Magnate System
Overview
Pannotia is ripe with people of power, influence and wealth. In order to facilitate this as a playable concept, the Magnate System exists. This system introduces Magnates; influential figures actively engaged in the King's Royal Court as Governors overseeing specific regions in the Galudonian Kingdom. The Magnate System operates akin to a strategic game, reminiscent of Risk, where characters or groups vie for control over designated 'Provinces' within the Kingdom, and as a measure, drives RP in a dynamic, organic way. The acquisition of these territories enhances a character's prestige in the eyes of both the King and the general populace and can even lead to the attainment of Nobility. Consequently, the Magnate System plays a pivotal role in determining whether a character or their group is deemed affluent, bringing with it unique advantages and privileges. Further details can be found below.
What are Magnates?
Magnates, as integral participants in the system, are individuals or groups characterized by wealth, power, and substantial influence. They hold significant sway in shaping the governance of specific regions designated as ‘Provinces’ within the Kingdom of Galudon. Essentially elevated above the common populace, these individuals or groups, whether as regional governors or through their influential status, possess the privilege of navigating the legal landscape with greater latitude, often exceeding the limits applicable to the average person. Note, only one person per group can be designated as the ‘Magnate’ and not the group or family as a whole. The Magnates themselves also able to avail of additional benefits, such as:
Each Magnate can choose a residence in Peddleston Park, the area of Ironhurst exclusive to Magnate System participants. The first couple of months rent is free. Magnates have the exclusive right to declare themselves as exceedingly wealthy in character applications, setting them apart from the traditional backstory wealth based characters. (Note. Magnate Wealth is considered separate from In-Game wealth, as In-Game Wealth holds more value than Magnate System Wealth.) Magnates may request the construction of Rural Estates, Castles, Palaces and Manors within the In-Game Map. These however come at the cost of in game money, and the price varies depending on the size and complexity of the structure. Make a ticket and detail the type of Estate you are looking for and Staff can give you a ballpark figure as to what the cost may be. Magnates receive preferential treatment from the Crown. This may afford the Magnates additional benefits, such as preferential treatment when it comes to Government and Royal Court position applications within the Kingdom’s Government, some minor legal protection for minor crimes and additional sway when making specific requests to the King either via letter correspondence or at Royal Audiences. Magnates may, after some time, various IC means or from active participation in the system, be elevated to Nobility within the Kingdom. More details on Nobility can be found below. Magnates can choose to have always been Magnates (Old Money) or newly elevated Magnates (New Money) however this is purely aesthetical.
Magnate Types
As a Magnate, it is essential to define the nature of your influence by selecting a specific Magnate type. These classifications are purely aesthetic, symbolizing the background that has propelled your Magnate into a position of power. While default options are available, the aesthetic choice is flexible, allowing you to create your own Magnate type. Additionally, you have the option to designate dual roles. For instance, you could be a Mercantile Magnate due to a successful business in lore, while also adopting the role of a Crime Lord, reflecting the portion of your wealth derived from the Black Market or underworld activities.
Furthermore, the elevation of your Magnate's rank correlates with their growing power, primarily determined by the number of Provinces under their governance. The progression follows the specified format.
- 1 Province Owned - First Rank
- 3 Provinces Owned - Second Rank
- 6 Provinces Owned - Third Rank
- 9 Provinces Owned - Fourth Rank
Each of these Ranks come with their own aesthetic titles that can be used. That said, there are a couple of rules relating to some of the ranks that I will detail below.
A person need not use your Magnate’s title if the Magnate permits them to disregard it. If the Magnate wishes for their title to be used and a person opts to not use it, the Ironhurst Metropolitan can enforce the title be used. If you opt to use one of the Criminal related Magnate Types (Such as Crime Lord, Cursed Race or Pirate), you may wish to have no title used at all. Moreover, it can be assumed that, unless proven in progression to the contrary, your character is in fact, perfectly legal. For example, a Pirate aesthetic may wish to opt that their public image is that of a privateer working on behalf of the Galudonian Government/Crown, a Cursed Race Aesthetic may wish to discredit any notion that they are a cursed race and act as if their rank title is simply a negative term folk use against them, and a Crime Lord may wish to act as if the business they operate is purely legal. That said, any of these aesthetics can simply be a secondary aesthetic, and a Magnate can instead use the rank title of their primary aesthetic. Nobility is NOT a default Magnate type you can choose from. Nobility is granted by the Crown under specific conditions as a reward for exemplary Magnate System participation, and these conditions will be set out and made apparent further below.
