I would look to Europe as a means of comparison. For thousands of years Europeans have lived in close proximity with a variety of cultures as well as a variety of evolving modes of transportation. Yet distinct cultures grew and flourished there, despite similar technologies and the potential for travel. This is because most people associated with a certain tribe or cultural heritage, leading to tribal or nationalist rivalries. Even to this day, with modern means of transportation and communication, many remain insular and distrustful of the other cultures around them due to generations of competition and conflict.
Now consider the possibility that Neanderthal, Cro-Magnon, and two other extinct hominid species were thrown into the mix. Competition would be staggering, and it is likely that the average human or Neanderthal would stick to their own species with its familiar culture for stability.
The worldly traveler, in my mind, would be the rare exception in this sort of society. Adventurers, by definition, are generally exceptional individuals, but not everyone will be RPing an adventurer. Also, the myriad of off-camera NPCs would likely conform to more traditional cultural norms. For the typical farmer, laborer, artist, or foot soldier (whom we assume to exist off-camera because the giant city-states don't appear to be rife with starvation or deterioration), the economic balance of the world would dictate that they have little time or money for world travel and cultural or cross-cultural pursuits. It is likely that the cost of a teleport would amount to a large percentage of the yearly expendable income for the typical working stiff.
Now consider the possibility that Neanderthal, Cro-Magnon, and two other extinct hominid species were thrown into the mix. Competition would be staggering, and it is likely that the average human or Neanderthal would stick to their own species with its familiar culture for stability.
The worldly traveler, in my mind, would be the rare exception in this sort of society. Adventurers, by definition, are generally exceptional individuals, but not everyone will be RPing an adventurer. Also, the myriad of off-camera NPCs would likely conform to more traditional cultural norms. For the typical farmer, laborer, artist, or foot soldier (whom we assume to exist off-camera because the giant city-states don't appear to be rife with starvation or deterioration), the economic balance of the world would dictate that they have little time or money for world travel and cultural or cross-cultural pursuits. It is likely that the cost of a teleport would amount to a large percentage of the yearly expendable income for the typical working stiff.
I'm a tinker! Tinkerer? Hrm.... I'm an artificer! - Myxie Tryxle | Impressions and Memories
