Organizations and Power Structures

Building the Forces That Shape Alliances, Conflicts, and Player Choices in Your World

Step 4: Technology, Economy, and Politics

In RPG world-building, the integration of technology and economy can significantly shape your world’s political power and player experience. By leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney, Game Masters can streamline the creative process, building everything from medieval trade networks to futuristic steampunk societies. Using AI, you can explore complex trade routes, design powerful economic hubs, and even create arcane technology that ties magic into everyday life. These technological and economic decisions influence the flow of goods, regional power struggles, and societal development, adding depth to your campaign.

Process: In the Technology, Economy, and Politics process, we will help explore how these elements shape and influence your world. This includes determining how technological advancements impact daily life, drive economic systems, and create or disrupt political structures. Organizations—whether they are guilds, corporations, or secret societies—will play a pivotal role in leveraging technology and navigating political landscapes. As the AI generates compelling content, refine those ideas and integrate them into your world overview document. Label the section Technology, Economy, and Politics to ensure a cohesive understanding of these interconnected dynamics.

In this step we will cover:

Thinking through the technology, economies and politics of this region
Determine how they impact the current region
Identify key technologies, determine how the local economy runs and identify political organizations within this region

Outcomes

Update your world overview document with outputs from this prompting session.
Determine your level of technology in the region.
What are the major goods traded in the region?
Who controls the flow of goods?

Technology

Level of Technology

Determine how advanced the world is in terms of technology and how it impacts daily life and the world’s power dynamics.

Determine the Technology Level:

Medieval: Limited to basic metallurgy, blacksmithing, and rudimentary machines (e.g., windmills, waterwheels). Weapons are swords, bows, and simple siege engines.
Steampunk: Advanced mechanics powered by steam, blending fantasy elements like airships or mechanical limbs with Victorian-era aesthetics.
Arcane Technology: Magic and technology are intertwined, with magical devices and constructs acting like modern-day tech. Cities may have enchanted lighting, teleportation hubs, and golems performing labor.

GM Tips: Decide how technology affects different social classes. Are the rich the only ones with access to advanced devices, or are magic-powered machines part of daily life for everyone?

Consider Regional Variation: Different parts of the world may have varying levels of technology. One kingdom might rely on ancient magic, while another may have adopted early industrial techniques. These differences can create political or economic tension.

Visualize the World: Think about how technology shapes architecture, clothing, and transportation. In a high-magic world, magical carriages could fly between cities, while a medieval world might be limited to horse-drawn carts.

Technology Prompts

Please read the following content [Insert World Overview Document], reply with “Ready to chat” when done.

Persona: "Imagine you are a Game Master who is building a new world called [Insert name], for an RPG campaign and looking to create [medieval] technologies in the world."
Context: "You want to develop several different technologies, each with its own flavor, to help add flavor and tension to the world."
Task: "Generate a list of 5 different technologies that might be in my world and who would control them."
Example: "The Coalforge Engineers are relentless visionaries, harnessing the raw power of steam and steel to fuel industrial progress, believing that mechanization is the key to humanity's ascension."
Tone: "The tone should be [structured and accurate], with each technology feeling real, capable of working within your world."

Context:

"The [Coalforge Engineers] believe the steam engine and industrial mechanization are the pinnacle of innovation, destined to drive humanity forward, while the [Etherium Scholars] claim that arcane-powered technology holds the key to the future. Tensions are growing between the two groups over which technological philosophy should dominate society."

Task:

"Generate 5 unique ideas for how these conflicting technological philosophies could lead to societal or cultural tensions, potentially sparking conflict."

Example:

"Ideas might involve breakthroughs proving one technology's superiority, industrial centers or arcane labs becoming battlegrounds, or social unrest as common folk are forced to choose sides."

Tone:

"The tone should feel volatile and charged, with tensions between the two groups threatening to boil over into war."

