Scythian Wonder: Royal Kurgan

[Thalatta]

@Genava55 the point obviously is, as noted before, how something looks when it's freshly built. I mentioned the Colossus because it's a Wonder that came to mind that changed quite fast, thus the distinction between earthquakes and grass is quite irrelevant considering what the actual point is. And no, it was not "completely destroyed", it remained in the ground for centuries, still in its way a wonder, in words of Pliny the Elder: "even as it lies, it excites our wonder and admiration". But if earthquakes distract you so much, then another example more aligned to the grass issue: should the Statue of Liberty (assuming a game reaching the modern age) be built with the green patina already on it? Might look familiar, but it's inaccurate, which has been the point all along.

Now, another issue is, is the Wonder some generic kurgan? Because yes, some had pebbles, others not, so maybe it should be decided first which kurgan in particular should be represented (the largest?), and if it never had pebbles to begin with then there's not much discussion to be had, I think. Personally I might have gone for the mausoleum of Skilurus (which seems more unique).

[wowgetoffyourcellphone]

41 minutes ago, Thalatta said:

Personally I might have gone for the mausoleum of Skilurus (which seems more unique).

Mmm... A structure which inspires little wonder, honestly. 

[Genava55]

5 hours ago, Thalatta said:

But if earthquakes distract you so much, then another example more aligned to the grass issue: should the Statue of Liberty (assuming a game reaching the modern age) be built with the green patina already on it? Might look familiar, but it's inaccurate, which has been the point all along.

This is indeed a better example and a good question/remark.

Just adding food for thought, the Gallic Wonder based on the Sanctuary of Corent is not clean and fresh:

So maybe it is a general issue in how 0 A.D. portrays the ancient civilizations.

[Thalatta]

6 hours ago, wowgetoffyourcellphone said:

Mmm... A structure which inspires little wonder, honestly. 

Yeah, but in my opinion a Wonder should ideally be a particular structure, which should be the name of the Wonder, instead of a generic "Kurgan" (if regarded as more inspiring, which I can see why). This also would guide better how it should look like.

 

1 hour ago, Genava55 said:

Just adding food for thought, the Gallic Wonder based on the Sanctuary of Corent is not clean and fresh

And should be. For sure it was maintained (which I doubt for kurgans, mainly after a few years). These damaged versions I'd leave for the future for, well, damaged buildings.