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SULOS

Started by Soup Nazi, April 02, 2006, 04:26:22 AM

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Túrin

I just reread your history, still liking it a lot. A question: you mention the Kin Wars between the goblins and the bugbears (that apparently end undecided) and the collapse of the bugbear nation at the hands of humans. IIRC, the goblins later add this area to their domain. When did this happen (or why isn't this date in the timeline)? Did the humans ever try to claim it?

Another question: when the goblin Empire was first founded, which parts did it contain? Several of its provinces are mentioned as later additions, but information on the original area isn't given (in the timeline that is, I didn't feel like searching the nation entry). Also, which province(s) constitute(s) former Sancrist?

I just read about Ilsen. I like the general atmosphere a lot, and I found it a very interesting area of your world, though there are two things I'd like to bring to your attention.

Firstly, the story of Ilsen is mostly a detailed history, but the way it is written down is rather chaotic IMO. It seems as if you're jumping back and forth in your world's history, occasionally restating things you've said earlier. I suggest you order it chronologically (either ascending or descending).

Second, I think you've taken too much mysteriousness from Ilsen. All the major questions that are provoked in the intro and early on in the entry are answered fairly detailed (which is especially surprising considering most of those involve events that occurred milennia ago). I found this somewhat disappointing, and not in line with my image of your world (though I haven't checked the other nations lately, perhaps you have become more "explainative" (don't ask) lately).

Speaking of which, what happened to the questions that used to end the teasers for the nations?

That's it for now. I'm glad I found some time again to enjoy the great work you've done here.

Later,
;) Túrin
Proud owner of a Golden Dorito Award
My setting Orden's Mysteries is no longer being updated


"Then shall the last battle be gathered on the fields of Valinor. In that day Tulkas shall strive with Melko, and on his right shall stand Fionwe and on his left Turin Turambar, son of Hurin, Conqueror of Fate; and it shall be the black sword of Turin that deals unto Melko his death and final end; and so shall the Children of Hurin and all men be avenged." - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Shaping of Middle-Earth

Soup Nazi

QuoteI just reread your history, still liking it a lot. A question: you mention the Kin Wars between the goblins and the bugbears (that apparently end undecided) and the collapse of the bugbear nation at the hands of humans. IIRC, the goblins later add this area to their domain. When did this happen (or why isn't this date in the timeline)? Did the humans ever try to claim it?

I need to expand the timeline significantly. Not every event described within the various nations has made it into the timeline, and eventually I would like to get at least most of them into it.

The Ghuldra Highlands are currently occupied by the nation of Kashra and they have a "places of interest" entry in that nation. In fact the occupation of Ghuldra is a very big part of the political climate and the nature of the hostilities between Kashra and her enemies.

QuoteAnother question: when the goblin Empire was first founded, which parts did it contain? Several of its provinces are mentioned as later additions, but information on the original area isn't given (in the timeline that is, I didn't feel like searching the nation entry). Also, which province(s) constitute(s) former Sancrist?

Bolshukaar province is the homeland of the goblinoids. When the goblinoids emerged from the caves beneath the mountains and first claimed parts of the surface world as their own, it was the unoccupied lands of Bolshukaar that they claimed. This was roughly 5,000 years ago. It took some time however before they formed into the dynastic clans and first crowned an emperor.

Oh and Sancrist became Sholaak Province after it was conquered.  

QuoteI just read about Ilsen. I like the general atmosphere a lot, and I found it a very interesting area of your world, though there are two things I'd like to bring to your attention.

No problem.

QuoteFirstly, the story of Ilsen is mostly a detailed history, but the way it is written down is rather chaotic IMO. It seems as if you're jumping back and forth in your world's history, occasionally restating things you've said earlier. I suggest you order it chronologically (either ascending or descending).

I hand't noticed, but I'll look it over, and check it out.

QuoteSecond, I think you've taken too much mysteriousness from Ilsen. All the major questions that are provoked in the intro and early on in the entry are answered fairly detailed (which is especially surprising considering most of those involve events that occurred milennia ago). I found this somewhat disappointing, and not in line with my image of your world (though I haven't checked the other nations lately, perhaps you have become more "explainative" (don't ask) lately).

Some places I explained more, others I explained less. Kesh has a much more mysterious past, though Ilsen always had this information. There isn't much new there. Ilsen has a detailed past, but that is more because it has a mysterious present. The big questions in Ilsen remain the same. 1. What lies buried within the lost cities? 2. When will the mind flayers return to reclaim it?

QuoteSpeaking of which, what happened to the questions that used to end the teasers for the nations?

As the world filled out, many of the questions were answered. In general, most of the intro questions could be answered by looking elsewhere, though not everyone shares information freely. If the elves, divine king, dwarves, and the crimson nomads all got together and cross-referenced what they knew, they could compile a pretty detailed and complete history...but they all have things they want to keep hidden.

QuoteThat's it for now. I'm glad I found some time again to enjoy the great work you've done here.

Later,
;) Túrin

-Peace Out-
The spoon is mightier than the sword


Epic Meepo

Quote from: TúrinI think you've taken too much mysteriousness from Ilsen. All the major questions that are provoked in the intro and early on in the entry are answered fairly detailed (which is especially surprising considering most of those involve events that occurred milennia ago).

IMHO, mystery is good for novels and for player knowledge, but when it comes to a description of a campaign setting, you don't really want to keep the GM in the dark.  If information important to setting cannon is withheld, why should a GM run a campaign in that setting?  He already has to fill in important gaps, so he may as well just go the extra mile and build his own world.
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Soup Nazi

QuoteIMHO, mystery is good for novels and for player knowledge, but when it comes to a description of a campaign setting, you don't really want to keep the GM in the dark. If information important to setting cannon is withheld, why should a GM run a campaign in that setting? He already has to fill in important gaps, so he may as well just go the extra mile and build his own world.

I know what you mean Eric. If nothing is set in stone, and everything is vague, then it feel like an incomplete and poorly thrown together string of ideas, rather than a setting. That was one of the major reasons for the multitude of revisions, that tied up lose ends, and cut out useless chaffe, and kept each nation a more tightly focused entity (I hope).

While I do agree to an extent, I also understand Turin's point as well. Revealing everything disempowers the DM too. If every avenue is fully explored, and all major possibilities are accounted for, it robs the DM of his creativity. I really enjoy speculating and filling in the blanks in setting.

For example (these questions remain unanswered): are there any mindflayers still living beneath the sands? Why are the crimson nomads so loyal to their masters, 500 years after they were left behind? What purpose do the obsidian monoliths serve?

-Later Guys-

The spoon is mightier than the sword


angellis_ater

Wow - I know it's been almost a year since this thread was last updated but wow what a cool setting! I'm drawing ALOT of ideas from this setting!
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