Thanks for the input, Xindhus, I think I'm on the right track now. I understand what you mean on the 'D'ni = Cyan's gig' thought. Looking around the forums, I've noticed that sentiment arise often. I really want to see at least a little sky in the Age, so I think we can write that path out now.
It was customs originally in a scrapped subculture idea, like a separate group, thus the need for customs. I think I'll still have need of a customs office, though, so I'm not worried.
I think I'll have it set up that other than maybe being able to use some minor repairs and maintenance later, the power plant could still be working fine. If puzzles really become an issue, I can make one for it, or have it randomly break down once in a while with some fancy scripting (ha, not likely.)
I planned to do a matte painting from the beginning for the exterior of the cavern, but you're right - I may place something in the middle of the cave for puzzle purposes. Still going to do the matte painting - I need the practice.
Heh, trust me, I aim to make a couple apartments and offices open. I have one (simple) puzzle in mind that will hopefully get an 'aww' in response.
I do aim to leave journals and the like about, and I'd like to make this a somewhat IC experience later if anyone'd want to 'provide translation services.' I'll worry about that part later, but yes, journals, diaries and letters shall be had.
I'd seriously consider making an addition to the Caverns beore making something of mine the administrative headquarters of a Major Guild. That's definitely infringing upon Cyan's territory without a doubt. Perhaps in the area of the mines having a Miner's Guild office, that's one thing since it would just be a local matter anyway.
It's a telescope for at least one puzzle and sightseeing.
:3 Thank you! To be safe, I wouldn't expect it in GoMa hands before Fall (hoping elsewise, though.)
^_^ The hotels are all empty right now - think of the deals you could get, UnixMonkey.
So. This is what I've put together with y'all's help.
11/23/08
...From what I've gathered, the original name of the Age was Kasel, but someone slashed the leather binding where that was embossed and scrawled 'Sannea' beneath. I feel pretty confident Sannea was what the last owners of the Age called it, as that's the only name for it later on through the journal. It looks like it varied between private and public at different points. There were mining operations and private residences before it was turned to some form of tourism. Guess my rusty D'ni isn't as rusty as I thought. I'll study them a bit more during my flights...
4/6/09
Been looking at the Sannea book and journal of late between classes to keep my brain active and ward off the stress of Finals Department. I keep the journal with me and study it during animation and rigging lectures so I don't fall asleep. People shoot me wierder looks over it than they ever did when I'd randomly lapse into runic or Egyptian Demotic script.
The Descriptive book looks like it was written very early on in D'ni history, probably two or three millennia after reaching the Caverns at most. I don't know if it was unusal for an Age or not, but it began with mining operations for the Guild of Artisans - very fine decorative stones there, as well as a vein of fire marble. Mekamorini crystals formed in sheltered waters, covering the floor of the lake where the initial settlement was established. They seem similar to fire marbles, but sound more like Gehn's power marbles. Dunno what's up with that.
As the mineral veins around the settlement were exhausted, tourism took over. The settlement grew for vacationing D'ni and those who managed to develop anxiety disorders about living several miles underground. I don't blame them. Later on the arts complex was built in an attempt to keep visitors coming, but it just wasn't worth it in the eight centuries prior to the Fall.
Now from what I'm gathering from the later entries in the journal, the Descriptive book was stolen by the Writer's descendant and hidden in the pedestal. Something about a debate between the family of the Writer who wrote it and the family for whom it was Written. It was used for some group's purposes in the century before the Fall, but not certain what it's all about at the moment. Can't focus too much more on it for now - I'll mostly have to put off further work until after graduation...
