How do the other races fit into this industrialized society? Should some struggle to gain acceptance? And where does the battle between magic and technology draw its lines?
1. Introduction – Setting the Stage
Recap: Last time, we tackled rolling and mechanics.
Now, let’s talk worldbuilding and racial dynamics in The Hero Within.
The challenge: How do different races fit into a gnome-centric city?
2. The Racial Landscape of The Hero Within
Quick breakdown of major races:
Humans – Adaptable and diplomatic.
Iskari – Magic scholars and ancient lorekeepers.
Evolu – Nature-bound and distrustful of technology.
Kutollum – Master craftsmen and warriors.
Gnomes (Gentre) – The tech-focused rulers of Clockworks City.
Nocturi – Extinct beings whose magic was woven into their identity.
3. The Problem: How Do Non-Gnomes Fit In?
Clockworks City was built by and for gnomes—should other races struggle to find a place?
Do non-gnomes face discrimination, or is it a melting pot?
What if some races resist the city’s industrialization while others embrace it?
4. Magic vs. Technology – A Philosophical Divide
Should magic be viewed as "backwards" in a tech-driven city?
Do magic races try to integrate or resist?
Could there be a faction merging magic and tech into one discipline?
How would different races react to these technological marvels?
5. Community Engagement – What Do You Think?
Should non-gnomes struggle for acceptance in Clockworks City?
Should magic and technology be at odds, or should they be blended?
Do we limit racial abilities in the city, or do we allow full integration?
Join the Conversation!
Come to Life Of Fiction and drop your thoughts in the comments! Here’s Tuesday’s article that we’re discussing right now…
NEXT TIME: We tackle another big worldbuilding or gameplay mechanic!
Start the Adventure we’re all talking about…
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...see you next time. 🚀
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I'm not having a lot to add to this discussion, but I'm delighted watching it come together. I want to play this one of these days. IN the fiction hub!!!
I have a gnomish entertainment park (Gnomerado), only for gnomes. And entry tickets are sold to outsiders in a bundle with a potion that makes them a gnome temporarily. :D
I'd give the non-gnomes in the city some silly thing to wear, that marks them clearly as non-technophile, like dungarees with a big crossed out wrench on it or something.
HAHAHA......that's brilliant.
Never thought about making something to allow outsiders in and then disguise them as gnomes!
Very, very clever.
I'd like to encourage you to post a link to your world, Tillerz...I think people would love to see it.
I think the interesting bit is the one-shot I made for Gnomerado, the article about Gnomerado itself is rather short. Plot: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/alana/a/testworld
The PC are all gnomes due to the potion, with no apparent skills. All they got are the gadgets they can find at the location, and a few things they can trigger on the battle map.