Judges of Tehom: Thematic Essays - Revision history

Nevermet: /* From Struggle, Victory */

2014-12-20T18:23:10Z

From Struggle, Victory

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:23, 20 December 2014
Line 22:		Line 22:

	===From Struggle, Victory===		===From Struggle, Victory===
	Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi.		Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi.






	*
	*

	*Tehom is not a world of war as we understand it. There is violence, yes, but not war. Despite the occasional attacks by Hadlaians and fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the defining form of violence is

	==Tehom & Classical Analogs==		==Tehom & Classical Analogs==

Nevermet: /* Tehom: Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident */

2014-12-20T18:22:52Z

Tehom: Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:22, 20 December 2014
Line 10:		Line 10:
	For the purposes of this essay, a "grimdark" is an adjective that describes a set of three genre expectations. First, The world is drab visually. It is associated with muted colors. Second, the setting is violent in a way that is generally constant, extreme, and destabilizing. Often, this violence takes the form of outright war. Safety is a rare luxury in grimdark settings, and threats are pervasive. This constant violence creates a destabilizing pressure on the social order, either creating a massively dysfunctional society or a society that is only kept together by an extremely authoritarian state. Third, a grimdark world is fatalist and pessimistic. There is little to believe in beyond one's own immediate self interest, and possibly the wellbeing of a loved one.		For the purposes of this essay, a "grimdark" is an adjective that describes a set of three genre expectations. First, The world is drab visually. It is associated with muted colors. Second, the setting is violent in a way that is generally constant, extreme, and destabilizing. Often, this violence takes the form of outright war. Safety is a rare luxury in grimdark settings, and threats are pervasive. This constant violence creates a destabilizing pressure on the social order, either creating a massively dysfunctional society or a society that is only kept together by an extremely authoritarian state. Third, a grimdark world is fatalist and pessimistic. There is little to believe in beyond one's own immediate self interest, and possibly the wellbeing of a loved one.

	=Tehom~~: Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident~~=		=Tehom's Themes & Style=
	If Tehom is not grimdark or a world of responsible firsts among many, what is it?		If Tehom is not grimdark or a world of responsible firsts among many, what is it?
			==Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident==
			Thematically, Tehom is characterized by three characteristics

	==Humanity Stands Above the Waves==		===Humanity Stands Above the Waves===
	First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete.		First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete.

	==Where the Few go, the Many follow.==		===Where the Few go, the Many follow.===
	Second, Tehom is ''elite-centered'', with the elite being defined as the few. The spirit of Lee's Maxim could not apply to Tehom, as the meaning of responsibility is radically different. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in its regular use. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. They are both human yet wonders incarnate. They are humanity's hope, and they are the source of fascination and adoration. The Few are therefore what allow for humanity's optimism.		Second, Tehom is ''elite-centered'', with the elite being defined as the few. The spirit of Lee's Maxim could not apply to Tehom, as the meaning of responsibility is radically different. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in its regular use. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. They are both human yet wonders incarnate. They are humanity's hope, and they are the source of fascination and adoration. The Few are therefore what allow for humanity's optimism.

	==From Struggle, Victory==		===From Struggle, Victory===
	Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi.		Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi.

Nevermet: /* Humanity Stands Above the Waves */

2014-12-20T18:20:54Z

Humanity Stands Above the Waves

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:20, 20 December 2014
Line 13:		Line 13:
	If Tehom is not grimdark or a world of responsible firsts among many, what is it?		If Tehom is not grimdark or a world of responsible firsts among many, what is it?

	==~~'''~~Humanity Stands Above the Waves==		==Humanity Stands Above the Waves==
	First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete.		First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete.

Nevermet: /* Tehom: Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident */

2014-12-20T18:20:39Z

Tehom: Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:20, 20 December 2014
Line 13:		Line 13:
	If Tehom is not grimdark or a world of responsible firsts among many, what is it?		If Tehom is not grimdark or a world of responsible firsts among many, what is it?

	'''Humanity Stands Above the Waves~~.''''~~		=='''Humanity Stands Above the Waves==

	First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete.		First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete.

	~~'''~~Where the Few go, the Many follow.~~'''~~		==Where the Few go, the Many follow.==

	Second, Tehom is ''elite-centered'', with the elite being defined as the few. The spirit of Lee's Maxim could not apply to Tehom, as the meaning of responsibility is radically different. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in its regular use. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. They are both human yet wonders incarnate. They are humanity's hope, and they are the source of fascination and adoration. The Few are therefore what allow for humanity's optimism.		Second, Tehom is ''elite-centered'', with the elite being defined as the few. The spirit of Lee's Maxim could not apply to Tehom, as the meaning of responsibility is radically different. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in its regular use. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. They are both human yet wonders incarnate. They are humanity's hope, and they are the source of fascination and adoration. The Few are therefore what allow for humanity's optimism.

