Balance between pre existing cultures for races and a player driven world

Something I have wondered since DAY ONE of hearing about this game can be summed up thusly:

To what extent are the players CREATING culture for each race/the world of verra and to what extent are they celebrating/imitating pre existing culture as determined by intrepid?

Another, more narrow way to ask this is ‘am I choosing a vek because they look cool or because they are a people who heavily focus on fate and guidance from the stars?’

It’s hard to really settle this in my head when Steven is reluctant to reveal any significant lore for the present day setting of the world. I just wonder how keeping all of that close to the chest during open development will restrict players decisions when they start out.
Perhaps they’re just anticipating a MASSIVE exploration of the lore once alpha two begins, which would sort of function to catch players up with lore to the extent that they’re appreciative of gameplay systems.

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Junastra

I want culture to exist in a meaningful, systemic way in this game, rather than being something I can only expect in RP servers. I have yet to play an MMO which really cares about this (not that I’ve played that many) but I hope this game will be just as ambitious with its lore as it is with its gameplay systems

Songcaller

I've chosen Vaelune because I love Night Elves. Might sound strange but the Elves in Ashes aren't my cup of tea. I love magical marks and also beautiful faces. Vaelune are based on Jinn and I will also be an Enchanter. In my mind, I've chosen the race and class based on my past experiences rather than Steven's interpretation of the lore. Can't tell you anything about the Vaelune in general besides the fact they are linked to the Jinn and have Essence Tears in their physical forms. My sort of style for my toon really.

Junastra

Neurath wrote: »

I've chosen Vaelune because I love Night Elves. Might sound strange but the Elves in Ashes aren't my cup of tea. I love magical marks and also beautiful faces. Vaelune are based on Jinn and I will also be an Enchanter. In my mind, I've chosen the race and class based on my past experiences rather than Steven's interpretation of the lore. Can't tell you anything about the Vaelune in general besides the fact they are linked to the Jinn and have Essence Tears in their physical forms. My sort of style for my toon really.

And I guess if we insert your rationale in for the average player, that would strike me as the typical MMORPG standard for choosing a character. This is not in any way a critique of you, but I just wish there were other variables we were EXPECTED to take into account when creating our characters. What are the worlds that these races come from like? to what extent are they bringing the values of those worlds back to verra? and how will my individual character's relationship to those values inform the type of node I'm going to invest in, the class I chose, the professions I choose, etc?

I just want everything to be as intuitively integratable as possible. I want this game to be a haven for imagination, but it needs SOME fundamental narrative beats upon which to build that imagination!

Songcaller

What are the worlds that these races come from like?

Sanctus is a special place void of magic. We've returned to Verra and inherited the old ways. I feel connected to the Jinn thanks to the portals and I will continue to grow closer to my Jinn roots as time flows on Verra. It was difficult without magic on Sanctus but the Goddess provided other distractions. Now I feel connected to the Goddess and free to explore my deeper desires.

to what extent are they bringing the values of those worlds back to verra?

There is a tenacious aspect to the characters. There were struggles, hardships and losses. There were miracles, boons and blessings. The characters are now trying to rebuild a world that once was. My character hails from the deserts and will return to the deserts. There were master crafts in terms of building, crafting, processing and gathering. There were also lessons in trade, community and companionship.

how will my individual character's relationship to those values inform the type of node I'm going to invest in, the class I chose, the professions I choose?

I've found the best way to approach the situation is to select what you deem to be best suited to your own preferences. I've swapped from gatherer to processor because my toon is fascinated with farmland and the abundance of Verra. She did not want to break the rocks, harvest the plants or chop the trees. She wanted to promote life, wellbeing and healthy eating. Where she will end up is anyone's guess though lol.

Caww

chose the cool looking toons for your account, their won't be enough min/maxing features to make a difference, otherwise, if a philosophical perspective interests you, start reading the wiki for guidence

Depraved

MrAmoranth wrote: »

Neurath wrote: »

I've chosen Vaelune because I love Night Elves. Might sound strange but the Elves in Ashes aren't my cup of tea. I love magical marks and also beautiful faces. Vaelune are based on Jinn and I will also be an Enchanter. In my mind, I've chosen the race and class based on my past experiences rather than Steven's interpretation of the lore. Can't tell you anything about the Vaelune in general besides the fact they are linked to the Jinn and have Essence Tears in their physical forms. My sort of style for my toon really.

And I guess if we insert your rationale in for the average player, that would strike me as the typical MMORPG standard for choosing a character. This is not in any way a critique of you, but I just wish there were other variables we were EXPECTED to take into account when creating our characters. What are the worlds that these races come from like? to what extent are they bringing the values of those worlds back to verra? and how will my individual character's relationship to those values inform the type of node I'm going to invest in, the class I chose, the professions I choose, etc?

I just want everything to be as intuitively integratable as possible. I want this game to be a haven for imagination, but it needs SOME fundamental narrative beats upon which to build that imagination!

read the lore in a2 and pick ;3

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