The two views of Bretonnia
Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2024 3:39 pm
I understand that there has been some tension regarding Bretonnia as described in the 1st edition of WFRP and as described in subsequent editions. My understanding is that while not much was said about Bretonnia in 1e, it was reminiscent of 18th-century France.
Subsequent editions, of course, incorporated the "Arthurian" themes from the 5th and following editions of WFB.
Has any attempt been made to reconcile the two ideas? I should think that there is plenty of room in Bretonnia for both.
To me, the Arthurian themes make sense in light of Bretonnia's proximity to Athel Loren, and the lack of a natural barrier between the two (unlike the rest of Bretonnia's neighbors, bordered by mountains to the northeast and the south). Of course the Wood Elves are not very closely related to the High Elves, but they probably haven't completely forgotten their equivalents to King Arthur (Aenarion the Defender), Merlin (Caledor Dragontamer), Excalibur (the Sword of Khaine), Morgan le Fay (Morathi), and Mordred (Malekith) either.
However, that makes more sense for the eastern provinces, closer to Athel Loren. The coastal regions would probably engage in more commerce with the Empire and Marienburg, and perhaps those regions would have more Imperial than elven influence. That might give the western provinces something closer to the French Revolution than to King Arthur.
Does it make sense to play Bretonnia this way, more 18-century near the sea to the west and more Arthurian near the forest to the east?
Subsequent editions, of course, incorporated the "Arthurian" themes from the 5th and following editions of WFB.
Has any attempt been made to reconcile the two ideas? I should think that there is plenty of room in Bretonnia for both.
To me, the Arthurian themes make sense in light of Bretonnia's proximity to Athel Loren, and the lack of a natural barrier between the two (unlike the rest of Bretonnia's neighbors, bordered by mountains to the northeast and the south). Of course the Wood Elves are not very closely related to the High Elves, but they probably haven't completely forgotten their equivalents to King Arthur (Aenarion the Defender), Merlin (Caledor Dragontamer), Excalibur (the Sword of Khaine), Morgan le Fay (Morathi), and Mordred (Malekith) either.
However, that makes more sense for the eastern provinces, closer to Athel Loren. The coastal regions would probably engage in more commerce with the Empire and Marienburg, and perhaps those regions would have more Imperial than elven influence. That might give the western provinces something closer to the French Revolution than to King Arthur.
Does it make sense to play Bretonnia this way, more 18-century near the sea to the west and more Arthurian near the forest to the east?