Setting Expectations - Revision history

Pot of Stew: /* Courtiers */

2026-08-12T23:11:30Z

Courtiers

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	'''Lore Considerations:''' The Duke or one of his subordinates has chosen you to serve him directly. He is what gives your realm and your own position legitimacy. Other neighboring nations may see your ruler as illegitimate and may invade if you are too overt. Furthermore, it may encourage peasants to become uppity which puts your own power in jeopardy		'''Lore Considerations:''' The Duke or one of his subordinates has chosen you to serve him directly. He is what gives your realm and your own position legitimacy. Other neighboring nations may see your ruler as illegitimate and may invade if you are too overt. Furthermore, it may encourage peasants to become uppity which puts your own power in jeopardy

	* Courtiers may initially oppose the Duke through subterfuge and intrigue, using overt action or outside alliances only as a last ~~resort—ideally~~ eliminating him quietly through stealth or poisoning, and resorting to bargaining with other factions or a coup only if subtler means fail.		* Courtiers may initially oppose the Duke through subterfuge and intrigue, using overt action or outside alliances only as a last resort, ideally eliminating him quietly through stealth or poisoning, and resorting to bargaining with other factions or a coup only if subtler means fail.
	* Ultimately, Courtiers are encouraged to scheme, but you should also avoid being a constant nuisance. '''You should at least maintain a facade of loyalty.'''		* Ultimately, Courtiers are encouraged to scheme, but you should also avoid being a constant nuisance. '''You should at least maintain a facade of loyalty.'''

Pot of Stew: /* Expected Player Approaches: */

2026-08-12T23:09:38Z

Expected Player Approaches:

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:09, 12 August 2026
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	** '''Dark and uncomfortable themes are welcome and encouraged (e.g., fantasy racism, IC sexism, brutal legal systems, oppressive theocracies, morally repugnant characters).'''		** '''Dark and uncomfortable themes are welcome and encouraged (e.g., fantasy racism, IC sexism, brutal legal systems, oppressive theocracies, morally repugnant characters).'''
	*** Fictionalize where you can, as real-world material can hit too close to home for some or can spark ugly political arguments. Fantasy oppression can be engaged with at arm's length.		*** Fictionalize where you can, as real-world material can hit too close to home for some or can spark ugly political arguments. Fantasy oppression can be engaged with at arm's length.
	*** Do not invoke real-world doctrine or legal codes that will cause problems. Think Sharia Law as the Sultan's edicts, which also contradicts the Desert Town setting anyways, as it draws on Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire~~. Unfortunately, people are not able to be mature about it~~.		*** Do not invoke real-world doctrine or legal codes that will cause problems. Think Sharia Law as the Sultan's edicts, which also contradicts the Desert Town setting anyways, as it draws on Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire.
	*** Avoid general restrictions that '''excessively''' bind others in an unfun way (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.		*** Avoid general restrictions that '''excessively''' bind others in an unfun way (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.
	** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g. disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''		** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g. disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''

Pot of Stew: /* Expected Player Approaches: */

2026-08-12T23:09:14Z

Expected Player Approaches:

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:09, 12 August 2026
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	** '''Dark and uncomfortable themes are welcome and encouraged (e.g., fantasy racism, IC sexism, brutal legal systems, oppressive theocracies, morally repugnant characters).'''		** '''Dark and uncomfortable themes are welcome and encouraged (e.g., fantasy racism, IC sexism, brutal legal systems, oppressive theocracies, morally repugnant characters).'''
	*** Fictionalize where you can, as real-world material can hit too close to home for some or can spark ugly political arguments. Fantasy oppression can be engaged with at arm's length.		*** Fictionalize where you can, as real-world material can hit too close to home for some or can spark ugly political arguments. Fantasy oppression can be engaged with at arm's length.
	*** Do not invoke real-world doctrine or legal codes that will cause problems. Think Sharia Law as the Sultan's edicts, which also contradicts the Desert Town setting anyways, as it draws on Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire.		*** Do not invoke real-world doctrine or legal codes that will cause problems. Think Sharia Law as the Sultan's edicts, which also contradicts the Desert Town setting anyways, as it draws on Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire. Unfortunately, people are not able to be mature about it.
	*** Avoid general restrictions that '''excessively''' bind others in an unfun way (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.		*** Avoid general restrictions that '''excessively''' bind others in an unfun way (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.
	** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''		** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g. disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''
	*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc.		*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc.
	*** IC sexism on both ends is allowed as a feature of the setting, whether that is drow women dismissing drow men as unfit to lead or a conservative Otavan Psydonite discriminating against women in armor, not as a vehicle for something else.		*** IC sexism on both ends is allowed as a feature of the setting, whether that is drow women dismissing drow men as unfit to lead or a conservative Otavan Psydonite discriminating against women in armor, not as a vehicle for something else.

