D&D in India ?

[shilsen]

We'd have at least a year, probably two to get some viral market creation going.

Viral market creation? At least you've got the right attitude for India

If you're ever around Calcutta between May and August give me a holler. I'm usually there during the summer break.

 

[jgbrowning]

Viral market creation? At least you've got the right attitude for India

If you're ever around Calcutta between May and August give me a holler. I'm usually there during the summer break.

Heh. Calcutta in Summer? Um... I'm gonna stick to the Himalayas... In 2002 we were in Puskar and it was 125F. We're from Texas and all, but even that's a bit hot.

I'll have to think about the marketing aspect. Could be a good opportunity.

joe b.

 

[Nisarg]

As opposed to the highly accurate historical representation of western myths & culture presented in "stock" D&D?

Granted; but there have been a few good sources for accuracy in medieval RP (Harn, Aquelarre, MMS, etc..); the closest thing I can think of for China is (ironically) Jadeclaw.

Most RPGs about "oriental" settings are beyond remarkable in their ignorant mixing of japanese and chinese culture, lumping together cultural elements from hugely different historical periods, putting in elements that don't exist in anything other than western pop culture stereotypes, etc etc.

And as for India, its nonexistent. One of the most notable absences in good setting material, given how very rich a setting India has the potential to be...

Nisarg

 

[talinthas]

ok, so when last i went to india, two decembers ago, i was in Baroda, in Gujarat. I noticed that a lot of the city was starting to be wifi enabled, and there were internet centers popping up everywhere. Some of these had a few FPSes installed, but on the whole, i didnt notice much in the way of video gaming. Mind you, i was on a religious pilgrimage, so i wasnt really looking, but my cousins were more interested in sending emails, chatting, and going clubbing than really gaming.

But hey, i only go back once every few years, and mainly to temples and stuff. i could very well be mistaken.


Of course, i'm totally for any sort of gaming incursion into india, and even more for any gaming material about india, so i'm glad to see that there is interest =)

anyone else notice how often this topic has been coming up lately?

 

[Brennin Magalus]

ok, so when last i went to india, two decembers ago, i was in Baroda, in Gujarat.

Are you a Guju?

 

[talinthas]

Yeah i am =)

---
While doing my daily prayers today, some other mechanics occured to me. Any indian based game would have to have boon and curse rituals. You know, where you pray for a certain period of time, and are granted X, anywhere from a mantra to have a child with a divine sponsor to eternal life, and where failed rolls get you things like Nindrasan instead of Indrasan like poor Kumbhakarna got in the Ramayan, and stuff. Similarly, you have curse mechanics so that people can be turned to stone and such.

Seriously, instead of starting every adventure in the tavern, the Hindu cliche would be, "You all are gathered at the Yagna that is being held by Sant Someoneoranotherananda on this auspicious day, when Lo! out of the sky started pouring filth and ichor! There must be a rakshas around! Swami SoandSo grabs you and tells you that the gods have foretold that only you can stop this menace!"

 

[shilsen]

Seriously, instead of starting every adventure in the tavern, the Hindu cliche would be, "You all are gathered at the Yagna that is being held by Sant Someoneoranotherananda on this auspicious day, when Lo! out of the sky started pouring filth and ichor! There must be a rakshas around! Swami SoandSo grabs you and tells you that the gods have foretold that only you can stop this menace!"

Starting an adventure with poop falling from the sky due to a rakshasa I am so putting that in my next campaign, even though it's Greyhawk-based!

 

[Keeper of Secrets]

Joe,

Thanks! I was curious what it was and I think I had heard you mention that before. Best of luck and try not to lose touch.

 

[BOZ]

in india, the concept of recreational gaming doesnt really exist, let alone rpgs or video games.

Errr, Being from India and all, the concept of video games etc. is very popular and a growing trend in India. Harrry Potter has been a huge hit in India, but since there has been no marketing or no concept of role playing as such in India, there is probably a remote chance of finding a game there.
I have had several of my indian friends play D&D with me over time. Since mythos and the fantastic is an integral part of indian culture i would presume it would apppeal to those of the "modern" generation as there is a huge cultural crossover and transition these days.

LOL now those are some conflicting opinions...

 

[jgbrowning]

LOL now those are some conflicting opinions...

Heh. You see that a lot in India. Lots of contradictions...

joe b.