Rules

Aarde is a fantasy world, but one meant to be (at least early on) lower magic and fantasy. We are looking for a step or two more magical than game of thrones and many steps down from dnd.

## Humanoids

All humanoids descend from a shared evolutionary line, even if some branched far more than others. As such most of the common fantasy races exist, but their "uniqueness" is very toned down, especially any gained through magic. Ask about common tropes/fluff.

Examples:

* Elves look different and they do have sharp eyes and ears. They also live for a long time, some almost 150 years! If there are elves living in the deep, they did not gain the ability to just create darkness.
* Lizardmen branched very early. They tend to be larger than humans and their skins are tough and scaley, though not like true reptile scales. Their faces aren't much longer than most humanoids and they are still omniverous with sharp and blunt teeth (though more sharp ones than humans have).

## Monsters

Aarde is home to many scary beasts, but most are quite similar to the ones that have lived on earth. Magical creatures, aberrations and undead are incredibly rare (for now) and tend to be a little pathetic compared to a DND monster manual. Most of the threats this world faces are larger and more aggressive versions of wild animals today

Examples of what does exist:

* Dire animals and giant versions of normally small animals.
* Mundane animals with minor magical properties
	+ Eels that generate shocks
	+ Shadow foxes that seem to bend light around them
* Mindless Zombies are not unheard of, but tend to be seen on battlefields more than just wandering a forest
* Golems and other constructs, though the art of making them is lost, sometimes they are found for good or ill

Examples of what does not exist (as far as we know):

* Gibbering Mouthers
* Beholders
* Dragons went extinct some time ago

## Religion

This world has many religions and branches of religions and athiests and agnostics.

This world’s religious beliefs are even more diverse than ours. Many followers believe deeply and claim proof of miracles or gods. They can even point to holy followers that call on magic powers gifted by gods. Yet, no god has even been proven to set foot on this world. No one can truly say for sure if one religion or another is correct. It comes down to faith. Religious characters are encouraged. Religious characters must be able of playing nice with others.

## Good and Evil

The idea of good and evil races is well versed in fantasy. Orcs are bad, elves are good, except for the elves with dark skin!

That does not exist in this world. Humanoids beliefs are influenced by their cultures, religions and personal desires. There are good and evil people. There are no "evil" empires, but their may be empires that you personally think are evil.

This does not mean that there is not evil in the world. Their are warring kingdoms, roving marauders, murders, assassins, thieves, cannibals and more. But their motivations are always more complex than "I am good" or "I am evil."

* Aegean is a bit of a democracy, has banned the buying and selling of slaves within the city, and even the lowest citizens have rights and can take nobles to court. That being said, many can point to the seeder parts of the city where murder and theft are common. Others might suggest the cities focus on trade leads to rampant greed and enablement of other "evil" regimes that Aegean trades with.

## Character power level (magic, devices)

While I use ideas like steamgineering, magictech and magic, most of these things are very rare and/or only used at low levels. The higher techniques not learned or lost.

Characters for the most part do not have access to HUGE assortments of powers or incredibly flashy ones.

No one is running around (yet ;) ) in steam or magic-tech power armor. No one is flying over the city while spraying lightning bolts.