Then I came across this image from the Prince of Persia games which I really liked:
http://www.fraggerock.com/images/gaming/princeofpersia/pop3.5.jpg
Thoughts?
Havard
I've been having some trouble visualizing the Afridhi. They are described in the D20 DAB as having Black Skin and flaming red hair. I have no clue what their dress, armor and weapons look like though. I was wondering how some Persian influence would fit?
One guy on the Italian board, Verro Diabolico (i.e., "Devil Swine"), once researched RW references. He maintains (mostly on linguistic bases) that both Peshwah and Afridhi are based on RW Afghan tribes.
Persian influences would then be quite appropriate (also given the fact that Afridhi are mostly cavalrymen).
GP
One guy on the Italian board, Verro Diabolico (i.e., "Devil Swine"), once researched RW references. He maintains (mostly on linguistic bases) that both Peshwah and Afridhi are based on RW Afghan tribes.
I just noticed that the name Peshwah was of Afghan origin. However, culturally they are based on Scythians and Sarmatians with some elements from Native Americans (Lakotas) thrown in.
As for the Afridhi, responses I've been getting elsewhere too confirms what you are saying.
Persian influences would then be quite appropriate (also given the fact that Afridhi are mostly cavalrymen).
Okay, so what does that mean in terms of clothing, armor and weapons? I'm thinking short spears and large shields is a popular combination. Scimitars would probably also be appropriate. Brigandine armor extending down as a protective "skirt" covering parts of the legs. As to colors, I'm thinking black and red reflecting their reverence to Fire and Darkness.
Further thoughts?
Havard
I just noticed that the name Peshwah was of Afghan origin. However, culturally they are based on Scythians and Sarmatians with some elements from Native Americans (Lakotas) thrown in.
Well, the native american element is quite relevant for the Peshwah.
Okay, so what does that mean in terms of clothing, armor and weapons? I'm thinking short spears and large shields is a popular combination. Scimitars would probably also be appropriate. Brigandine armor extending down as a protective "skirt" covering parts of the legs. As to colors, I'm thinking black and red reflecting their reverence to Fire and Darkness.
These choices seem appropriate. DA4 has some more information on the Afridhi, I'll check it later.
GP
Well, the native american element is quite relevant for the Peshwah.
Possibly, though the Peshwah are horsemen and horses weren't introduced to Native American cultures until very late in their development (at the near twilight of their development, as it sadly turned out).
I'd think the Scythian is definitely more apt.
However, culturally they are based on Scythians and Sarmatians with some elements from Native Americans (Lakotas) thrown in.
Again, I never really noticed any NA similarities with the Peshwah, is this something that is more pronounced in the newer Zeitgeist materials, maybe? I only have the d20 Blackmoor sourcebook, and I still haven't fully digested all of that info (though I did a reading of some of it a few weeks ago, and noticed a lot of interesting new elements and developments that I hadn't previously that I liked).
Again, I never really noticed any NA similarities with the Peshwah, is this something that is more pronounced in the newer Zeitgeist materials, maybe? I only have the d20 Blackmoor sourcebook, and I still haven't fully digested all of that info (though I did a reading of some of it a few weeks ago, and noticed a lot of interesting new elements and developments that I hadn't previously that I liked).
I'm no expert on Native Americans, I was quoting some information from the Blackmoor boards, but I have also been getting the impression that ZGG are taking the Peshwa more in that direction. I suspect the Hak sourcebook coming out late next year will explore this further.
I generally like the ZGG material, but not so much the parts about the elves and magic which are areas that have been given alot of attention so far. 2007 looks like its gonna be a good year though...
Possibly, though the Peshwah are horsemen and horses weren't introduced to Native American cultures until very late in their development (at the near twilight of their development, as it sadly turned out).
I'd think the Scythian is definitely more apt.
I'm not thinking of historical native americans, but rather as described in "western" films -- with horses, eagle feathers etc.
In general, the Peshwah don't seem to fit the Scythian iconography (without linguistic hints, I'd have never suspected a link with iranic people), but rather the buffalo-hunting, horse-mounted native american stereotype.
GP
I always thought of them as more like the Mongols, I guess, which is why the connection never occurred to me. Their description in the DA series always struck me as more along those lines. Then, the d20 Blackmoor rendition seemed to bring in more Scythian/Persian elements.
I may have to pop in on the ZGG boards again and see what's cooking over there. Been a while since I stopped in.
Seems that there are some difference between the DA series' Afridhi and those of Blackmoor d20. Originally they were described as short, square-bodied men with curly black hair and long beards (as for Sher Yakub description). There are also two images, one for Gul Hadda the Mad Fakir and another one for a Handmaiden of Death, in DA4.
Probably Anerson has intentionally changed the Afridhi appereance for Blackmoor d20.
Bye!
Hi all!
Seems that there are some difference between the DA series' Afridhi and those of Blackmoor d20. Originally they were described as short, square-bodied men with curly black hair and long beards (as for Sher Yakub description). There are also two images, one for Gul Hadda the Mad Fakir and another one for a Handmaiden of Death, in DA4.
Probably Anerson has intentionally changed the Afridhi appereance for Blackmoor d20.
Bye!
Thanks for checking the DAs. It is worth noting that DA4 is the module that represented the main departure from Arneson's work. Arneson has stated that on this one Dave Ricthie was working more on his own rather than basing himself on Arneson's material as he had been doing in the previous material. It could be that the D20 version is closer to Arneson's original vision. Or it could be they wanted to change them of other reasons, perhaps to match the fire and darkness image...
Havard
Warriors in dark brigandine armors, spikes protuding from sholders and elsewhere, with weapons of a somewhat oriental feel (curved blades, axes), but perhaps just as much radiating cruelty (barbs, spikes etc) is how I currently envision the Afridhi. They have infantry and light and heavy cavalry and are lead by the handmaidens of death who will be especially nasty.
Havard