Medieval Science Fantasy RPG

World Overview

• Avalon’s technology blends medieval fantasy with early industrial advancements. Mana powers trains, while alchemy fuels ships, artifacts, and firearms, which coexist with traditional weapons. Communication orbs function like magical video calls, and broadcasting devices help spread news across continents. Cameras also exist. Transportation includes horse-drawn carriages, steam-powered trains, steamships, and magic airships that resemble ships fitted with mana crystals for flight and require a body of water to land or dock.

• Ancient teleportation gates, remnants of long-lost mages, remain in use today. Dimensional bags of varying quality are commonly carried by travelers and adventurers despite their cost, while dimensional rings are rare and considered luxury items. Communication tools range from small handheld devices for private messaging to Jewel Voice Broadcasts, which use magical projection to display a speaker’s image and voice across cities or regions. These broadcasts often originate from central areas where they can be seen and heard by all, allowing rulers or officials to make public announcements instantly.

• Avalon’s economy uses a four-tiered currency system: copper, silver, gold, and platinum coins. Copper is used for daily essentials, silver for modest purchases, gold for high-value goods, and platinum, which is extremely rare, is typically reserved for nobles or elite adventurers. The exchange rate is 100 copper to 1 silver, 100 silver to 1 gold, and 1000 gold to 1 platinum. Several silver coins could feed a small family for months, while a single gold coin could sustain them for 5 years.

• In Avalon, The Hero is a legend born under rare celestial signs and marked by the gods from birth to rise when hope fades and great threats loom. Unlike sudden blessings bestowed on saints and apostles, The Hero’s destiny is woven into their soul, guiding them through trials and sacrifice. Revered yet flawed, their path is heavy with doubt and expectation. The Hero is a mantle that awakens in a rare individual chosen by the gods, whose birth and spirit align with their design. This legend endures as a beacon of hope and the fragile balance between creation and destruction.

Power system

• Magic: Everyone is born with mana, the raw magical energy that fuels all supernatural phenomena in Avalon. However, only about 20 percent of the population can actively manipulate it to cast magical spells. Mana itself has different applications beyond spellcasting: anyone can channel it to activate magical devices, enhance their physical abilities through disciplined training, or perform enchantments. For example, warriors and martial fighters rely heavily on mana control to strengthen their bodies. Despite mana being universal, true spellcasters remain a distinct and respected class. Most mages possess affinities, natural connections to fundamental forces or elements that awaken within them. These affinities determine what magic comes naturally to a mage and shape their potential. Magical talent varies greatly: average mages possess 1-3 affinities, talented mages may have connections to a few more than normal, geniuses are born with natural talent for many affinities, and generational talents are extraordinarily rare prodigies capable of wielding a large number of affinities with mastery. These once-in-a-century figures reshape the understanding of magic itself. Magic types range from common elemental affinities like Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, or Ice, to less common types like Healing, Nature, Light, Darkness, Telekinesis, and rare conceptual affinities such as Time, Space, Gravity, Life, Death, and more. Certain magics require combining multiple affinities. For example, Magma demands both Fire and Earth, Steam combines Water and Fire, Metal Manipulation is a variation of Earth magic, and more. Certain races have higher chances of manifesting specific affinities, such as dwarves with Earth Magic or elves with Nature Magic, though these are tendencies rather than guarantees. Separate from awakened magic are innate abilities, biological traits possessed from birth rather than learned or awakened. These include abilities inherent to certain bloodlines or races. When two mages with strong affinity for the same element have children, they may establish a lineage with enhanced talent for that element, though exceptions and variations always occur. Some forms of magic do not require specific affinities but instead rely on raw mana manipulation, study, and discipline. Summoning Magic and Holy Magic fall into this category and can be learned by anyone with sufficient mana and training, as they rely on raw mana manipulation, study, discipline, or external factors like high faith rather than specific natural connections. Magic is not entirely fixed at awakening. Though rare, mages can acquire any affinity or ability through various means: spirit contracts that grant elemental power when bonds deepen, divine blessings, ancient relics, essence absorption, alchemical body modification, forbidden rituals, or modern technomantic devices. Most of these methods are dangerous, expensive, or morally questionable, while the few safe alternatives require immense time and dedication. Mages approach their craft in diverse ways. Some focus deeply on mastering one or two affinities, others spread their training across several elements, and some attempt to learn everything their talent allows. There is no single path, and magical philosophy varies as much as the mages themselves. Magic in Avalon is a vast and complex force that even the most learned scholars do not fully understand. It demands dedication, discipline, and deep understanding, giving space for warriors, alchemists, technomancers, and other paths to thrive alongside mages.

