Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

Artimidor Federkiel

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Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« on: 29 January 2002, 10:36:00 »

HOW TO DESIGN NEW WEAPON ENTRIES

Description
Include here everything related to the appearance of the weapon and the type of the item (missile weapon, melee weapon, mass destruction etc.): Of which parts does it consist? Is there ammunition required? How large is it? Are there different kinds of the same weapon?

Usage
Who uses the weapon, when and where? Are there certain tribes who preferable use it? Is there a tradition for this weapon? Is it used on special occasions, where in combat is it used? Is it common or seldom?

Fighting Style
How exactly does the weapon work? How can you handle it most efficiently? What are the difficulties and the advantages of the weapon?

Origin/History
Finally try to write a few lines on the weapon's origins and history. Who "invented" it (tribe or person)? When? Where is it used now? And how did it spread for example?

Additional Note
As weapons master here at the boards i feel i need to make a few notes to those who help myself create weapons for the Santhrian Dream, OR are thinking about creating weapons anyway.

Recently i have been paging through the Misc. forum and have discovered that we have been posting a lot of great ideas on Misc. Items and weaponry and have i have been impressed with the works.However i feel the need to say that we need to cut down on making such weapons and/or Misc. items such as rings and necklaces and the like or they will become more common to Santharia rather than unique and treasures to the world which i don't think any of us want to ruin.

These weapons include such weapons with amazing magical propties and special abilities which i wont single out but there have been a few recently that although excellent work but are becoming more of a frequent thing rather than what i would call a treasure and a rarity. This does not mean stop brining up the ideas because i love to read whatever works you wish to produce weapons wise but please keep this note locked in your head when your making an entry for a treasured item or weapon.

However, saying this, i don't include uniquely smithed weapons, weapons that are unique that carry no magical propties are welcome anytime such as Arm Blades and The Razor Claw. Those type of weapons smithed and are a one off(without magical qualities or lightly blessed) or mass produced are always welcome, i just think we need to cut down a little on producing such high quality magical weapons before they become a common thing rather than rare. But keep coming up with the ideas!

Anyone asking questions or comments please bring them up!


« Last Edit: 26 July 2007, 00:29:47 by Artimidor Federkiel »	Logged

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Artimidor Federkiel

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #1 on: 29 January 2002, 10:48:00 »

HOW TO DESIGN GAME ENTRIES

Game NameName, duh, plus any nicknames, alternative names, or translations. Give a rough description of the game and perhaps a glimpse at its history, just to give the reader a general idea what the game is all about.

History
Who began it, how long ago, who plays it these days, and any other goodies of information you can research or invent.

Diagram
Provide a picture/description of game board, playing field, or special equipment piece - of course only if it makes sense at this particular kind of game. Otherwise just omit this section.

Equipment
State here whatever equipment is needed, plus the number of players, any special titles of players, referees, timing devices, balls, markers, etc.

Game Setup
What has to happen before the play begins: setup of board, players on field, candles lit and incense burnt, everyone holds hands, whatever!

Rules
How the game proceeds. Things you have to do to win - and things you’re not allowed to do to win!


« Last Edit: 26 July 2007, 00:22:31 by Artimidor Federkiel »	Logged

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #2 on: 24 November 2002, 09:45:00 »

HOW TO DESIGN ARTIFACT ENTRIES

Overview
Include the name of the artifact, and also any other names it has been called by. Also: Why is the object useful? Include a few interesting details, along with the main reason the thing is important.

Description
What does the object look like? An exact replica of one of Dalá's demonducks? Perhaps the form of a falcon in green marble? Even the engraved image of a small tarep breathing green fire upon a legion of elven soldiers could be a part of your artifact, if you include it in this section.

Usage
Here, you get to write the exact uses of the object, and all powers that the artifact is noted for.

History/Origin
Who developed it, and where? Are there any significant people associated with it? Any important events it was involved in? Even basic details like "This ladle is used to serve all soups made in fair contests in Derbyshire," can add flavor to an entry.

