I continue to mull ideas for my ambitiously-sprawling Highlands fantasy game of questing knights and teenage struggle. For fans of RPGS, Mercedes Lackey, &/or Shelved by Genre—what are the defining traits of the Valdemar books to you? (Signal boosts for reach appreciated, if you’ve no answer.) - ThreadSky

wildwoodsgames.bsky.social • 83 days ago

I continue to mull ideas for my ambitiously-sprawling Highlands fantasy game of questing knights and teenage struggle.

For fans of RPGS, Mercedes Lackey, &/or Shelved by Genre—what are the defining traits of the Valdemar books to you?

(Signal boosts for reach appreciated, if you’ve no answer.)

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proctor013.bsky.social•48 days ago

Try listening to Mercedes songs based on the Valdemar series.

val-ritz.bsky.social•83 days ago

One of the core themes that I think should be kept central is "stark, unabridged danger is nevertheless overcome by radical kindness."

The Valdemar books don't shy away from how dark the setting can get, but if you are willing to throw yourself into the fight, it will be won.

ritarepulsa.bsky.social•83 days ago

I’m a big Mercedes Lackey fan. I’d say heroic protagonists who don’t fit into the world around them (a classic of any teen genre but it feels important). Often they get a cool magic item (talking sword, angel-horse) or power.
Also fair amount of small-scale interpersonal conflict and pastoral scenes

ritarepulsa.bsky.social•83 days ago

As I typed this out, I realized that the system I would currently use to run a Valdemar game would be Chuubos.

itsmeant.bsky.social•81 days ago

What stayed with me was the way the books created magic that was rooted in rules that make sense to how our own world works. It felt simultaneously natural and completely fantastical.

sprintingowl.bsky.social•83 days ago

On a character level, psychic bonds, trauma and comfort, finding a place to thrive.

On a setting level, balkanized, isolated rural pockets.

Weirdly of all things Roadwarden has given me the closest vibe to the Valdemar books. Its topics and tone are diametrically opposed, but it feels v. similar.

sprintingowl.bsky.social•83 days ago

I should clarify that I read *a lot* of Mercedes Lackey as a kid, but I don't think I actually enjoyed any of it, so I may not be an idea answerer for this question.

It does keep creeping into my writing influences though.

wildwoodsgames.bsky.social•83 days ago

It’s useful data still! And that’s a great pull on Roadwarden—on reflecting on my experience of that game, you’re right that there’s an overlapping vibe.

sprintingowl.bsky.social•83 days ago

Super different in thesis though!

Roadwarden has a lot of conflicted things to say about the outward push of empire, and Valdemar's perspective is "you just need a good monarch instead of a bad one and then border expansion is good."

uselrei1500.bsky.social•83 days ago

I'm always excited for a Luke game even though I am completely unfamiliar with the touchstones you mentioned above.

And I mean Highlands fantasy game is definitely my jam... Even if I'd only want to play a drover.

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