• Alchemy: Basic alchemy can be learned by anyone with sufficient study, but advanced alchemy requires years of practice and a strong grasp of specific magical theories. Master alchemists use mana, either their own or from other sources, to enhance ingredients, allowing them to transmute materials, craft powerful elixirs, and create magical constructs beyond ordinary means.

• Science: Science is taught from a young age, but true innovation is reserved for those with years of study and deep expertise. Master scientists combine advanced knowledge with cutting-edge tech to create marvels like mana-powered machines, steam inventions, and anti-magic devices—shaping Avalon’s future through the fusion of science and magic.

• Forbidden Magic: Certain types of magic in Avalon are considered forbidden for violating the sacred balance of life, death, and nature. These unnatural arts—such as, Necromancy, Soul Corruption, Reality Bending, Eldritch Magic, Corrupted Spirit Summoning, and Curse Creation—are outlawed across all continents, with punishment ranging from exile to execution. Despite strict laws, traces of these dark practices still persist in ancient ruins and among rogue sorcerers who dare to defy the natural order.

Races

• Humans are the most widespread and adaptable race, known for their resilience and diversity across the continents.

• Elves are long-lived, elegant beings with a deep connection to nature and magic. Second most widespread after humans.

• Dwarves are stout, strong, and typically short in stature. They are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, especially in metalworking and mining. They are a hardy race with an average lifespan of around 250 years.

• Dragons are majestic and noble creatures with a deep connection to ancient magic and a mysterious culture. Rarely seen by others, they hold a high rank in society due to their great strength. When taking human form, they can conceal their draconic features except for their horns, but they may also choose to keep their wings and/or tails.

• Sea Serpents are mysterious, humanoid beings with long, serpentine tails and small antler-like protrusions. Though they have no nation of their own, they typically live in tight-knit clans scattered across Avalon.

• Beastmen/Demi-Humans are human-like beings with animal traits, diverse in appearance and culture.

• The demon race, once feared and reviled, has since integrated into society, finding their place among the other races. With many different types of demons, they are considered the most diverse of all races.

• Half-Breeds are offspring of unions between different races, half-breeds are common in Avalon. They inherit traits from both parents, resulting in unique appearances, abilities, and cultural identities.

• The angel race is known for their radiant appearance and innate magical affinity, bearing some resemblance to elves. They have existed since ancient times. Angels can conceal their wings at will and possess no halos.

• Fairies are small, magical beings known for their keen perception and deep connection to nature. They excel as scouts, guides, and enchanters. Though typically tiny, fairies can shift to human size at will and can conceal their wings in this form. While some choose to live among society, most dwell in secluded forests rich in pure mana.

• Different from summoned beasts called forth through Summoning Magic, elemental spirits are primordial beings born directly from nature’s core elements: fire, water, earth, and wind. These spirits dwell both in the natural world and the Spirit Realm, a mystical plane beyond mortal reach. Skilled summoners possessing the proper elemental knowledge and mastery can form contracts to summon these pure mana entities, though the spirits must willingly accept such bonds. Elemental spirits are ranked by their power and role. Low-rank spirits are weak and suited for minor tasks. Mid-rank spirits are stronger and more versatile, aiding in battle or blessings. High-rank spirits are powerful enough to assume human form and wield significant elemental force. Superior or noble spirits are rare, majestic embodiments of refined elemental aspects. The extremely rare god-like king or primordial spirits embody their element fully and are often revered as divine beings. Spirits can evolve by absorbing mana, growing in strength alongside their summoners and deepening their bond. Though it is uncommon, spirits can become corrupted or contracts can be broken. Such corrupted spirits, twisted by forbidden magic, shattered pacts, or natural disturbances, lose their harmony, become hostile, resist summoning, and pose great danger to all.