Myth/Lore
Perhaps this object that we've been talking about for so long is simply legendary, and everyone thinks that is was born of a pond made where one of Avá's tears fell and remained. Maybe forged by Coór in dark ages long since forgotten. Whatever it is, it will make your entry seem wonderful, and even mysterious.


« Last Edit: 26 July 2007, 00:24:57 by Artimidor Federkiel »	Logged

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Talia Sturmwind

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #3 on: 10 October 2005, 21:43:00 »

HOW TO DESIGN ENTRIES FOR PRODUCTS & INDUSTRIES

Name of Product/Industry
E.g. - Paper, Salt Farming, Dyes & Stains, Tanning, Honey

Overview
A general introduction to the subject, giving a few basic details on what it is and why it is important.

Description of the Product
What does it look like? (and/or 'smell/taste/feel/sound' like) Are there different grades/types/kinds? How much do they cost? Is it sturdy and easily transported, or perishable?

Method of Production
What are the ingredients and materials required? How are they processed? Are there several steps or middlemen? Is one person involved from start to finish or is it a many-handed operation? What are the amounts? What are the results? Any by-products, either useful or harmful?

Areas of Production
Where is the product made - urban areas or country, on-location or in a 'factory', cottage industry/single proprietor/guild-manufactured? What areas of the province, what cities or towns are known for this industry? Trade relationships that depend on this product? How is it commonly transported and in what form?

Usage
What for is this product used? How is it used? What is made out of it? etc

History of the Industry
Give us some idea about how long this process has been known to the continent, or at least in Santharia. Any notable discoveries, breakthroughs, or innovations in the manufacturing process? Any famous inventors or experimentors? Any disasters?

Lore and Legend
Some interesting details and creative touches can be added here. For example:

"Malise-Keepers believe that the hive has a sentience of its own, a sort of 'group mind' if you will, although most common people laugh at this concept..."

or "On the Huiscen Plains, leather produced from cattle that have died naturally (as opposed to being slaughtered for their hides) is processed separately and given a higher price. It is thought that this leather will last longer and if made into any item of personal apparel, will help to extend the owner's life..."


« Last Edit: 26 July 2007, 00:28:14 by Artimidor Federkiel »	Logged

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #4 on: 10 October 2005, 22:23:00 »

HOW TO DESIGN ENTRIES FOR BOOKS, SCROLLS AND PARCHMENTS

Name of Parchment, Scroll or Book
E.g. - "Thaehavos Scrolls" or "Parchment of ...."

Overview
A general introduction to the subject, giving a few basic details on what it is and why it is important, time when it was found, written or published.

Description
How does it look like? From outside, from inside, are pictures in it (no details description of the content here!)? How does it smell? How does it feel, if you touch it? Has it an aura of age, seems it precious to you, or is it just a notebook? Was it crafted carefully?

Content of the Book
What will I find if opening it and start to read or look more closely at the content?

Origin of the Book
If it is an ancient book, describe when was it found, by whom was it found and under which circumstances.

Who did write it, when did the author live, why did he write it, under which circumstances? Maybe add here some details about the area (time and country) in which the author lived (if known)

History and Influence
Had or still has this book or scroll a history, or was it forgotten soon after it was written? Was it widespread or did only few of them know it? Did it influence people in their actions or way of thinking?

Importance
Summarise and clarify here its importance, stress shortly what you have already mentioned under influence.

Lore and Legend
An old book or scroll may be already the origin of some lore, things a researcher would not stress in his essay...


« Last Edit: 26 July 2007, 00:35:41 by Artimidor Federkiel »	Logged

Trelstahl

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #5 on: 14 April 2007, 08:02:52 »

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Name of Food or Beverage
E.g. - "Bredden Grain“

Overview
A general introduction to the food or beverage, giving a few basic details on what it is and where it was first produced, whether it is a main course, side dish, dessert or beverage.