| Type | Mercantile | Military | Crime Lord | Cursed Race | Celebrity | Pirate | Nobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Rank | Benefice | Arbiter | Racket | Revenant | Personality | Plunderer | Lordship |
| Second Rank | Trade Master | Legionnaire | Conglomerate | Harbinger | Luminary | Marauder | Earl/Count/Arless/Countessr |
| Third Rank | Aristocrat | Sentinel | Cartel | Dreadspawn | Celebutante | Reaver | Duke/Duchess/Dux |
| Fourth Rank | Tycoon | Grand Warden | Syndicate | Dark Lord/Lady/Shadow Sovereign | Mogul | Pirate King/ Queen/Sovereign | Grand Duke/Duchess/Dux |
Nobility
As indicated above, one of the available Magnate types is Nobility. However, direct application for Nobility is not possible; it is an accolade bestowed as a reward for sustained and active engagement in the system. Nobility is specifically granted to individuals and their family members, offering unique benefits if they consistently make efforts within the System, or have significant in-game/progression power that the King notices and raises them to Nobility.
Nobles enjoy greater autonomy over their regions and are to be addressed by their titles at all times. They also possess increased legal freedoms and can only be found guilty of crimes by the King personally. Moreover, Nobles have far less difficulty interacting with dignitaries and other foreign governments than most Magnates. Consequently, Nobility is an aspirational status within the system, granted exclusively to those who consistently participate, and participation remains entirely optional.
More information relating to Nobility will come in time.
Acquiring Provinces
The Magnate System is a dual based system that requires active participation on the server, and in world progressions. It centers entirely around regional geopolitics, and as such, the Magnates themselves are required to actively participate in the goings on around the Kingdom where applicable. The concept around the Magnate system relies heavily on the Magnate’s individual desire to grow more powerful and influential by securing new Provinces to govern, which can be done through numerous means. Note. Some Provinces on the Magnate Province Map, marked in a Goldish Yellow, are established Cities under the Kings protection. You cannot claim these cities as a starting point, but you can attempt to capture them later on, albeit with difficulty. By collecting more Provinces under your Magnate’s influence, you also will be granted additional Wealth in the System, Manpower, War Machines, etc, which can greatly assist your Magnate in securing even more Provinces. By default, all Magnates start with at least one Province. They then can begin acquiring more provinces through some of the methods listed below, though this is not an exhaustive list but rather gives you an example of what can be done.
Intrigue
Magnates possess the ability to employ specific political strategies aimed at either securing support from a newly acquired province or undermining the credibility of another province's governor through political maneuvering. These tactics encompass a range of possibilities, including but not limited to:
Orchestrating internal conflicts within a region to politically sabotage the incumbent governor. Demonstrating superior governance by providing for the people of an already governed province, thereby showcasing themselves as more capable leaders. Damaging a governor's reputation through various means, such as spreading rumors, embellishing facts, or exposing scandals, both within the overarching World Progressions and in-game. Impressing the Galudonian King either by participation at Court or by showcasing superior intellect when engaging with other Magnates. Various acts in-game which showcase your Magnate’s overall strength, power and fortitude, be it by degrading other Magnates or helping them succeed to your own benefit.
In-Game Activity
Active participation on the server significantly enhances the likelihood of being granted additional unoccupied provinces by the King. While mere presence may result in the award of a province or two, proactive engagement in various ways can further attract the King's attention.
- Participating in the political arena proves fruitful, whether by securing and sustaining a political position such as a Senatorial role, establishing an active political party, initiating a movement, or successfully discrediting existing politicians.
- Events play a crucial role in this endeavor. Hosting occasional in-game events increases the prospects of receiving a Province award. Furthermore, a Magnate, the Magnate's family/group that consistently organizes and hosts events stands to gain even more Provinces.
- Establishing connections with the populace and cultivating a 'manpower base' can also be pivotal. Actively interacting with city residents, even casually, elevates the likelihood of Province awards. Additionally, if a character can effectively convey an in-character, played-out loyalty from a group aligned with the Magnate, it substantially boosts the chances of receiving additional Provinces.
