In a Steampunk Vibe: idea 1, the Art

Ghost Whistler · June 18, 2011, 11:35:05 AM

The Art
The Familia Arcanum (the ruling dynasties of the world's powers) are gifted with a sorcery called the Art. These were instrumental in the last defeat of the forces of darkness. The Art is passed down the bloodline, but only those who rule have the power to call upon it, hence the historic positioning of the Familia as rulers of the great nations of the world.
The Art is dependent on such a level of authority for its power; and authority remains only so long as it can be sustained. Knowledge of how to use the Art does not come naturally. It must be taught.
Once it was taught as a matter of study for the upcoming liege. Now it is all but forgotten. Those who taught the kings and queens of old exist only as a ragged secret society in a different age. They maintain the traditions, hoping to find one of 'the blood' whom they can instruct, but even then such a person would still need to hold a position of the highest authority should they ever need to call upon their power.
There are few countries in the world that recognise a monarch in this way anymore. The Republic of Borealis, for instance, had the bloodiest revolution of any such nation. The aristocracy are greatly emancipated and the position of emperor abolished. Nobles are regarded as decadent at best and hold little respect in the streets.
Conversely, in the Monarchy of Lions, the Queen, Anna of the ancient Elan family, is well liked. Unfortunately she knows little of her power and has yet to bear children. Her doctors fear that she may be barren. Though the power to pass law lies with the Parliament of Lions and its Shirehouses, it is her popularity that gives her power - if she could use it.

The present, in reference to this setting, is a steampunk environment in a world not quite our own. I love steampunk. This idea obviously is less steam and less punk and more magic. That's cool; steampunk allows for a rich blend of all sorts of stuff in a unique scifi melting pot.

Is this single concept crying out for something? If so what? Or does it just turn you off like margaret thatcher naked on a cold day.

The Butcher · June 18, 2011, 12:21:32 PM

A faux-Europe ruled by an hereditary sorcerous aristocracy just screams "7th Sea" for me. Not my cup of tea -- I like my sorcerers from all walks of life -- but it could work (7th Sea does have its share of fans).

Then again, setting it in a steampunk milieu can create an interesting dichotomy between spellcasting noblemen and tech-savvy common folk.

Ghost Whistler · June 18, 2011, 12:53:22 PM

Yes, it is 7th sea like, which, ironically, I was never a fan of. It seemed rather contrived with each culture having a unqiue ability. I should emphasis the part where the noble (or noble in waiting) needs to learn to use the art. If he doesn't get that training or the respect (or fear) that leadership entails, he can't use it either.

jadrax · June 18, 2011, 07:09:25 PM

It could lead to some interesting politics, like the the Government deciding that the rural Highland Magic of their ruler being inefficient in the modern world, and deciding to ship in a nice new Teutonic king with their efficient Technomagic instead.

Ghost Whistler · June 19, 2011, 04:11:51 AM

Methinks this isn't going to go anywhere. Initially it's a way to explain the iconic nature of people such as Queen Victoria in a setting where such people represent greater levels of achievement - technology etc - and where their societies persist seemingly without change. Thanks for the replies.

jibbajibba · June 19, 2011, 08:50:32 AM

Read Luther Arkwright

Ghost Whistler · June 19, 2011, 08:56:53 AM

I did, I wasn't that impressed.

In a Steampunk Vibe: idea 1, the Art

Ghost Whistler

The Butcher

Ghost Whistler

jadrax

Ghost Whistler

jibbajibba

Ghost Whistler