern post-apocalyptic, as well as a magical fantasy - with an overall Superhero theme tying the world together. Almost as if the books of D&D have melted right into our world, blending together like a comic book fans fever dream.
Reader Tone
The tone is somewhere between dark and light. While the situation is sad and serious, and many families and neighborhoods are suffering.... You're superheros! The world is your oyster, and it is what you make of it. Life can be hard, and Dominus Mensa is a hard place to survive. However if you look hard enough, there are plenty of laughs, fun times, and adventure to be had!
Recurring Themes
- Training
- Discovery
- Exploration
- Action
- Rescues
- Life Simulation
- Superheros/Supervillans
- D&D Lore & History
- Survival
- Tragedy
- City Life
Character Agency
The world is entirely up to the players. While there is a central hook, there is no main mission other than being superheros or villians, depending on how the players align. The city will change based directly on the players actions, and the players will have to navigate the city carefully gathering intel as they move. This city has many high-level areas and surprises to uncover. Players will have to be smart and careful.
Focus
Drama
"The Drop" - The party finished their last campaign and went home to wait for the eclipse. The incident known as "The Drop" happened, in which a meteor would align with the earth and sun creating a solar eclipse. When the energy of the eclipse interacted with earth Dominus Mensa was changed forever, creating a few anamolies:
Awakened - Some humans were transformed to Player Characters. These select few became known as "the awakened" or more simply "awakened" and are today's superheros and supervillans.
The Dead Drop - At the exact point where the energy from the eclipse and Dominus Mensa collided, a large crystal tower erected from the ground. This tower was invunerable to all forms of damage. From this tower, a large beam of magical energy shot into the sky; creating a globe of invunerability and magical interference around Dominus Mensa.
Off Grid - Electricity (Minus some solar and gas generators), the internet, and all satilite communication have been lost.
The Dead Zone - The Chosen Thay patrol the area around the crystal tower known as The Dead Drop. They kill anyone on sight. They wage war against the Knight Wardens, constantly increasing and deacreasing the size of The Dead Zone.
Fracture Points - Certain points in Dominus Mensa randomly become pocket dimmensions of D&D Realms; including creatures, treasure, and more! They become stable and revert back 24 hours after being cleared.
Gangs and Turf - The first few weeks were scary and rough. A lot of people died. After a while, gangs began to establish their own territories, and people began to know who was in charge of what neighborhoods. Only in the Western Slums were territories constantly disputed.
Creation of the Knight Wardens - In response to the terror of the first few weeks, the Dominus Mensa Police Department and the Dominus Mensa County Sheriff's Office joined forces and became the Knight Wardens. Many of them being awakened and strong, quickly regained some order, established and enforced a set of martial laws, and set up borders around the different neighborhoods. Once things were calm, they turned their attention to The Chosen Thay.
Dominus Mensa Adjusted - After about six months, life in Dominus Mensa was not easy.. But it felt normal. Rumors of the awakend began to spread and some people began to fear and distrust those around them. Others looked to the awakened for saftey from the gangs, and hoped that some would rise to protect the weak.
Distress Call - A year post-drop, the party recieves a call.. on their dead cell phones.. from their dead DM. How is that even possible? Each member swears they experienced the same thing. Their dead cell phone rang, it was a call from their DM asking them to gather the party and meet at the table, then the phone died again. Shared dilusion? A trick? Who knows.
Shocking Surprise - DM has transformed into a sentient, electrified computer.