Hi, I'm thinking if starting another NES, because my other one isn't doing to well, and doesn't take much effort to mod. My idea is a fantasy freshstart, with players choosing a race and then making a nation. For races, I have the following ideas (they break the stereotype a bit):
Humans: The humans are finally losing their stranglehold on politics. For the last century, they have dominated the nearby continents through military force and cunning alliances. Most humans have been united under one empire: Illtan. However, a crippling rebellion by the freedom movement Tanda has brought the once-mighty empire to its knees. Now, successor states have sprung up, like plants after a wildfire, filling the empty space. Illtan still remains, but its problems do, too. Corrupt officials and a string if cruel tyrants threatens to erase the legendary kingdom.
Elves: Elves are an... Interesting race. They had their beginnings in the center of the Il-Kragnar desert, and still retain strong ties to the sandy plain. Their nomadic ways, reminiscent of desert living, are a strong part of their racial identity, and they are uncomfortable staying in one place for too long. Elves usually are constantly on the move, transporting their goods to the next location in perpetuity. However, they are beginning to settle down, often in warlike city-states, who survive off raiding and pillaging. The elves are a race geared towards warfare, with their agile bodies and above average strength, most elven societies use this to the best of their abilities.
Dwarves: Dwarves are a forest-loving race, and mostly stick to the woods. Recently, though, they have began to move outwards, and are currently in many areas. The dwarves themselves are very mechanically minded, and often employ simple steam technology in their warfare. They usually live high off the ground, either in treehouses or manmade high-rise structures.
Gnomes: The gnomes are traders, as simple as that. They love money, and will do anything to get their hands on it. Natural bargainers, they also are above average diplomats. Their small stature and frail bodies has led them to avoid warfare, and no major conflict including the gnomes has ever been recorded. The gnomes tend to live in large cities in the coast or on rivers, and often near the mountains.
I am also planning on including magic. I don't know how it wil be handled yet, but it will most definitely include making golems to fight, aiding public works, and using the magic during warfare.
The time period will be about 1700, and there will be a slight steampunk flair (sorry optical, it has to he done.)
Thoughts, suggestions, questions, ideas or critiques?