Items And Loot Archive
Thread: potions, tomes, voodoo dolls what a nice change
Kelb
Sat May 07, 2005 6:35 pm
#14
KriyaLynKaruna wrote:
Rage of the Jedi?
Rage of the Skywalker?
Rage of the Galactic Civil War?
No.
The new planet and all related content are focused on the neopagan and highly spiritual Wookiees. Perhaps the similarities to other fantasy-type games were intentional, but they have managed to integrate them perfectly into the Star Wars universe. These things don't seem at all out of place on a primitive planet, far from the technological trappings prevalent in other realms, where the Wook are quite happy with their way of life (aside from those pesky slavers & the occasional imp). For anyone that doesn't like the new loot, there's a starport in Kachirho. =)
And if you don't like my comments, your browser has a back button. =P
You said "neopagan"! ... "A follower of any of various religious movements arising chiefly in the United Kingdom and the United States in the late 20th century that combine worship of pagan nature deities, particularly of the earth, with benign witchcraft." The concept is not really applicable to Wookiees who in thelore ofStar Wars lived "a long long time ago" (assumedly far prior to the 20th centure).
Further, this is supposed to be "Rage of the Wookiees", not "Rage of the Wizards", "Rage of Mages" (nice ring to that)or "Rage of the Voodoo Priestess".
Let's take a look at the loot items one at a time, shall we?
- "Voodoo Doll" - "Voodoo" is a proper noun. According to the dictionary, it is the name of a specific religeonpracticed chiefly in Caribbean countries, especially Haiti, syncretized from Roman Catholic ritual elements and the animism and magic of slaves from West Africa, in which a supreme God rules a large pantheon of local and tutelary deities, deified ancestors, and saints, who communicate with believers in dreams, trances, and ritual possessions.
You will notice in the above definition that it is practiced chiefly in Caribbean countries, esp. Haiti. There is no mention of Kashyyyk. It is derived from Catholicism and West African animism ... neither of which is practiced in the Star Wars Universe either. - various "potions" - "Potion" is a Middle English term and can refer to any mixed liquid, especially a drink which has medicinal, poisonous, or magical properties. While I take no offense at the conept of a mixed drink, what I see as inappropriate is the use of a Middle English term, as such terms, while they are no doubt familiar to the developers of this and other SOE MMORPGs (to which Middle English is appropriate), are not present in the Star Wars universe.
I see no problem with the items themselves, but they could have and should have been called something along the lines of "liquid" or "beverage" or even "concoction", but not "potion", "elixir" or "philter". - "Mysterious Tomes" - While "tome" is simply defined as one of several volumes in a series of books or a single large book, the connotation of the word does not fit the Star Wars milieu simply because it is associated (esp. among gamers) with spell books and such.Try to imagineHan Solo calling out, "Hey Chewie! Toss me that Hyperdrive Repair tome!" It just doesn't fit.
There are a number of synonyms more appropriate to the game. A few of these include:book, handbook, manual, periodical, portfolio, text,and volume.
The problem I have here, is that none of these items are Star Wars appropriate. The types of items may be, but not by these names. The type of names used are part of what helps to create and maintain the continuity of the universe. For example, we don't use "warp drive" we use "hyper drive". We fix our ships with "hydrospanners" not with "wrenches". We have "droids", not "robots". Jedi have "lightsabers" not "flaming swords of elemental cold". You get the idea.
The use of the names "voodoo doll", "mysterious tome", and "potion" look an awful lot like generic content that could be dumped into any MMO. It would be nice to see a little more attention to detail on these sort of continuity points.
That said, there is a lot of nice new loot too. This stuff just bugged me... combine it with zoning to different realms through big wooden gates, closed-off maps instead of the wide-open ones we are accustomed to, and CTRL-V map artwork that looks straight out of Heroes of Might and Magic III, it added up to not feeling like my favorite game in my favorite genre. That's all.
That said, there is a lot of nice new loot too. This stuff just bugged me... combine it with zoning to different realms through big wooden gates, closed-off maps instead of the wide-open ones we are accustomed to, and CTRL-V map artwork that looks straight out of Heroes of Might and Magic III, it added up to not feeling like my favorite game in my favorite genre. That's all.
xphil3wrote:
You ever think that maybe wookies have a shamanistic type society where those potions and voodoo dolls might actually make sense for the given culture?
Interesting point xphil3 and I would agree, except according to Lucas and the chief designer for the planet Kashyyyk interviewed in SW Insider two issues ago, the Wookiees' culture is NOT a primitive one. It is a technologically sophisticated culture with a deep understanding of art, architecture, and nature. An advanced society (technologically speaking) that has always chosen a lifestyle that incorporates technology into a harmonious coexistance with nature.
-Demented-
Sun May 08, 2005 12:10 am
#15
You do realize you are making these comments about a game that centers around Telekinetics with Glowing Swords right?
J3rkfish wrote:
Melneck wrote:
except you ARE playing a star wars game...
