Primeval Jungles and Shimmering Wastelands

 Jungles and deserts are without a doubt the most bad ass places hiding secrets and treasure.

Deserts:

Shifting sands temporarily revealing long lost tombs. Pyramids. Things akin to Petra in Jordan. Ziggurats. Conan. Scorching rays during the day, frigid winds at night. City States built upon oases. Caravans. Despotic sorcerer kings waging vain wars. Curses. Snake men. Colosseums and gladiators. Diablo II Act: II

Jungles:

Dinosaurs. Stepped pyramids. Conan. Lizard men. More snake men. Tribal pockets. Theocratic City States. Witch Doctors. Incessant noise. Bottom of the food chain. Curses. Alien and inhospitable. Teotihuacan. Angkor Wat. Diablo II Act: III. 

Things floating around in the back of my mind for later:

    -Angkor Wat and Diablo II Act: III inspired megadungeon complex.

    

THE WHITE WHALE

 When I say my "white whale" of a game, my meaning is mostly the feeling evoked from the gameplay and the atmosphere of the setting.

The closest I have come to a representation of this in media is the song "Quest" by the band Pilgrim

Across the shimmering wasteland
In temples bathed in gold
Preserved by beasts of legend
Are treasures rich and old

The massive gates grind open
When uttered magic rites
Equipped with sword and lantern
I quest for what's inside

Upon the dust-hewn altar
A crystal shines its light
Defended by the keeper
The jewel of endless life

A battle with the keeper
The evil pharaoh's blight
He raises his wand towards me
I raise my sword to fight

"Required Reading" as far as I'm concerned.

I must not lose sight of the feelings evoked in me by this song.

I am compelled to bring this out at a table, however long that may take me, however my table evolves.