Dark Dinotopia

[Rathark]

I read James Gurney's Dinotopia 10 years ago. While thoroughly impressed with the illustrations, I recall being a little dismayed by the rules one had to follow. Meat and dairy products were forbidden, as was alcohol (I think). I can't seem to recall wher coffee came into it. Still, I'm sure such a place would have more than enough compensating factors.

Nonetheless, what if the predators were in control of Dinotopia? Would humans be welcome? Would they be a little TOO welcome? What would the rules be like? Would the place be a democracy? Monarchy? Fascist police state? Communist? Capitalist? Anarchist? Libertarian? Would it be hierarchical in other ways? What would they have in store for criminals, or even critics of the system / leader? Would they just "disappear"?

I am aware that there is a mini-series based upon Dinotopia. Although I have yet to see it, I am aware that the reviews have been poor.

[Smiling Bandit]

Hmmm... whether we eat vggies or no, I think Humans would work well in carnivore Dinotopia, though I haven't read the series. We're too small to make a good meal for the bid dogs, and the others presumably could be dealt with if they got the *man-munchies*.

BEsides, we can introduce chicken and pork and beef diets and rule the world with our Agricultural collectives! Mwah-ha-ha-ha!

But I'd say it'd have to be a ery strong central government or a strong limited-rights democracy to survive. Too many hungry, dino-testosterone-ladden meat eaters to have a very weak system. Economically, I have a hard time seeing carnivores going commie or socialist routes.

[Shadow WarChief]

It would quite literally be anarchy...and I quote...

"Tyrannosaurus rex is not evil. Only hungry by nature, with no love for society, and no stomach for green food."

If T-rex don't want civilization, you can be your ass they won't let anyone have it.

Besides, there already is a "Dark Dinotopia" as you put it. It's called the Rainy Basin. It's in the north east of DT I think. That's where all the large carnosaurs live. And it is quite literally anarchy.

[Master of Ossus]

There are no rules in the Rainy Basin, and people (and "civilized" dinosaurs) only cross it in caravan, and only if they must. There are some ruins out there, but nothing of interest to the average Dinotopian. Interestingly enough, the Carnivores appear to move in packs there, and occasionally attack the convoys on their way through.

BTW, did anyone actually like the miniseries they did on this subject? Did it appear to make any sense to anyone?

[Rathark]

Thanks for reminding me of the Rainy Basin, Warchief. It's been a while.

BTW, if the Tyrannosaurs are natural rogues, I suspect that the "social" predators would be the first to establish a society in the Rainy Basin. Also, if most of the herbivorous dinosaurs in Dinotopia have humanlike intelligence, the Velociraptors might have an average IQ of 180!

Not the most desirable enemy to have.