I'm always interested in early modern RPs. Do we have an Ottoman-Safavid-Mughal equivalent?

I'm curious about these other races xD looking forward to on game discovery I think ;) and bending your own rules... Wow xP and I had another question but I've completely and utterly forgotten it. Geez I'm such an idiot. I will remember it sometime. Gonna start thinking about my characters

Peik said
I'm always interested in early modern RPs. Do we have an Ottoman-Safavid-Mughal equivalent?

Greetings and welcome Peik! In answer to your question, the Sarifens are the closest civilization to an Ottoman - Safavid - Mughal Empire counterpart; in fact, Sarife's creation borrows heavily from the Sassanid Empire. Additionally, several traditions and existing fighting corps named the Nezām-e Jadīd, operating within Sarife bear a resemblance to early Ottoman Janissaries.

FernStone said
I'm curious about these other races xD looking forward to on game discovery I think ;) and bending your own rules... Wow xP and I had another question but I've completely and utterly forgotten it. Geez I'm such an idiot. I will remember it sometime. Gonna start thinking about my characters

Take some time, within reason, of course, and come Sunday or Monday, I will launch Altaea in the Advanced Section!

Edit: Ahhhh ... I'd also like to maybe think-tank the concept of roleplaying because ... well ... I've always had a hard time stomaching 'gaming' when describing roleplaying because over the years; from my experience ... roleplaying seems more like collaborative writing than an actual game of sorts. I mean, there are existing MUDs out there and though I know how they work, I just wanted to know your opinions.

Will do :) won't take too much time, though, and looking forward to the thread launch.

I don't think roleplaying is gaming really, I agree with collaborative writing more. You can have roleplaying within gaming eg. Tabletop RPGs but gaming implies some kind of mechanics and rules. I mean I do both RPGs and roleplaying and I'd say they're definitely different. Just my opinion though

I skimmed through the first post because I'm in a rush. Looks interesting will be back tomorrow to give it more of a thorough read through.

Wow, this is unexpected; good tidings and welcome, ruler! Yes the first several posts are quite lengthy and it'll take roughly half an hour to fourty-five minutes to fully read the existing information. Don't want to sound like a broken record, but if you have any questions, you are free to ask or PM me about whatever needs clarification.

FernStone said
I don't think roleplaying is gaming really, I agree with collaborative writing more. You can have roleplaying within gaming eg. Tabletop RPGs but gaming implies some kind of mechanics and rules. I mean I do both RPGs and roleplaying and I'd say they're definitely different. Just my opinion though

You're absolutely right, Fern and I second that! I just want reiterate my experiences for clarification's sake and emphasize that roleplaying is a collaborative writing process that makes collective idea sharing just as important as it is to bring justice to the main characters. Provided, I'm still growing as a writer and I sometimes struggle with portraying characters with unique and believable personalities, but it's my privilege to add as much of a fusion between realism and story-telling as possible! Additionally, we as writers can manipulate the story's environment, but if we're true to our character personalities, we should respect the fact that characters will react in different ways and not necessary do what we as writers want. Otherwise, we're really just playing ourselves and that sort of defeats the purpose of telling a story and delivering a memorable tale. But enough of me getting all preachy. If I, at all, sound like a hard ass, please excuse my perceived attitudes because, at the end of the day, I really just want to work with all of you to deliver a memorable and believable tale!

GourmetItalia said
Greetings and welcome Peik! In answer to your question, the Sarifens are the closest civilization to an Ottoman - Safavid - Mughal Empire counterpart; in fact, Sarife's creation borrows heavily from the Sassanid Empire. Additionally, several traditions and existing fighting corps named the , operating within Sarife bear a resemblance to early Ottoman Janissaries.

I asked because I believe Sassanid culture has been quite masked and assimilated by the Islamic elements that rushed over them all during the Great Islamic Expansion.

It's also funny that the Nezam-e Jadid is based on early Ottoman Janissaries when in real life they were an army to replace said Janissaries.

Peik said
I asked because I believe Sassanid culture has been quite masked and assimilated by the Islamic elements that rushed over them all during the Great Islamic Expansion.It's also funny that the Nezam-e Jadid is based on early Ottoman Janissaries when in real life they were an army to replace said Janissaries.

Ohhhhhh, the irony storytellers accrue to preserve their existing lore. Peik, you are correct in that the Sassanids were completely overwhelmed, decimated, and annexed into the Abassid Caliphate. It was a series of exhausting wars against the Byzantine Empire and a string of misfortunes and incompetence that accelerated their decline, although the same can equally be said about the Byzantines. For our story, I feel that Sassanid culture and their way of life are a better fit for Sarife given the fact the impact the Age of Nobles placed on Carcassonne. Sarife is still largely ruled by petty aristocrats and stranded in the Middle Ages due to delayed administrated reforms, a stubborn bias towards feudalism, and a slew of other unresolved troubles.