	~~'''~~From Struggle, Victory~~'''~~		==From Struggle, Victory==

	Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi.		Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi.

Nevermet: /* Tehom: Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident */

2014-12-20T18:20:03Z

Tehom: Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:20, 20 December 2014
Line 14:		Line 14:

	'''Humanity Stands Above the Waves.''''		'''Humanity Stands Above the Waves.''''

	First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete.		First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete.

	'''Where the Few go, the Many follow.'''		'''Where the Few go, the Many follow.'''

	Second, Tehom is ''elite-centered'', with the elite being defined as the few. The spirit of Lee's Maxim could not apply to Tehom, as the meaning of responsibility is radically different. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in its regular use. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. They are both human yet wonders incarnate. They are humanity's hope, and they are the source of fascination and adoration. The Few are therefore what allow for humanity's optimism.		Second, Tehom is ''elite-centered'', with the elite being defined as the few. The spirit of Lee's Maxim could not apply to Tehom, as the meaning of responsibility is radically different. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in its regular use. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. They are both human yet wonders incarnate. They are humanity's hope, and they are the source of fascination and adoration. The Few are therefore what allow for humanity's optimism.

	'''From Struggle, Victory'''		'''From Struggle, Victory'''

	Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi.		Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi.

Nevermet: /* Tehom: Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident */

2014-12-20T18:19:38Z

Tehom: Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:19, 20 December 2014
Line 13:		Line 13:
	If Tehom is not grimdark or a world of responsible firsts among many, what is it?		If Tehom is not grimdark or a world of responsible firsts among many, what is it?

	First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete. ~~'''Humanity Stands Above the Waves.''''~~		'''Humanity Stands Above the Waves.''''
			First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete.

	Second, Tehom is ''elite-centered'', with the elite being defined as the few. The spirit of Lee's Maxim could not apply to Tehom, as the meaning of responsibility is radically different. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in its regular use. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. They are both human yet wonders incarnate. They are humanity's hope, and they are the source of fascination and adoration. The Few are therefore what allow for humanity's optimism. ~~'''Where the Few go, the Many follow.'''~~		'''Where the Few go, the Many follow.'''
			Second, Tehom is ''elite-centered'', with the elite being defined as the few. The spirit of Lee's Maxim could not apply to Tehom, as the meaning of responsibility is radically different. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in its regular use. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. They are both human yet wonders incarnate. They are humanity's hope, and they are the source of fascination and adoration. The Few are therefore what allow for humanity's optimism.

	Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi. ~~'''From Struggle, Victory'''~~		'''From Struggle, Victory'''
			Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi.

Nevermet: /* Tehom: Optimistic and Elite-Oriented */

2014-12-20T18:18:58Z

Tehom: Optimistic and Elite-Oriented

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:18, 20 December 2014
Line 10:		Line 10:
	For the purposes of this essay, a "grimdark" is an adjective that describes a set of three genre expectations. First, The world is drab visually. It is associated with muted colors. Second, the setting is violent in a way that is generally constant, extreme, and destabilizing. Often, this violence takes the form of outright war. Safety is a rare luxury in grimdark settings, and threats are pervasive. This constant violence creates a destabilizing pressure on the social order, either creating a massively dysfunctional society or a society that is only kept together by an extremely authoritarian state. Third, a grimdark world is fatalist and pessimistic. There is little to believe in beyond one's own immediate self interest, and possibly the wellbeing of a loved one.		For the purposes of this essay, a "grimdark" is an adjective that describes a set of three genre expectations. First, The world is drab visually. It is associated with muted colors. Second, the setting is violent in a way that is generally constant, extreme, and destabilizing. Often, this violence takes the form of outright war. Safety is a rare luxury in grimdark settings, and threats are pervasive. This constant violence creates a destabilizing pressure on the social order, either creating a massively dysfunctional society or a society that is only kept together by an extremely authoritarian state. Third, a grimdark world is fatalist and pessimistic. There is little to believe in beyond one's own immediate self interest, and possibly the wellbeing of a loved one.

	=Tehom: Optimistic ~~and~~ Elite-Oriented=		=Tehom: Optimistic, Elite-Oriented, and Confident=
	~~The spirit~~ of ~~Lee's Maxim would not apply to Tehom~~, ~~as the meaning of responsibility~~ is ~~radically different than Lee's understanding of~~ it. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in Lee's Maxim. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. Where the Few go, the Many follow.		If Tehom is not grimdark or a world of responsible firsts among many, what is it?

			First, Tehom is ''optimistic''. Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive, thanks to the Few who lead humanity. Generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For much of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete. '''Humanity Stands Above the Waves.''''