Yea, wow. I was going to agree with the original poster at first because as I read it I agreed in terms of more loot drops and actually getting things but then BAM! Hit with that wizards and warlock comment. NO WAY! This is a STAR WARS game. The only reason I it instead of EQ or WOW. The Wizards and Warlock thing is extremely old, overused and boring. That last thing this game needs is a turn in that direction.
Now just for that I thinkt he devs need to make a Couruscant expansion with nothing but chrome loot (cause "Everythings chrome in the future!" 10 pts who who knows what thats from).
On a more serious note, the weapons, ships and cybernetics make up for the potions and whatnot.
J3rkfish
Sun May 08, 2005 12:32 am
#16
-Demented- wrote:
You do realize you are making these comments about a game that centers around Telekinetics with Glowing Swords right?
J3rkfish wrote:
Melneck wrote:
except you ARE playing a star wars game...
Yea, wow. I was going to agree with the original poster at first because as I read it I agreed in terms of more loot drops and actually getting things but then BAM! Hit with that wizards and warlock comment. NO WAY! This is a STAR WARS game. The only reason I it instead of EQ or WOW. The Wizards and Warlock thing is extremely old, overused and boring. That last thing this game needs is a turn in that direction.
Now just for that I thinkt he devs need to make a Couruscant expansion with nothing but chrome loot (cause "Everythings chrome in the future!" 10 pts who who knows what thats from).
On a more serious note, the weapons, ships and cybernetics make up for the potions and whatnot.
The movies center around telekenetics with glowing swords. The game centers around a futuristic galaxy far away in the middle of a civil war between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire, full of laser guns, space ships, floating bikes and interplanetary travel. Jedi are just a part of this game, not the center.
AmadisdeLully
Sun May 08, 2005 2:54 am
#17
I think Kashyyyk is in the same spirit as the Endor feel in ROTJ. It is all cool. It is fun to mix it up a bit and it does show how cold Imperial Technology and earthy Wookiee "Primitive" can exist side by side.
Electro5
Sun May 08, 2005 7:13 am
#19
As already said, the loot is based on the fact that the different groups on this planet are not the uber-civilized high tech ones. This is a very spiritulistic society, not one based on high tech stuff. Ever notice that other than the bowcasters, most of the different groups (aside from the Trandos and Rodians) don't use guns, but all melee weapons?
If you really don't like it, take it to the junk dealer and sell it. Thats actually what the description says its for, hehe.
Joeh
Sun May 08, 2005 8:31 am
#20
1st. Jedi arn't the center of the game, like so many others have said. Though yes Jedi arealot like 'wizards' 'warlocks' 'witchs' and other scum of the universe...
But realise... What does Dathomir have? WITCHS. When were they made? BEFORE SWG. Who fears these witchs? Even Yoda and Palpatine..... The 'evil EQII feel' of Kashyyyk doesnt change Kashyyyk. Its that way in many games.
2nd. Star Wars was origionally our 33rd century, and the narator's view point was in the extremely far future...in another galaxy....... Because I havn't yet to see any other Material to state otherwise...makes you wonder. Are we still in our real life's future like Lucas origionally intended?
Cowboy13
Sun May 08, 2005 10:49 am
#21
Joeh wrote:
2nd. Star Wars was origionally our 33rd century, and the narator's view point was in the extremely far future...in another galaxy....... Because I havn't yet to see any other Material to state otherwise...makes you wonder. Are we still in our real life's future like Lucas origionally intended?
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
Joeh
Sun May 08, 2005 11:48 am
#22
Like I said, that could be the narator's perspective, not ours.
Trust me, I'm a freak, I have no life. Im not that stupid.
Kelb
Sun May 08, 2005 2:41 pm
#23
Joeh wrote:
Like I said, that could be the narator's perspective, not ours.
Trust me, I'm a freak, I have no life. Im not that stupid.
Yeah! and monkeys may fly out of my ...
Wait! Was that a monkey that just flew out of your butt?
-Demented-
Sun May 08, 2005 3:50 pm
#24
ohs to the noes someone got pwnt
Cowboy13 wrote:
Joeh wrote:
2nd. Star Wars was origionally our 33rd century, and the narator's view point was in the extremely far future...in another galaxy....... Because I havn't yet to see any other Material to state otherwise...makes you wonder. Are we still in our real life's future like Lucas origionally intended?
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
KriyaLynKaruna
Mon May 09, 2005 1:54 pm
#25
"And if you don't like my comments, your browser has a back button. =P"
Uhhh.... hi, welcome to the forums, where the purpose is the exhchange of ideas, comments and discussion.
You said "neopagan"!
Yes, and I see you can access m-w.com! Hooray; this was exactly my intention. Seeing as the majority of forum memembers will be Earthlings, I used an easily defined modern term to describe the nature-based, goddess-worshipping relgious practices of the Wook. I was not suggesting that they would actually describe themselves as neopagan, nor that the term would be used in the actual Star Wars Universe.
