Is there an actual Magocracy in Golarion? Our group is thinking of running through Kingmaker, and I'd like to make a Wizard who desires to set up a Magocracy, the only thing is I don't want to make a Stalin or Karl Marx type character that creates a government system.
Also, it helps to have a good base line for how a magocracy would run, as I haven't come across any actual mage governments in the fantasy books I've read. So I really have no idea how to help set one up if I get my chance at it.
Is there an actual Magocracy in Golarion? Our group is thinking of running through Kingmaker, and I'd like to make a Wizard who desires to set up a Magocracy, the only thing is I don't want to make a Stalin or Karl Marx type character that creates a government system.
Also, it helps to have a good base line for how a magocracy would run, as I haven't come across any actual mage governments in the fantasy books I've read. So I really have no idea how to help set one up if I get my chance at it.
It depends on what the specifics are - a Magocracy can be 'built' as a variant on Oligarchy, Meritocracy, Theocracy or good old fashioned Dictatorship, depending on how the specifics are desired.
Nex is close to a Magocracy. The government does include divine casters.
For A Mgocracy in a D&D world, you need to decide if it's going to be school based or not.
If it is School based, you have to solve the issue of what to do with Universalists and Elementalists.
Basically form a Council of 9 Members, 1 of each school and 1 more representing Universalists/Elementalists. All mayor decisions are taken by the Council, with some decisions requiring a Minor Consensus (5-4), Major Consensus (6-3), and Absolute Consensus (9-0).
The Council elects 9 officers that serve for 9 years each, each year re-electing a new officer. These officers take care of the actual administration of the nation (taxes, spying, etc..)
So basically you have a 9 member Parliament/Supreme Court and an executive branch that handles the actual governance.
High level mages don't have the time to be adminstering, but tehy aren't about to give up the power they want. The council members would be elected by each school according to their own internal rules (Might be a figurehead, might be a true power). But actually having to read reports and stamp them is better left to young wippersnappers trying to move up in the hierarchy.
This model presents a lot of potential for intrigue, as most officers are selected to pay back favors between Council members.
Katapesh is probably a magocracy
I'm not sure about the Numerian Technic League, depends on how much the Black Sovereign is preoccupied
Geb and the Blood Lords
Nex is a magocracy of sorts, as is geb though it is more of an undead thing but necromancers are prominit. Hope that helps
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Is there an actual Magocracy in Golarion? Our group is thinking of running through Kingmaker, and I'd like to make a Wizard who desires to set up a Magocracy, the only thing is I don't want to make a Stalin or Karl Marx type character that creates a government system.
Also, it helps to have a good base line for how a magocracy would run, as I haven't come across any actual mage governments in the fantasy books I've read. So I really have no idea how to help set one up if I get my chance at it.
Your character could model his nation on Post-First King Thassilon, similar (but maybe good aligned?) to how the Runelords operated that empire. It was definately a magocracy.
Like Turin the Mad said, magocracies fall into different groups. Lets explore these:
Oligarchy/aristocracy: oligarchies are government by the few. A certain group/demographic of people are the ones who control the nation. Technically all magocracies fall into this definition, but the term "oligarchy" usually has connotations of an aristocracy that holds power over several generations. A mago-oligarchy like this would probably feature sorcerers in some prominence, as well as wizards. Not just ANYONE who can cast a spell would be allowed to rule, in all likelihood. Once a group of magic aristocrats is established, they will be unlikely to share their power with other upstart casters who think they have a claim to nobility. Doesn't have to be evil of course, but aristocracies tend towards neutral and evil over good alignments. If one is born into the magic aristocracy, it is likely they will be also taught how to rule, or at least manage their houses.
Meritocracy: a more egalitarian option, anyone who can prove their casting ability would be in a higher caste than those who cannot. This encourages more wizards, who work for their power, but still allows for plenty of other casters. This could take the form of a more open oligarchy/closed democracy where all casters get 1 vote, or there could be a ruling elite council of powerful casters. The tricky part here is making sure that those in charge aren't just good casters, but good rulers as well.
Theocracy: pretty straightforward. Divine casters rule according to their religious tenets and their own wishes. Alignment of the dominant faith(s) would have a LOT to say about how this would work out. Cheliax has elements of a theocracy, but doesn't quite fit the bill.
Autocracy/monarchy/dictatorship: best example of this is the Thassilonian empire after the death of Old Xin. One caster rules as they wish and controls every aspect of the nation. Regional governors are likely to be casters as well.
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Autocracy/monarchy/dictatorship: best example of this is the Thassilonian empire after the death of Old Xin. One caster rules as they wish and controls every aspect of the nation. Regional governors are likely to be casters as well.
Autocracy/monarchy/dictatorship: best example of this is the Thassilonian empire after the death of Old Xin. One caster rules as they wish and controls every aspect of the nation. Regional governors are likely to be casters as well.** spoiler omitted **