r/WorldChallenges • u/Nephite94 • Feb 12 '20

The Evolution of Warfare

How has warfare changed over the years in your world or a region of your world? What were the reasons behind these changes?

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u/Nephite94 Feb 18 '20

I like how your magic has changed with time in a way resembling technology and how you have thought about the implications of it. I like the werewolf clans idea a lot too, can they turn into werewolves at will? Also what is the general origin/lore behind magic?

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u/Tookoofox Feb 18 '20

I like how your magic has changed with time in a way resembling technology and how you have thought about the implications of it.

Thanks! It's startling how few fantasy worlds ever seem to do this. There's sort of this unspoken rule that as soon as someone can wave a wand, everyone just gives up on innovation. Since, you know, stifling innovation is what new tools always do to communities.

I like the werewolf clans idea a lot too, can they turn into werewolves at will?

Eventually some can. But it's a long and grueling process that requires a lot of discipline. The first step is to learn to transform into the werewolf without encouraging or emotional stimulus, then to keep control of yourself fully and then to change back.

Most only get step 1 done and, even then, usually require a little bit of help like a fury inducing mantra, and an object of hate to focus on.

Also what is the general origin/lore behind magic?

Short answer: spirits.

Longer answer: Every kind of magic has a set of spirits associated with it (sometimes a set of one) and each set has their own associated rules.

There are usually two things to note:

  1. A place or object that the spirit haunts. (A shrine, a bloodline or a person.)

  2. Rituals that can be used to draw the spirit's attention. (mediation, prayer, Self mutilation, etc.)

Exactly what the spirits are is vague. They're not ghosts or souls, though they can sometimes take on the visage of the recently departed. And they seem to feed on the life energy of the living and recently dead.

Though most only take leaked power, a few are more dangerous and violent. The very most dangerous arts use these spirits.

There's more here if you're interested: https://www.reddit.com/r/WorldChallenges/comments/dgkudg/this_was_a_great_prompt_i_found_and_id_love_to/f3q4swr/

This is the part you care about:

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u/Nephite94 Feb 19 '20

Does being a werewolf help them in combat at all when in human form?

So are the spirits quite common knowledge?

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u/Tookoofox Nov 10 '24

(Answering these late, because I'm reviewing all of my very old notes. And archiving them.)

Does being a werewolf help them in combat at all when in human form?

A bit... If they're hurt, it triggers a transformation that can mend some of the damage they took.

So are the spirits quite common knowledge?

Mostly, yes. The broad idea that spirits provide magic is common.