Post duplo, mas justificado.
De uma entrevista do Brown na Athas.org:
Tell us something interesting about Khitus.Khitus is a world at the mercy of plunderers. Everything of value – gems, jewels, tools, weapons – even life-giving materials like crops, air, and water, is being stolen. By who and for what purpose is not immediately clear. My mental image is of a globe where one hemisphere is bleached sandy white and lifeless, gradually greener and bluer on the far side where there’s still something left to steal, and in the middle of that greener hemisphere stands a mammoth fortress, like some enormous tick sucking the planet dry. Fighting against those plunderers and their henchmen, learning who and what they are, is the primary focus for early adventures on Khitus.
How is Dragon Kings the “spiritual successor” to Dark Sun?In hindsight, I wish I had stayed more involved with Dark Sun for a longer period of time after its conception. I had in mind several exciting revelations, whole new vistas of adventure and exploration that never got into the game. What Dark Sun eventually became was good, but it’s not where I would have taken it. By making Dragon Kings its spiritual successor, I can revive many of those concepts and expand upon them in a thematically similar universe. If anything, the situation in Dragon Kings is even more desperate, more dangerous, and the enemies to be faced and defeated more sinister.
What aspects/themes of Dragon Kings will Dark Sun fans recognize?At least to begin with, Dragon Kings takes place in a onec-lush region of Khitus, now rendered an arid wasteland. The various player races are exotic, not standard fantasy fare. Inhuman races such as insects and lizards hold sway over vast areas. Bereft of better materials, many fashion weapons and tools from bone and chitin. An adventurer’s fortunes may rise and fall quickly, and the considerations of simple survival often rule the day.
What are some of the major differences of Dragon Kings and Dark Sun?Magic is rare but powerful, and while there are consequences of its use they are entirely different in Dragon Kings. Psionics are an ancient truth to be rediscovered. The allegiances to race and clan run deeper than mere flesh and bone, to the very sources of magic. Religions abound. If Dark Sun conveyed a message of squandered resources, the Dragon Kings theme is the consequences of complacency.
What kind of technology level does Khitus have?Magic is rare enough that it’s had minimal effect on day-to-day technology. There is writing and language, agriculture and architecture, simple tools and weapons equivalent to classical ancient cultures. Artisans can work iron and steel (where there is any left), cut stones, raise buildings and irrigate fields (where the rivers have not been diverted away). Muscle and animal power reign supreme, enhanced by ramps, wheels, and block and tackle. Far more sword than sorcery.
Is there magic on Khitus? Tell us about it.
Magic is traditionally a state-controlled commodity. Only a king or senate could bear the expense of maintaining a magical college. Rogues and wanderers dabble, but true mastery requires time, study, and access to ancient texts that are closely guarded. As such, magic is employed to do the really ‘heavy lifting’ of state policy. Additionally, the personal consequences of sorcery are so terrible … well, more on that as the world develops.
Psionics are a big part of Dark Sun, are there psionics in Dragon Kings?The short answer is ‘yes.’ This is a point in Khitus’ history when ancient psionic arts are being rediscovered.
Athas doesn’t have gods, what roles do gods/religions play on Khitus?Khitus’ golden age was watched over by the powerful Dragon Kings, demonstrably real beings who ruled with god-like authority. In their absence, all manner of religions have sprung up, their followers worshiping gods, charismatic leaders, powerful men and creatures, and so on. Competing philosophies vie for followers. Cults demand single-minded subservience.
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What role will Brom play?Brom’s completed one cover painting for Dragon Kings already. We’re hoping to have him do a second cover painting, but that depends upon how the project rolls out, everyone’s schedules, and so on. He’s open to whatever level of participation the project warrants, so that will play out over time.
What are you publishing plans for Dragon Kings? Are you self-publishing or are you working with a publisher? Which one?This will be strictly self-published. I really want the creative process to breathe. If one aspect is getting ahead of another, I want the flexibility to refocus our efforts. If something’s just not working I want the option to toss it out and start fresh. I can’t imagine a publisher would be too keen on that, so I’ll forge ahead without one.
Is this going to be a kickstarter or are you funding this in some other way?We will almost certainly crowd source this project at some point. I’m hoping to build a high level of participation with the fans as we create Dragon Kings. I want everyone to enjoy the process as much as I do, so we’re going to put up as many sketches and snippets of text and even bits of scratch tracks and final songs as they become available. Once we’re at a point where the project is well in hand, then a crowd sourcing effort makes sense, not only to fund it, but as another means of active participation in its outcome.
Do you have any estimate of a timeline for release?Yes, just after the first of the year 2014. That gives us time to write, paint, and record it all, get it manufactured and into peoples’ hands.
Tópico: Dragon Kings (Lida 8087 vezes)