R&R History Interview

I had a chance to interview Adam Welsh, the author of the world history behind Rise & Ruin. I though it would be a great way to get a behind the scenes look at what went into crafting the story.

Hope you enjoy.

RR_Desolate: What inspired you to take the story in the direction it did?

Adam Welsh: The roots of the Keldei, Ralaks, jix’Su and Vedyn were already established when I began writing so I found myself looking for a scenario that would unite these four distinct races and provide a compelling reason to explain the battling sequences. I was intrigued by the idea that there was something more, something greater, that the players would feel a part of, and ultimately decide. That played a big role in directing the story to its eventual location.

RR_Desolate: Did you have any concerns that the story would only appeal to a niche audience?

Adam Welsh: Perhaps I was being naive, but that was never a concern of mine. I was focused solely on creating an engaging world, with compelling characters, and a story that would add substance around the basic premise of fighting. You will never be able to please everyone, but what I tried to do, was look through it from the player’s perspective, and craft the type of story that I could get lost in. I’m not saying I did that, but that was certainly my intent.

RR_Desolate: Did you achieve everything you wanted to with the story?

Adam Welsh: Well as a writer, you always feel like you can do more, but I am happy with how the story left off. The addition of the Gods provides the game with a flexible platform to expand upon, and a plethora of options with regards to card creation. The way the story is today, allows it to take whatever direction the player base wants it to. The game is now in the hands of the players, as it should be.

RR_Desolate: What vision did you have for each of the character types in the story?

Adam Welsh: The races had already been established prior to the formation of the back story. What I tried to do, was follow those traits as they were intended, but to also provide an added depth to each of the characters, by giving them a history, adding names to their faces, and an explaining how they came to be. By exposing their flaws and highlighting their strengths, I wanted to give players a reason, one way or the other, to decide on a character set.

RR_Desolate: What kind of themes were you trying to explore in the story?

Adam Welsh: If I was an honest person, I would probably tell you that the notion of themes didn’t even enter into my thought process but since I am a writer, I will tell you that I wanted to explore the power of jealousy, greed as a form of survival, resistance to compromise, and the dissolution of family.

RR_Desolate: How would you describe your style of writing?

Adam Welsh: My style, at least for this particular story, could certainly be described as soap operaish, to make up a word. Everything is so over the top, and melodramatic, that at times I seriously considered writing in Hulk Hogan hiding with a steel chair waiting to attack the Ralaks.

RR_Desolate: Who is your favorite character type and why?

Adam Welsh: I appreciate the deviousness of the jix’Su but I've always been intrigued by the unknown, by the art of mystery. The Vedyn are the ultimate wild card. No one is quite sure who they are or what they want. Their motives are unclear, which makes them difficult to predict and prepare for. Their evolution is certainly something I will pay great attention to as Rise and Ruin progresses.

RR_Desolate: Got any advice for new players as they start up?

Adam Welsh: Remember the names of all the players that took advantage of you just because you were new and then, in true Rise and Ruin fashion, hit them back twice as hard at the first opportunity.