The Campaign Builder's Guild

Quote from: PhoenixIt sounds more like an sufficiently advanced blah blah blah is route you're going anyway?

That seems to mostly belong in the inspirations section, which seems more like a secondary concern, rather something to understand the setting. On the other hand, a physical description of the people does belong somewhere.[/quote]First, I would just like to say that I love your map. After reading your posts I deiced to jump over to the wiki and read that. I found a lot of it very interesting, especially the crystal section. Now I am wondering is there a limit to want can be created with crystals?[/quote]type[/i] of technology, but they are mysterious and powerful, and I didn't really see any hard limits. There are things that the current civilizations haven't invented, like complex computing devices, but it's tough to say (and I'm not sure if there's a point to saying) if anything is impossible.

The real meaning of the word "profane" is non-sacred, or mundane (i.e. secular everyday stuff, contrasted with religious stuff). The word "sacred" has been somewhat subverted, especially in fantasy, to mean revered by a "good" religion. Worse, "profane" has come to mean the blasphemous rites of other faiths.

(I'm all for evolution of language, but some cases can lead to confusion in communication.)

I really like "artificers" as the term. I encourage you to make that the ubiquitous terminology. (On a side note, while in the real world we have many terms for stuff, in fiction and setting design I increasingly see having a consistent term as desirable--makes it easier on the audience.)

Quote from: SparkleTrue, this is important enough it does probably deserve a mention, though I may be understating it a bit because I'm never sure just how much role I want these "gods" to have. Sometimes I think it'd be fun to have them meddling, but it seems like if you can just ask some powerful being, there'd be a lot less mystery in the world-- of course, that doesn't mean you'll get a straight answer.

Sounds like a pretty big deal to resolve this (and I know that feeling). It'll effect every other aspect of the setting.

I think I'll try to read a bit more before making concrete recommendations.

But I'd say this in reference to Eschaton if it helps: If someone asked a Primordial about the secrets of the universe, they would never tell them the whole truth. Knowing more than everyone else is part of what makes them more powerful. They remember they were once human, and to give humans their knowledge would be to invite them to follow in their footsteps.

Maybe your gods are similar. Perhaps they guard knowledge to guard their own power. On the other hand, maybe they really don't have all the answers. Being immortal and powerful they'd be called gods--doesn't necessarily mean they'd be omniscient.

Quote from: PhoenixIf someone asked a Primordial about the secrets of the universe, they would never tell them the whole truth. Knowing more than everyone else is part of what makes them more powerful. They remember they were once human, and to give humans their knowledge would be to invite them to follow in their footsteps.

Maybe your gods are similar. Perhaps they guard knowledge to guard their own power. On the other hand, maybe they really don't have all the answers. Being immortal and powerful they'd be called gods--doesn't necessarily mean they'd be omniscient.

Yes, I've already decided that the gods are definitely not omniscient. Particularly individual ones, but perhaps even as a whole, there are still things they don't know.

The idea that they might withhold knowledge because they didn't want anyone rising in power to be like them actually didn't occur to me, honestly. So thanks for that. I think it's a pretty good thought-- it helps with technology and some of the "secrets of the universe" stuff, anyway. I'm not sure if it's as relevant with some of the odd mysteries of Vyean history, but perhaps some of it was stuff that the gods just plain weren't paying attention to because it's not all that important on the cosmic scale. (They tend to be more "big picture" gods than "meddling" gods, all things considered)

I like your description of Neodoxy and Antitheism- the naming seems proper and the ideals seem useful for roleplaying. I always appreciate it when a setting takes the time to invest in well-thought-out religion: it adds a nice human dimension to roleplaying when not only "politics" (intellectual), and human interactions (emotions) are modeled, but also the spiritual side.

Well, on historical mysteries, not having read much on that, it's hard to say. But there could be different reasons the gods don't reveal historical misconceptions/truths to mortals.
1) Why would they? Sharing any knowledge is power. The only reason for self-serving beings to share anything is if they have something to gain. And if they don't share human morals, the only reason to tell the truth is if the truth is better than anything they can come up with.
2) As you say, they may not have been paying attention to a particular detail. Why would they care.
3) They may have created or perpetuated the mystery themselves.
4) They may have forgotten. Do they have total recall?
5) The historical mystery may actually hold a means to power for mortals.

