Introduction to Arcane Animus
Hey there folks, hope 2025 is off to a good start for you! I've been getting a fair amount of interest on several of the creatures I've been uploading - fast approaching 2000 downloads! Law of averages, I figure at least some of you have read the descriptions and may be wondering what this whole Arcane Animus thing is. So in this post, I'm going to give you the rundown on the project. If people are interested, I will make follow up posts detailing the various aspects of it.
So what is Arcane Animus: Echoes of the Ancients? Put simply, a tabletop adventure game set in a world based on ancient myths and legends. The goal is to create an interesting world with rules that would be accessible and understandable to a child, while offering enough strategy to appeal to veteran tabletop players.
The free creatures released so far were made with the intention of being tabletop figures. I affectionately refer to those models as "Gen 1" after having created a second set of improved models with a different style as "Gen 2." The models are sliced as larger figures because they can also double as toys, as it were, for easier handling and engagement with younger players.
The rules will be made freely available online, as well as all the "Gen 1" figures. At last count, we have around 53 "Gen 1" models, which seems like a healthy start. As of today, we still have a bunch to release, so be on the lookout. Below is a rundown for some of the stuff I have notated to some extent in Animus. There is a lot more, but this sampling should give you an idea of what we're working towards.
Overview:
- Universe: The world of Arcane Animus is one where ancient gods have unleashed creatures infused with their essence and elemental power. Humanity, unprepared for the rampaging god beasts, had to rebuild itself using the remnants of past civilizations when the gods were more active but appeased. This led to an explosive growth in technology and trade, resulting in a world where cultures blend significantly, and ethnic diversity is common.
- Technology: Humans have developed an enhanced type of bronze called Nexabronze by combining bronze with a newly discovered metal, Nexarite. Nexarite and its alloys (Nexabronze and Nexasteel) channel elemental powers, allowing humans to exert control over the elements. Nexabronze is as strong as mid-grade steel, while Nexasteel, capable of minor elemental channeling, offers properties similar to moderate-high grade steel.
- Cultural Diversity: Due to the blending of cultures and the need for survival, ethnic diversity is prevalent across most of the world. Each region has a native language and culture, but there is a common tongue amongst them - The language of the Athenara. Not everyone speaks it, but most understand it, which facilitates travel and trade amongst the nations.
Regions:
1. The Kingdom of Eldoria (Western European Region)
- Culture: Medieval Europe with steampunk influences.
- Description: A realm of chivalry, knightly orders, grand castles, and advanced metallurgy. The society operates on a feudal system, with prominent steampunk technology. Eldoria has extensive veins of nexarite buried deep within its mountains and caves.
- Features:
- Capital City: Arondale, featuring towering spires and steam-powered machinery.
- Technology: Steam engines, airships, mechanized armor.
- Beasts: Elemental beasts associated with earth and metal.
2. The Duchy of Valoria (Eastern European Region)
- Culture: Slavic folklore and early industrialism.
- Description: Dense forests, vast plains, and harsh winters define Valoria, a society deeply rooted in folklore, magic, and early industrial technology.
- Features:
- Capital City: Seraphel, known for its fortified wooden walls inlaid with pure nexarite.
- Technology: Primitive steam engines, enchanted machinery powered by elemental gems. They possess the technology to infuse wood with nexarite - this powers their defenses against would-be aggressors.
- Beasts: Forest-dwelling creatures with nature-based abilities.
3. Ironspire Highlands (Cliffside cave nation)
- Culture: Dark, industrial, with a gothic twist.
- Description: The city is dominated by towering factories and spires with intricate gearwork and exposed machinery. The atmosphere is heavy, industrial, and somber.
- Technology: Airships, advanced weaponry, elemental defense systems.
- Features: Ironspire was built into a cliffside, beginning with caves, and eventually extending to the lands above. Ironspire is the hub of technology, as they remain largely untouched by the beasts and have ample access to the elemental gems powering much of the armor and machinery in the world.
4. The Verdant Expanse (Garden of the gods region)
- Culture: A lush, vibrant region where nature and technology coexist. Between the favorable climate and centralized location, it has become a key hub for travel and trade.
- Description: The city is surrounded by dense forests with buildings that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. Trees and vines intertwine with steampunk machinery.
- Key Areas:
- Main City: Characterized by harmony between nature and technology.
- Shopping District: Vibrant and bustling with merchants and travelers.
- Upper District: Prestigious, where the important and powerful reside.
- Commons: A public area prized for its beauty, showcasing the mastery of blending nature and technology.
- Residential Area: Where commoners live in modest, well-integrated homes.
- Military Base: Fortified with organic and steampunk defenses.
Core Mechanics:
- Modified D20 System: Players roll a D20 to determine the success of actions, influenced by skills and abilities tied to their class.
- Simultaneous Turn System
- Players and NPCs choose actions simultaneously and execute them in order of a primary speed stat.
- Speed modifiers allow for extra or reflexive rounds, adding a strategic layer where players must anticipate opponents.
- Weapon Proficiency:
- As players progress, they gain proficiency in their weapons, leading to more targeted, multiple, or powerful attacks. For example, archers become more adept at firing multiple arrows, and gunmen can reload faster or use repeating weapons more efficiently.
Beasts and Bond System:
- Beast Mechanics: Beasts have their own stats and abilities and can be given orders by players, though their response depends on the bond with their handler.
- Elemental Amplification: Nexarite-infused weapons can be targeted by elemental creatures to amplify powers. For example, Nexabronze arrows can be enhanced with elemental effects like frost or lightning, making for powerful combined attacks.
Adventuring:
- Navigation: Movement includes walking, running, climbing, swimming, and using regional transport. Beasts can assist in problem-solving and navigation.
- Interactions: Players tame and befriend beasts using various tactics suited to each region. You may embark on various adventures, establish trade routes, seek riches and powerful artifacts, and take actions for or against the various factions in the game.
Goals and Objectives:
- Player Goals: Vary from achieving personal glory to humanitarian efforts.
- Favor of the Gods: Players can bond with gods, leading to transformations that grant additional powers and the ability to tame otherwise untamable beasts.
Powers and Abilities:
- Transformation: Achieved through a strong bond with a god and defeating rival avatars, leading to enhanced abilities and powers.
- Elemental Manipulation: Nexarite materials in weapons and armor allow players to harness elemental forces.
Game Master (GM) Role:
- Campaign Creation: GMs design campaigns and encounters tailored to player goals.
- Beast Behavior: Managed based on stats, abilities, and player bonds.
- World Building: Ensures a balanced and immersive experience, integrating technology, culture, and survival challenges.
Summary:
Arcane Animus: Echoes of the Ancients offers a richly detailed world where players navigate a blend of technology, magic, and survival in a world transformed by the influence of ancient gods. The game’s mechanics encourage strategic thinking, deep character development, and dynamic interactions with both the environment and the god-infused beasts that roam the land.