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Konran

The 27th day of Lyricia's Ledger in the 2483th year of Original Harmony

Foundation

Inspiration

Created by

Krayvuk

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Scope

The motivation behind building Konran

Konran is a magical realm where the mystical and modern intersect in captivating ways. This high fantasy world features all the classic touches - verdant landscapes dotted with majestic castles, fearsome dragons soaring through azure skies, and crackling arcane energies channeled through glittering crystals. Dapper dwarves and cunning elf rogues cross paths with fierce lizardfolk warriors and mystics communing with ancient nature spirits. Airships powered by steam and magic sail through skies filled with possibilities. Yet Konran is more than a homage to fantasy stories of yore. It evolves the genre by fusing industrial revolution technologies with the crystalpunk foundations of this universe. Complex issues around innovation and progress are explored through imaginative races dealing with wondrous yet disruptive inventions. The arrival of 18 full Earth cities prior to the world's industrial flowering creates fascinating tensions. How does a land of magic adjust to modern engineering marvels and ideas? What happens when spell and steel collide?

Konran's Unique Selling point

This blending of worlds results in enthralling magicotech. Revolvers empowered with hexes, glowing trains fueled by enchanted engines, clockwork robots awakened through the arcane - these wonders capture the spirit of "what if?" that permeates Konran. The old gives way to the new in exciting yet uneasy ways, as ancient traditions try to withstand the tides of change. But there is delight, too, in seeing a fantastical realm incorporate innovations for progress' sake. At its core, Konran uses its rich lore not just to build escapist fantasy, but to reflect on real issues around technology challenging convention in nuanced and thoughtful ways. There is no clear right or wrong path, only the hope that magic and machine can forge a brighter future hand-in-hand. This world is a testament to the power of repurposing familiar tropes to craft original ideas and inspire new dreams. Konran stands as both loving homage and bold evolution, where "what if" blooms into "why not?"
It's a high fantasy universe with steampunk and modern twists. Some key elements that make Konran stand out:
The blend of magic and medieval fantasy with steampunk technologies and even actual Earth cities that have arrived in the world. This creates an unconventional mix of the mystical and the modern.
The elaborate cosmology with multiple planes, deities representing different facets of reality, celestial bodies that influence the world, and a grand sense of cosmic scale. Yet it's grounded in intimate cultural details.
The diversity of imaginative races and cultures, from cecaelias to Skryllions, gold elves to rock dwarves. This allows for rich worldbuilding and complex social dynamics.
An expansive history with defined ages that have shaped the evolution of the world, giving a sense of epic breadth.
A detailed calendar system, holidays, languages, and geography that make Konran feel like a fully realized realm.
Groups like the Foremen of Fate and ObsydianHeart add intriguing organizations, power structures, and sources of conflict.
Touches like the arrival of Earth adding a dash of the familiar to the fantasy, and the blending of magic and technology into creations like the crystal-powered "pyercers."

Theme

Genre

Konran is a fantasy setting that combines elements of several genres and evolves through distinct eras:

High fantasy & sword & sorcery - In earlier ages, Konran embodies classic high fantasy with brave heroes, arcane magic, and monsters. Quests and combat evoke sword & sorcery adventure.

Steampunk - As Konran progresses technologically, steampunk elements emerge. Airships, clockwork robots, and alchemical innovations add a dash of industrial-age style and alternate history.

Cyberpunk - In later eras as magic and tech advance, cyberpunk creeps in. Advanced augmentations, virtual realities, megacorps, and transhumanist themes may arise.

Multi-genre - Different regions and ages blend genres. A medieval town may abut a cyberpunk megacity. This keeps Konran flexible for varied campaigns.

Konran incorporates fantasy, steampunk, and cyberpunk depending on the era. The setting evolves from medieval to modern magicotech over defined ages.

Reader Experience

Konran feels wondrous yet dangerous, holding both beauty and peril:

Wondrous - Lush fantastical landscapes, magic and technology marvels, diverse races/cultures create a sense of wonder and endless possibility. There is always something new to discover over the horizon.

Dangerous - Outside civilization, risks and threats abound in the wilderness. From fierce monsters to corrupt intrigues, only the bold and skillful survive. One must be prepared to face challenges.

Bravery - Players must demonstrate bravery and skill to overcome dangers while pursuing wonders. This hero's journey of tests evokes adrenaline and achievement.

Discovery - Ruins, legends, boundaries of magic/tech provide endless frontiers of discovery. Uncovering lore and pushing boundaries create awe.

Konran evokes thrill, adrenaline, achievement, and most importantly, the spirit of adventure.

Reader Tone

Adventure - A sense of epic adventure and excitement permeates Konran. Heroics, exploration, and thrills abound.

Storytelling - Collaborative storytelling fosters an inclusive, immersive tone. Player participation expands the lore organically.

Intrigue - Mysteries and sinister intrigues often lurk beneath the surface, creating an undertone of investigation and horror.

Progress - The clash of innovation and tradition creates uneasy tones around disruptive progress, good and ill.

Fantasy - Through it all, Konran retains a fantastical tone of wonder, heroism, and imagination against darkness.

Konran's tone balances excitement, collaboration, intrigue, uneasy progress and triumphant fantasy in equal measure.

Recurring Themes

Wonder and discovery
Danger and adventure
Gods and fate
Clash of progress
Morality and agency
Collaborative storytelling

Character Agency

"The Fated" - PCs are empowered as "The Fated," destined to shape events. Their choices carry weight.

