Idea Royal Witches [detailed/fantasy]

I can already see how comfortable all our characters shall be, sand in their armor as the scorching sun bakes them alive whilst something presumably tries to kill them because Welian is sadistic.
 
I can already see how comfortable all our characters shall be, sand in their armor as the scorching sun bakes them alive whilst something presumably tries to kill them because Welian is sadistic.
Remember! Sand gets everywhere! EVERYWHERE!

Equally unpleasant for both men and women, I'd say. Unless there's some magic spell that removes sand.
 
And this is where female superiority kicks in. The women can magic the sand away, the men toil with sandy crotches.
 
The desert used to be an ocean a hundred year ago until the Abyss opened, so like.... maybe the ocean just moved to under the desert?
 
Basically what welian means is, "don't fuck with my settings by toying with anti-feminism because I'm trying to narrow down the scope of the RP, not widen it.

"Feminism" (it's actually closer to matriarchy here) is not so much an ideal in this setting, as it just, doesn't exist. There's no need to "fight for equal rights" in a society you already rule, therefore "feminism" and anti-feminisim is a moot point.

Likewise, As for "anti-matriarchal" factions as I'll call them. Women in RW's settings are literally better than men, literally. There's no societal viewpoint that they are, they just are. Women can fuck men up without touching them, men are literally a second class of being in this setting. So, on that note, think very carefully before you try to make a men's rights group of people... they wouldn't last long.

Plus that's not the plot under discussion, it wouldn't be much use to start up a sub plot like that when the plot is focused elsewhere.

Anyway, that's the harsh bit out of the way.

What's a better plan is to just work with what the setting provides, and then, like a woman from the times before they had any rights at all, make your man like that. They could be a warden. A fighting soldier with depths of skill with a blade, but they're still going to have to deal with societies expectations of a man, and how he should be strong, dependable, a good husband, pretty/handsome, subservient to his wife, and a good cook. Then, then you can let him moan about it as his Wife goes to elder meetings and runs the country as it's attacked by an unknown evil rotting force.

Not harsh at all. Perfectly legitimate points.

And a lot of that is the parts I wish to explore.

Some examples playing on the usual fantasy cliche of "amazons type group" and/or the "obligatory badass female that defies the conventions and expectations of her gender". Playing in it in the sense that Gender roles seem reversed in this society. Putting a twist on a usually common trope.

Combine this with the fish out of water idea, and you have someone who goes against convention, yet has to play by societal standards. Further playing on common other related gender tropes by reversing the situation.

As well, it is neither my aim or intention to try and upheave the society, or make a statement of equality, or men can be strong too. Nah, rather, the tribe idea is a way to implement reasons for the tropes to be played on by a character. Whatever I make would indeed fall in line with what the story would need, as I have no desire to be an antagonist or start a sub plot. One of the things I am good at is making things fit (giggity).

Currently, it is only a flexible concept of a character backstory, as is the character himself (or herself because a magical female from said tribe I think could be just as fun). Nothing so major as to change anything in the world. Just seeing what I can do and throwing out ideas to see what sort of concepts I can play around with.
 
A subject that Welian saw fit for me to put over here. And something to hopefully kick off a bunch of questions about how society and culture works in this RP.

1. How does maternity(leave) work in RW?

If men are the primary caregivers, homemakers, and such, the one thing they can't do is feed the kid.

Meaning the mother will need to take not only pregnancy leave, but also an extended leave to nurse the child. The whole shebang could be up a 1.5 to 2 years, depending on when she wants to ween the child.

Now during this time, would the male be at home taking care of the child while handing her to the mother only to nurse?

Would the mother care and nurse the child while the husband goes off to work in her absence until weened?

Though i could see wet nurses being a pretty common profession to get around that issue.

2. How does engagement work?

Obviously, we can most likely say that women are the ones who pop the question. As well as, women are likely the ones going on the prowl for a hot piece of ass. And even though women are in control, the societal relationship between men and women, as I am lead to believe, is on good terms. And while we could go the route of a more dominant sort of engagement, such as marks or adornments. I offer something different. And the reasonings behind it could vary, but I will just give an example of a reason.

