The following list includes books, movies, comic books, artwork, or general links that might prove inspirational and helpful to Aether players. They have been listed alphabetically by the artist, author (if the subject is a novel), or title (if it's a movie, show, or website). Where possible, links have been added that offer longer descriptions of each work. If you have something you'd like to add, please @mail Astraea online, or e-mail her at apoyser@hotmail.com, with a short blurb -- and don't forget to include the title and author/director!

• Heir to Govandhara, by Saira Ramasastry: Beserah's player here on Aether is a published author! Her first novel is fantasy-based, and it combines elements of South Asian culture and mythology. The story focuses on the heroine, Sri, who must struggle to define herself as a Queen within a restrictive culture. Magic and deities are a fundamental part of the fantasy, and Varati players, in particular, might find the book inspiring. Check it out!
• Artwork by Susan Seddon-Boulet: This collection of prints features images of shapeshifters and shamans, medicine women and totems. It is perfect for the Sylvans, and represents that fusion of magic, mysticism, and reverence for the earth that so characterizes the race.
• Ben-Hur: MGM's three and a half hour epic blockbuster, directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston. It's a biblical story set in ancient Rome, and features one of the most exciting chariot races ever to be shown on film. Only Titanic has ever tied its 11-Oscar record, and it is regarded by many as one of the greatest films of all time.
• Caligula may be the only big production, mainstream "porno" movie in the history of cinema. Filmed in 1979 and produced by Bob Guccione, it starred such big name stars as Malcolm McDowell, Peter O'Toole, and John Gielgud, and depicted the infamous reign of the decadent Roman Emperor for whom it was named. It is certainly not for the squeamish or prudish, but if you can focus past the sex and violence, you might find some merit in the film. The costumes and sets, at least, are worth admiring.
• Dances with Wolves: Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, this film is about a soldier exiled to a remote Civil War outpost who befriends both wolves and Indians. Sylvan players might find it especially enjoyable.
• Golden Fire, by Jonathan Fast: Set in ancient India, this is a novel about a young prince who eventually manages to win back his kingdom. It should provide both entertainment and inspiration to Varati players, in particular.
• Gladiator: A Dreamworks picture released in May 2000, directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, and Djimon Hounsou. It is set in ancient Rome, and tells the story of a general who became a slave, a slave who became a gladiator, and a gladiator who defied an Emperor. Excellent film, and should prove inspirational to Empyrean players, as well as anyone interested in playing a gladiator.
• I, Claudius and Claudius the God by Robert Graves: A two-part account of the life of Tiberius Claudius, who became Emperor of Rome in 41 A.D. Its political intrigue and drama ought to interest Empyrean players. See the entry for the series, as well.
• Harem Suare: An Italian film directed by Ferzan Ozpetek, about "an impossible romance between a concubine of the Sultan and her eunuch in the last harem of the Ottoman Empire, at the beginning of the 20th century." Varati players who enjoy foreign films might find it inspiring.
• The Iliad and The Odyssey, by Homer: C'mon, if you've never read them for school, it's probably about time you had a look. These classic tales about the events during and after the Trojan war feature such legends as Achilles, Odysseus, and Helen of Troy -- not to mention the gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon. Empyrean players ought to enjoy these tales of war and wandering.
• I, Claudius, by Herbert Wise: A thirteen-part series based on the books by Robert Graves. This 1976 Masterpiece Theater presentation features Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, Brian Blessed, John Hurt, and Patrick Stewart (with hair!), as well as hosts of others. You don't have to play an Empyrean to enjoy the political intrigue, drama, and touches of comedy found in this series.
• The Sarantine Mosaic, a series by Guy Gavriel Kay: There are two parts to this duology -- Sailing to Sarantium and Lord of Emperors. They are loosely based on the Byzantine Empire, in that Kay uses a good deal of the existing and known history to create his own world and characters. The books provide a marvelous example of Empyrean society, and Guy Gavriel Kay has an incredible talent for plot development, characterization and political maneuvering in a fantasy setting.
• The Far Pavilions, by M. M. Kaye: A novel set in India at the height of the British Empire, involving star-crossed lovers, intrigue, and climactic battles. Its description of Indian culture ought to appeal to Varati players.
• Last of the Mohicans: Directed by Michael Mann and based on the novel by James Fenimore Cooper, it stars Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeline Stowe, among others. Three trappers must protect a British Colonel's two daughters in the midst of the French and Indian War. It features gorgeous cinematography and an excellent soundtrack, and ought to appeal to Sylvan players in particular.
• The Masters of Rome, a series by Colleen McCullough: This series of four novels includes The First Man in Rome, The Grass Crown, Fortune's Favorites, and Caesar's Women. They are set in Rome during the time of the late Republic, each of them well-detailed -- including terms, maps, and dates. They ought to provide plenty of inspiration for Empyrean players.
• Veils, a graphic novel by Pat McGreal: This graphic novel published by Vertigo comics features photographs and computer-generated artwork by Stephen John Phillips and Jose Villarrubia, as well as a painted interlude by Rebecca Guay. It tells the story of a woman's "sensual journey of self-discovery as she visits the Sultan's palace and is invited to enter that most forbidden of places -- the harem." Perfect for Varati players -- especially concubines or Ushasti.
• Elfquest, by Wendy and Richard Pini: All right, they may not be elves, but Sylvans do live in the woods (most of 'em), and many have a special rapport with animals (particularly the graisha), so recommending these comics about the Wolfriders of the World of Two Moons isn't really a stretch. They both have pointy ears, too! And, admittedly, the kinds of magic that exist on Aether probably owe a lot of inspiration to EQ, seeing as Aether's creator grew up reading those comics. Check 'em out, if you haven't yet!
• Gates of Fire, by Steven Pressfield: A novel about the last stand at Thermopylae by 300 Spartan soldiers -- sure to appeal to players in the Praetorian Guard.
• The Kadin, by Bertrice Small: Ostensibly a romance novel, this book is also far much more -- it's set in the Ottoman Empire of the fifteenth century, and tells the story of how a woman sold into the slavery of the sultan's harem managed to triumph in the end. Excellent background material for Varati players, particularly concubines and Ushasti.
• Spartacus: A film by Stanley Kubrick, with an all-star cast including Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, and Anthoney Hopkins. It tells the story of a slave who led a revolt against Rome, and ought to appeal to players of both gladiators and Empyreans.
• Alamut, by Judith Tarr: Set in Outremere in the time of Bauldwin, the Leper King of Jeruselem, this novel weaves a fantastic tapestry of Muslim life in that time. The sequel, The Sword and the Cross, is set just after Bauldwin's death in the same area. These books ought to appeal to Varati players.
• Drowntide, by Sydney J. Van Scyoc: Although it's a science fiction novel, the description of underwater life and "mermaids" ought to appeal to Atlantean players. It's a story about a young man's search for his true heritage, and his quest to save a city.
• Where Mermaids Dwell: It's neither a book nor a movie, but a web-site, and features scads of stories, links, images, and poetry about those fish-tailed sirens from the deep. Atlantean players may want to check it out.

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