Influence - By aligning with factions, PCs influence politics, alliances, economies, and more. They turn the wheels of history.

Progression - PCs can gain notoriety and influence. They may rise to lead guilds, temples, governments, ascending to legendary status.

Flexibility - Alignment is flexible. PCs may shift factions and faiths, charting their own path. They are not permanently bound.

Collaboration - With communal storytelling, PCs directly cooperate in building the world lore. Their participation matters.

Overall, players have great agency to impact Konran. Their actions have lasting consequences, leading to a deeply immersive, collaborative experience.

Focus

High Fantasy Crystal/Steampunk Technology

The infusion of modern innovation into Konran's magical world has led to captivating magicotech advances that make daily life easier, if unfamiliar. Corporations like ObsydianHeart fuse magic and technology to create conveniences and wonders. For instance, a common magic-powered "roomba" might be a miniaturized gelatinous cube. The translucent jelly-like cube glides around tidying floors, enveloping dirt and dust within its viscous body. Once full, it returns to a charging pedestal that cleans out the cube with a negative energy wash. Ovens may be powered by bound fire elementals rather than electricity, preparing meals with a specific incantation. Lights could be illuminated platinum fish swimming in crystal bowl fixtures, glowing upon command. Fantastical robotic servants crafted from enchanted metals and arcane cores assist in tasks, thinking with artificial intelligence powered by ritual magic. Mail could be delivered by trained pseudodragon couriers darting from rooftop to rooftop. Public transit consists of elevated crystal-propelled trains or airships between districts. Crystal-based "smart" devices and spell-fueled wifi provide information access. Farming implements enrich soil with alchemical formulas or control weather with nature incantations. Defense turrets protect settlements with conjured elemental blasts. This infusion of magic and tech improves lives yet also creates unease. Traditions are shaken up by such rapid change and discovery. But there is also wonder in seeing a land of fantasy adopt futuristic convenience, blending the strengths of past and present. Each new invention provides hope that both magic and technology can build a brighter future together.

Complex socioeconomic dynamics, politics, and social issues

Konran's diversity of races, cultures, and values creates complex socioeconomic dynamics, politics, and social issues for heroes to navigate. With numerous intelligent species like elves, dwarves, dragonkin, and mythical beings all interacting, racial tensions and inequality may arise. A dragonborn hero may face bigotry in human lands, while drow are distrusted due to past evils of the underdark. Gender roles vary dramatically between cultures. A succubus church advocating free love and pleasure clashes with more conservative races. Biases based on culture or species result in misunderstandings. Governments range from magocracy rule by sorcerers to plutocracy rule by the rich. Some races have short lifespans, influencing their societies to be fast-changing. Others take the long view. Heroes must adapt between places with different laws, norms, and values. There are rarely clear universal rights and wrongs. Slavery may be accepted in one land but criminal in another. Heroes may be unsure how far to impose their morality. Change through force risks rebellion, while change through diplomacy takes patience and wisdom. Most importantly, the diversity of cultures and perspectives foster social commentary and philosophical insight. Heroes are challenged to think beyond their own ingrained worldviews to understand different peoples. Progress comes slowly through building bridges of understanding, not magically eliminating differences. There are rarely simple solutions, but great value in the attempt. In this mosaic of contrasting societies, open-minded heroes have opportunities to right wrongs as they see fit. But change often requires persistent effort, and definitions of right and wrong may blur. By keeping an open mind and acting with empathy, heroes gain richness from immersion in societies beyond their own.

Wonder and Discovery

Konran is brimming with wondrous sites, artifacts, and horizons that entice exploration and discovery. Ancient ruins half-buried in the jungle may hold relics from a lost civilization. A newly erupted volcano may expose geothermal caverns glowing with never-before-seen crystals. Even everyday magicotech inventions evoke wonder, like levitating air cars powered by arcane cores. There is always something new over the next hill or across the sea to kindle curiosity.

Danger and Adventure

While wondrous, the wild areas of Konran teem with dangers that test courage and skill. Heroes may face harrowing mountain climbs, densely trapped ruins, fearsome beasts, or snowstorms while on legendary quests. Even in civilized zones, the criminal underworld and corrupt intrigues present threats. Only through great bravery, action, and competence can one survive the tests and triumph over adversity. Risk and excitement walk hand-in-hand in this landscape.

Gods and Fate

The influential gods of Konran subtly steer the currents of destiny. A trickster deity may procure the item needed to defeat a great evil at just the right moment. The assignments of "The Fated" ensure key heroes arise when needed. Yet free will exists, and heroes must choose to answer the call. The gods' signs shape events, but bold hearts determine fates.

Clash of Progress

Innovation shakes up traditional ways in Konran. Airships replace horse messengers, and algorithms aid magic. Some changes bring conveniences, while others disrupt economies and displace workers. New does not always equate to better. This tension between clinging to the past and embracing the future keeps societies dynamically on edge. Tradition clashes with untested discovery.

Morality and Agency

Heroes in Konran have complete agency to steer their own moral course. One may shift from law to chaos, good to evil; no path is set. With this freedom comes responsibility: actions ripple outward, influencing the world. A hero who seizes power through tyranny may inspire future villains. Moral choices carry weight not just for the individual but the realms.

Unless credited otherwise, all art was made by GM Drake using MidJourney, edited on Canva Pro. All maps were made by GM Drake using Inkarnate Pro. Inquiries welcome. This work by GM Drake/Krayvuk, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.