The idea I proposed for engagement was simple enough. Rather than a ring or ornament. What she gives to the man is what let's him know the worth she places in him as well as giving him a sense of purpose he might not have without being married. This engagement gift could be anything. But here are some examples of what i mean. these "rules" below should apply.

The gift should not be superficial, but instead should be something the man would hold dear and use. With thought and reason behind the gift.

For a soldier this could be a sword, one sturdy and of fine craftsmanship, so that he can outperform his fellow soldiers.

For a warden, maybe a custom armor or shield from a witchy wife. So that she can protect him as he has always tried to do for her.

For a farmer, perhaps a fine horse or tool, so that he can better apply himself to his trade.

For a builder or engineer, perhaps a set of tools well beyond the quality that he might normally be able to get ahold of.

Even a homemaker, perhaps a fine set of clothes, or even on the extravagant side a home.

Regardless of the occupation or the man, the general theme of the engagement gift is for it to be heartfelt, and that it is something the man can make use of in a way that benefits their relationship. With thought and effort put into it.

This, of course, is all based on the assumption that marriage within RW has some value to the women. And just like in today's world, the men try to impress the women, that the inverse happens here.

However if men were seen as truly worthless, then it could just as easily be said that men still are the ones who have to impress the women, since women don't need men and that only the ones who impress them should be chosen. Yet, with the lack of animosity between the sexes, and that the focus seems to be more on a switching of the roles rather than fem domination, I would think this particular course would not work as well.

This brings us to

3. How do women and men treat each other, in and out of courtship?

Rather than going on a long explanation, I will instead just ask a series of question to get thoughts rolling. Some may have already been answered or brought up, but I forgot.

Are the females the instigators of courtship?

Would they be the ones trying to impress the men?

Would they be the ones flirting while the men try to shake it off and save themselves for a worthy woman?

In child rearing, would the father be seen as having the more important role of caring and teaching their children as well as being responsible?

Would men be given any favor under the law in a way to protect or account for them being the "lesser gender"?

Would women protect their men from being disrespected?

Would it be rude to hit a man?

Would men be allowed to slap women that touch their butts?

Are men treated respectfully by hosts? Including, but not limited to, holding doors open for men, pulling a chair out for them, etc.

When warriors come about, do they spare the men and children?

Would gentleman's clubs be replaced by ladies clubs?

Would sports be a past time dominated by females with males only havinget a select few appropriate for them to join? And what sorts would that be?

Do women have to carry their men across the threshold?

What qualities of men do women look for in this society?

What qualities of women do men look for?

Are men expected to act certain ways, such as more subdued, as well as societal restraints of dignity and how to act like a proper gentleman?

What would be considered a proper gentleman?

How are the tastes of society? For example, are women known for drinking whisky and beer while the men favor drinks like wine and tea? Or have the tastes changed to reflect the switching of roles?

Do girls pull the ponytails of cute boys they sit behind in class?

welian welian
 
A subject that Welian saw fit for me to put over here. And something to hopefully kick off a bunch of questions about how society and culture works in this RP.

1. How does maternity(leave) work in RW?

If men are the primary caregivers, homemakers, and such, the one thing they can't do is feed the kid.

Meaning the mother will need to take not only pregnancy leave, but also an extended leave to nurse the child. The whole shebang could be up a 1.5 to 2 years, depending on when she wants to ween the child.

Now during this time, would the male be at home taking care of the child while handing her to the mother only to nurse?

Would the mother care and nurse the child while the husband goes off to work in her absence until weened?

Though i could see wet nurses being a pretty common profession to get around that issue.

2. How does engagement work?

Obviously, we can most likely say that women are the ones who pop the question. As well as, women are likely the ones going on the prowl for a hot piece of ass. And even though women are in control, the societal relationship between men and women, as I am lead to believe, is on good terms. And while we could go the route of a more dominant sort of engagement, such as marks or adornments. I offer something different. And the reasonings behind it could vary, but I will just give an example of a reason.

The idea I proposed for engagement was simple enough. Rather than a ring or ornament. What she gives to the man is what let's him know the worth she places in him as well as giving him a sense of purpose he might not have without being married. This engagement gift could be anything. But here are some examples of what i mean. these "rules" below should apply.

The gift should not be superficial, but instead should be something the man would hold dear and use. With thought and reason behind the gift.