-I think I had others when I started typing, but they've now become mysteries themselves
-mix and match for each specific mystery may work better than an all-encompassing one
-does a god have to give a reason for being mysterious?

Second the Dragon on Antitheism. I like especially that they're not atheists, they're anti-theists. That's great.

I read the new article on Sexism. It seemed so brief I wonder if it might be better incorporated into the meta? Other than that, there just didn't seem a whole lot to say about it. I guess maybe you could expand on the tensions this creates. Are we talking on a personal level when foreigners run into each other, or do the Varrdyeni think about starting wars to put those shameful men in their places?

Quote from: PhoenixThe only reason for self-serving beings to share anything is if they have something to gain. And if they don't share human morals, the only reason to tell the truth is if the truth is better than anything they can come up with.

all[/b] as being purely self-serving. Some of them would feel some desire to help humans, I'd think.

Quote from: Phoenixdoes a god have to give a reason for being mysterious?

I read the new article on Sexism. It seemed so brief I wonder if it might be better incorporated into the meta? Other than that, there just didn't seem a whole lot to say about it. I guess maybe you could expand on the tensions this creates. Are we talking on a personal level when foreigners run into each other, or do the Varrdyeni think about starting wars to put those shameful men in their places?[/quote]
Yes, I was going to write more, but I had to run off. The article should be expanded at some point in the near future. :)

I don't think the Varrdyeni would start any wars just to put those men in their place, but they'd likely have that in mind if they had to fight for some other reason.

So your new main page works much better for me now. You seem to hit most of the salient points. I'm personally a fan of the "things to know" list style, but it may be a phase I'm going through ;)

QuoteWithout crystals, and the arcane, technomagical arts employed by the artificers who work them, the wonders and terrors of civilization could simply not exist.

holding secrets that perhaps only the inscrutable, ever-present gods can comprehend.[/quote]Lands[/b]
I notice you have a lot of city-states. With so many, do you believe you can make each feel unique and important? If CS is designed solely for gaming, do you think it might detract from the game to have so many city-states (as opposed to just settlements under the dominion of greater city-states) for people to keep track of? Perhaps a few city-states might serve better? Just the first thought that popped into my head, though. I could see some reasons why a bunch of city-states might be interesting, if hard to keep track of.

QuoteTraekzin is another significant city-state here.

nomads[/i]? Do you mean the civilized peoples have founded an outpost here to stand against the nomads, maybe?

Crystalforge Mountains--aptly named. It would seem like they would be a site for major wars, with everyone scrambling over them, though.

Sea of Storms--okay cool. Any explanation for why an area would continually suffer hurricanes, that presumably, dissipate before destroying the mainland settlements?

The Savage Land--I like the idea, of course. But the name feels kind of Land of the Lost generic to me. And google gave me this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savage_Land

I'm impressed by your decision to use sci-fantasy.  I think there are a lot of stories that haven't been told because people stick to one or the other side of the divide.

In regards to the "magic" issue: I like it the way you said it.  Again I don't think there needs to be some divide between that and science/technology unless the distinction is actually an important message in the setting.

Quote from: SilvercatMoonpawI'm impressed by your decision to use sci-fantasy.  I think there are a lot of stories that haven't been told because people stick to one or the other side of the divide.

It does set it apart from the norm, which is always good.

Good thoughts, questions and observations, as usual! :)

Quote from: PhoenixI still think you should make it clear they are physical beings running around the planet. Many theists in the real world claim that God is ever-present, but few claim he or she has physical form.

Sea of Storms--okay cool. Any explanation for why an area would continually suffer hurricanes, that presumably, dissipate before destroying the mainland settlements?[/quote]why[/i] there's such a lack of settlement. ;)

Quote from: PhoenixA city-state of nomads? Do you mean the civilized peoples have founded an outpost here to stand against the nomads, maybe?