			Second, Tehom is ''elite-centered'', with the elite being defined as the few. The spirit of Lee's Maxim could not apply to Tehom, as the meaning of responsibility is radically different. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in its regular use. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. They are both human yet wonders incarnate. They are humanity's hope, and they are the source of fascination and adoration. The Few are therefore what allow for humanity's optimism. '''Where the Few go, the Many follow.'''

	*Tehom is ~~a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden~~'~~s abandonment~~. ~~Against all odds~~, ~~it has not only survived, but~~ has ~~begun~~ to ~~thrive~~. ~~This is not a pessimistic world, but~~ an optimistic ~~one where the population looks to its heroes and leaders~~, ~~the Few~~.		Third, Tehom is ''confident''. Tehomin history is full of its hare of horrors, yet humanity has always managed to recover and excel. While an optimistic society, Tehom does not expect bland harmony. Rather, it accepts that the world is full of obstacles, and the humanity will eventually conquer them and improve itself in the process. The wild outer seas are alien realms of the Hadalians, beyond human control. However, They are also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and untold resources waiting to be developed. And while there are fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the dominant form of state conflict is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi. '''From Struggle, Victory'''
	*The generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the ~~city states~~ of ~~Tehom which is reinforced by~~ the ~~Few's interest~~ in ~~creating beautiful agoras at~~ the ~~center of their cities as a form of cultural competition~~. ~~For most~~ of ~~humanity~~, ~~this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete~~. ~~The wilderness is likewise~~ a place of ~~terrible and~~ awe-inspiring beauty~~: a world of alien seas lie beyond human controlled cities.~~
	*Tehom is not a world of war as we understand it. There is violence, ~~yes, but not war~~. ~~Despite the occasional attacks by Hadlaians and~~ fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the ~~defining~~ form of ~~violence~~ is archonic war: the contained, ritualized duel between champions of competing city-states. In stark contrast to the destabilizing consequences of constant warfare, archonic duels have been fully incorporated into the structure of society, culture, politics, and the economy. It is a known quantity, and it is even celebrated by adoring partisans who follow their favorite champions in online chatrooms, fueled by rumors fed to them by a paparazzi.




			*
			*

			*Tehom is not a world of war as we understand it. There is violence, yes, but not war. Despite the occasional attacks by Hadlaians and fluid conflicts between cosmopoli, the defining form of violence is

	==Tehom & Classical Analogs==		==Tehom & Classical Analogs==

Nevermet: /* What the World is Not */

2014-12-20T17:48:19Z

What the World is Not

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:48, 20 December 2014
Line 4:		Line 4:
	Before moving onto what the world of Tehom entails, let us first clear away some of the common superhero tropes and themes that are not central to this setting. In no way am I saying these themes are somehow bad, they are simply not the core thematics of Tehom. However, since they are so common, they are worth talking about to help define Tehom by distinction.		Before moving onto what the world of Tehom entails, let us first clear away some of the common superhero tropes and themes that are not central to this setting. In no way am I saying these themes are somehow bad, they are simply not the core thematics of Tehom. However, since they are so common, they are worth talking about to help define Tehom by distinction.

	==~~What the World is Not:~~ Silver Age Marvel==		==Silver Age Marvel==
	Stan Lee's famous phrase, "''With great power comes great responsibility''" is a wonderful summary of the ideal most supherheroes in comic books. For Lee, heroes are defined by responsibility: There is an obligation to use their powers to help society maintain itself. Spiderman has a responsibility to help his fellow man, as do all other true superheroes in Marvel. The more one is irresponsible, the farther one goes into the realm of the antihero first and then the villain. Such characters reject the idea they have a duty to society as they pursue hedonism, political agendas, or selfish financial gain. If one is not using their powers responsibly for the good of others, they are wrong. If one uses one's powers to redefine society or its ideals in their own image, they are wrong. No matter how powerful a character is, he or she is still nevertheless a human being, and human beings have a responsibility to one another, at least on the level of promoting justice in one another's lives. If you have unique opportunities to promote justice (possibly because you can benchpress an SUV), you have a duty to use it to do so or (possibly) not use it at all.		Stan Lee's famous phrase, "''With great power comes great responsibility''" is a wonderful summary of the ideal most supherheroes in comic books. For Lee, heroes are defined by responsibility: There is an obligation to use their powers to help society maintain itself. Spiderman has a responsibility to help his fellow man, as do all other true superheroes in Marvel. The more one is irresponsible, the farther one goes into the realm of the antihero first and then the villain. Such characters reject the idea they have a duty to society as they pursue hedonism, political agendas, or selfish financial gain. If one is not using their powers responsibly for the good of others, they are wrong. If one uses one's powers to redefine society or its ideals in their own image, they are wrong. No matter how powerful a character is, he or she is still nevertheless a human being, and human beings have a responsibility to one another, at least on the level of promoting justice in one another's lives. If you have unique opportunities to promote justice (possibly because you can benchpress an SUV), you have a duty to use it to do so or (possibly) not use it at all.