For a soldier this could be a sword, one sturdy and of fine craftsmanship, so that he can outperform his fellow soldiers.

For a warden, maybe a custom armor or shield from a witchy wife. So that she can protect him as he has always tried to do for her.

For a farmer, perhaps a fine horse or tool, so that he can better apply himself to his trade.

For a builder or engineer, perhaps a set of tools well beyond the quality that he might normally be able to get ahold of.

Even a homemaker, perhaps a fine set of clothes, or even on the extravagant side a home.

Regardless of the occupation or the man, the general theme of the engagement gift is for it to be heartfelt, and that it is something the man can make use of in a way that benefits their relationship. With thought and effort put into it.

This, of course, is all based on the assumption that marriage within RW has some value to the women. And just like in today's world, the men try to impress the women, that the inverse happens here.

However if men were seen as truly worthless, then it could just as easily be said that men still are the ones who have to impress the women, since women don't need men and that only the ones who impress them should be chosen. Yet, with the lack of animosity between the sexes, and that the focus seems to be more on a switching of the roles rather than fem domination, I would think this particular course would not work as well.

This brings us to

3. How do women and men treat each other, in and out of courtship?

Rather than going on a long explanation, I will instead just ask a series of question to get thoughts rolling. Some may have already been answered or brought up, but I forgot.

Are the females the instigators of courtship?

Would they be the ones trying to impress the men?

Would they be the ones flirting while the men try to shake it off and save themselves for a worthy woman?

In child rearing, would the father be seen as having the more important role of caring and teaching their children as well as being responsible?

Would men be given any favor under the law in a way to protect or account for them being the "lesser gender"?

Would women protect their men from being disrespected?

Would it be rude to hit a man?

Would men be allowed to slap women that touch their butts?

Are men treated respectfully by hosts? Including, but not limited to, holding doors open for men, pulling a chair out for them, etc.

When warriors come about, do they spare the men and children?

Would gentleman's clubs be replaced by ladies clubs?

Would sports be a past time dominated by females with males only having a select few appropriate for them to join? And what sorts would that be?

Do women have to carry their men across the threshold?

What qualities of men do women look for in this society?

What qualities of women do men look for?

Are men expected to act certain ways, such as more subdued, as well as societal restraints of dignity and how to act like a proper gentleman?

What would be considered a proper gentleman?

How are the tastes of society? For example, are women known for drinking whisky and beer while the men favor drinks like wine and tea? Or have the tastes changed to reflect the switching of roles?

Do girls pull the ponytails of cute boys they sit behind in class?

welian welian
1) Perhaps a woman should still be the primary caregiver, as that's purely biological, but of course, if she's rich enough she can use a wet nurse and avoid the husband having to go and get a job for a while.

2) I love this idea, as expressed in Discord.

3) I think that, in initiating courtship, men would still have to impress women, as that would be stemming purely from biological factors. Same goes for the flirting and all that.
Post-weening, perhaps caregiving should be taken over by the man, as women would be the breadwinners.
I'm not really familiar with such laws, perhaps you could explain further?
Yes, they would protect them, out of love and image concerns.
Maybe it wouldn't be rude to hit a man, as they're meant to be tough and burly.
Not sure on slapping and butt-touching.
I doubt they'd be treated as respectfully as women by hosts, and they're meant to be tough, thick-skinned, etc.
They would spare the children. As a man is meant to be big and tough, they could still pose a threat, especially since there are so many males in jobs like the Wardens.
Sports would vary. Men would dominate in more physical pursuits as that's just biology.
Is the threshold some archaic marriage thing? I've never heard of it before.
Men should definitely be seen as emotionally duller, expected to shut up and take it, be thick-skinned, stoic, etc.
A proper gentleman is a restrained, strong, stoic man who respects his wife.
I imagine tastes would be the same, as women are still meant to seem more sophisticated.
They totally do I love this idea.
 
1) Perhaps a woman should still be the primary caregiver, as that's purely biological, but of course, if she's rich enough she can use a wet nurse and avoid the husband having to go and get a job for a while.

2) I love this idea, as expressed in Discord.

