93. (October 2020) The Languages of Pao by Jack Vance — The Tabletop Roleplayers' Book Club

Languages of Pao Q3 The Hypothesis

clash_bowley — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:22:24 +0000

What do you think of the think of the central hypothesis of the novel - Language defines culture through semantic and other linguistic linkages. Did the novel explore the concept thoroughly?

Languages of Pao Q2 Worldbuilding

clash_bowley — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:21:07 +0000

. Does the worldbuilding work? Pao, Breakness, Batmarsh, and Mercantil all have very different cultures. Do the various cultures presented seem interesting? Silly? Shallow? Rich? Many-sided?

Languages of Pao Q5 Gitan Nesko

clash_bowley — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:25:06 +0000

The tragic interlude of Gitan Nesko on Breakness both kickstarted and showcased Beran's development. What did you think of his handling of it all, bearing in mind his age? How did it define him? Is Beran eventually a strong central character? A worthy Panarch?

Languages of Pao Q1 The Draft of Women

clash_bowley — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:18:51 +0000

The 'draft' of young women was likened by by some to rape. Is it rape? Is it something else? Does Vance as author seem to condone it? Should situations like this not be discussed in fiction? Or should they be approached differently? What do you think?

Languages of Pao Q7 Gaming Use

clash_bowley — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:27:13 +0000

Can you use anything in this book as fodder for gaming?

Languages of Pao Q6 Finsterle

clash_bowley — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:26:17 +0000

Finsterle is an enigmatic figure. Our perception of him seems to evolve over the book. Does he change, or is it only our perception that changes?

Languages of Pao Q4 The Wizards

clash_bowley — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:23:39 +0000

Palafox, like the other Breakness Wizards, is the ultimate individual, as their language makes plain. Are they solipsists? Rugged Individualists? Hyper-intellectuals? Narcissists? Self-centered egotistical bastards? What makes them tick?

Pseudo-discussion

clash_bowley — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:00:37 +0000

So you all can have some notifications!