War
Under specific circumstances, a Magnate has the authority to declare a territorial war against another Magnate. However, such declarations are subject to strict conditions, as all wars necessitate approval either from the Crown or the Senate, known as a 'Casus Belli.' This can be done by simply approaching the Senate either at a sitting and declaring your intent, or by approaching a Senator to bring the Casus Belli to the Senate floor for consideration. If approved, your war can go ahead. Numerous reasons may serve as a Casus Belli, and while the following list provides examples, it is by no means exhaustive.
- A Magnate has acted hostile toward you or your provinces, and you have proof of such.
- A Magnate has attempted to attack you before but failed, and now you want to wage a counter-war in their Provinces.
- You have a ‘claim’ on their Provinces that can be backed up with proof.
- A Province is subduing or aggressively taxing your trade routes and goods and you wish to seize control over those routes again.
- You have expansion ambitions and are pursuing territorial growth, and your occupancy of the territory by military means can be prosperous for the whole Kingdom.
- A Magnate has promised your Magnate tribute of some sort, or failed to uphold part of an important contract, so you wish to occupy them until the agreed-upon terms are met.
- You wish to pre-emptively engage in war because you can prove that it's likely that the Magnate you are targeting is likely going to declare war on you first soon.
Once your Casus Belli is approved, you can begin invading the Province in World Progressions, which will act similarly to larger war progressions, with troop placement, the requirement for military-inclined characters, etc. These battles will be decided based on the general competency of the Progression Order, rolls, and the character’s abilities involved.
Culture Bombing
Culture bombing is the act of facilitating the widespread dissemination of a particular lifestyle into another Province, so much so that it becomes synonymous with your own. This can occur through various means and does not have to be restricted to actual in-lore cultures, but rather the culture your character wishes to create or employ. This can occur through the following means, however, this is not an exhaustive list.
- By funding and facilitating the expansion of fashion, art, music, etc in an area similar to the sort you have fostered in your own provinces.
- Hosting festivals, galas, and other related major events in another province that garner significant support for your Magnate over time.
- Become well looked up to and idolized by the people of that Province through whatever means.
Trade and Economics
Trade is the lifeblood of the Galudonian Kingdom. Because of that, it is expected that all members of the Magnate System will be focused on growing their economic powerhouse. There are multiple ways that players can do this - dependent upon, but not solely limited to;
- Building a significant trade empire in Progressions by wooing the Galudonian Cities Aldermen.
- Attaining a significant amount of in-game currency.
- Promoting your Magnates products successfully abroad through progressions.
- Attaining monopolies in your Magnates' goods within certain Provinces.
- Warhawk maneuvers using their own military as mercenary forces for others can net you more Provinces.
- Intercepting shipments/criminal activities to undermine existing magnates can also clandestinely get you more Provinces.
Fame and Notoriety
This is probably the most subjective of all categories. Players here will be famous on the server through a variety of avenues. Note that ill deeds can make someone infamous, and positive vibes can make them famous. The two can be combined for their own type of fame - however please plan on the system admin contacting you for future guidance regarding which avenue you’d like your character to eventually take. World Progression victories by completing a significant goal, or triumphing over another can assist in garnering more Provinces.
- In-game fame such as becoming a notable socialite, sports figure, attaining and fostering a successful public office, etc can greatly help in garnering more Provinces.
- Creating an image of Infamy for your Magnate In-Game by becoming a famous criminal or villain with impunity can help facilitate the garnering of more Provinces.
- Your Magnate’s overall influence over players can help with snagging you more Provinces.
- The creation of transformative works such as music, literature, fashion (skins), or art and becoming known for such a cultural success can net you Provinces.
- Scandal-courting public figures with impunity can also get you more Provinces.
The approach to these political practices is flexible, allowing for a wide array of strategies to be employed based on individual preferences and objectives within the dynamic game environment. There is no specific ‘right’ way to play the System, only that you create goals for yourself and you succeed in them.