Trade and Commerece

Trade and Commerce

Steps:

Define Trade Routes:
- What are the major land and sea routes?
- Are there magical portals or airships that enable faster travel?
- How do natural resources like rivers, mountains, or deserts shape trade paths?
Establish Guilds and Trading Companies:
- Guilds: Control production and trade of specific goods. For example, a Mage’s Guild may regulate the sale of enchanted items, while a Merchant’s Guild might hold monopolies on imports like silk or spices.
- Trading Companies: Powerful organizations that manage large-scale trade across nations. Consider creating rivalries between guilds or companies, sparking intrigue and conflict.
- Use the Organization template to think through each guild.
Design a Currency System:
- Gold Standard: The classic fantasy setting uses gold, silver, and copper coins.
- Magical Currencies: In a high-magic world, people may trade in magical essence, rare stones, or enchanted coins that store spells.

1000 Questions to ask your world >>

GM Tips: Inflation, shortages, or theft of valuable currency could drive storylines. Perhaps one nation’s gold supply runs low, causing economic collapse. Keep it simple, use standard currencies systems that players are familiar with.

Please read the following content [Insert World Overview Document], reply with “Ready to chat” when done.

5 Questions to Ask About Your Economy

What are the core principles and values of the economy?
This includes understanding what drives the economy, such as resource sustainability, technological innovation, wealth accumulation, or equitable distribution. Is the focus on growth, preservation, or meeting the needs of the population?
What resources, industries, or systems are central to the economy?
Determine whether the economy is based on agriculture, trade, manufacturing, magic-infused production, or advanced technology. Are there unique resources, such as rare metals or enchanted materials, that drive economic activity?
What are the main systems of trade, exchange, and currency?
Identify how goods and services are exchanged. Does the economy rely on barter systems, gold-backed currency, magical tokens, or decentralized trade networks? What institutions or mechanisms regulate economic activity?
How does the economy influence the daily lives of its citizens and the culture at large?
Consider how the economy shapes cultural norms, class structures, family roles, and regional identities. Does it create economic disparity or foster unity? Are there major economic hubs or influential trade organizations?
What are the economy’s relationships with other economies or trade systems, and how does it interact with them?
This includes whether the economy is open or closed, competitive or cooperative with others. Are there historical trade alliances, economic conflicts, or reliance on external systems? How do these relationships shape the broader world?

Persona: "Imagine you are a Game Master building a new world called [Insert name], for an RPG campaign, and you're looking to create unique economies that shape the trade, industry, and wealth distribution of various cultures."

Context: "You want to develop economies that reflect [this worldview] and align with the diverse cultures, natural resources, or technological advancements within your world. These economies should influence the daily lives, traditions, and values of the inhabitants."

Task: "Generate a list of 5 different economies that embody distinct aspects of your world. Each economy should represent unique systems and practices, from bartering goods and services and resource-based trade to advanced monetary systems tied to magical currencies or automated trade networks. They should reflect the [worldview] and align with how different cultures sustain themselves, exchange value, and innovate within their environment."

Example: "Consider economies that involve [barter systems with complex rules of exchange, trade networks reliant on rare magical resources, a monetary system governed by guilds or corporations, or a decentralized economy powered by steampunk technology]."

Tone: "The tone should be [thought-provoking and grounded], with each economy feeling deeply integrated and capable of driving cultural practices, technological advancements, and even conflicts among the different inhabitants of your world."

Economic Powers

Developing distinct economic powers within your world can create dynamic interactions that drive politics, culture, and conflict. Here's a structured approach to crafting these economic hubs:

1. Identify Major Economic Hubs

City-States or Nations: Determine which regions are the wealthiest and analyze the sources of their prosperity. For instance, a coastal city might thrive due to its bustling port and trade routes, while a mountainous kingdom could amass wealth from abundant mineral resources.
Monopolies and Cartels: Identify entities that control rare and valuable resources, such as enchanted metals, magical crystals, or exotic spices. This control could be exerted by a dominant city, a coalition of merchants, or influential guilds, leading to significant economic and political leverage.
Balance of Power: Recognize how economic strength translates into political influence. A prosperous city-state might wield power over neighboring regions by controlling essential trade routes, while a powerful guild could manipulate markets to sway political decisions.

