Questionable Questing

In the 1800's the average number of kids people had in the US was 7, so really like I said with industrialization, you don't need to introduce steam engines or anything to the setting, but stuff like the printing press, more advanced metalworking, alchemy and potion making slowly evolving into more modern chemistry.

There's a lot of things you can do to still keep the medieval setting while showing how much things are changing in the background. I do think with how big the North is they won't have to worry about overcrowding for awhile at least and i don't think you or Jakel plan on having a sequel to the setting set fifty years into the future.

Nah we don't. We do plan to run the new quest for a long while

I do have a cool idea for the Wolf and Dragon in Hurik if you want to hear. Quick dip in tub then out to chat.

Would love to hear it once you get back.

The Old Gods speak in Legion. They are represented by many direwolves of different voices who speak together. They revel in passion and hunger and action. Massive mind breaking orgies. Sensory overload hypnotics. Acting true to rawer feelings, embracing the animal inside. They push the boundaries of consent and gnaw at reason. They seek fellowship and fun, glad to invite allies and strengthen others who are loyal.

The Valyrian dragonlord's sorcery has an avatar of a courtly figure with a massive draconic shadow or a great dragon king in armored form. A hidden council of lost gods of flame and stone and empire hide behind this shape while the main reprehensive advises on glory and the needs of the House.

For that the magic of the dragons is lava and heat, the dragon's voice is cold and stark. They harbor greed for power and plans of conquest. Where the Old Gods act on honor or rage. The Dragon is brutal and controlled. Everything is for the advancement of position, family, or proving might.

The Old Gods scheme deadly pranks and deceptions as part of cunning plans but would bargain in a personable way. Ensuring friendships via wrestling and drinking contests. They care for the growth of the crops and the fertility of the women and the will of the men. Content with acting upon desire or seeking the way to more to be known and welcomed. Yet, they are cruel and dark with malice when angered

The Dragon proves points. The Old Gods punish and would whisper to Hurik dreadful bloody wrath if insulted or harmed. Where the Dragon is majestic and high, the Old Gods are laughing and low.

Nice. You know as a good gameplay mechanic, you could have choices that would solely benefit Hurik and are more selfish or cruel be flavored with hint from the dragon side and one's that are more about personal sacrifice and helping other people at your expense be with the wolf.

But also at the same token, and so it doesn't devolve into a sole good versus evil cheap morality system, have the Dragon speak up when your building or planning something bi, represent ambition, or like you said proving a point or passing judgement. If Hurik chooses to kill someone for a crime for example, the dragon should be in charge. Since he's judging them beneath him.

Structured vs fluid chaos is how Jackal put it when I described it to him. And yeah ambition for the dragon while the Wolves are great for dark druid rituals and rustic warlord charisma. Its notable the dragon is better at diplomacy. The Wolves are great with friends. People they don't like or don't care for? Not so great.

What that quote from the prince, better to be feared than loved, but you should strive to be both. That's the vibes I'm getting with the dragon.

Dragon has flavoring from Tywin with more of a likable side. It is for power and the standing of the house. It is for greater things. Wolf acts on principles that are personal and that has benefits but also I point to Theon Stark and how violent he was when his homeland was attacked. Or the Hour of the Wolf

The Dragon wants worship. Respect. Adoration. Service and obligation. It is imperial and impersonal. Yet its goal is for the personal. To have Hurik be strong and happy for his family and himself. And Ygrite to be highest of servants. Her and Hurik's relationship will be a major part of new thread and how the players define that mess.

In between the Dragon and Wolf is Hurik's ideals from Ned and Arryn and Stannis and particularly Barristan. His idea that a knight is just.

You'll note the Dragon and Wolf aren't about being good over bad. That's Hurik's job to think on

Sounds pretty personal rather than external. How real are these images of wolves and dragons in terms of mystical power?

Is Hurik just imagining things or is his magic going to develop characteristics of both? Will he be able to speak and be influenced by his Stark and Valerian ancestors? Is the prophecy his birth dad was obsessed with at play at all? Don't answer that last part, in case of spoilers.