Pot of Stew: /* Expected Player Approaches: */

2026-08-12T23:07:51Z

Expected Player Approaches:

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:07, 12 August 2026
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	** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''		** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''
	*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc.		*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc.
	*** - IC sexism on both ends is allowed as a feature of the setting, whether that is drow women dismissing drow men as unfit to lead or a conservative Otavan Psydonite discriminating against women in armor, not as a vehicle for something else.		*** IC sexism on both ends is allowed as a feature of the setting, whether that is drow women dismissing drow men as unfit to lead or a conservative Otavan Psydonite discriminating against women in armor, not as a vehicle for something else.
	*** While normally we would be fine with furry vs non-furry species dynamic, it causes too much OOC tension, so it is best to be avoided.		*** While normally we would be fine with furry vs non-furry species dynamic, it causes too much OOC tension, so it is best to be avoided.
	*** Focus instead on in-universe divisions like fantasy race divides (Elf vs Human, Lupian vs Tabaxi, "Axians are criminals"), class divides (Yeoman vs Peasant), regional rivalries (Grenzelhoft vs Otava), clan loyalties, or magical corruption/tendencies (Magic vs Non-Magic).		*** Focus instead on in-universe divisions like fantasy race divides (Elf vs Human, Lupian vs Tabaxi, "Axians are criminals"), class divides (Yeoman vs Peasant), regional rivalries (Grenzelhoft vs Otava), clan loyalties, or magical corruption/tendencies (Magic vs Non-Magic).

Pot of Stew: /* Expected Player Approaches: */

2026-08-12T23:06:17Z

Expected Player Approaches:

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:06, 12 August 2026
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	** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''		** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''
	*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc.		*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc.
	*** IC sexism on both ends is allowed as a feature of the setting, not as a vehicle for something else.		*** - IC sexism on both ends is allowed as a feature of the setting, whether that is drow women dismissing drow men as unfit to lead or a conservative Otavan Psydonite discriminating against women in armor, not as a vehicle for something else.
	*** While normally we would be fine with furry vs non-furry species dynamic, it causes too much OOC tension, so it is best to be avoided.		*** While normally we would be fine with furry vs non-furry species dynamic, it causes too much OOC tension, so it is best to be avoided.
	*** Focus instead on in-universe divisions like fantasy race divides (Elf vs Human, Lupian vs Tabaxi, "Axians are criminals"), class divides (Yeoman vs Peasant), regional rivalries (Grenzelhoft vs Otava), clan loyalties, or magical corruption/tendencies (Magic vs Non-Magic).		*** Focus instead on in-universe divisions like fantasy race divides (Elf vs Human, Lupian vs Tabaxi, "Axians are criminals"), class divides (Yeoman vs Peasant), regional rivalries (Grenzelhoft vs Otava), clan loyalties, or magical corruption/tendencies (Magic vs Non-Magic).

Pot of Stew: /* Expected Player Approaches: */

2026-08-12T23:02:03Z

Expected Player Approaches:

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:02, 12 August 2026
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	*** Avoid general restrictions that '''excessively''' bind others in an unfun way (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.		*** Avoid general restrictions that '''excessively''' bind others in an unfun way (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.
	** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''		** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''
	*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc. ~~IC sexism is allowed, given that it~~		*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc.
	*** IC sexism on both ends is allowed as a feature of the setting, not as a vehicle for something else.		*** IC sexism on both ends is allowed as a feature of the setting, not as a vehicle for something else.
	*** While normally we would be fine with furry vs non-furry species dynamic, it causes too much OOC tension, so it is best to be avoided.		*** While normally we would be fine with furry vs non-furry species dynamic, it causes too much OOC tension, so it is best to be avoided.

Pot of Stew: /* Expected Player Approaches: */

2026-08-12T23:01:43Z

Expected Player Approaches:

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:01, 12 August 2026
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	*** Avoid general restrictions that '''excessively''' bind others in an unfun way (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.		*** Avoid general restrictions that '''excessively''' bind others in an unfun way (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.
	** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''		** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''
	*** ~~Avoid~~ conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc. IC sexism is allowed.		*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc. IC sexism is allowed, given that it
	*** ~~While~~ normally we would be fine with furry vs non-furry species dynamic, it causes too much OOC tension, so it is best to be avoided.		*** IC sexism on both ends is allowed as a feature of the setting, not as a vehicle for something else.
	*** ~~Focus~~ instead on in-universe divisions like fantasy race divides (Elf vs Human, Lupian vs Tabaxi, "Axians are criminals"), class divides (Yeoman vs Peasant), regional rivalries (Grenzelhoft vs Otava), clan loyalties, or magical corruption/tendencies (Magic vs Non-Magic).		*** While normally we would be fine with furry vs non-furry species dynamic, it causes too much OOC tension, so it is best to be avoided.
			*** Focus instead on in-universe divisions like fantasy race divides (Elf vs Human, Lupian vs Tabaxi, "Axians are criminals"), class divides (Yeoman vs Peasant), regional rivalries (Grenzelhoft vs Otava), clan loyalties, or magical corruption/tendencies (Magic vs Non-Magic).