2. Scarcity and Resource Wars

Tensions often arise between resource-rich and resource-poor regions. Conflicts may erupt over fertile lands, mineral-rich territories, or access to magical energy sources, leading to wars that reshape political boundaries and alliances.

3. Develop Unique Economic Systems

Craft economies that reflect the diverse cultures and technologies of your world. Consider the following examples:

Barter-Based Economies: In regions where currency is scarce, societies might rely on complex barter systems, exchanging goods and services based on perceived value and necessity.
Resource-Driven Trade Networks: Areas abundant in specific resources, like magical herbs or rare minerals, could establish extensive trade networks, becoming central hubs for commerce and attracting diverse cultures.
Guild-Regulated Markets: In industrialized regions, powerful guilds or corporations might control the economy, issuing their own currency and setting prices, thereby influencing both economic and political spheres.
Technologically Advanced Economies: Societies that harness advanced technologies, such as steampunk machinery or arcane automation, could develop decentralized economies with automated trade networks, reducing the need for traditional labor and altering social structures.

4. Influence on Daily Life and Culture

Each economic system profoundly impacts the daily lives, traditions, and values of its inhabitants. For example, a barter-based society may emphasize communal relationships and mutual aid, while a guild-dominated economy might lead to rigid class structures and competition.

5. Potential Conflicts and Alliances

Economic disparities can lead to alliances or conflicts. Resource-rich regions may form coalitions to protect their wealth, while resource-poor areas might band together to challenge monopolies or seek more equitable trade agreements.

Please read the following content [Insert World Overview Document], reply with “Ready to chat” when done.

Persona: "Imagine you are a Game Master building a new world called [Insert name], for an RPG campaign, and you're looking to create unique economic powers that shape trade, industry, and political influence among various regions."

Context: "You want to develop economic hubs that reflect [this worldview] and align with the diverse cultures, natural resources, or technological advancements within your world. These economic hubs should serve as centers of wealth, trade, and innovation, influencing politics, culture, and even warfare among the inhabitants."

Task: "Generate a list of 5 different economic hubs that embody distinct aspects of your world. Each hub should represent unique strengths and resources, such as control over rare materials, advanced technological industries, or strategic trade locations. They should demonstrate how these hubs influence power dynamics, sustain themselves, and interact with or dominate neighboring regions."

Example: "Consider economic hubs that [dominate due to control of magical artifacts, thrive on trade routes connecting distant continents, are ruled by monopolistic guilds controlling enchanted resources, or leverage advanced technologies to automate production and gain a competitive edge]."

Tone: "The tone should be [strategic and immersive], with each economic hub feeling deeply integrated into the world, capable of driving alliances, conflicts, and cultural evolution among its inhabitants."

5 Questions to Ask About Economic Powers in Your World

What are the core strengths and values that define the economic power?
Identify what drives the economic hub’s success, such as access to rare resources, innovative technologies, strategic trade locations, or an efficient workforce. Is the focus on dominance, sustainability, or equitable trade with others?
Which industries or resources provide the foundation for this power’s wealth?
Determine whether the economic hub thrives on agriculture, mining, advanced manufacturing, magical goods, or global trade routes. Are there unique resources or technologies that give it an edge over competitors?
How does this economic power interact with and influence political structures?
Consider whether it wields influence over neighboring regions, controls trade policies, or funds military conflicts. Does its wealth translate directly into political dominance or more subtle manipulation?
What is the social and cultural impact of this economic hub on its inhabitants?
Explore how the wealth and industries of the economic hub shape its society. Are citizens empowered by prosperity, or are there stark divides between the elite and the working class? How do cultural traditions reflect the economic focus?
What rivalries, alliances, or conflicts does this economic power face?
Identify how the hub’s interests align or clash with others. Are there resource wars, trade disputes, or alliances forged to secure mutual benefits? How do these dynamics create tension or opportunities for growth?

