Discussion: The World

[Poseptune]

So something like this, were the orange is the old empire and the red is the new?

[Numinous]

I'd say that the old empire should reach along the southern coast more, due to naval advantage.  Also, the core of both empires should be the "spiky" landmass farthest out to sea, spreading across both land bridges onto the mainland.  At least, that makes more sense to me.

[Poseptune]

It is good to have one of the older members on board, welcome back Crit.

So something like this?



The black dot would be the capitol. I didn't choose the northern most tip for that, because I like the idea of the Empire spreading in all directions not just south. (it's big because I wanted it viewable, and was too lazy  to change my brush size :) )

Once we've decided this I will post one with a couple of scale markers, and we can decide what scale we want to us for the map.

[Wensleydale]

*throws the boat in, or oar... maybe... whatever*

That looks good to me.

[Numinous]

That's pretty much what I was talking about, good job of reading my mind!  We can dally with the details later, but the general idea is much more of what I had in mind now.

EDIT: I think it's a good idea to keep in  mind that expansion increases along waterways, due to ease of travel and the relatively more fertile land along bodies of water.  A decision we might want to make soon is whether the empire is naval-based or land-based, as this can largely determine it's view of the sea.  To use examples, the empire from Chronicles of Narnia (can't remember the name) feared the ocean and avoided the coasts, whereas the real British empire mastered the ocean, and ruled from the coasts and ports.

And in response to your comment, it's good to be back.

[Poseptune]

hmmm land or sea? I wonder which I would pick.

I suppose at some point, if it hasn't been discussed, is the technology level we are shooting for. Especially if they are going to be a major sea force. Do they use cannons or magic?

[Numinous]

Even if it's just flaming pitch and arrows, a navy can be awesome.  ie the Greeks didn't have magic.

[MittenNinja]

Looks good to me! Although I would assume the empire would have  colonized the islands just to the south as well. They are relatively close.

[Poseptune]

Even if it's just flaming pitch and arrows, a navy can be awesome.  ie the Greeks didn't have magic.

Oh I know, that is why I was saying we should start discussing the technology level. Do we want Viking Longships, Dromons, Caravels, Barques, Galleys, Galleons, or even Ironclads (steam or sail powered)?

What I was thinking:

The Old Empire was a naval superpower with a decent military force. They were the first to develop Caravels, Galleys, and a handful of Galleons. The rest of the sea faring civilizations were still using Longships and Dromons. The civilizations near the shore were easily conquered, but as they moved inland, they found areas that had a stronger land based fighters (tribes with special fighters, armies, etc..). This is why they were only able to conquer a few [hundred] miles inland (this all depends on the scale we choose).

The New Empire still has the same level of ships, because of the downfall. They were not able to develop newer ships. They build more Galleons, with some lighter ships as support. The other civilizations are also sailing in these styles of ship. Some rescued from a fate of rotting on the shore, some were able to copy the design with maybe a few modifications. Because of this, the new empire has had a harder time expanding their territories. They still have the resources to build a bigger fleet than any the world can match, but it will take some more time.

Oh if you couldn't tell, I prefer a sea-faring nation. :)

Looks good to me! Although I would assume the empire would have colonized the islands just to the south as well. They are relatively close.

I was thinking about that. The map above was done quickly, I used the magic wand selection tool so I could paint the nation without going outside the lines (*sniff* :cry:  I failed Kindergarten). I will add those to the Empire when I make the various scales.

[Wensleydale]

I agree with you here Poseidon. For a start, it'd be much easier to conquer those lands beyond the land bridge with ships... and would explain their reluctance to conquer too much further inland.

[Hangfire]

I wanted to add a few comments regarding the map (which is looking really good). The placement of the Empire is odd to me (and I know this is a fantasy world where the normal laws of climate and geography don't have to mean anything). All of the great empires on earth have occured (with few exceptions) at relatively the same mean distance from the equator. Off the top of my head I can only think of the Incan empire as having been close to the equator - the others, Roman, Mongolian, Chinese, Japanes, Hitties, Babylonian, Egyptian, etc all occured north of the equator. Climate is more conductive to large scale agriculture, which would be required to sustain an empire. Just something to think about.

As for the ring, nothing I've been able to find indicates that a world of the earth's proportions could not have a ring, and in fact there is some talk that Pluto may have a ring and that when the New Horizons probe reaches the area in 2015 we'll know for sure. A ring would be a great addition to the world.

[MittenNinja]

As for the ring, nothing I've been able to find indicates that a world of the earth's proportions could not have a ring, and in fact there is some talk that Pluto may have a ring and that when the New Horizons probe reaches the area in 2015 we'll know for sure. A ring would be a great addition to the world.

Silly Hang, Pluto isn't a planet.  :-p

[Hangfire]

Silly Hang, Pluto isn't a planet.  :-p

I'm starting to show my age. Who do these guys think they are change planets to, what is it now, a demiplanet or some such garbage? Pluto will always be a planet to me :D

[Ishmayl-Retired]

It's called a planetoid and/or a dwarf planet...  :-/

[MittenNinja]

Yea I wasn't to happy that they changed it. But oh well, what are you going to do?