Additionally, aside from the presence of the Nezam-e-Jadid, whom simply answer only to the Emperor and his most trusted commanders, there is no standing Sarifen Army. Nevertheless, Sarifen feudal armies are well equipped and possess gunpowder weaponry, pikes, ranged weapons, and armor that few others can match. Some soldiers are also experience and well trained, however, it depends on the military traditions of their respective lords. To my understanding, the Safavids were more capable and organized as opposed to the Sassanids, and we can't have that because that would greatly contradict my detailed accounts of the Age of Nobles! Of course, that being said, Emperor Aryanpour I, a capable military strategist and an expert in both partisan suppression and sophisticated taxation.

Welp, that's my schpiel and again, I feel as if I've unintentionally erected another text wall. Bear in mind, people, that I am capable of much much more, but I've been constantly tweaking my word brevity. I do promise that I'll dedicate a concerted effort to not force all of you to read essays on a daily basis so bear with my uhm ... information storms 8P.

GourmetItalia said
Ohhhhhh, the irony storytellers accrue to preserve their existing lore. Peik, you are correct in that the Sassanids were completely overwhelmed, decimated, and annexed into the Abassid Caliphate. It was a series of exhausting wars against the Byzantine Empire and a string of misfortunes and incompetence that accelerated their decline, although the same can equally be said about the Byzantines. For our story, I feel that Sassanid culture and their way of life are a better fit for Sarife given the fact the impact the Age of Nobles placed on Carcassonne. Sarife is still largely ruled by petty aristocrats and stranded in the Middle Ages due to delayed administrated reforms, a stubborn bias towards feudalism, and a slew of other unresolved troubles. Additionally, aside from the presence of the Nezam-e-Jadid, whom simply answer only to the Emperor and his most trusted commanders, there is no standing Sarifen Army. Nevertheless, Sarifen armies are also well equipped and possess both gunpowder weaponry and armor that few others can match. Some soldiers are also experience and well trained, however, it depends on the military traditions of their respective lords. To my understanding, the Safavids were more capable and organized as opposed to the Sassanids, and we can't have that because that would greatly contradict my detailed accounts of the Age of Nobles! Of course, that being said, Emperor Aryanpour I, a capable military strategist and an expert in both partisan suppression and sophisticated taxation.Welp, that's my schpiel and again, I feel as if I've unintentionally erected another text wall. Bear in mind, people, that I am capable of much much more, but I've been constantly tweaking my word brevity. I do promise that I'll dedicate a concerted effort to not force all of you to read essays on a daily basis so bear with my uhm ... information storms 8P.

I've also noticed that the Sarifens are apparently using plated mail, which isn't *that* bulletproof. Now, if you're making the plates bulletproof, I can understand, but compared to a full-plate using (I guess, after all they're based on the Commonwealth and France) Valania they wouldn't be all that good.

Peik said
I've also noticed that the Sarifens are apparently using plated mail, which isn't *that* bulletproof. Now, if you're making the plates bulletproof, I can understand, but compared to a full-plate using (I guess, after all they're based on the Commonwealth and France) Valania they wouldn't be all that good.

Yes, you are correct and make a good point in that wear plated mail armor is very dangerous when confronting firearm wielders. Mushrooming, tumbling, and organ damage are a very frightening. If I'm not mistaken; I believe the French, the Polish Commonwealth, and various European powers fielded Cuirassiers during the Renaissance all the way through the early Industrial Revolution. Cuirassiers are a living incarnation of Knights and did extensively wear plate armor, but as time went on and firearms evolved, so did the need to remove the arm and legging plates. We'll be seeing their appearance in the near future and it's good that you know this. I believe plate armor is also gradually phasing out of popularity during this particular time period so good eye, Peik.

Late 1500's-early 1600's is for the best mix of them. Mostly matchlocks and early flintlocks, full-plate still exists but will reach an end and so on. And yes, cuirassiers were held for quite some time. Also, to be honest, plated mail armor was used quite extensively in both the Safavids, Mughals and Ottomans even during Napoleonic times (the Ottomans got rid of it by the time of Mahmud II with his army reforms afaik). I just wanted to point out that mail and plate wouldn't be very bulletproof compared to full plate.

Peik said
Late 1500's-early 1600's is for the best mix of them. Mostly matchlocks and early flintlocks, full-plate still exists but will reach an end and so on. And yes, cuirassiers were held for quite some time. Also, to be honest, plated mail armor was used quite extensively in both the Safavids, Mughals and Ottomans even during Napoleonic times (the Ottomans got rid of it by the time of Mahmud II with his army reforms afaik). I just wanted to point out that mail and plate wouldn't be very bulletproof compared to full plate.

Yes, then this time period would be the perfect fit for plate wearers even with matchlock firearms. The Sassanids did not wear full plate, which did place restrictions on user protection. Thankfully, this is not the entirely the case for some Sarifen armies and brings a slew of possibilities for our story. 8)

Can't really reply to much, on my phone and its slightly messed up

I have a few questions though coming up from my character thinking. First of all, assassins. How do they work? Run by sort of guilds or everyone works for themselves or what? Also are there establishments like brothels in Sarifen / anywhere else?

