Magic should be just another form of technology, a means to do things. In most games, it is nothing more than another weapon. Others utilize it as a tool of everyday life.

Imagine a blight that killed off the grasses and grains. This is not an unheard off event. Mutant spores, molds, and diseases have killed off a wide variety, even who classes, of plants in the real world. Something that kills off grasses, sounds like science fiction (and the premise has been used in many 'end of the world' movies and stories), but it is very applicable to a fantasy world... especially because they are mostly agrarian.

'Mass Produced Books' was one of the most important shift points in history. This one invention profoundly effected all aspects of life, not only locally, but eventually the entire world.

What would my world be if.... This is a question that many GMs should ask. It will help them flesh out their world. This is a series of articles to expand upon the idea.

Let me just say I HATE DROW. The DnD anti-elves really annoy the heck out of me. They are annoying two hit die monsters. They have become hugely popular because of some well written DnD fiction books. Yet, they don't make sense. So lets try again.

A Woodsman Blade is a useful tool for those who ply the woods. It is often the primary weapon for a variety of Woodsman Organization.

The Wei-Jai were carried by Chinese soldiers during the anti-piracy campaign in the mid sixteenth century. Chinese sword blades were inferior to the Japanese blades, so there was a period when the Chinese government purchased Japanese made blades fashioned in the Chinese design.

In the north west provinces, the locals used an odd design for their shovels. The blade part is a flat 12' (30 cm) cast iron half circle with a small extension in the back to facilitate mounting on the handles. Like many farming items, they were adapted to be used as weapons by those who had them and had no others.

To wield such a weapon is to ensure long life and enough luck to have it.

One Hundred tiny prayers for luck.

A Ryder Spear is the quintessinal Kerrenese weapon. It is used by Ryders in combat and in tournament, the two most important parts of a Ryder's life.

It is called the Spring and Autumn sword because it brings new beginings and new endings.

'When I strike at you, I am not alone. I have the courage and skill of my entire family. You do not have a chance!'

In most places, weapons are designed for ease of creation and practicality of use. In others, various weapon designs are developed to meet certain philosophical criteria. Wind and Fire Wheels are of the later type. However, they augment many unarmed combat styles, so in the end, they are an effective weapon.

In most places, weapons are designed for ease of creation and practicality of use. In others, various weapon designs are developed to meet certain philosophical criteria. This staff was initially designed for philosophical reasons, but has become a very effective weapon in which several martial techniques have been built around.

In the North West Province, Bats are considered Evil (as they are creatures of darkness and bring disease), but are still a sign of good luck. The presence of bats around one (as many locals dig out caves or put up bat sheds) shows a Sly Dark One's Luck. (In reality, Bats eat locusts, locust pupae, and many other disruptive pests, so farmers with bats near by have better crops). The people of this province have a love hate relationship with these creatures.

The weather is something that everyone always notices and talks about, but can't do anything about. It is an important part of everyone's life, yet it seems to be ignored in games. And everything important in a game is best thought of as a character of some sort.

No one finds the Remover of Inconvient Things, The Remover finds you. So be careful about what you whisper in the dark, The Remover may hear it and come.

The Order of the Dry Bones is an order dedicated to the Destruction of Great Evils. They are the hands of a secret cabal dedicated to destroying Great Evils.

Some time magic users are less magical than one expects.