Design Notes-Real World Comparisions

(originally posted here)

In the interest of helping create a frame of reference for people who aren't intimately familiar with Mythosa, the list below details different elements of the world and what they may be similar to or inspired by from actual history or other real world sources. Now, not everything in Mythosa was inspired by something in particular - some elements are original, and some (i.e.; polytheism, a magical cataclysm, etc.) are recognizable fantasy tropes. More importantly, the elements of Mythosa that are inspired by other sources are not meant to be literal translations. For instance, the Aesric are similar to the Celts, but one shouldn't expect them to be identical to the Celts of actual history.

Note that if something isn't listed, it's either not based on anything specific or it's based on something so general to fantasy that comparison isn't necessary.

Adonhim: Combination of "Adonis" and "Elohim". Monotheistic faith inspired by extremist elements of Western religion through the ages (not meant to be taken as a negative commentary on Christianity/Islam/Judaism; simply makes for an interesting story; goes against the grain of typical fantasy religion).

Aesric: Celts

Amaranth: Like Venice architecturally (canals, bridges). Economically similar to a Renaissance Italian city-state.

Atharys: Northern European/British Isles

Calythir: Economically similar to a Renaissance Italian city-state

Cerunn/Earth Mother/Faith of the Earth Mother: The Earth Mother is the archetypical earth goddess. "Cerunn" is obviously derived from "Cerunnos". Cerunn is the Horned God/Green Man.

Fourth Age: This time is like the "Dark Ages" after the fall of the Roman Empire, though obviously with the standard anachronisms typical to a D&D world. The collapse of Marasinia was more devastating, however, so the Fourth Age should be looked at more like a post-apocalyptic fantasy world, though obviously not as severe as, say, Dark Sun. Overall it's probably best compared to the late Early Middle Ages.

Gods of the Outer Dark: Lovecraft/Cthulhu Mythos

Ilmara: The grand city of Mythosa. Comparable to Greyhawk, Waterdeep, Lankhmar, City-State of the Invincible Overlord, etc. Also serves the role of Venice in regards to the trading cities of Karnathas

Karnathas: Europe

Khemsa: Egypt

Kyrgar: Scythians

Llyrnan Sea: Mediterranean Sea

Malgotha: Atlantis, Lemuria, or Mu

Marasinia: The standard "great empire" of history and literature. Comparable to: 4E's Nerath, historical Roman Empire, Hyboria's Acheron, FR's Netheril, etc.

Marrshites: Mediterraneans (mix of southern/southeastern Europe, eastern Mediterranean, and north African)

Morrahir: Megadungeon. Comparable to Castle Greyhawk, FR's Undermountain, other "old school" megadungeons.

Qeshan Empire: Persia

Second Age: This would be the time of the ancient empires, similar to Earth's Classical period. The Second Age powers are Mythosa's versions of ancient Egypt, Sumeria, Assyria, Persia, etc. (though not necessarily in that historical order).

Sekhemet: Vecna

Shaarizad: Big Bad of the gods. Compare to: Greyhawk/4E's Tharizdun, Hyboria's Set, etc.

Skalnir: Scandanavian and Teutonic (northern Europe, British)

Syrhaat: India

Taelan: Scottish Highlanders (Highlander, Braveheart)

Third Age: The Third Age is akin to the time when Rome dominated Europe and the Mediterranean. In Mythosa, the world was dominated by the Marasinian Empire. Technologically more advanced than the Roman Empire; ruins left behind from this age would be closer to Medieval than Classical, though the transition between the two would have taken place during this age, so a mix can be found.

Varghani: Arabic and African

Vykir: Vikings

Xucatl: Aztec or Mayan

Zammut: Assyrian or Sumerian (?)

Zarkhir, east: Mixture of the Sahara and the Arabian Peninsula. Cities would be (fantasy) Arabic.

Zarkhir, west: Rain forests and jungles, a mix of South America and central Africa. Cultural more like the Aztecs, Incans, and Mayans.

Zeldora: As Ilmara is to Venice, Zeldora is to Genoa.