Thread: Questioning chirine ba kal - part II

Originally Posted by Greentongue

How likely is stumbling on "an abandoned temple" in the "wilderness"?

Is there always someone using one and how long can be expected before they find out that it has been "looted"?

I assume that a "forgotten tomb" would be more likely but how much more?
Would the locals know about these even if it is not common knowledge?
Same question about how long before someone notices it has been disturbed?
=

Pretty good, I think; Phil based this on his time in South Asia, where you get layers and layers of forgotten civilizations lying around. See also Catherwood's accounts of his 'discovery' of the Mayan cities, or the wonderful book "The Road To Ubar" where the modern explorers pretty much trip over the 'lost city'. Usually, the locals are quite aware of the location, as they've been fooling around in the ruins picking up goodies and using the stonework for their own buildings. The ruined city of Amarna, which Phil was very familiar with, has a name in Arabic that means "place where things are picked up".

In Phil's experience, there was always somebody still worshipping at the 'lost temple'; during his visit to Egypt in the early 1960s, he noticed that somebody was still laying offerings of flowers on the altars of the gods in the ruined temples, despite centuries of Islamic worship in the same area. (As he put it, "somebody is hedging their bets.") He was of the opinion that the locals would notice any looting or exploration pretty quickly - teenagers - and so we always made sure to make gifts to the local villagers (if any, admittedly) before we went into any ruins.

Tombs are a little different; these can indeed be completely forgotten, as with Tutankhamun's. Again, propitiate the locals before you dig; they will have a pretty good idea of what your up to - teenagers, again - and so being polite is always a good idea, as they may very well have opinions on casual looting going on in their locale.

In short, get to the locals quickly, as they'll be aware of what you're up to just as quickly. And, they are also very helpful sources of information and assistance, if treated properly. (Does not apply to Milumaniya, where all they want to do is eat you.)

Originally Posted by chirine ba kal

Again, propitiate the locals before you dig; they will have a pretty good idea of what your up to - teenagers, again - and so being polite is always a good idea, as they may very well have opinions on casual looting going on in their locale.

This is an excellent point.

From personal experience in the South Pacific, I can assure you that whenever you visit an area under the control/supervision of a local tribe/village, you first visit said tribe/village before forging ahead with your little adventure. When you think about it, it's just plain old courtesy.

At the tribe/village, you meet the elder(s) in front of the inhabitants. You bring along gifts, which almost always consist of simple, inexpensive, nonperishable bits and bobs, such as coffee, a bit of money (a couple of hundred dollars at most), sugar perhaps too, all wrapped up in nice, clean and colorful cloth. It's all about showing that you are thankful for the welcome and that you respect the local customs.

You make a speech by way of which you express your thanks, after which you give away your gift. The elder(s) then make their own welcoming speech and that's that. After a few more person to person words, you leave, knowing that everybody affiliated to the tribe/village and living in the area will know that you are around that you are A-Ok.

On Tekumel, as Chirine mentions, you would use your speech to mention that you hope to hire local guides, etc. Roleplay opportunities ensue! (and perhaps mayhem too).

Originally Posted by Neshm hiKumala

This is an excellent point.

From personal experience in the South Pacific, I can assure you that whenever you visit an area under the control/supervision of a local tribe/village, you first visit said tribe/village before forging ahead with your little adventure. When you think about it, it's just plain old courtesy.

At the tribe/village, you meet the elder(s) in front of the inhabitants. You bring along gifts, which almost always consist of simple, inexpensive, nonperishable bits and bobs, such as coffee, a bit of money (a couple of hundred dollars at most), sugar perhaps too, all wrapped up in nice, clean and colorful cloth. It's all about showing that you are thankful for the welcome and that you respect the local customs.

You make a speech by way of which you express your thanks, after which you give away your gift. The elder(s) then make their own welcoming speech and that's that. After a few more person to person words, you leave, knowing that everybody affiliated to the tribe/village and living in the area will know that you are around that you are A-Ok.

On Tekumel, as Chirine mentions, you would use your speech to mention that you hope to hire local guides, etc. Roleplay opportunities ensue! (and perhaps mayhem too).

Precisely!!! Exactly!!!

I meet too many players who can't even think to tip the innkeeper for some rumors.

Originally Posted by Gronan of Simmerya

I meet too many players who can't even think to tip the innkeeper for some rumors.

IME, the problem is quickly solved if at least one player in the group thinks of it.

Originally Posted by Gronan of Simmerya

I meet too many players who can't even think to tip the innkeeper for some rumors.

It's not just newbies. I can think of some veteran players who consistently make this error, in fact three immediately come to mind.

To my fellow Canucks on this thread, if any, Happy Canada Day!

Shemek.