History (and Background) for D&D
- Thread starter mmadsen
- Start date
SHARK
First Post
Greetings!
Mmadsen my friend, well, I would say that The Grand Strategy of The Roman Empire is more readable than a dense academic work--but it doesn't take shortcuts on the logic, historiography, or academic scholarship of the details discussed in the book. Having said that--yes it is readable, but considerably more chewy to digest than reading People magazine!
With Caesar's Legions, yes, it is a Osprey Military special edition, Copyright 2000, with 142 pages, hardcover. This is one of my favorite books on the Roman Army. It covers the evolution of the Roman soldier and his weapons and equipment from 753 BC--117 AD. The color drawings are really beautiful, and they provide excellent views from different angles and approaches to the Roman soldier. An excellent volume!
Semper Fidelis,
SHARK
Mmadsen my friend, well, I would say that The Grand Strategy of The Roman Empire is more readable than a dense academic work--but it doesn't take shortcuts on the logic, historiography, or academic scholarship of the details discussed in the book. Having said that--yes it is readable, but considerably more chewy to digest than reading People magazine!
With Caesar's Legions, yes, it is a Osprey Military special edition, Copyright 2000, with 142 pages, hardcover. This is one of my favorite books on the Roman Army. It covers the evolution of the Roman soldier and his weapons and equipment from 753 BC--117 AD. The color drawings are really beautiful, and they provide excellent views from different angles and approaches to the Roman soldier. An excellent volume!
Semper Fidelis,
SHARK
One interesting aspect of older works of fiction (Beowulf, Le Morte D'Arthur, Cantebury Tales, etc.) is that you get a feel for little customs from past eras (or from what were exotic locales to the historic audience).
For instance, you'll find weary travelers invited to see the king, but only after they're offered a bath. It's easy to forget, driving in cars as we do, that weary travelers would be dirty, weary travelers. Then, as hospitality dictates, they're offered food. Only then do they give their full story -- and it may not matter that the host and guest should be enemies, because (a) the guest in now a guest under the host's roof (he has "eaten his salt") and can't be harmed, and (b) his witty storytelling has won him the admiration of the court.
That's the kind of historic tidbit that makes for good roleplaying. I'd love to see examples like that in the DMG.
For instance, you'll find weary travelers invited to see the king, but only after they're offered a bath. It's easy to forget, driving in cars as we do, that weary travelers would be dirty, weary travelers. Then, as hospitality dictates, they're offered food. Only then do they give their full story -- and it may not matter that the host and guest should be enemies, because (a) the guest in now a guest under the host's roof (he has "eaten his salt") and can't be harmed, and (b) his witty storytelling has won him the admiration of the court.
That's the kind of historic tidbit that makes for good roleplaying. I'd love to see examples like that in the DMG.
Victim
First Post
No one said the movie yet? Princess Bride.
Travelers also seem to get a pretty nice deal in the Odessey as well, at least from normal people.
I think many of the same ideas about hospitality would apply in many DnD worlds. Those dirty guys may be downon-their-luck merchants or they might be somewhat paranoid adventurers (are there any other kind) on their way back from looting some ancient item - and itching to test it out if given a reason.
Travelers also seem to get a pretty nice deal in the Odessey as well, at least from normal people.
I think many of the same ideas about hospitality would apply in many DnD worlds. Those dirty guys may be downon-their-luck merchants or they might be somewhat paranoid adventurers (are there any other kind) on their way back from looting some ancient item - and itching to test it out if given a reason.
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