3) I think that, in initiating courtship, men would still have to impress women, as that would be stemming purely from biological factors. Same goes for the flirting and all that.
Post-weening, perhaps caregiving should be taken over by the man, as women would be the breadwinners.
I'm not really familiar with such laws, perhaps you could explain further?
Yes, they would protect them, out of love and image concerns.
Maybe it wouldn't be rude to hit a man, as they're meant to be tough and burly.
Not sure on slapping and butt-touching.
I doubt they'd be treated as respectfully as women by hosts, and they're meant to be tough, thick-skinned, etc.
They would spare the children. As a man is meant to be big and tough, they could still pose a threat, especially since there are so many males in jobs like the Wardens.
Sports would vary. Men would dominate in more physical pursuits as that's just biology.
Is the threshold some archaic marriage thing? I've never heard of it before.
Men should definitely be seen as emotionally duller, expected to shut up and take it, be thick-skinned, stoic, etc.
A proper gentleman is a restrained, strong, stoic man who respects his wife.
I imagine tastes would be the same, as women are still meant to seem more sophisticated.
They totally do I love this idea.


Ah! But here is the thing. Especially regarding your point of men being seen as stoic and tough. The way of RW could have had enough cultural impact for that not be the case.

With women taking a dominant role in the society, they could be the ones that are meant to be seen as tough and stoic.

From what we know, as said by welian, men tend to seem more effeminate in looks and fashion (by our standrds). This could imply that big burly tough men aren't as highly desired. As well, showy, frilly, and vibrantly colored clothing do well in helping the men show themselves as tough and stoic, nor would it be practical garb for a workhorse cast. While biology may be a big factor, there is also the shift of cultural to keep in mind and it's impact of men in RW.

We can break it down to how do women value themselves in RW? What traits do they deem superior in women? Do they aim to be strong and tough? Are they expected to be stoic and emotionally strong? When they cry, do they consider it a sign of weakness? Are they expected to be able to carry the burden of the family, and being the strong arm and breadwinner of the family without complaint? Are they expected to become physically strong so as not to be dependant on others or men? Do they see men being better at certain things dishonorable to their own image?

And for men, we know they are more submissive. Alright, cool, but where do we take that? Should a submissive man still hold the societal pressures that we put in men today? Such as they have to be touch and stoic and unemotional. Would the smaller submissive pretty male be more ideal to the RW females than big burly men that work like ox's? Also, is being dimmer witted a biological difference? If not, what would be there to stop men from being smart, if only they they have less access to education.

Many of the question I asked are really dependent on what roles each Gender play in RW, and how much value is put into those roles.


Now to respond to some of the answers.

But if men were the ones doing the flirting, could that not be seen as them being flaunting and disrespectful? I have no doubt that men would flirt back, but I would think that men would be expected to take the more subtle approach while the woman lead the charge when she found a man of interest. And suredly, a man would be expected to show a woman he is worth the attention. But alternatively, unless there was some prearrangement, likelyhood is that the woman would also need to convince the man. Moreso than the man needs to convince the woman, as men already are taking a more passive seat. I'm not saying that men do nothing though as, as even back then, women did their fair share of wooing. Yet this time, roles are reversed.

I am not very knowledgeable of medevil laws. An example night be how noble women were allowed to choose champions to fight a duel on their behalf. Or how in today, certain cases, despite the lettering of the law, women are given favorable treatment. Even if there is only an accusation. Will there be different treatment under the law? Or would it be more equal?

Not rude to hit a man, and expected to protect them, are somewhat contradictory answers. I would thing a woman is expected to stand up for her man, as you said. But also that it would be rude to hit a man. Yet an answer to the question is still very dependent on how men are and are seen, something that needs determined by welian.

Thick skinned is another thing that is dependent on what the RW society has made men to be. In our world, men are expected to be such. But will that hold up here?

Sparing the children, again dependent on the above. But would this also imply that women are not treat to mercy or favor because they are not seen as weaker or more fragile than men?

As for the threshold thing, click here for what it's about. Just a tradition.

How the men are seen is still highly dependent on how women see themselves and what they want from the men. So it's not an easy question to answer. Same goes with what is determined to be a proper gentleman, if that term even exists in RW.