I've always found assassins' guilds and their continuous existence to be downright idiotic, tbh. But that's just like, my opinion, man.

FernStone said
Can't really reply to much, on my phone and its slightly messed upI have a few questions though coming up from my character thinking. First of all, assassins. How do they work? Run by sort of guilds or everyone works for themselves or what? Also are there establishments like brothels in Sarifen / anywhere else?

Phones can be tricky beasts that break on a whim so don't let them ruin your day .

In Altaea, there are no Assassin or Thieves Guilds of sorts and generally the more accomplished Assassins are never caught and under an aristocrat's employ. Some of the best serve under Emperor Aryanpour I or under the other three Carcassonnian rulers. These agents are virtually undetectable, double as spies, and retain a sophisticated modus operandi in that they are very skilled in various disciplines from lying, to counterfeiting, maneuvering quickly without detection, subterfuge, smuggling, understanding the lay of the land, and other traits. If an assassin under the Emperor's contract strikes, chances are the deaths are mascqueraded into seemingly natural mortalities.

There are also existing cartels that operate throughout Carcassonne and usually employ accomplished assassins, so long as they are paid and treated well. Generally the best assassins either under a lord's employ or serving the Emperor, given that they've probably received much greater training and selection.

Further still, street thugs, brawlers, gangers, cut throats, and dirty criminals are generally available for less discreet commissions as are former veteran soldiers. There are also brigand gangs and pirates that operate throughout Carcassonne, though not in Southern Carcassonne given that Ivalis' massive fleets continually hunt and eradicated piracy. Most assassins work for themselves unless motivated towards other lucrative or personal incentives. Brothels also do exist throughout Sarife, Valania, Vectis, and Vorst given that there are no given laws against their existence!

I'll have more detail explanations when I get off work later so until then, stayed tuned!

They most certainly can be xD

Thank you very much all that information really helps. I needed it to write the backstory for a character, and I think I can now. Looking forward to the more detailed explanations as well!

Also another question coming up from character creation: appearance. Is there any typical appearance of the nations? Because obviously in our world there are certain traits common in certain places - eg blond hair and blue eyes in Norway. Also for names (first and last) were would you recommend drawing inspiration from for either Sarifen characters or Valanians? Probably a stupid question but you know...

FernStone said
They most certainly can be xDThank you very much all that information really helps. I needed it to write the backstory for a character, and I think I can now. Looking forward to the more detailed explanations as well!Also another question coming up from character creation: appearance. Is there any typical appearance of the nations? Because obviously in our world there are certain traits common in certain places - eg blond hair and blue eyes in Norway. Also for names (first and last) were would you recommend drawing inspiration from for either Sarifen characters or Valanians? Probably a stupid question but you know...

It's no problem at all, Fern, and no these aren't stupid questions! As always, keep asking away and I'll do my best to brighten whatever you're picture you're trying to paint 8). Some Sarifens generally feature dark hair, dark eyes, and golden skin, while others, particularly some along the coastlines and territories bordering Valania possess a mixture of either dark or blonde hair and dark or blue eyes. Valanians are generally brunette or blonde haired with blue or green eyes. I'll explain more later, for now, I have to work!

Great, that all also helps :) Currently my character total is looking to be maybe 3; two female and one male. Just because that's the amount of ideas I have. Another question this time about age. I was wondering what the minimum age would be? I have a character who I want to probably be a blacksmith apprentice so she would be in her late teens. That possible?

Has there been political unrest in Sarifen in the past? I wish to make an exiled prince that's stooped as low as to commit banditry after being unable to hold lands, a la Babur.

On my lunch right now, but I'll try to answer your questions to best of my abilities with the time I've got.

FernStone said
Great, that all also helps :) Currently my character total is looking to be maybe 3; two female and one male. Just because that's the amount of ideas I have. Another question this time about age. I was wondering what the minimum age would be? I have a character who I want to probably be a blacksmith apprentice so she would be in her late teens. That possible?

3 characters you say? I can't wait for their debut! Regarding adolescent characters, as long as she's in her late adolescence, I'm perfectly fine with her inclusion, but anything below adolescent is a no go and my reasoning stems from the fact that I don't believe an all adolescent cast would fit the story or prove skillful enough for survival.

Peik said
Has there been political unrest in Sarifen in the past? I wish to make an exiled prince that's stooped as low as to commit banditry after being unable to hold lands, a la Babur.

The Sarifen Courts within Orad (Sarife's capital) are generally more stable than Valania, however, there is growing discontent and immense frustration between Prince Bahramesh II and influential members of the aristocracy regarding Emperor Aryanpur I's iron fisted rule. Sarife's economy is buckling given that there are: widespread famines, economic mismanagement, refusal to disband the colossal, standing army (close to 3 million conscripted warriors at its present condition), prevalent feudalistic way of life, and delayed reforms. PM me, Peik, and we'll work something out 8)