Wow, thanks guys!
These are some great ideas.
I'll probably take Pobble's advice, write some out, and polish it up. I think this has potential to become a decent FAQ on its own.
Anyhow. Our FLGS caught wind of this idea, and wants it turned into a weekly event, which could be REALLY cool. I'm going to put some work into it, and I'll bring the results back here for you guys in a formal document for general use.
But, as far as GM Kyle's question, i Usually distill the game down into a few 'settings' to help the players along. These cover Races, Psionics, Firearms, Arcane, Divinity, and The Rest for the world at large.
Races: All races are represented equally. Notable changes are Orcs and Elves, who do not fill their traditional roles. Elves are seen as greedy merchants, which is cruel but true, where Orcs are considered honorable zealots. They are not intellegent, but very dedicated to their causes. Half-Orcs are extremely rare, and prized as Gladiators and Soldiers, due to their combination of human ingenuity and martial skill. Half-Elves are reviled as thieves and cutthroats, despite their generally charismatic personalities.
Psionics: Non-Existant. The people of the Arena's world have not developed far enough to have Psionic powers.
Firearms: Middle, Emerging. As with Alchemy, Firearms are an emerging technology, though the study of Firearms lead to the replication of arcane effects with other components. Gunslingers may not take Archetypes, and are the only class that may use firearms. Use the 'Emerging' rules for firearms in Ultimate Combat. Advanced Firearms are not available.
Arcane Magic: Low, with exceptions. Of 1,000 people, 50 will have magic ability. Of these arcane practitioners, about half will become Sorcerers, who are respected for their primal mastery of the Arcane. The remainder evenly split between Magus and Wizards, both classes falling under heavy persecution for their 'stolen' magical abilities. Alchemists enjoy noteriety for their wild concoctions and potions, but as Alchemy is a newer science here, they may not take Archetypes. Witches and Bards are unheard of in the world, but that would only mean they are quite the spectacle in the arena...
Divine Magic: Low. Of 1000 people, 200 will have the divine gifts of the gods. Most will become Oracles, roughly 75, and enjoy relative celebrity despite their curses. 100 will become Inquisitors, who work for the theocratic government and serve as the police force. 15 will become Paladins, chosen leaders of the church. Finally, 10 will become clerics, the highest order of the priesthood. Despite their prevalence in the world, healing magic is very rare. Divine casters must expend two spell slots to spontaneously cast a Cure or Inflict spell, and may only channel half as often as they normally could.
The Rest: The remaining folk of the world are a mix of desperate survivors, clinging to the cities for survival as another ice age rolls over the world. Most adventuring types are Fighters or Rogues, though it is not uncommon to see Monks (Who must choose and maintain Lawful or Neutral, not both) and Barbarians as well. Rangers and Cavaliers are less common. Samurai and Ninja do not exist in this world.
Hopefully that helps develop the world a bit more for everyone reading this thread.
