Chinese Setting and History (not just for Oriental Adventures)

[mmadsen]

...most people already are influenced by history when the create there worlds...

As far as I can tell, most people -- especially most Americans -- know next to nothing about history, particularly ancient or medieval history. They certainly don't know anything about ancient Persia or China.

And if you suggest using history as a basis for your D&D fantasy world, you're told that D&D's not about emulating historical or even fantastical reality.

 

[trancejeremy]

FWIW, Avalanche's Jade & Steel is a pretty good but very tiny d20 sourcebook for playing in the 3 Kingdoms era of China.

 

[hong]

As far as I can tell, most people -- especially most Americans -- know next to nothing about history, particularly ancient or medieval history.

That's just what they _want_ you to think. You have to learn to see the fnords.

They certainly don't know anything about ancient Persia or China.

Here's a hint (but don't tell anyone I told you). Pages 500-550 of _The Illuminatus Trilogy_ by Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea contain much wisdom about ancient Persia and China. However, it's cunningly disguised and hidden under a layer of misdirection and obfuscation, to prevent it falling into the wrong hands. The Ancient and Illuminated Seers didn't become Ancient and Illuminated by just handing out information willy-nilly, you know.

And if you suggest using history as a basis for your D&D fantasy world, you're told that D&D's not about emulating historical or even fantastical reality.

Correct. Slowly but surely, you're learning to see the fnords.

 

[tleilaxu]

It's easy to create a Chinese-flavoured campaign. Just add MSG.

LOL! So true...

 

[tleilaxu]

What do you want to know about the three kingdoms? If you read the book itself it is chocked full of stuff that can be used in games.

A mystic duplicates himself fifty times. the heads of all fifty are chopped off. green smoke comes out of their necks and reformes the mystic.

etc etc..