The Savage Land--I like the idea, of course. But the name feels kind of Land of the Lost generic to me. And google gave me this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savage_Land [/quote]That's been done, too[/url]) Things like the "Capsule Gun" are still waiting, I think. This one probably needs a better name, too.

Quote from: STWell, they're not "running around the planet." They take physical form from time to time, but except for a few oddballs who actually hang around way too much, they're not actually there all the time, or even some of the time. Gods showing up should be a big deal, and so I want to keep it that way.

Maybe there are too many city-states, and not every significant city needs to be a "city-state." That said, though, I'm not sure how it would change things much. There already are cultural/political blocs (Varrdyen, Sronua, Malyin, and Tikkhe for example) but I don't want to borrow the very European (and, by extension, traditional fantasy) concept of a strong nation-state wholesale.[/quote]Anyway, the storminess of the Sea of Storms is a (kind of lame?) way to put a limit on the setting area, as well.[/quote]
I don't think it's lame at all. I think with just a little explanation and expansion (as you mention the barren coast), it can be great. I think it's important, though, that there be a reason, such as the shape of the land/sea or whatever for this weather pattern (perhaps someone that knows more about weather could help here?).

I'll think on the Savage Land issue a bit. Since it appears to have discovered by someone flying overhead (airplanes can cross the Sea of Storms--isn't that mega-dangerous?), perhaps it should be named after the person/expedition that found it, or their benefactor/ruler. If it was discovered by the Varrdyeni, perhaps it should be New Varrdyen or something.

If it's south of the SoS, shouldn't it be colder than the mainland Vyea?

Nothing wrong with the sea of storms you just need to have the right ingredients. Namely a nice warm tropical band and a nice cold polar airflow slamming into each other over a large body of water. Have it happen in the right area with the right intensity and you might get constant hurricanes. However you won't get enough to stop ships and aircraft from getting through. Best bet would be to make the entire area the center of where multiple fronts all slamming together. Then you could realistically explain away a sea that is so windy that it is a navigation hazard. Planes and very large ships could still get through but it might not be worth it money wise. After all why invest in such a venture if you are unsure of what is on the other side (look how long it took the Europeans to start settling the new world in earnest and the Atlantic is much calmer than your sea).

Quote from: PhoenixI don't think it's lame at all. I think with just a little explanation and expansion (as you mention the barren coast), it can be great.

I'll think on the Savage Land issue a bit. Since it appears to have discovered by someone flying overhead (airplanes can cross the Sea of Storms--isn't that mega-dangerous?), perhaps it should be named after the person/expedition that found it, or their benefactor/ruler. If it was discovered by the Varrdyeni, perhaps it should be New Varrdyen or something.

If it's south of the SoS, shouldn't it be colder than the mainland Vyea?[/quote]
"New Varrdyen" sounds equally generic, but I see your point. :)

And yes, I think it should be colder, too.

Quote from: sparkletwistI'm actually not sure what you're suggesting, to be honest. Whether I call the cities on my map city-states or something else doesn't really change their cultural significance or the fact that I'd want to detail them. Unless you're simply saying I don't try to make the map exhaustive, which it most assuredly isn't-- there are certainly a lot of smaller cities, towns, and villages in Vyea that aren't blips on that map. :)

I'm not going to go changing anything to make the Sea of Storms work better, though. It's very much only there to try to explain, in a half-satisfactory way, why nobody cares about the rest of the world. ;)[/quote]
Fair enough. All things really come down to how much effort you want to put into them.

I'll chime in by saying I like the large number of city states.

I'm intrigued by the cosmology and the relationship between gods, demons, and fey.

First of all, I find it a little curious that with the exception of the Lord of Plagues and Malwa, all the gods listed are in fact goddesses.  Are there other, masculine gods who aren`t mentioned in the write-ups so far, or are the deities listed the only gods?

Secondly, are the demons comparable in power to the gods, or much lesser?  Are the members of the Apocalyptic Covenant demonic, or are they merely malevolent gods?

Thirdly, the pixies - are these beings regarded as inherently supernatural, or connected in any sense with the gods?  Are there any other fey in the setting?