Characters:
* The Ordinary Made Extraordinary:
* The Tech-Savvy Mage: A hacker who uses code as their magic, manipulating networks, hacking into surveillance systems, or even creating illusions on social media.
* The Urban Druid: A park ranger or landscape architect who communes with nature, subtly influencing the growth of plants, shaping the cityscape with natural energies.
* The Corporate Exec with a Secret: A CEO hiding a magical lineage, using their power to manipulate markets, control the flow of information, or create financial mirages.
* The Urban Bard: A street musician or spoken word artist who can weave spells through their art, calming crowds, igniting passions, or even influencing the weather.
* The Unconventional Heroes:
* The "Chosen One" with a Glitch: Someone with magical abilities who doesn't quite fit the stereotypical hero mold - maybe they're clumsy, insecure, or deeply flawed, yet still must fulfill their destiny.
* The Reluctant Champion: An ordinary person thrust into the fantastical, who learns to embrace their newfound powers and fight for what's right.
* The Anti-Hero: Someone who uses their magic for personal gain, blurring the lines between good and evil. They might even be sympathetic, with complex motivations.
* The Mystical Sidekick:
* The Familiar: A sentient animal or creature who acts as a guide, confidant, or even a weapon for the protagonist. Think a talking cat, a mischievous goblin, or a mystical dragon.
* The "Sidekick" with a Hidden Agenda: A character who appears friendly but has their own goals, maybe even manipulating the protagonist for their own benefit.
Creatures:
* The Mythological Made Modern:
* Urban Dragons: Giant creatures that lurk in the shadows of skyscrapers, perhaps feeding on pollution or the energy of the city.
* Tech-Infused Creatures: Mystical creatures that have adapted to modern life, like a gargoyle that blends seamlessly with urban architecture or a phoenix that rises from a burning power plant.
* Hidden Faeries: Tiny, mischievous creatures that exist in the cracks of the city, perhaps influencing the stock market, causing power outages, or inspiring artistic creativity.
* Shadow-Based Beings: Creatures that thrive in the darkness of the city, feeding on fear or the negative energy of urban life.
* The Unseen Forces:
* Magical Entities: Powerful, abstract forces that influence the world, maybe representing concepts like ambition, chaos, or technology.
* The "God" of the Internet: A being that resides in the digital realm, controlling the flow of information and manipulating online interactions.
* The "Demon" of Consumerism: A powerful entity that thrives on greed and the desire for material possessions, creating a culture of constant consumption.
Worldbuilding Tips:
* Balance the familiar and the fantastical: Keep the setting grounded enough to feel relatable but introduce fantastical elements that enhance the narrative.
* Explore the ramifications of magic: How does magic affect the economy, politics, social structures, and everyday life?
* Create a unique magical system: What are the rules of magic in this world? Is it something everyone can learn, or are there specific traditions and lineages?
* Consider the role of technology: How does technology coexist with magic? Does it amplify it, hinder it, or even become a form of magic itself?
Remember, the key to modern-day fantasy is to create a unique and captivating world that blends the familiar with the extraordinary. Have fun playing with the possibilities!