	~~As it is usually defined and applied, Lee's Maxim does not apply to Tehom.~~		==Grimdark==

	==~~What the World is Not:~~ Grimdark==
	For the purposes of this essay, a "grimdark" is an adjective that describes a set of three genre expectations. First, The world is drab visually. It is associated with muted colors. Second, the setting is violent in a way that is generally constant, extreme, and destabilizing. Often, this violence takes the form of outright war. Safety is a rare luxury in grimdark settings, and threats are pervasive. This constant violence creates a destabilizing pressure on the social order, either creating a massively dysfunctional society or a society that is only kept together by an extremely authoritarian state. Third, a grimdark world is fatalist and pessimistic. There is little to believe in beyond one's own immediate self interest, and possibly the wellbeing of a loved one.		For the purposes of this essay, a "grimdark" is an adjective that describes a set of three genre expectations. First, The world is drab visually. It is associated with muted colors. Second, the setting is violent in a way that is generally constant, extreme, and destabilizing. Often, this violence takes the form of outright war. Safety is a rare luxury in grimdark settings, and threats are pervasive. This constant violence creates a destabilizing pressure on the social order, either creating a massively dysfunctional society or a society that is only kept together by an extremely authoritarian state. Third, a grimdark world is fatalist and pessimistic. There is little to believe in beyond one's own immediate self interest, and possibly the wellbeing of a loved one.

Nevermet: /* What the World is Not: Grimdark */

2014-12-20T17:47:50Z

What the World is Not: Grimdark

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:47, 20 December 2014
Line 10:		Line 10:

	==What the World is Not: Grimdark==		==What the World is Not: Grimdark==
	For the purposes of this essay, a "grimdark" is an adjective that describes a set of genre expectations. ~~To the degree something~~ is ~~grimdark~~, ~~it focuses on~~ the ~~following:~~		For the purposes of this essay, a "grimdark" is an adjective that describes a set of three genre expectations. First, The world is drab visually. It is associated with muted colors. Second, the setting is violent in a way that is generally constant, extreme, and destabilizing. Often, this violence takes the form of outright war. Safety is a rare luxury in grimdark settings, and threats are pervasive. This constant violence creates a destabilizing pressure on the social order, either creating a massively dysfunctional society or a society that is only kept together by an extremely authoritarian state. Third, a grimdark world is fatalist and pessimistic. There is little to believe in beyond one's own immediate self interest, and possibly the wellbeing of a loved one.
	*The setting ~~has~~ a ~~high~~, ~~constant level of violence~~. ~~This~~ violence ~~often threatens a large section of the population, and often~~ takes the form of outright war. ~~Either way~~, ~~the~~ constant violence creates a destabilizing pressure on the social order.
	*A color palette that focuses on dark, ~~muted colors. The~~ world is ~~drab, in addition to being violent.~~
	*It is a fatalist and pessimistic ~~world where there~~ is ~~nothing~~ to believe in beyond one's own immediate self interest, and possibly the wellbeing of a loved one.

	~~None of this is an accurate description of Tehom~~.

	=Tehom: Optimistic and Elite-Oriented=		=Tehom: Optimistic and Elite-Oriented=

Nevermet: /* Tehom: Optimistic and Elite-Oriented */

2014-12-20T17:38:15Z

Tehom: Optimistic and Elite-Oriented

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:38, 20 December 2014
Line 18:		Line 18:

	=Tehom: Optimistic and Elite-Oriented=		=Tehom: Optimistic and Elite-Oriented=
			The spirit of Lee's Maxim would not apply to Tehom, as the meaning of responsibility is radically different than Lee's understanding of it. The Few of Tehom would recoil at the obligations and egalitarianism embedded in Lee's Maxim. Tehom's culture of noblesse oblige gives the Few have the right and responsibility to shape and lead society. Where the Few go, the Many follow.



	*Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive. This is not a pessimistic world, but an optimistic one where the population looks to its heroes and leaders, the Few.		*Tehom is a world where humanity defines itself by the heroic struggle to survive after the Garden's abandonment. Against all odds, it has not only survived, but has begun to thrive. This is not a pessimistic world, but an optimistic one where the population looks to its heroes and leaders, the Few.
	*The generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For most of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete. The wilderness is likewise a place of terrible and awe-inspiring beauty: a world of alien seas lie beyond human controlled cities.		*The generations of fast growth have created a general "newness" to the city states of Tehom which is reinforced by the Few's interest in creating beautiful agoras at the center of their cities as a form of cultural competition. For most of humanity, this is a world of bright lights, shining metal, and new concrete. The wilderness is likewise a place of terrible and awe-inspiring beauty: a world of alien seas lie beyond human controlled cities.