Post originally by Evilgaz at 2003-05-28 08:39:05
Converted from Phorums BB System

Judging from a lot of the posts here a lot of people don't seem to realise that the game is based on the 2000AD strip (and now graphic novels) and I think it does a really good job of giving the feeling of "Slaine" rather "Celts", "Gauls" or any other historical texts. Perhaps anyone interested should have a leaf through a graphic novel to get an idea of what it's all about. I don't think there's much mileage in trying to compare it to historical fact as the setting has Knuckers (dragons), El creatures and even the Earth Goddess herself (in all her forms) actually turning up. Thus, in relation to the game, the debate about whether "Celts" went into battle with any knickers on or not is moot.

The matter in hand in my view is whether the game reflects it's source material (2000AD Comic strip) and it does this very well. If you're looking for an entirely accurate historical game, this isn't it. Having said that, Pat Mills who wrote most of the scripts did a lot of research on the subject matter and incorporated some details from ancient historical sources, so to an extent, some of the background is accurate. Whether you believe there where actual Fomorian Sea Demons who rampaged through the land is another matter...

To briefly address a point elsewhere regarding Kings (length of tenure and whether they ruled land or men) - within Slaine's world the King ruled for seven years, after which he was ritually sacrificed and returned to the earth. He goverened the people and looked after the land - trying to live in harmony with it (to avoid the wroth of the Earth Mother).

It's a really good setting and I recommend it heartily. Try the following link for a taster of some older art... (with the tag line "He didn't think it too many").
http://www.glennfabry.co.uk/slainebw.htm

Ciao

Gaz