Jun 22, 2025 4:15 pm
I don't mind such things existing, I just think they should be things that come about due to divine influence rather than the default canvas that we all start with.
Assuming average rolls, 5 players, and 5 turns, we collectively can define 58". Assuming a standard sheet of paper (8.5 x 11), that's 58" out of a possible 93.5". That's 62%, on average, assuming there's no ocean to speak of. We can slaughter that thing with terrain elements, even more if we're more interested in climate shifting than creating geographical features. Whenever we shift the default assumptions, we advantage whoever is aligned with those particular features.
You don't want mountains and forests? That's cool, you don't have to build any. If I want a lot of volcanic activity and jungles, my preferences shouldn't be disadvantaged because you think they're boring. I certainly shouldn't have to come up with an excuse for volcanoes because we decided to throw tectonic activity right out the window by defining the world as a fungal growth on the back of a flying turtle.
As for doubling the first age, that's gonna end up throwing the pricing structure all over the place. Saving up 22 points for a First Age Race isn't nearly as prohibitive as it would be if you assume an average of 35 points total in the First Age. If we double the length, we'll literally have the ability to cover not only 100% of the map, but we'll necessitate modifying things put in place by other people ... in the first age ... the one characterized by a relative lack of sapient life. Meaning the one with the least opportunity for roleplaying.
Reminder that we're talking about play by post speeds ... with a once a week required posting rate.
Assuming average rolls, 5 players, and 5 turns, we collectively can define 58". Assuming a standard sheet of paper (8.5 x 11), that's 58" out of a possible 93.5". That's 62%, on average, assuming there's no ocean to speak of. We can slaughter that thing with terrain elements, even more if we're more interested in climate shifting than creating geographical features. Whenever we shift the default assumptions, we advantage whoever is aligned with those particular features.
You don't want mountains and forests? That's cool, you don't have to build any. If I want a lot of volcanic activity and jungles, my preferences shouldn't be disadvantaged because you think they're boring. I certainly shouldn't have to come up with an excuse for volcanoes because we decided to throw tectonic activity right out the window by defining the world as a fungal growth on the back of a flying turtle.
As for doubling the first age, that's gonna end up throwing the pricing structure all over the place. Saving up 22 points for a First Age Race isn't nearly as prohibitive as it would be if you assume an average of 35 points total in the First Age. If we double the length, we'll literally have the ability to cover not only 100% of the map, but we'll necessitate modifying things put in place by other people ... in the first age ... the one characterized by a relative lack of sapient life. Meaning the one with the least opportunity for roleplaying.
Reminder that we're talking about play by post speeds ... with a once a week required posting rate.