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From: grruffin@woodlawn.uchicago.edu (Steppin [MOF][DUMF])
Subject: Re: Map of Quendor
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Date: Thu, 27 Jul 1995 01:57:31 GMT
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I've just finished working on a History of the Zork World that I hope will
be published along with the next Zork game when it comes out, and I did a 
lot of work on world maps to go along with my book, so here are a few added
comments based on what I puzzled out:

* People mentioned the Beyond Zork map, the Infocomics map, and the pre-Zork
Zero Steve Meretzky map. I don't think anyone mentioned the Zork One map or
the Wishbringer postal zone chart (which admittedly isn't worth much).

* As far as the Steve Meretzky map being canon, I'd have to disagree with you,
Matt... His map is worth A LOT, but I have to admit that I have some questions
or problems with it. The Eastlands in his depiction are missing a lot of
cities and features we know from other sources, or that are shown on the Zork
One map. Also, I have to admit that his placement of Borphee surprised me.
I can't exactly argue with the man, but I personally would have done it
differently.

* I like the Infocomics map A LOT. I think it has accurate curvature on the
coasts and I like the way it makes an attempt to show provincial boundaries,
something that is not really done anywhere else.

* Conclusion? The definitive map has yet to be made (I'd like to say that I
have made one, but it doesn't mean a thing until THEY agree to publish it.).
Important things to keep in mind for someone making such a map: What about
the other kingdoms or lands described in the Zork books? Even Meretzky himself
has other kingdoms like Kaldorn running around somewhere... Where? And what
about the VAST stretches of land that we know from the Zork One map, from
Spellbreaker and even from Zork Zero in the Eastlands? Not enough about that
sort of thing is known to be able to make a definitive map that is entirely
complete, without a little bit of patchwork or guesswork.

As always, only IMHO... <grin>

Nino Ruffini

P.S.- If Infocom turns me down, I'll post here to offer my maps up for
distribution :)

