Another really good thread. This time I might have a few more nitpicks, though. It's all with naming, however, so feel free to ignore most of it, as it
is pretty trivial.
- I'm not sure where the name "Covert" is coming from, here. I mean, it sort of fits, but I think most people would associate the word more with spies and military action. Personally, I would try using a word that plays up the life aspect, like "Eternal" or "Elder", or something with more of a mystical connotation, like "Taboo" or "Arcane" - the former meaning literally something both sacred and forbidden, and the latter meaning something secret, but having a more modern definition of something magical. Calling it "Fey/Sylvan" might be another option.
- It's a little unfortunate that the spear has a generic name. It made sense for the Cyber's spear, since the Cyber represents the future, and the cold, emotionless logic of machines. This suggestion is positively brimming with mythology, though. So, here are some thoughts.
- King Arthur's spear was named Rhongomyniad. Since the Hallow got Gungnir, maybe take that as an Excalibur-parallel. Or, alternately, give the Hallow Arthur's spear, and take Gungnir back.
- Since Rhongomyniad doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, another spear from Christian legend is the "Spear of Destiny", also known as the Lance of Longinus. Longinus might make a more pronounceable and recognizable alternative to Rhongomyniad, with the same options.
- There are a lot of parallels between this Norse-inspired biome, and European fairy lore. Enough that throwing in Gáe Bolg, for example, wouldn't be out of the question. In fact, Gáe Bolg would be singularly appropriate for how your spear is supposed to function, given some of the descriptions of it - "It entered a man's body with a single wound, like a javelin, then opened into thirty barbs." or the description of it being used on someone and "coursing through the highways and byways of his body so that every single joint filled with barbs."
- On the subject of spears, it feels odd for two floating weapons to be "Enchanted" when everything else has different names. My thoughts on this are that either the Hallow's sword should be renamed to "Blessed" or "Sacred" and leave the "Enchanted" title to this biome, or that if "Enchanted Sword" has to be grandfathered in, the spear enemy can be the holy one.
- While the Ash tree has a place in Norse mythology, some people think it comes from a mistranslation. In either case, though, I think that it would fit the theme of life and rebirth a bit more name-wise to use Elder Trees, and possibly Elder Roots as well. Not only is the name fitting, but Elder has some strong mystical associations, both as a ward against evil, and as something sacred to practitioners of magic and spirits of nature. Also, elderberries are said to have medicinal properties, which contrasts against the disease aspect of the Contaigon.
Thanks for clearing that up. Since English is not my native language I'm always having minor difficulty finding appropriate equivalents for names.
1. I'm using it in the sense of the biome being exclusive, a silent hope kept safe from everyone and everything. You association is not unmotivated, as many have done that before you, but keep in mind that the word probably wasn't invented for use in that particular area. Personally I feel that The Covert has a lot of mystical value, but I guess that depends entirely on previous experiences with the word. I do however agree that a better name wouldn't hurt, but there are just SO MANY factors that needs to be heard; Phoenix-like rebirth, flame, autumn, exclusion, hope, forest, the list makes the name really hard to work with. And personally I would prefer something related to either its rebirth or its seclusion.
2. Though renaming Gungnir is out of the question (that's messing with OLD content), I do like the idea of Gáe Bolg.
3. I don't really mind, but I think all 3 should just be called Enchanted for consistency's, and simplicity's sake.
4. Changing the Ash tree is out of the question, it is literally the best fit possible. Given the theme of Phoenix and rebirth, a biome with autumn-ashes is about as accurate as one can get, especially given the enormous mystical values is has in Norse mythology. It's the most magical tree possible, and its name and color both fits perfectly, if people are confused then they need to go read a book or something.
I just feel that the names you have provided as examples don't really live up to the needs, most feel too uncharacteristic, too little connection with the biome itself, though that doesn't necessarily eliminate the possibility of there being better names.
I do appreciate your help though, and that goes for all of you! If you guys could help me come up with a name for this biome, one that fits the themes of Rebirth through Flame/Remedy, Autumn/Forest, and Seclusion/Sanctuary, then I would be ever so grateful. (A word beginning with the letter "H" Wouldn't hurt either).