Political Structures

Political structures are critical piece of a fantasy RPG world, shaping the relationships between nations, communities, and individuals while driving narrative tension and player choices. From sprawling monarchies and rigid oligarchies to rebellious tribal confederations and progressive democracies, these systems influence every aspect of life. Political dynamics can lead to wars, social inequality, underground movements, and moral dilemmas, enriching the story with layers of intrigue and conflict. By incorporating tools like AI-generated scenarios and visuals, Game Masters can bring these systems to life, immersing players in a world where diplomacy, alliances, and power struggles are as pivotal as the magic and technology within it.

Different Types of Political Structures

1. Monarchy

Description: Rule by a king, queen, or emperor, typically hereditary.
Variants:
- Absolute Monarchy: The monarch has complete control over the government.
- Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch’s powers are limited by law or a constitution, often sharing power with elected representatives.
Example: Medieval kingdoms or high-fantasy realms often have monarchies, where power is passed down through a royal bloodline.

2. Oligarchy

Description: A small group of people holds all the power, often based on wealth, nobility, or military control.
Variants:
- Aristocracy: Rule by a small, privileged class (often based on noble blood).
- Plutocracy: Rule by the wealthy elite.
Example: A group of powerful merchant families or military generals could control a city-state.

3. Theocracy

Description: A government where religious leaders or a divine figure are the ruling authority.
Variants:
- Hierocratic Theocracy: Religious leaders directly rule.
- Caesaropapism: The ruler is both the head of state and the head of religion.
Example: A city ruled by high priests who claim to interpret the will of the gods.

4. Democracy

Description: Power is held by the people, who vote on decisions either directly or through elected representatives.
Variants:
- Direct Democracy: Citizens vote on all decisions directly.
- Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Example: A republic of free city-states where citizens have a say in governance.

5. Republic

Description: A state where the head of state is elected or appointed, rather than hereditary.
Variants:
- Presidential Republic: The president is the head of state and government.
- Parliamentary Republic: The head of state (president) is separate from the head of government (prime minister).
Example: A confederation of city-states governed by an elected senate.

6. Tribal Confederation

Description: A loose alliance of tribes or clans, often led by chiefs or elders who make decisions for their respective groups.
Variants:
- Egalitarian Tribes: Tribes where decision-making is more democratic and power is distributed equally.
- Chiefdoms: Tribes led by a single chieftain or elder, often with hereditary leadership.
Example: Nomadic tribes who come together to make decisions in council but maintain autonomy in day-to-day affairs.

7. Meritocracy

Description: Rule by those deemed most qualified, often based on talent, skill, or achievements rather than birthright or wealth.
Example: A society where leaders must pass rigorous exams or trials to prove their worth before taking office.

8. Autocracy

Description: A government ruled by a single person with absolute power, often maintained through force.
Variants:
- Dictatorship: Rule by a single leader who holds power through coercion or military strength.
- Tyranny: A more negative form of dictatorship, where the leader rules through fear and oppression.
Example: A nation ruled by a despotic emperor or sorcerer-king.

9. Feudalism

Description: A decentralized political system where lords and nobles rule their own lands but owe allegiance to a higher monarch.
Example: A kingdom where vassals control regions in exchange for military support to the king.

10. Technocracy

Description: Government by experts or technologists, where decision-making is based on scientific knowledge or technological expertise.
Example: A highly advanced civilization where scientists and engineers hold the reins of power.

11. Anarchy

Description: A society without a governing body, where communities are self-regulated through voluntary cooperation.
Example: Post-collapse societies where order has broken down, or groups where people govern themselves without centralized authority.

12. Stratocracy

Description: A government ruled by the military or a ruling class of soldiers.
Example: A war-torn world where military leaders hold ultimate authority over territories.

