Mystery Train – Making Magic Into Technology in D&D 5e

About this episode

The episode explores the intersection of technology and magic in the context of D&D 5e worldbuilding.

We continue to drive down deeper into our real-time worldbuilding experiment armed with the comments of our listeners. Science fiction writer, Arthur C. Clarke formulated three adages known as Clarke’s Laws that he expounded on in his writings. The third of these is the most famous, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” In this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave begin to unpack this idea of ancient technology being what makes magic in the ever-evolving, crowdsourced Boomtown Campaign Setting.  Make sure to Join the Conversation! 0:24 DM Dave’s audio homage to the famous “slapback” effect of Sam Philips’ Sun Studios. 4:33 The current state of technological advancement in Boomtown. 6:40 How much magic is discovered at 1st level? Where is the floor for magic in the campaign setting? 10:15 Magic is being used to build and power the world. 11:25 We love the idea of Masterwork and Weapons of Quality handling anything that is +1. 15:30 What can you find in a general Boomtown? How damaging are run-of-the-mill firearms? 16:30 Leaning into the idea of Misfires and Wild Magic. We also discuss adjusting Attunement. 33:00 Building and creating magic – giving…

People in this episode

Hosts: Tony, Chris, Dave

Topics covered

• worldbuilding
• D&D 5e
• technology
• magic
• campaign setting
• player agency

Keywords

• D&D
• magic
• technology
• Boomtown
• worldbuilding
• Arthur C. Clarke
• campaign setting

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