Developing Provinces
Upon acquiring a Province, your Magnate gains access to a set of pre-existing resources applicable in World Progressions. The four primary resources of concern for a Magnate are Wealth (the system currency that is delivered weekly, denominated in Galudonian Pounds, distinct from in-game currency), Manpower (the available workforce and potential army), Naval Ships (maritime vessels equipped for naval warfare), and Airships (aerial vessels armed for battle).
| Resource | Province Baseline Boon |
|---|---|
| Wealth | Weekly Income of £5,000 |
| Manpower | 2,000 combat and labor-ready individuals |
| Naval Ships | 5 Naval combat-ready ships |
| Airships | 5 Airships, armed for battle. |
This structured system allows Magnates to strategically leverage the unique advantages associated with each province they acquire. Naturally, these benefits accumulate as a Magnate acquires more provinces. What's more intriguing is the potential to increase these baseline advantages per province through the application of the right World Progression Orders and strategic investments. For example, a Magnate may invest in specific infrastructure within a Province that may increase the Weekly Wealth Income by a particular amount, or enforce conscription within their Provinces to increase Manpower Numbers. The skies the limit when it comes to ideas on how to improve your Provinces, but be warned, every action has a potential consequence, so do fully think out your plan of action before putting it into effect.
Moreover, you can use In-Game currency to purchase additional increases as a one-time, non-weekly bonus. The prices are as follows:
| Resource | Cost | One Time Boon |
|---|---|---|
| Wealth | £1,000 in game pounds | £5,000 Magnate System Wealth |
| Manpower | £3,000 in game pounds | 5,000 additional Manpower |
| Naval Ships | £1,250 in game pounds | 1 Naval Ship |
| Airships | £2,000 in game pounds | 1 Airships |
After substantial investment and development, a Province may reach a point where it transforms into a city. At this juncture, your character is acknowledged as the founder, and the city is accorded its dedicated mention on the Gears of Galudon Wiki. However, achieving this status is a challenging and demanding journey. Provinces
The Provinces, along with their current Magnates/Governors, are depicted in the map below. Please note that you may need to zoom in on this page for a clearer view. Additionally, an Imgur gallery link has been included in the Magnate System Resources section, offering various Galudon maps relevant to the Magnates, including the one presented below. Please note that some Provinces on the Magnate Province Map, marked in a Goldish Yellow, are established Cities under the King's protection. You cannot claim these cities as a starting point, but you can attempt to capture them later on, albeit with difficulty.
Current map of the magnates and their provinces
Magnate Resources
Below you will find two useful links that will help you better understand what Magnates have to work with. The first is an imgur album of Magnate System relevant maps.
The second is the Master Spreadsheet for Magnate Finances, Provinces, Titles etc. These will be updated after each week, starting the 8th of January 2024
Magnate System Spreadsheet for Provinces and Resources
If you have any questions or queries about either of these resources, please open a ticket on the Discord and we’ll be happy to help. This document will be updated with FAQ’s later down the line.
How do I join the Magnate System?
Participation in the Magnate System is subject to Special Permission. To apply, utilize the detailed application template provided below. Submit your completed application by opening a ticket on the Gears of Galudon Discord. The staff will review and respond to your application promptly.
Before applying, please consider the following criteria, which should ideally be met before initiating your application.
- Your Magnate character must be an active character on the server.
- Your Magnate character must have an accepted character application.
- Your Magnate character must not be an infamous, outed criminal.
- Ideally, your Magnate character should be associated with a group or family. While not mandatory, having a group enhances your application, emphasizing the significance of System entities as being a collaborative effort rather than solo endeavors.
- Additionally, it's preferable for your Magnate character to have a corresponding group, business, or family page. Although this can be created after the application, it should be submitted to the Magnate System entities page on Discord.
Application Template
- Minecraft Username: (Your Minecraft in-game username)
- Character Name: (Your character’s full name)
- Approved Character Sheet link: (Link your approved character application sheet)
- Family/Group Character Sheets: (Provide the links to anyone within your character’s Magnate family/group, if any)
- Preferred Magnate Type/Types: (Your preferred Magnate Aesthetic, for example, Mercantile. You can dual type)
- Magnate Industry Name: (Your Magnate’s business, general claim to fame. If your character has a business, please provide the name for this business as well)
- Preferred Starting Province: (What province on the map would you like to claim first)
- Preferred Peddleston Park Estate: (This is optional. If you choose not to pick one, one will be picked for you.)
- Why should we consider you for the Magnate System?: (Detail what you intend to do as part of the Magnate System, and how your participation can be for the benefit of other players)
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