Posted: June 27, 2000 at 22:17:39: by Steve Faust
: Actually, placing the women in the slave market and being purchased by Challenger was my idea (and a darn good one, too, I might add). Veronica has been captured by the Raiders to be sold as a slave once before, so they probably would want her again. Marge has done her time as the slave to the Tribute in "Less Than Human", but this time around they are freed through clever ruse rather than outright violence, a good twist to an old story line. And, of course, there's the cheesecake opportunities, too (an important consideration in an action-adventure show).: Two hundred quatloos on the newcomers! : Enjoy! Africa can offer more than a possible source of character histories: It can provide a basis for intertribal politics and economics.Plateau systems comparable to the West African Mali and Songhay empires, and particularly between the Songhay and Morocco just prior to, during, and after the battle of Wadi al - Makhazin in 1578 might be outlined and developed as a replacement for improbable scattered and unrelated cultures typical of the LW last season. The magnificent Songhay empire in the Niger Bend traded slaves and gold for salt. The Salt came from the Sahara in caravans. Morocco grew sugar and needed slaves and gold. The Songhay siphoned off the gold.The Islam based Sa'adi throne ( Morocco ) prevailed against the Songhay in the battle. Both empires would prize Marguerite and Veronica, not only for their beauty, but for their abilities and knowledge. The abilities of the men would also be highly valued. These people were not stupid. They would recognize their unique capabilities. The general public simply isn't going to recognize Moroccan - Songhay history. And that's what I'd recommend. They would see it as exotic and unique to the plateau. The Songhay were black and their cities were quite unlike those of the stereotyped African. For LW purposes, I'd base my "Songhay" appearance on a black tribe that once lived on the Nile ( wiped out by Mohammed Ali ). I can't recall the name of these people right now, but it will come to me. These were a particularly beautiful people, slender, with facial features similar to those of a top black fashion model. Ebony black, it has been reported in historical accounts that just to touch one of these people was quite an experience. The skin of a woman was soft beyond description. The men were tall, hardened warrior horsemen / and educators. West African actors couldn't be used as they would be immediately recognized. The actor / actress portraying a Songhay would need to be more Sudanese than West African.They dressed in white flowing robes with lots of gold jewelry. The Moroccan stand in would be "Incan", "Aztec", or "Mayan", but with a culture similar to that of the Moroccans in the 1500's without being too obvious about it. African maps of particular areas might be abstracted to determine the geography of the plateau. Introduce our characters into this mix and you could have some really interesting episodes, particularly if another expedition is on the plateau after what they think Marguerite has found and Marguerite. The important thing, of course, is identity with the Lost World and continuity ( e.g., the Klingons vs the Federation in Star Trek ). Three hundred Quatloos on the woman Marguerite! Steve Faust
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