[OA] Setting Based on India - Resources?

Dust · May 11, 2002

Someone, somewhere on these boards, mentioned that they're playing an Oriental Adventures game set in a Vietnam-like world. I've always had a soft spot for Indian mythology, and I remebered the Mahasarpa campaign James Wyatt tried while playtesting OA. I'm wondering if anyone has any good ideas for resources I could use to build such a world. I remember a Dragon magazine from a few years back that was themed in such a way, but I have no idea where to go to find it. Any ideas?

Henrix · May 11, 2002

You do know the Mahasarpa campaign is available as a web enhancement over at Wizards, right?

bwgwl · May 11, 2002

man, i sure wish SJGames would get on the ball and publish GURPS India... i've been hearing mention of it for years, but it hasn't materialized yet.

i think india is a terrific and woefully underutilized setting.

Douane · May 11, 2002

Just in case:

The Mahasarpa Campaign OA Web Enhancement can be found right here.

Good luck!

Folkert

mmadsen · May 12, 2002

Mahabharata and Ramayana

You may want to (re)read the Mahabharata and the Ramayana for source material. (By the way, if anyone knows good, readable versions of those works, please recommend them!)

Rashak Mani · May 12, 2002

Those Time Life books on history... they will give a good view of the history and customs of historic India.

Mistwell · May 12, 2002

If you are interested in good source material, I would recommend "Ancient Indian History and Civilization, Trends and Perspectives" by N N Bhattacharyya, South Asia Books 1988.

In fact, as I am looking through the book, I'm starting to think this WOULD be a great setting to play a game in. Hmm...ideas....

Derulbaskul · May 12, 2002

I would also suggest some of the tourist guides that are available both as books and on the 'net. You'll be able to use a stack of the pictures of old temples, markets etc... to provide some verisimilitude to your campaign.

Also, the old 2E Legends & Lore (free download from WOTC) had a section on a D&D-ised Indian pantheon.

Cheers
NPP

mmadsen · May 12, 2002

If you are interested in good source material, I would recommend "Ancient Indian History and Civilization, Trends and Perspectives" by N N Bhattacharyya, South Asia Books 1988.

Out of print. Sigh.

In fact, as I am looking through the book, I'm starting to think this WOULD be a great setting to play a game in. Hmm...ideas....

Absolutely! It's a bit foreign to most players, but mythic India seems to fit the D&D paradigm quite nicely -- lots of active gods, plenty of magic, brave heroes fighting colorful demons, etc.