There is an order and elegance to systems -- complex systems, and simple systems alike. Part of the passion of game design is to understand and model the systems that exist to create a realistic yet balanced harmony. It is a labour that requires not only logical analysis and critical thinking, but a deep understanding of the subject both intrinsically and extrinsically. I cannot be the foremost authority on all of the subjects of the game -- as the subjects of the game contain the breadth of historical and ancient knowledge, metaphysics, imagination, and combat -- I can't even presume to be good at all of the topics that I undertake to define and model. I understand that every part of my game will be in some way flawed, but I do claim some authority to try. This is the reason for the inclusion of a biography -- so that my model may be put in context. I want you to read the game and digest it. I want to assure you that careful thought and study went into the design of this game and welcome any thoughtful criticism to improve it.
Biography - It all starts with the love of a good game ... My whole life I have enjoyed all kinds of games and challenges from cards, mahjong, chess, to board games, strategy games, and role-playing games. I have been playing the latter for over twenty-six years when my sister and mother introduced me to a game that was becoming popular at the universities -- Dungeons and Dragons. Like many role-players I am an avid reader of fantasy literature; have a distinct interest in medieval history and culture; enjoy camping, traveling, and the outdoors; and embark on any kind of adventure imaginable. Prior to settling into University I went on a castle and cathedral exploration of England, Scotland, Wales, France, Germany, and Belgium (ok... clubs in Belgium -- no castles). I gravitated to the role of game-master early in my role-playing career and have continued as a world-builder ever since. My longest running campaign has been going for more than twenty years -- and the source material for that campaign is the soon to be published "World of Rael" fantasy setting.
Education - My formal education includes a degree from the University of Waterloo in English Literature -- with minors in Classical and Medieval history, and Philosophy. I focused on Mythology and legends in my course selections, and read these tales in their native Greek, Latin, Old English, or French. My exposure to Gaelic, Finnish, and other world myths has been in the translated form. After graduating University I did what most university students do .... diverge into a totally unrelated field. I opened a martial arts school.
Martial Arts - I have been doing the martial arts for over twenty years, and run a full-time martial arts school for seven of them. I teach 3-4 days a week. I am a master of Goju-ryu karate, with teaching ranks in Kobudo (weaponry), and Tai-Chi. With a strong background in Ju-jitsu and the grappling arts, five years of freestyle wrestling, training in Japanese swordsmanship, fencing, stick-fighting, archery, Aikido, Iaido, Kung-fu, and boxing I feel qualified to form opinions on the martial arts in general. I have had the fortune to train with some of the world's best martial artists and feel that I have used this experience to make the combat of Epic Fantasy if not realistic, at least sensible. .
