# What Defines Fabula Ultima’s Natural Fantasy?

In this book, and in Fabula Ultima in general, the term “natural fantasy” indicates a series of specific elements that the authors feel are characteristic of a particular way of building stories and settings.

In brief, we are discussing the authors’ personal visions, which do not claim to be the absolute truth. Indeed, narrative genres have nebulous boundaries, and it would be impossible – maybe even irresponsible – to box them in too much.

What follows may help you to better understand the creative roots behind this book!

## Common People

The Player Characters (PCs) in a natural fantasy campaign are usually everyday people, albeit possessing some unusual abilities. Unlike princes, archmages, dark knights, or sky pirates found in other genres, these protagonists give way to roles such as explorers, alchemists, scholars, and wandering warriors.

These characters are often young and unaware of the great mysteries of the world, with the exception of a few fragmented legends which have scores of different interpretations. The focal points of the natural fantasy style revolve around:

- Rediscovery: The act of finding lost knowledge or places.
- Understanding & Empathy: Connecting deeply with the world and its inhabitants.
- Respect and Love: Showing reverence for the current world and its past history.

By looking for answers with curiosity and humility, we are guided toward a harmonious coexistence not only within ourselves but also with the world at large.

## The Mentor

While it is possible to play as a PC who "knows a lot," natural fantasy has established guidelines for this character type:

### Key Traits of the Natural Fantasy Mentor

- Reluctance to Share: They hesitate to give away their wisdom, often revealing vital information only when they find it absolutely crucial (an excellent way to spend Fabula Points).
- Interdependence: They are unable to solve the world’s problems without the rest of the group.

A classic example is an old scholar who discovers ancient power that could protect a region, only to find that this power is exclusive to a certain bloodline they are not part of.

Of course, the role of mentor should be limited to one character per group, usually the oldest. More often than not, this protagonist will end up having to reconsider how much they truly know and may even face a personal crisis, eventually finding the answers they need in their younger companions.