	* '''Slavery exists as a commonplace practice within the setting''', and characters should treat it as such. Unless your character is extremely forward-thinking, you should not act be in active opposition. Opposition would require unusual circumstances: religious conviction, firsthand trauma, or strategic advantage. After all, Astrata believes in order and hierarchy.		* '''Slavery exists as a commonplace practice within the setting''', and characters should treat it as such. Unless your character is extremely forward-thinking, you should not act be in active opposition. Opposition would require unusual circumstances: religious conviction, firsthand trauma, or strategic advantage. After all, Astrata believes in order and hierarchy.

Pot of Stew: /* Expected Player Approaches: */

2026-08-12T22:58:28Z

Expected Player Approaches:

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:58, 12 August 2026
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	*** Fictionalize where you can, as real-world material can hit too close to home for some or can spark ugly political arguments. Fantasy oppression can be engaged with at arm's length.		*** Fictionalize where you can, as real-world material can hit too close to home for some or can spark ugly political arguments. Fantasy oppression can be engaged with at arm's length.
	*** Do not invoke real-world doctrine or legal codes that will cause problems. Think Sharia Law as the Sultan's edicts, which also contradicts the Desert Town setting anyways, as it draws on Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire.		*** Do not invoke real-world doctrine or legal codes that will cause problems. Think Sharia Law as the Sultan's edicts, which also contradicts the Desert Town setting anyways, as it draws on Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire.
	*** Avoid ~~legal~~ restrictions that bind others in an unfun way ~~for arbitrary reasons~~ (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.		*** Avoid general restrictions that '''excessively''' bind others in an unfun way (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.
	** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''		** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''
	*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc. IC sexism is allowed.		*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc. IC sexism is allowed.

Pot of Stew: /* Expected Player Approaches: */

2026-08-12T22:57:06Z

Expected Player Approaches:

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:57, 12 August 2026
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	* '''Dark Themes and Real-World Material'''		* '''Dark Themes and Real-World Material'''
	** '''Dark and uncomfortable themes are welcome and encouraged (e.g., fantasy racism, IC sexism, brutal legal systems, oppressive theocracies, morally repugnant characters).'''		** '''Dark and uncomfortable themes are welcome and encouraged (e.g., fantasy racism, IC sexism, brutal legal systems, oppressive theocracies, morally repugnant characters).'''
	*** Fictionalize where you can, as real-world material can hit too close to home for some. Fantasy oppression can be engaged with at arm's length.		*** Fictionalize where you can, as real-world material can hit too close to home for some or can spark ugly political arguments. Fantasy oppression can be engaged with at arm's length.
	*** Do not invoke real-world doctrine or legal codes that will cause problems. Think Sharia Law as the Sultan's edicts, which also contradicts the Desert Town setting anyways, as it draws on Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire.		*** Do not invoke real-world doctrine or legal codes that will cause problems. Think Sharia Law as the Sultan's edicts, which also contradicts the Desert Town setting anyways, as it draws on Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire.
	*** Avoid legal restrictions that bind others in an unfun way for arbitrary reasons (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.		*** Avoid legal restrictions that bind others in an unfun way for arbitrary reasons (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.

Pot of Stew: /* Expected Player Approaches: */

2026-08-12T22:56:31Z

Expected Player Approaches:

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:56, 12 August 2026
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	* '''Dark Themes and Real-World Material'''		* '''Dark Themes and Real-World Material'''
	** '''Dark and uncomfortable themes are welcome and encouraged (e.g., fantasy racism, IC sexism, brutal legal systems, oppressive theocracies, morally repugnant characters).'''		** '''Dark and uncomfortable themes are welcome and encouraged (e.g., fantasy racism, IC sexism, brutal legal systems, oppressive theocracies, morally repugnant characters).'''
	*** Fictionalize where you can, as real-world material can hit too close to home for some. Fantasy oppression can be engaged with at arm's length.		*** Fictionalize where you can, as real-world material can hit too close to home for some. Fantasy oppression can be engaged with at arm's length.
	*** Do not invoke real-world doctrine or legal codes that will cause problems. Think Sharia Law as the Sultan's edicts, which also contradicts the Desert Town setting anyways, as it draws on Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire.		*** Do not invoke real-world doctrine or legal codes that will cause problems. Think Sharia Law as the Sultan's edicts, which also contradicts the Desert Town setting anyways, as it draws on Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire.
	*** Avoid legal restrictions that bind others in an unfun way for arbitrary reasons (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.		*** Avoid legal restrictions that bind others in an unfun way for arbitrary reasons (e.g., mandatory face coverings, extreme mass movement limits outside of a crisis, etc). These sound interesting in concept but are rarely much fun in practice which is really the main issue.
	** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''		** '''Distrust of outsiders or "otherness" exists organically (e.g., disdain for foreign customs, species-based tensions).'''
	*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc. IC sexism is allowed.		*** Avoid conflating these dynamics with real-world identities, i.e. sexual orientation, skin color, etc. IC sexism is allowed.