'"Potion" is a Middle English term ...and should have been called something along the lines of "liquid" or "beverage" or even "concoction", but not "potion", "elixir" or "philter". "Mysterious Tomes" - While "tome" is simply defined as one of several volumes in a series of books or a single large book, the connotation of the word does not fit the Star Wars milieu simply because it is associated (esp. among gamers) with spell books and such. Try to imagine Han Solo calling out, "Hey Chewie! Toss me that Hyperdrive Repair tome!" It just doesn't fit.'
This is exactly why you don't see Hyperdrive Repair Tomes or Droid Lubricating Potions.... you see "mystical" tomes and various potions, components, and other mojo used by the "insert whatever magick-using religious tribe adjective you prefer" Sayormi/Kerritamba (and probably Nightsister, Singing Mountain Clan, Pawnshee, etc). The shamanistic trappings of Kashyyyk are just another aspect of the Star Wars universe that has always been there but is just being more fully explored.
To say that words like voodoo and potion shouldn't be used is absolutely silly. The vast majority of items in the game are modern english words. For what reason would we have "guns" and "brandy" but not potion or voodoo? Should the devs replace all of the words we use here on Earth with more Star Wars-y terms?
Uhhh.... hi, welcome to the forums, where the purpose is the exhchange of ideas, comments and discussion.
You said "neopagan"!
Yes, and I see you can access m-w.com! Hooray; this was exactly my intention. Seeing as the majority of forum memembers will be Earthlings, I used an easily defined modern term to describe the nature-based, goddess-worshipping relgious practices of the Wook. I was not suggesting that they would actually describe themselves as neopagan, nor that the term would be used in the actual Star Wars Universe.
'"Potion" is a Middle English term ...and should have been called something along the lines of "liquid" or "beverage" or even "concoction", but not "potion", "elixir" or "philter". "Mysterious Tomes" - While "tome" is simply defined as one of several volumes in a series of books or a single large book, the connotation of the word does not fit the Star Wars milieu simply because it is associated (esp. among gamers) with spell books and such. Try to imagine Han Solo calling out, "Hey Chewie! Toss me that Hyperdrive Repair tome!" It just doesn't fit.'
This is exactly why you don't see Hyperdrive Repair Tomes or Droid Lubricating Potions.... you see "mystical" tomes and various potions, components, and other mojo used by the "insert whatever magick-using religious tribe adjective you prefer" Sayormi/Kerritamba (and probably Nightsister, Singing Mountain Clan, Pawnshee, etc). The shamanistic trappings of Kashyyyk are just another aspect of the Star Wars universe that has always been there but is just being more fully explored.
To say that words like voodoo and potion shouldn't be used is absolutely silly. The vast majority of items in the game are modern english words. For what reason would we have "guns" and "brandy" but not potion or voodoo? Should the devs replace all of the words we use here on Earth with more Star Wars-y terms?
Stakex007
Mon May 09, 2005 9:27 pm
#26
-Demented- wrote:
please check post counts Force Sensitives vs all...its a game about Jedi...its a Galaxy concerning Jedi...the Movies, Games, Books, Novels, Toys are centric to Jedi
J3rkfish wrote:
-Demented- wrote:
You do realize you are making these comments about a game that centers around Telekinetics with Glowing Swords right?
J3rkfish wrote:
Melneck wrote:
except you ARE playing a star wars game...
Yea, wow. I was going to agree with the original poster at first because as I read it I agreed in terms of more loot drops and actually getting things but then BAM! Hit with that wizards and warlock comment. NO WAY! This is a STAR WARS game. The only reason I it instead of EQ or WOW. The Wizards and Warlock thing is extremely old, overused and boring. That last thing this game needs is a turn in that direction.
Now just for that I thinkt he devs need to make a Couruscant expansion with nothing but chrome loot (cause "Everythings chrome in the future!" 10 pts who who knows what thats from).
On a more serious note, the weapons, ships and cybernetics make up for the potions and whatnot.
The movies center around telekenetics with glowing swords. The game centers around a futuristic galaxy far away in the middle of a civil war between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire, full of laser guns, space ships, floating bikes and interplanetary travel. Jedi are just a part of this game, not the center.
This is NOT a game about Jedi... Jedi are just in this game to apease the power gamers. Hell I, and my friends spend days sometimes without ever seeing a jedi. If this was a game about jedi then everyone would be a Jedi, and ALL the games content would be for Jedi. Yea, the devs put an amazingly high amount of their dev time into the Jedi portion of the game, but again just to please the power gamers.
Jedi are but a small portion of this game. Most players never have considered being a jedi, and could really care less to be one. So what the FS has a high post count... that proves? Exaclly nothing since a fraction of players acctually use the boards. Just becasue Jedi are your center of attntion in the game... a lot of people have absolutly nothing to do with them. Meaning they are NOT the center of the game. Know what you are talking about before you make an idiot out of yourself.