the actual gaming

So, the problem with having three spaces for blogging is using the three spaces.  This is number three with tbit.nu and my livejournal being the first two.  Since I barely update the first it is not surprising this gets neglected.  But I do need the other space, the space where I can write in length as opposed to my frenetic entry of links as depicted in the main blog.

Perhaps reviews are not so ready in coming yet.  You would think it would be easier right now not actually having much money to partake in pop culture consumption.  Alas.

So, how about some nightly updates about the gaming, now that the gaming is starting again?  Marmy and I have another attempt at a D&D going on and I do need a space online to ramble about it.  Not so much to record the happenings of the game but to vent the meta data that appears in my head when I think too much about said game. Gone are the days when gaming worlds were non-constructed, free form and spontaneous.  Now, I must plan and I am obsessed with the details.  Thought I am still lazy so the articles (as I have discovered is a good format for gaming world writing) are slow in coming.

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One aspect of the world I am creating, Mohr Vesik for those who care (yes, I am very aware that there IS no audience but it helps to pretend there is one), is that I wanted to represent that plot element of so many earth based adventure stories -- the experience with other cultures and their unique aspects.  I constructed 9 tribes that came to this "new world" after the unknown devastation of their homes.  I chose a handful of stereotypical earth racial types: white, black, asian & "brown" and gave them a rough seat in the Old Worlde.  Once the remaining tribes hit the New Worlde they began to intermingle, more or less, but still kept hold of some cultural aspects.  For example, the white Kopaak were predominately peaceful farmers with a hardworking ethic about them.  And the dusky skinned Manaars are a passionate warrior race used to harsh conditions.  It's hard to choose how to represent a handful of cultures without fear of relying too much on stereotypes from our own world.  By dusky skinned warriors from a harsh land, am I automatically depicting the middle east or persians?  Will asians automatically be honourable warrior types?  Most likely yes, as familiarities do help in building a good world picture.

Even with strongly integrated countries and cultures in Mohr Vesik, there still exist aspects of society that are dominated by one tribal history or another.  A man who dresses in simple tunic & breeches, keeps his hair short and his beard trimmed and just has a way of working the land, might be considered of Kopaak blood but when in fact he has more Mezla island blood.  Blood, colour and dominant tribal features have diluted and mingled but they still stand for the most part.  There is a small group of people known as The Fighters, traditionally apparent warriors for the sleeveless jerkins they wear and the massive dreads they tied their hair into.  They are known in every land but obviously have some origins in the black south coast tribes.  Alas, I do not have my notes here so i am not truly sure of most names.

Next time, we talk about the land, itself.