The Burned Lands -The Age of Heroes
After 1,000 years of warfare of the God Wars, and have 100 years of general strife in the aftermath, legend tells of a new age when heroes would come forth and right the wrongs of the world and lead it into peace and prosperity. But how? Now that is the million dollar question.
First, it’s important to note that due to the low number of mages, there’s also a very low number of magical weapons. Many were lost in the God Wars, and few are alive today who can reproduce them. As such, epic quests may need to be undertaken for such weapons. Really, this is true of any magical item.
Now, I don’t believe in being a jerk DM. I’ve dealt with those, and I don’t become one myself. As such, magical weapons in The Burned Lands become bonded to the wielder and grow in power as the wielder grows in power. What may be a simple +1 long sword at 3rd level can become a +5 Flaming Holy Avenger down the road.
However, should you ever lose your weapon? Well…you’re screwed.
Also, it’s important for players in The Burned Lands to understand that healing potions are almost non-existent. You need a Cleric, a Paladin, a Druid, a Bard, or ranks in Heal (and lots of stuff to use the skill). That’s it.
Now, why do I make it so hard? Simple. It’s my view of how this world is put together. Magic is rare and wonderful. Mages are awe inspiring. Clerics are the future saints of an order. And the heroes have to be careful, otherwise their adventuring career could be tragically short ![]()

April 1st, 2009 at 8:05 am
I’ve been thinking about how magic works (and the consequences of having magic) in my own setting. I find it hard to believe worlds with high magic because, in such worlds, why would we still have unexplored regions, transportation problems, death & disease, or even crime?
Making it rare and dangerous (but still accessible) helps with answering those questions.
April 1st, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Yep. That was my thinking on it completely. It’s just as powerful as in high magic worlds, but it’s just not common.
Not only that, but role play opportunities abound when the party’s third level mage is begged by the villages to do something that’s hard for a 20th level mage. They don’t know the difference.
April 22nd, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I am totally down with a magic-is-rare realm. My problem is that my players aren’t. Ah well.
I like the site theme. It’s clean and easy to read. I also use it for a non-gaming site I run. Looks good.
BTW, you’ve been added.
-Tourq