Poll: Map Overhaul

[Holy Frankish Empire]

I like both of the maps, but I am in favour of Vitrais map. I think that an single continent would be an bad idea for RP.

This is true

 

[Salen]

I think that what we want is to cut down space but not the number of continents. I do not know about others but I voted yes so that the continents we have become smaller and we all come closer, not so that we are forced into a single continent and pretty much kill the diversity in size and nationality that makes our current map great. Perhaps we should get another poll so that people can just clear up what they each want? Right now like four of us have done so.

These are my thoughts as well ...

 

[Thaumantica]

I ask that a player creates the poll so it does not seem like the admins or mods are forcing an agenda. If I create another poll it may seem like I'm leading an answer, so I'd rather it's a player. Maybe Joe/Collectivist Union?

 

[Ivernia]

I think that what we want is to cut down space but not the number of continents. I do not know about others but I voted yes so that the continents we have become smaller and we all come closer, not so that we are forced into a single continent and pretty much kill the diversity in size and nationality that makes our current map great. Perhaps we should get another poll so that people can just clear up what they each want? Right now like four of us have done so.

I can live with this. So long as there's not huge tracks of empty space between each nation this idea would fit everyone it seems. I think this is most like Vithrais' map correct?

 

[Josepania]

I ask that a player creates the poll so it does not seem like the admins or mods are forcing an agenda. If I create another poll it may seem like I'm leading an answer, so I'd rather it's a player. Maybe Joe/Collectivist Union?

Will do in a few hours.

 

[Tyvia]

I feel that one of the problems that has sort of compounded over the years and successive map iterations is the slow but very steady process of making our map more like Earth. It's essentially, at this point, just a caricature of the real world. I'm not opposed to having areas which are meant to more or less resemble or host real-life cultural or geographic areas, but I think we've gotten to the point where there exists an unfortunate situation where our expectations of certain areas correspond completely to real-world stereotypes of them as well. Eurodisney is rich, the Mid-East is oil, Himyar is poor, Occidentia is USA, etc. This is a fairly recent development, and didn't really exist when we started off with this map -- though it was substantially different in geography. I think we can do something much more unique, and what will be better for it. Though I don't really like Kyle's map (primarily for aesthetic reasons), I do like the notion of making ethnic/cultural divisions a bit more vague than they are at present. I've always been a proponent of, for example, treating northern Himyar as effectively an extension of Eurodisney (though this never came to anything).

Just some thoughts.

 

[Saaremaa]

Well, at some point north Himyar was an extension of Eurodisney, with Carentania and Gorno-Altai as southern slavs, Frescania as Spanish and the Talemantine Empire as Italian.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Can we get both proposed maps linked on the front page of this thread for easier viewing?

 

[Portusgalia]

I think thats a brilliant idea...

 

[Saaremaa]

The maps are on the first and only page and post on this thread:

You must be registered for see links

 

[Salen]

I feel that one of the problems that has sort of compounded over the years and successive map iterations is the slow but very steady process of making our map more like Earth. It's essentially, at this point, just a caricature of the real world. I'm not opposed to having areas which are meant to more or less resemble or host real-life cultural or geographic areas, but I think we've gotten to the point where there exists an unfortunate situation where our expectations of certain areas correspond completely to real-world stereotypes of them as well. Eurodisney is rich, the Mid-East is oil, Himyar is poor, Occidentia is USA, etc. This is a fairly recent development, and didn't really exist when we started off with this map -- though it was substantially different in geography. I think we can do something much more unique, and what will be better for it. Though I don't really like Kyle's map (primarily for aesthetic reasons), I do like the notion of making ethnic/cultural divisions a bit more vague than they are at present. I've always been a proponent of, for example, treating northern Himyar as effectively an extension of Eurodisney (though this never came to anything).

Just some thoughts.

What you state is absolutely correct Bernicia, however: I do believe that in the future, even if a less Earth-like map would exist, the same stereotypes will remain. Basically because most of our players are actually Europeans or Americans and therefore prefer to play as a Western nations. The only truly oriental-styled player here is Sikandara and the chap is from Karachi (Sindh), so... We should overall try to think more out of the box if possible. For instance, wealthy native American nation-states never pop up, nor do 'civilised African-style countries' (sorry if I offend people) so WE as individuals should also try to cross some cognitive or creative boundaries.

 

[Pelasgia]

The maps are on the first and only page and post on this thread:

You must be registered for see links

Thank you for making the poll!

Here is a gift as a reward:

You must be registered for see links

 

[Salen]

One additional question: no matter what future map we will use, is anyone in favour (or against) a (semi-fixed?) topographical edition?

 

[Pelasgia]

Well we could use some guidilines. It could help in warfare and generally help people understand what each spot is like.

 

[Oneida]

If anyone cares, idk, I'll explain my vote on which map we should use. I was one of the three who voted for neither/other. My reasons were I strongly dislike an off-map world and I don't believe that Kyle's map truly fixes the amount of empty space we have or distance issues. That being said, I do not have the ability to draw up my own map, so I can't propose a solution, only whine.

 

[Ivernia]

One additional question: no matter what future map we will use, is anyone in favour (or against) a (semi-fixed?) topographical edition?

I'm going to tentatively say I would be in favour of at least a semi-fixing of topography.

 

[Thaumantica]

Since it has already been a month of talks and I do not predict any type of timetable for a new map: I am going to put the new map project on ice for at least awhile so RP can return to regularity. Xenn has told me at least "unofficially" that he is very busy and intends to make site changes/improvements by late summer or early fall, so I am recommending that we use that as a target time to roll out any major changes to our world map.

I have not talked about this with the other mods or admins, this is just a decision I am putting forward on my own self-conceived authority as mapmaker of the current map and as an administrator. Hopefully this is not coming off as a dictatorial decree, I just want to restore stability and make the changes we seem to want when we are actually prepared to make them.

Again, excuse me - if there is truly a disagreement with this then we can continue to wait.

 

[Salen]

Concerning the map will we simply continue debating then, or can drafts be exchanged and worked on in the meanwhile? I otherwise fear if we really put the whole map project on hold we might not have come to clear decisions until Autumn.

Some of us I would guess are somewhat anxious concerning (hah, or is it just me? =p) the new map: willing to try out new nations in new spots and/or a bit reluctant to role-play freely as there might be major changes in the future (map-wise that is).

=)

 

[Thaumantica]

Concerning the map will we simply continue debating then, or can drafts be exchanged and worked on in the meanwhile? I otherwise fear if we really put the whole map project on hold we might not have come to clear decisions until Autumn.

Some of us I would guess are somewhat anxious concerning (hah, or is it just me? =p) the new map: willing to try out new nations in new spots and/or a bit reluctant to role-play freely as there might be major changes in the future (map-wise that is).

=)

You and others are of course free to make drafts and collaborate. My objective is that most players have the security of playing the game for awhile without worrying about a world change that could come today, next week, or a unknown day in the future.

When we do adopt a new map then I think we should provide the luxury of preparing for the world build for weeks or months in advance instead of the uncertainty (which I helped to create) that we have now.

Edit: also the student class of players are embroiled in their exams -- I'm not sure if Coro is still a student, but if he is that could explain the delays there. I'd like us to complete a map when we have him and as many people with more free time.

 

[Sixia]

I guess that means I'll just chill for a bit and maybe think of what country I'd like to play.