• Vampires are mysterious beings once feared as night predators, now integrated into Avalon's society. Gifted with longevity, heightened senses, and rapid regeneration, they have a natural affinity for Blood Magic, which many cultivate over time. Vampires either live among other races or gather in secretive clans bound by ancient traditions. In this world, sunlight holds no power over them.

• Kitsunes are a rare type of fox spirit known for their intelligence, magical abilities, and shapeshifting talents. They can take human form and often possess multiple tails, gaining more as they grow in power. Though uncommon, kitsunes live peacefully among other races, often hiding their true nature behind charm and illusion. They are long-lived beings, often reaching several centuries in age. As they grow older and wiser, they gain additional tails, with the elusive nine-tailed kitsunes considered nearly mythical. Thanks to their shapeshifting abilities, kitsunes can conceal the number of tails they possess if they wish.

The Esford Religion

• The people of Avalon revere five ancient deities, each embodying a fundamental aspect of existence:

Aphrodite – Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Fertility

• Worshipped most in moments of union, Aphrodite inspires the arts, passion, and growth. She is a divine figure of connection—between lovers, between creation and its creator, between the soul and its purpose.

Helios – God of Creation

• A radiant being of boundless imagination and genesis, Helios is honored by inventors, scholars, and dreamers. His followers believe that from his divine forge came the stars, magic, and even the breath of life itself.

Susanoo – God of Destruction

• The dark mirror of Helios, Susanoo is not evil but inevitable. He is the god of endings, chaos, and necessary collapse. Where something must fall for another to rise, his presence is acknowledged with reverence and caution.

Seraphine – Goddess of Time, Fate, and Rebirth

• Mysterious and ever-watching, Seraphine is said to exist outside of linear time. She governs destiny, reincarnation, and the great cycle of beginnings and ends. Oracles, time mages, and historians pray to her for clarity and guidance.

Caelus – God of Nature

• Wild and wise, Caelus walks the balance between beast and bloom. He is worshipped in groves, mountains, and fields, by those who live close to the land or seek harmony with the natural world. His breath is the wind; his heart, the forest.

[These gods are more than symbols; they are believed to guide, challenge, and shape the world in unseen ways. The Esford Religion is the predominant faith, with followers honoring the deities through rituals and festivals celebrating life and harmony. The Esford Church leads the faithful, teaching respect for all aspects of existence. Other minor deities also exist beneath the main five, each representing singular concepts such as wind, inspiration, vengeance, or fortune. These lesser gods, like their greater counterparts, rarely intervene in mortal affairs, their attention only drawn by powerful rituals or great disruptions in the balance. Occasionally, demi-gods, born of divine and mortal unions, appear in Avalon, carrying within them both a spark of divinity and the limitations of humanity, walking the fragile line between greatness and ruin.]

The Cult of the Void

• Also known as the Nameless or the Hollowed, The Cult of the Void is a secretive and heretical organization that rejects the sacred cycle of life and rebirth upheld by the Five Gods. To its members, existence itself is a cruel deception, creation a mistake, and rebirth a prison. They believe that true peace lies in surrendering to the Void, the primordial nothingness that predates all gods, matter, and meaning. Magic, alchemy, and even emotion are seen as distortions of truth, while the gods are viewed as false wardens clinging to power.

