An extremely well constructed dark, gritty, realistic world for d20/D&D with a detailed mythology that rivals Harn or Glorantha. In many ways the anti-Eberron of settings. But not really an entire world, most of the focus is on a 600 mile island, so it can be incorporated into most existing d20/D&D settings.
Post originally by Sam Sampier at 2004-09-06 20:13:16
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It sounds really interesting. I have to admit I haven't heard anything about Valus before and my interest is peaked. I was thinking about creating a classic, grim-and-gritty fantasy homebrew and this may just what I need.
My only question, what do you mean by, "when 2012 Ad rolls around I'm not Aztec"?
Post originally by His Divine Shadow at 2004-09-07 03:27:49
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According to Mayan legend, something cataclysmic happens when an era comes to an end. The next such episode, as calculated by modern mythologists, should be around the corner in 2012.
Post originally by Markus Lesemann at 2004-09-07 06:06:50
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1. I don't like the name of the setting, either. In my head I'm pronouncing it as "val-OOS" - but I like "VAL AZ" better. But I still don't like that, either. Ugh.
2. A triumvirate is a ruling body of three persons, as you know. If this empire began as a true empire (that is - it was ruled by a single emperor) and then the triumverate took/claimed power, then the "Empire of X" name could remain in place. I think. No big deal, either way, I suppose.
3. I had never heard of Valus. I plan to buy it. Nobleknight.com seems to have the best deal ($24), though I think you have to pay for shipping there (and you don't at Amazon). If anyone's used Nobleknight in the past, please let me know about them (service, timeliness, etc.).
Post originally by Sergio Mascarenhas at 2004-09-07 10:15:22
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The triumvirate thing. The association between triumvirates and empires is made by the reviewer. It seems to be based on wrong historical knowledge. The historical fact he may be referring to is not to the fact that empires are governed by triumvirates but to the origin of the Roman empire and the Napoleonic empire on triumvirates but in both cases the triumvirates predate the empires and disapeared when the later came into existance.
Post originally by Thorn Drumheller at 2004-09-07 10:18:34
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Aaron Leeder of Noble Knight Games is a true professional. I highly recommend them. I've ordered from them several times and I have received items in a timely manner.
The pronounciation of Valus is easy for me, but I've been a story hour reader of Destan's since day one. I really suggest going to his story hour to get a feel for Valus.
Post originally by Grumpy Grognard at 2004-09-09 14:38:22
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I was alive and aware during the Carter years. Yeah, there were gas lines, and rich Republicans whined like they always do, but that was a better time where I lived (in California) than any that has come since. The gap between rich and poor wasn't so wide, and your neighbors were human beings to you. What you call 'malaise' I would call 'people relaxing and enjoying the things that really matter in life' - which does represent a value judgment on my part against the pursuit of money at any cost, the true fundamentali$m of the US Right. I always thought Carter's public self-searching was a good thing, though I realize many don't like it - Havel in Czechoslovakia has been criticized for a similar approach. (Though Carter was far, far to the right of Havel, of course.)
The election of Reagan was a tragedy that ushered in a quarter-century of Democrats (yeah, I'm looking at you, Bill Clinton) and Republicans teaming up to rob the poor. (I'm still voting for Kerry over that smirking frat boy though. Being slowly bled to death really is better than having your head chopped off.)
Good review though. I think you just sold me a copy of Valus. Sorry for the rant, but you opened the door...
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