One of the common statements I've seen around here is "we need more setting reviews." Well, it's true. I've tried to contribute here and there to this reviewing process, but it's not always easy to come up with something worthwhile to say. I'll admit that often it was because I, in the interests of politeness and harmony, discounted anything negative from "worthwhile." However, I've decided on a new approach: I'm not even going to try any more.
Lest any lynch mobs form, I will keep this an opt-in process.
Therefore, I now offer...
Sparkletwist's Impolite Setting Reviews!
Essentially, what I am offering is a pull-no-punches review of your setting. I don't expect to be overtly rude, so the title is a bit of a joke, but also a bit of a cautionary statement. I'm not going to needlessly insult anyone or anything nasty like that, and jokes about the questionable ancestry of one's mother are strictly off-limits-- but I'm going to abandon notions like "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." I will try to keep the criticism constructive, but if your ego is bruised easily, please pass this one by. I will not get into any e-fights over this.
Anyone interested? The sign-up sheet starts below!
ME! In this case, preferably Avayevnon (Link below) because my Steampunk setting is still so early in the development process that there's very little to critique, so there's not much point yet. A lot of the newer ideas are actually in the discussion thread, just so you're aware.
Sure give my quick play rpg thing a shot to the gut
I'm willing to wait since there's quite a bit of material posted on my thread, but if you'd like to have a go at the Cadaverous Earth at any point in the future I'd be grateful... I'm sure there are a few contradictions in it by now.
I would like to sign up or opt in for this. The link is in my sig, comes with a badge. There's a LOT of info in my thread, take your time, or don't. Whenever you get a chance, thankyou.
Nomadic, I'm not very "crunchy," so I doubt that I can help you.
I've written my thoughts for the other three of you, though. :)
Thanks again sparkletwist. I feel quite challenged, and though I doubt the Cadaverous Earth will ever totally suit your palate (for some, Boogerville remains an intoxicating vista), I've started thinking about the setting from a lot of different angles.
Thanks sparkletwist, I took your advice and cut some of the stuff (The Aberration), going to work on making it more clear as well.
I just realized, you never gave any review for Xiluh. How about sending your dischord my way?
It hasn't been worked on in a long time, but if you want to give Dilandri a whirl, it might be the kick in the pants I need to get it started again.
As a long-time believer in the healing powers of brutality, I'd be remiss not to give you the green light. I've learned the most about my own work from some of the most "negative" comments I've received, and besides that, I wouldn't dish the abuse out if I couldn't take it. Be as cruel as you like.
Then again, for some time now I've been a silent and invisible presence here at best. I can hardly expect any favors, but the door is open if you want to come inside.
The threads on the forums here are incomplete and outdated. The wiki presence for the Jade Stage is also incomplete, though less so. Best just to browse "Category:Jade Stage" a bit; you're much better able to untangle my poor structure than most.
I'll put myself in the queue... but I expect something truly offensive.
I've posted some thoughts on Xiluh and the Jade Stage.
As for Dilandri, I've already commented on it (see my badge!) and you don't seem to have added anything since I did so. If I'm wrong, feel free to point me to the new material, but otherwise, I don't know what I can add.
If you'd take a look at Terra, I'd be much honored, the link is in the sig.
Whoa. Whoa.
I want to reply and answer your questions with the depth and introspection your comments warrant, but I need some time to digest them first.
I just want to go ahead and say that your post is cutting and insightful, and has given me a lot of things to think about. It's really an awesome post.
Sparkletwist, you may now have a Xiluh review badge. You deserve it.
I have a more traditional fantasy setting, The Calm in the Eye of the Realmstorm. If you have no other settings to review I would opt it in as well. This is the link (http://thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?56529.0)
Though it seems to have your most hated of failings, the races mostly only have a single culture (though this is mainly due to numbers)
I know sparkle is doing this but the whole not enough reviews thing is a valid point and I want to get in on it. So if Miss Twist will have me I would like to be added to the list of impolite reviewers.
Hurt me. (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?58216)
Quote from: CowdHurt me. (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?58216)
:-p
Good idea, ST. When I saw the title I was worried. But it seems you don't mean impolite at all, but rather that you won't flater people needlessly. As LC points out in his classic thread, non-constructive criticism doesn't work because it closes people's minds. But to have someone tell me what they don't like and WHY, that does work. Because on the opposite hand, a confidence boost from a pat on the back doesn't hurt, but it won't make the setting better either (except maybe telling you what not to drop).
And if you feel like reviewing a literary rather than gaming setting, Eclipse volunteers. To be found on the wiki. Yeah, you know the one.
After reading through ST's reviews, my only request is that if Celtricia is looked at, please look at the pbwiki (http://celtricia.pbwiki.com/). There is no way I can load up enough onto the threads here, and I totally agree that most threads on the CBG site of larger settings are disjointed as heck. I also note that setting that are used as playing areas (as opposed to those that are not used for playing) often fall victim to supposition, in that eveyone who plays in it knows something but that something never makes it onto the thread/site.
I am most interested in knowing what you, the twisty-sparkly one, feel rings untrue, or where you feel a need for deeper explanation. The wider the scope of a setting, the more holes that can be left.
Keep up the good work.
Take a look at Xearic pwetty pwease
Like Vreeg, I am not one for brevity. The sheer amount of material I have on my wiki makes it entirely impossible to post here at the CBG. Give me some of your thoughts on the key conceits (http://deismaar.pbwiki.com/Welcome+to+Deismaar) and the city of Kahabro (http://deismaar.pbwiki.com/Kahabro) if you can.
Any reviews would be greatly appreciated! My post/discussion thread is here - http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?28540