Campaign Idea: Transition to the Mundane

The planet is ruled by high level magic users. Organized religion is also a powerful force, often exerting similar or greater power than those who technically rule.

The planet is a dead god covered in earth, water, etc. so that it looks something like an ordinary planet. The dungeons are inside the god’s actual corpse.

The god’s organs are huge gems, which are the source of magic. They pulse and are warm. These are the sole source of both arcane and divine magic. Clerics know the rituals to enact spells, but are incorrect in believing that more than one god exists, and in believing that any gods are alive.

These huge gems are in the dungeons (or in the megadungeon if the campaign centers around a single megadungeon.) If removed, they become lukewarm and no longer pulse. Removing any one of them permanently ends the ability to cast 2 specific spells for all on the planet: 1 magic user spell and one cleric spell.

Upon removing a gem there is a 1-in-6 chance that the gem continues to live and grants a doubly powerful spell to either a magic user or cleric while it is held. Upon each use, there is a 2-in-6 chance to permanently exhaust the gem as usual.

The result is a ticking bomb:

• Some will want to preserve the status quo and protect rulers and religion.
• Some will want to completely remove the power structure.
• Others want to repair and resurrect the dead god.