Crashing the Net

[madunkieg]

I was hoping to start this contest in the morning (I've nothing to do for Mother's Day), but boredom kicked in early. My topic choice is fantasypunk because it presents an extra challenge, to make something that overlaps as little as possible with my current cyberpunk project. It was 10:30 pm when I started.

inspirations:
- high fantasy (my least favourite of all the fantasy subgenres!)
-
- mongol/chinese trade relations (ie generally unfriendly and lopsided)


Trade is a rooted in uncertainty. It isn't until a merchant arrives in a town that the demand for a good can truly be known. Or, at least, that was how it was before the network.

The network; a series of signal towers, able to relay messages faster than a bird flies. Ostensibly built to warn of invasion, the merchant houses paid good coin to use them, knowing every penny spent would be returned in reliable trade. It became folly to compete with them and the elves, humans and dwarves that headed the households grew prosperous beyond measure.

Beyond the network were the lands of the orcs and goblins. Their herds and their hunting provided them with all they needed, but a late spring freeze destroyed the grass, and the animals began to starve. The nomads travelled to the cities seeking trade, but the trade houses' iron control of the markets left the nomads unable to purchase what they needed.

Desperation met rage and cunning. This is the trade war that resulted.

[madunkieg]

Damn, this concept is just flat. I'm rethinking now, getting close to something, but it needs that final step that sends it hurtling over the edge. For now, a story of reclaiming lost glory, becoming something more:


The orcs lost the trade war. Enslaved by the other races, their once wild ways were almost forgotten.

Almost.

[madunkieg]

I've got several pages written up, and could easily expand it to something quite playable in the hours left, but I've come to a realization. Without a spark of humanity, it's just garbage I wouldn't want to put my name on.

So, rather than make something I'll end up hating, I'll shelve this project, maybe steal a couple of ideas from it for my aforementioned cyberpunk game. If, at some future date, one of the other 24hr rpg concepts inspires me the right way, I'll give it a go.

[Rob Lang]

Madunkieg, sorry to hear the idea didn't work out. If you post up the core of your ideas in one of the other forums, we can help discuss your ideas so your work isn't lost forever!

If not, please do pick another topic and give it another go.