The J The J welian welian
 
Oh dear, it looks like I forgot to respond to this thread. I'll type up some stuff when I get home. I really appreciate how excited everyone seems about this setting! It seems like I have enough potential material for a few different roleplays all set in the same world, honestly.
 
One month later...
How does maternity(leave) work in RW?
Keep in mind, since all the leaders and bosses and bigwigs are woman, many of whom are mothers, attitudes around childcare are much more lenient and sympathetic than historical IRL. Pregnancy is pretty damn romanticized in this world as well, many people think that children are a gift from the goddesses, and that it's a very noble sacrifice to give up your magic to bring another life into this world - especially since magic in this world cannot heal or create life. No one would blink twice, I think, about a witch disappearing for two years after her service is up because she's gone and starting a family and needs to nurse the kids. It might even be seen as analogous to a sabbatical.

How does engagement work?
I really like your idea about pragmatic engagement gifts! IIRC, some of these traditions stem from the age of the dowry. For those of you reading along who might not be in the know, a dowry is a gift of money or goods (such as livestock or gold) given to the groom from the bride's family. I forget the finer details, but the idea is that since women were traditionally seen as a less valuable addition to a household (or even a drain on resources), a dowry was given to the groom to offset the cost of the bride's existence. Although, in some cultures, it's instead/also seen as a gift that the bride can easily liquidate in case of financial emergency.

Additionally, you are also correct about men being seen as... well, not worthless, but not as important to a household's prestige and wealth as a talented witch. Since biology didn't change, there's not a TOTAL 180 flip in attitudes and gender roles here - women still have the luxury of choosing their partners from a wide pool, men still have to compete for attention, but I don't think it's as pronounced. It's also probably not AS big of a deal for a man to be single in this setting? I kinda like the mental image of a matriarch leading a nuclear family, but also housing an extended family containing unrelated men who lie somewhere between family friend and servant.

Or maybe I have it completely backwards, and women have to woo men with the finest gifts in order to convince him to let her bear his children....
Are the females the instigators of courtship?
Usually, yes. Upper classes and nobility, it would be shockingly rude for a man to make the first move and make his affections openly known. Lower classes, fancy manners don't manner as much, and you end up with like... farm and shepherd culture where it's usual for the woman to instigate, but not unheard of and not really a negative thing for men to instigate, unless the family is super conservative.
Would they be the ones trying to impress the men?
God, I hope so.
Would they be the ones flirting while the men try to shake it off and save themselves for a worthy woman?
At least in the middle to upper classes!
In child rearing, would the father be seen as having the more important role of caring and teaching their children as well as being responsible?
Yes! Fair is fair, and I think this setting should have a much, much larger emphasis on paternal figures as foundational to the family.
Would men be given any favor under the law in a way to protect or account for them being the "lesser gender"?
Yes, the man usually have special protections, especially against magical abuse. It's uncouth to attack a person in a manner in which they cannot defend. Women should never raise their wand to a man, and a man should never raise his hand to a woman..
Would women protect their men from being disrespected?
Yeeeep.
Would it be rude to hit a man?
It depends. I hate to say it, but women in this setting get away with a shitton of abuse if they can argue that the man needed to be reminded of his station. It's unfair, and men will often get together during lunch and commiserate over not being able to fight back against a vicious wife without incurring singed hair.
Would men be allowed to slap women that touch their butts?
Yeeaah... it depends, again. Men are physically stronger than women still, so it's not as "cute" when they fight back, unless magic is involved. That being said, if there are witnesses, and the man doesn't unreasonably escalate the physical force, than I think he'd be in the clear as far as most people are concerned. After all, a virtuous and modest man needs to protect himself!
Are men treated respectfully by hosts? Including, but not limited to, holding doors open for men, pulling a chair out for them, etc.
Yes but no? Men are treated respectfully by hosts, but that respect isn't shown by holding open doors and pulling out chairs, per se. Those traditions are associated with the assumption that woman are physically weak and need to have things done for them, right? But here, even though women are physically weaker, they're seen as stronger because of magic. In a weird roundabout way, I can see NOT using magic in the house as a way of showing respect to the man. By not using magic, you're sort of saying "this is your turf, and I will not flaunt my power in your turf, it would be rude to appear more powerful than you even though we all know i am". What traditions do you think would make sense here?
When warriors come about, do they spare the men and children?
Raiding and pillaging witches typically spare men and children, so long as the men appear to be unarmed.
Would gentleman's clubs be replaced by ladies clubs?
Ha! Yes!
Would sports be a past time dominated by females with males only havingea select few appropriate for them to join? And what sorts would that be?
Dunno. Men would still be better at a lot of sports because they're still stronger, right? But we have like, lingerie football. So maybe there are "respectful" women's sports like magic dueling and fencing, and more "gimmicky" men's sports... like shirtless, oiled wrestling, that is seen as promiscuous and make negatively impact a man's reputation... but damn if he doesn't get a lot of attention from adoring female fans who want to send him gifts.
Do women have to carry their men across the threshold?
No, not carry. Unless she wants to and she can. BUT, the man should always be the first to enter a new home, for sure! It's his domain! His castle!
What qualities of men do women look for in this society?
I'd imagine they'd look for a strong, quiet, hardworking man who is responsible, and careful. Cleanliness and obedience would be very important as well. A man should be well-groomed and know when to only show off just the right amount of muscle and no more - gotta leave that strength to the imagination, and let his work history and craftsmanship speak for him instead. A woman would probably not be comfortable with a "smart" man. Like, you want a husband who is smart enough to take care of the house and kids, but if he's too smart... he'll start asking questions about magic, and that's not right.
Are men expected to act certain ways, such as more subdued, as well as societal restraints of dignity and how to act like a proper gentleman?
I think men as a whole in this setting are a bit more metrosexual than what we'd consider typical for the archetypal high fantasy setting. Men who are "tomgirls", that is, effeminate and act more like women, are hit-and-miss - some women might be amused or especially like a femme man who tries to elevate himself to a woman's level. Other woman might disapprove and think it's unmanly for him to reject traditionally masculine interests, and how on earth will he find a wife at this rate? But yeah, men are expected to defer to a woman's judgement in this setting, even it goes against something the man is perfectly competent in. Woman-splaining is totally a thing. Men who aren't remotely interested in helping raise children as seen as odd.

