I tend to read through the whitelist applications as they come in, as I like to see who I might be roleplaying with. Recently, however, there have been some confusing (from my point of view) decisions regarding the moderation of the test section and this ties in heavily with not just the applications, but how we view and RP in our new world.
Essentially, what cultures are considered "Eastern" and therefore banned according to the server rules? The main example I have seen, of a culture that should by all rights have been accepted (being western and/or situated in Europe) is that of the Byzantine Empire, also the Eastern Roman Empire. Without knowledge about the Byzantines, the use of the word "Eastern" in it's title may raise concerns, but this is relative to Rome.
Byzantium did have territories in Asia, but their capital and their heartland was in Europe (modern day Istanbul, Bulgaria and Greece).
In addition, there are other examples at the fringes of Europe - Where do we draw the line in Russia? At the Urals? Are Mongolian-based cultures allowed? No? What about other horse-based cultures?
Similarly, where do Arabic-based cultures fit it? Up to 1084, there were Muslims in Sicily, and the Moors in Spain were a huge influence on the local culture, especially in the south of Spain (Andalusia).
I believe that any culture that bounded the Mediterranean should definitely be allowed to be used, or inspiration drawn from. I mean, we have a huge-ass desert that's about 1/5th of the map's landmass - Arabic inspired cultures would fit in here perfectly.
However, I'm by no means advocating we allow Chinese, Indian, Japanese influences. They simply did not affect Europe as greatly.
I'd like to hear other opinions too, as to what people think fits/doesn't fit.
Essentially, what cultures are considered "Eastern" and therefore banned according to the server rules? The main example I have seen, of a culture that should by all rights have been accepted (being western and/or situated in Europe) is that of the Byzantine Empire, also the Eastern Roman Empire. Without knowledge about the Byzantines, the use of the word "Eastern" in it's title may raise concerns, but this is relative to Rome.
Byzantium did have territories in Asia, but their capital and their heartland was in Europe (modern day Istanbul, Bulgaria and Greece).
In addition, there are other examples at the fringes of Europe - Where do we draw the line in Russia? At the Urals? Are Mongolian-based cultures allowed? No? What about other horse-based cultures?
Similarly, where do Arabic-based cultures fit it? Up to 1084, there were Muslims in Sicily, and the Moors in Spain were a huge influence on the local culture, especially in the south of Spain (Andalusia).
I believe that any culture that bounded the Mediterranean should definitely be allowed to be used, or inspiration drawn from. I mean, we have a huge-ass desert that's about 1/5th of the map's landmass - Arabic inspired cultures would fit in here perfectly.
However, I'm by no means advocating we allow Chinese, Indian, Japanese influences. They simply did not affect Europe as greatly.
I'd like to hear other opinions too, as to what people think fits/doesn't fit.