Description
How does it taste and smell? What is its texture? Is it served hot or cold? If it's food, is served in a bowl or on a plate? If it's a beverage, is it served in a specific type of glass (ie. wine glass, cup, mug, etc.).

Usages/Effects
If it is a beverage, is it alcoholic? Is it served hot or cold? If it is food, is it served at a meal (breakfast/lunch/supper) or as a snack? Is it served in taverns/inns to compliment an alcoholic beverage? Is it a child's treat? Is it served hot or cold?

Origin of the Food or Beverage
Which race and tribe is first credited with producing the food or beverage, and in which area was it first produced? Is it produced in many different countries than its place of origin? Is it tied to certain religious ceremonies, holidays or certain times of year? Is it consumed by the wealthy (ie. is it expensive to grow the ingredients and prepare) or is it more commonplace? Can the ingredients be purchased anywhere or can they only be grown (plants) or raised (animals) in certain parts of the world?

Method of Preparation
What ingredients are used? How much of each ingredient is needed to prepare how many servings? How are the ingredients treated prior to preparing the food or beverage? In what order are the ingredients mixed? If it is food, is it cooked, baked, grilled, served cold, etc. If it is a beverage, is it served hot or cold?

Importance
Summarise and clarify here its importance, briefly stressing the usage/effect and origin of the food or beverage.


« Last Edit: 26 July 2007, 00:36:29 by Artimidor Federkiel »	Logged

Bard Judith

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #6 on: 11 May 2007, 07:45:43 »

HOW TO DO MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Overview
General introduction to the instruments, classification, giving a few basic details on what it is and why it is important, perhaps a note on origin.

Description
Cover the general design of the instrument, including different elements of the instrument, the material, the dimensions, different types. Besides this, also note the musical characteristics: possible keys to play in, range from highest to lowest note, timbre and dynamical possibilities.

Production
As the instrument is the work of craftmanship, you should give details on the production process, referring to the description where you've noted the relevant elements and materials. Also note the locations of production, is the industry might be a monopoly of one tribe or town, or available in even the smallest village of Santharia.

Playing
Give an account or introduction to 'playing the [instrument]', noting different styles and fingering/pressure/embouchure possibilities.

Usage
Not every instrument is used at every occasion, nor all over the Santharian Kingdom. Note both the occasions were the instrument is used and the people or locations of usage.

Origin and History
Often an instrument was developed by one tribe and gradually spread over the continent. Note the relevant details here, possibly with technical development, inventor and similar details.

Myth/Lore
The lyre, to name but one Terran example, has a right history including illustrious mythological figures like King David and Orpheus. Here you can note similar stories about your instrument, if of course relevant to your entry.


« Last Edit: 26 July 2007, 00:43:06 by Artimidor Federkiel »	Logged

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Ganinon

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #7 on: 24 July 2007, 07:16:12 »

I might start this eventully(when i get back from trip) But if anyone wants to do this now i was thinking something like a trident should be create. It is just an idea at the moment so if anyone wants to do it they may. Any objections to this?(such as reasons we can't have this kind of thing) If not i will start this when i get back saturday or sunday.


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Artimidor Federkiel

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #8 on: 26 July 2007, 00:41:01 »

You can create a trident-like weapon if you want, Ganion - just make sure that it you write it according to the rules defined here and that you embed it somewhere in the world properly


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Miscellaneous Things: Colours, Colors, Hues, Shades, and Tints of Santharia

« Reply #9 on: 09 January 2008, 00:47:43 »

http://www.santharia.com/dev/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11200.0;attach=93;image

Above is the expanded 'Colour Palette' for use in your descriptions!

Please read the following disclaimer carefully first:

"...we've had a lot of debate and 'inappropriate' or excessive use of the "Santharian colour names' . The palette was only ever meant as a way of expanding people's vocabulary and allowing them to think about always integrating what they write into the total atmosphere of Caelereth and the Dream. Just as artists, fashion designers, and interior decorators here on Terra have their own 'lingo' and specific vocabulary of their trade, so too should the various guilds and trades of Caelereth.