13. Gerontocracy

Description: Rule by elders, where decision-making is in the hands of the oldest members of society.
Example: A tribal council where only the eldest and wisest are allowed to make important decisions.

14. Magocracy

Description: Rule by magic users or a council of powerful wizards.
Example: A magical realm where only those who wield magic can hold political power.

15. Hive-Mind or Collective

Description: A society where all individuals are connected to a central mind or consciousness, and decisions are made for the collective good.
Example: A group of psychic beings who share a collective consciousness and act in unity for the survival of the whole.

Please read the following content [Insert World Overview Document], reply with “Ready to chat” when done.

Persona: "Imagine you are a Game Master building a new world called [Insert name], for an RPG campaign, and you're looking to create unique political structures that define power, governance, and societal dynamics across various regions."

Context: "You want to develop political systems that reflect [this worldview] and align with the diverse cultures, ideologies, or resources within your world. These political structures should serve as the backbone of governance, influencing law, diplomacy, and conflict, while shaping the lives of the inhabitants and the relationships between nations or communities."

Task: "Generate a list of 5 different political structures that embody distinct aspects of your world. Each structure should represent unique governance systems, such as monarchies built on divine right, oligarchies driven by wealth and power, or tribal confederations focused on communal leadership. They should demonstrate how these structures influence societal norms, power struggles, and interactions with neighboring regions."

Example: "Consider political structures that [derive legitimacy from a ruling monarch, base their governance on religious authority, rely on meritocratic systems of leadership, or are defined by the decentralized power of tribal alliances]."

Tone: "The tone should be [thought-provoking and grounded], with each political structure feeling deeply integrated into the world, capable of driving alliances, conflicts, and cultural evolution among its inhabitants."

What is the source of power and legitimacy for this political structure?

Determine how the ruling body justifies its authority. Is it through divine right, military might, popular support, or control over resources and technology? How do the people view this authority—do they revere it, fear it, or resent it?
How is power distributed within the political structure?

Identify whether power is centralized in a single ruler, shared among a council, or distributed across various factions or regions. Are there checks and balances, or is power absolute? How does this distribution shape decision-making and governance?
What cultural and societal norms does the political structure enforce?

Consider how the government shapes daily life, from laws and traditions to class systems and individual freedoms. Does the political structure promote equality, or does it create stark divisions between different social classes or groups?
How does the political structure interact with other systems in the world?

Explore its relationships with neighboring governments, trade networks, religious institutions, or criminal organizations. Is it cooperative, competitive, or isolated? How do these interactions drive diplomacy, conflict, or alliances?
What are the weaknesses or challenges of this political structure?

Identify potential sources of instability, such as corruption, internal factions, or external threats. Does the structure face rebellion, succession crises, or economic difficulties? How might these challenges influence the world’s narrative and player involvement?

Persona: "Pretend you’re a GM creating a world where a magocracy, ruled by powerful wizards, comes into conflict with a neighboring technocracy, where technological advancement rules."
Context: "The [Mage Lords of Arcanis] control all magical resources, while the [Techmasters of Eryndor] rely on science and technology. As magic and technology collide, tensions mount over control of arcane resources."
Task: "Generate 5 unique ideas for how these two political powers could clash, with local tensions over resources, ideology, and power."
Example: "Ideas could involve technological espionage, the sabotage of magical research, and a propaganda war between magic and science."
Tone: "The tone should feel like an intellectual and strategic conflict, with both sides using their unique abilities to outmaneuver the other in a cold war for dominance."

Tools of the Trade

These are the key tools that I use to create, manage, and run my RPG sessions

Organizations and Power Structures

Step 4: Technology, Economy, and Politics

Technology

Level of Technology

Technology Prompts

Trade and Commerce

Economic Powers

Political Structures

Different Types of Political Structures

Tools of the Trade

ChatGPT

Midjourney

Game Master Platform