Bonus: instant respect for a man, if he outwits a woman with a sarcastic and witty response. Double bonus points if a bitchy woman was flirting with him and he shot her down. Triple bonus points if he happens to be holding a wooden object that he can snap in half, such as a broom or wooden cutlery or something. It's totally not a visual shortcut for "I will fucking break your wand and make you the laughingstock of the village if you keep messing with me."
 
Bonus: instant respect for a man, if he outwits a woman with a sarcastic and witty response. Double bonus points if a bitchy woman was flirting with him and he shot her down. Triple bonus points if he happens to be holding a wooden object that he can snap in half, such as a broom or wooden cutlery or something. It's totally not a visual shortcut for "I will fucking break your wand and make you the laughingstock of the village if you keep messing with me."


What will you give me if I can make all of the above happen in my first 10ish posts? (10 because I feel such a feat would be worthless and weightless without proper setup)
 
What will you give me if I can make all of the above happen in my first 10ish posts? (10 because I feel such a feat would be worthless and weightless without proper setup)
I'll make you co-GM.
 
You're right, I rescind my offer. King needs to wear a dress first.



And here I thought with one so superior and secure in your femininity as yourself, that you wouldn't need men to prance about in dresses to make you feel comfortable. But you go right ahead, dear. Don't let me stop you from thinking that men make better women than women.

However, as my title suggests, I am not one to beg. If you can't handle a spirited and masculine cohort, then I can simply take my skills and talents elsewhere. There are plenty of GM's out there... but there is only one King M.F. Hink.

*breaks the broom you flew in on in twain*


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And here I thought with one so superior and secure in your femininity as yourself, that you wouldn't need men to prance about in dresses to make you feel comfortable. But you go right ahead, dear. Don't let me stop you from thinking that men make better women than women.

However, as my title suggests, I am not one to beg. If you can't handle a spirited and masculine cohort, then I can simply take my skills and talents elsewhere. There are plenty of GM's out there... but there is only one King M.F. Hink.

*breaks the broom you flew in on in twain*


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Smackdown!
 
This seems strangely familiar. Reminds me of the Wheel of Time series that I believe you will find plenty of good inspiration from.
 

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