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Author Topic: Mannerisms, for Civilizations  (Read 660 times)

Flarp

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  • and tearing apart the self-esteem!
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Mannerisms, for Civilizations
« on: August 02, 2014, 05:08:27 pm »
Entities are given a few randomized strings to characterize them for the player's benefit; they may or may not have any actual influence on gameplay, possibly including any symbols. Examples:

The Nations of Splendor is a human civilization. They are known for their ribald humor. Both genders decorate their hair in elaborate braids.
The Cloistered Bell is a dwarven civilization. They are considered to be extremely brusque. Gem Cutters are highly valued in their society. Dralthas are a symbol of the Cloistered Bell.
The Elephantine Perfume is an elven civilization. Their accent is nasally. Their culture is known for its dancing. Giant mosquitoes are a symbol of the Elephantine Perfume.
The Whip of Scourges was a goblin civilization. They are considered to be somewhat arrogant. Men tend to wear bone earrings. Children are highly valued in their society.

Some of these could have in-game effects (affecting probabilities of different appearances, NPC equipment), but the main idea of this suggestion is to provide some color until the Civilization Arc comes around in the distant future. It could also give people in drinking mounds something to talk about other than how terrifying that werearmadilo on the other side of the world is.
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He views any show of emotion as offensive, sees introspection as important, values self-control, and strongly believes that a peaceful and ordered society without dissent would be best. He believes that mastery of a skill is one of the highest pursuits, values nature, and finds romance distasteful. He holds well-laid plans and shrewd deceptions in the highest regard.

Azerty

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Re: Mannerisms, for Civilizations
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2014, 11:14:04 am »
Weah, it would be interesting to have different cultures, such as fur-clad Humans living in the cold regions, jungles Elves and temperate lake Kobolds having different dresses, cuisines, dialects - it might be too soon to introduce full-fledged languages families - and religions - ancestor worship, animism, polytheism, monotheism.
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Quote from: Fniff on February 17, 2014, 07:03:02 pm
"Just tell me about the bits with the forest-defending part, the sociopath part is pretty normal dwarf behavior."

Deboche

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Re: Mannerisms, for Civilizations
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2014, 02:13:40 pm »
Like Azerty said, local cuisine would also be cool.

This suggestion reminded me of one I made long ago concerning engravings and statues. It was that we should be able to determine to a degree what constitutes a major event in a civ such as a flood or famine or a major endeavour like finding a rare mineral or so. Then the dwarves would engrave it.

Perhaps you could similarly decide or have it be automatically decided which major events decide that civ or settlement's culture. So if you had a famine that was relieved by the arrival of a caravan and the purchase of lots of cheeses, cheese could become a part of that city's cultural heritage.
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