Underworld Architecture

[Deleted]

Hello, all,

Long-time browser, first-time poster. I'm gearing up to run EPT for the first time, and I'm starting to hammer together "my" Jakálla Underworld. I've been referencing some of Planet Algol's stuff here (http://planetalgol.blogspot.com/2011/09/semi-random-megadungeon-saturday-night.html) as well as some of the other fine work floating around - badger2305's "You, too, can run EPT" thread has been beyond useful, especially in delineating the different "layers" that a Tsolyáni Underworld would possess.

This is where I'm hitting a (probably self-imposed) roadblock, though - I want to make these levels distinct from one another, but I don't really have a handle on the "architectural shorthand" of Tekumél. Other than differing script, how do you folks handle this? I've copied the listing by layer from the "you too" thread, here - does anyone have any tips (or links to resources) on making one layer's architecture recognizably distinct from another, from a player's perspective? 


Cellars, sewers and tunnels



I. Recent Era

- Most recent Ditlána – for Jakálla, this would be 1850 A.S. or earlier

- “Classical” Tsolyáni – somewhere during the first few centuries of the Second Imperium

- Interregnum – Time of legendary heroes and wizards



II. Engsvanyali Era

- Late Engsvanyáli – The Golden Age, marked by artistic and scientific advancement

- Middle Engsvanyáli – The Golden Age, development of the arts of sorcery

- Early Engsvanyáli – Transition from the Bednálljan era; discovery of the “Good” Gods



III. Bednálljan Era

- Late First Imperium – Development of literature, art and culture – under warlike autocratic rule

- Early or Middle First Imperium – Time of Queen Nayári and her non-human servitors

- Fisherman Kings – Contact made with Lord Ksárul



IV. Ancient Eras

- Dragon Warriors – Contact made with Lord Vimúhla and (some) of the other “Evil” Gods.

- Three States of the Triangle (in southern and central Tsolyánu) – battled the Chyrstálli and the Mihálli

- Llyáni Empire – little if anything known



V. Time of Darkness

- Time of Darkness – breakdown of sparefaring civilization; growing barbarism

- Pre-Time of Darkness – incredibly powerful technology, almost all of it incomprehensible



All assistance appreciated in advance.

 - DYA

[greentongue]

Yes, hitting a self-imposed roadblock.
How likely is it that the characters will have any idea about the detailed history?
Are they going to be history scholars or have that as a secondary hobby?
(Indiana Jones style character)
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[Deleted]

In scrolling through the "questioning Chirine" thread over on therpgsite, I'm seeing broad references to modern/classical Tsolyani architecture as "South Asian," Engsvanyali architecture as "Egyptian," and Bednálljan as "Mesoamerican" - I think those are useful enough references, at least as touchstones (with the usual "Tekumel cultures aren't Earth cultures etc." disclaimers).

[greentongue]

Sounds like a functional solution.
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[bigjackbrass]

If you want to emphasise the age and distance of some levels to the current civilisation, consider how different things like Brutalist and Rococo architecture are. Relatively unadorned constructions with sleek, spare lines would be quite exotic to the typical Tsolyáni.

[greentongue]

ORIGINALLY FOUND POSTED ELSEWHERE:

Good to see new content for Tekumel, and Dyson does good work.
Here are some links:
Main link rpgcharacters.wordpress.com/maps/my-private-jakalla/

plus.google.com/u/0/+DysonLogos/posts/XzxUKfYTWmf?sfc=true
plus.google.com/u/0/+DysonLogos/posts/1gdUw7LV5rW?sfc=true

[grodog]

Also: from a dungeon level design POV, you can emphasize such architectural differences across historical eras by intentionally using different dungeon features when designing levels from differing eras. For example:

- ERA A: wooden doors with bronze banding and elaborate pull-handles; commonly barred
- ERA B: stone doors with carvings that match the carvings along the walls/floors/ceilings; in most cases doors treated as concealed doors when closed (unless broken/already opened)
- ERA C: no doors, just open archways

or

- ERA A: pit traps are always 20' deep and open (no covered pits)
- ERA B: pit traps are covered, and vary in depth from 10' to 80' (with 33% having spikes at the bottom, and half of all spikes being poisoned)
- ERA C: pit traps are covered, 10-120' keep, and self-closing (pit trap lid seals the pit closed after PCs fall in); 33% of pits fall into spaces with exits at the bottom (i.e., into a lower level), with half of those exits being secret doors and the other half being open/easily accessible

Etc.

[greentongue]

Dyson does more work:
plus.google.com/u/0/+DysonLogos/posts/XzxUKfYTWmf?sfc=true

[greentongue]

For those interested Dyson is up to map G
rpgcharacters.wordpress.com/maps/my-private-jakalla/
These are great for those that want their own version of Tekumel and not "The Professor's".

While there is certainly nothing wrong with trying to copy the Official version.
As far as I am concerned, there is no requirement to do so.
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[Deleted]

This is a great thread, just the links in the first post alone are fascinating. This is a rabbit hole I have never ventured down, but always wondered about. Down I go.