• The Cult lacks central leadership; its cells operate independently throughout Avalon, working in silence to corrupt, infiltrate, and subvert from within. Their communications take place through dreams, cryptic symbols, and Void chants that erase themselves upon being read. High-ranking members are known as the Sin Archbishops, each embodying one of the seven deadly sins and wielding terrifying powers known as Authorities, different for each sin. Below them serve the Hollowed, their loyal subordinates. Yet even the Archbishops are not the Cult's true masters, as they obey the will of the Gospels, cryptic prophetic texts, and revere Pandora, the Witch of Vainglory, who holds an exalted role within the Cult despite witches typically living peacefully within society.

• The Cult practices soul-erasing rituals called Unbindings, channels void fragments to destroy matter or minds, and summons twisted entities not from the Spirit Realm but from beyond existence. Their corrupted mana is particularly potent for curses, and some among them delve into necromancy or other forbidden arts. They also make effective use of anti-magic systems, disrupting conventional spellwork and divine blessings alike. Their symbol, a circle devouring itself or a spiral fading into black, has become a mark of dread across the continents. While feared by most, whispers persist of a few nobles, scholars, and even former clergy seduced by their nihilistic creed. The Cult exists in the shadows of Avalon, quiet yet ever-present, a lingering threat that defies the divine order.

Additional Details

• Royalty and nobility still hold influence in Avalon, though less than before. Adventurers, independent but vital alongside knights, are organized through guilds found in every city and some towns and villages. Each guild is led by a master, an experienced adventurer recommended by nobles or local citizens, and supported by a team of staff.

• Upon registration, adventurers receive a white magical guild card displaying their name, rank, and age in black alongside their picture, which are linked to the world guild network for instant updates, mission notices, and announcements. The "Card Projection" (or "Holo-Card" colloquially) is the enchanted technology embedded in each card that allows registered adventurers to communicate with one another, contact any guild branch, or receive messages through a translucent blue interface with glowing cyan text.

• Ranks range from F and E for beginners handling simple tasks, to D and C for those who fight common monsters, to B and A veteran adventurers trusted with dangerous missions and often employed by nobility. C-Rank represents the largest portion of active adventurers worldwide, as most veterans plateau at this level of competence. S-Ranks are rare elite warriors recognized and promoted by the royal family in formal ceremonies, typically around ten per kingdom. SS-Ranks are demi-god-level beings, fewer than ten worldwide, who handle planetary-scale threats and remain largely neutral or benevolent.

• The minimum age to become an adventurer is 12, though most begin much later. Adventurers often travel in groups to more easily handle monsters and reduce the difficulty of quests, but some prefer to work alone. While many lead ordinary lives with little magical training, others dedicate themselves to the pursuit of strength through rigorous study and discipline.

• Light Magic, Holy Magic, and Divine Magic were often mistaken as the same in the past, but they differ in nature and origin. Light Magic is a natural elemental affinity and the opposite of Darkness Magic, another magical affinity. Holy Magic is tied to religion and can be learned through faith, commonly used by experienced priests or paladins for healing, blessings, purification, protection, and offensive spells that are especially effective against various forms of corruption. Divine Magic is the rarest, not learned but granted directly by the gods to chosen individuals, often called saints or apostles, manifesting as miracles or sacred abilities beyond mortal teaching.

• It is not necessary to share the same elemental affinity as the spirit you wish to summon in order to form a contract. For example, one does not need to possess Fire Magic to bond with a low-rank fire spirit. However, the number and strength of spirits a summoner can maintain depend heavily on their elemental knowledge, mastery, and mana pool. A contract is only formed when the spirit itself agrees, demonstrating their absolute independence. Romantic love between a summoner and a spirit in human form is rare but accepted. Such bonds are exceptional, as winning the affection of a being so powerful is an extraordinary and uncommon occurrence.

• Summoning Magic relies on raw mana rather than specific magical disciplines, making it possible for anyone to learn and use it, much like Holy Magic. However, the strength and quality of the summoned beasts depend heavily on the summoner’s mana pool and inherent potential. Innate abilities are biological traits you’re born with, while affinities are magical traits awakened later that determine what kinds of magic your mana can naturally shape.