In the kingdom of Santharia specifically, local artists have come to demand that certain unique hues be custom-ground for them so often that the pigmenteers (usually the local gnomish alchemist, sometimes a human dyer) have come to identify those unique hues with names. When a painter requests "That nice bright blue that Udzeran pottery is famous for" it's soon going to be simpler to call the deep shade of azure "Udzera blue".... and a paint hue which actually uses burnt willow branches in its composition is surely going to be named 'Charcoal'...

Now, most of our compendiumists have personas who reside at the Compendium, in the various buildings attached to or around the Great Hall, in central Santharia, in New Santhala itself. They are mostly of human origin, though we have a few elves, some hobbits/gnomes/brownies, and at least one orc... and mostly from the Santharian Kingdom. They are all, without exception, educated at least to a basic degree of literacy - can read and write Tharian, and perhaps have a few words of other tongues. Most will be familiar with the basic colour names of our Palette - but just as you don't always go around saying things like

"Look at that beautiful lavender lampshade, dear!" or "What a subtle sage and oatmeal colour combination she's used in her kitchen!" (unless you are one of those aforementioned interior designers...)

but rather simply remark "Nice purple lampshade" or "I think her kitchen's done in green and cream" - so too will compendiumists not overuse the names from the Colour Palette, reserving them to enhance entries as needed.

That being said, if your archivist persona is actually Nybelmarnian, he would NOT be familiar with those specific hue names and might indeed (THINK like a resident of Caelereth!) use his own continent-specific descriptions, shade names, similes, swear words, and other phrases which would literally add 'local colour' to his writing!"

In other words, use these if you are describing a coat-of-arms, or a very specific colour, but don't go around constructing sentences like " The adlemir-brown horse galloped across the thaleen field, the carnelion-haired girl on his back smiling with mershell lips..." OK, so that would be terrible even without the abstruse hues, but you see my point. Use sparingly to create atmosphere, and make sure it's clear from the context... ("A bavcoral flush spread slowly across her cheeks, and she refused to meet his eyes..."


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Leathan Shirithelle

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #10 on: 04 February 2009, 22:19:05 »

I would like to create the weapon described in my journal entry, a hidden weapon would be a treasure to the nybelmarians i think.Also, I would like to quest for it through journal entries, and have companions join me on my quest.A new instrument would be nice too, i have many ideas.

Leathan Shirithelle


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Artimidor Federkiel

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #11 on: 04 February 2009, 22:37:10 »

I don't know exactly how you plan to do that, just remember that the Dev Board isn't the RPG area of Santharia. You can of course write about a certain kind of quest and tell these stories via journal entries, but you need to be clear on what you want to do. I guess you're talking more about an artifact here - so you could write e.g. an artifact entry, and contribute the story to find it. But it all needs to be embedded properly in the Nybelmarian context you're aiming for hopefully.


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Leathan Shirithelle

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The drow is quite the superiority among races..

Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #12 on: 05 February 2009, 08:59:04 »

That is exactly what i planned on.I know it isn't the rpg side, but, this way, i can express my creativity.Yes i suppose it is an artifact, because i wouldn't use the sword, because it is unstable and created by an unidentified demonic spell...but i digress.I thank you again for your help.So i need to post a new artifact in the artifact board...Right...

Sincerely,
Leathan Shirithelle


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Aaron Silverleaf

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #13 on: 12 October 2009, 00:55:06 »

Just wondering is there any specific format for illnesses?


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Deklitch Hardin

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Re: Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things

« Reply #14 on: 12 October 2009, 01:05:53 »

Hi Aaron,

What I'd do is base it on the headings for one of the illnesses up on the site.

eg

Name (alternative names)

Categorisation: Miscellaneous / Diseases

Overview:

Symptoms:

Effects:

Cure/Prevention:

Vector/Cause:

I hope that helps, Aaron.

Dek


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Guide for Designing Miscellaneous Things