and that's why i personally would prefer to go with post-mage storms. it opens up such a wider possibility and lets the mods make up where they want to go that hasn't been covered by the books. if you go pre-storms, you're locked into the timeline wherever you choose to start. it can be both exciting for book readers to know what's coming or boring, depending on preference. if it's based on valdemar, there's no reason to replay what's already been done by the 'main characters'. that's my main reason for wanting a more up to date timeline/post mage storms setting, the diversity/range of side characters/npcs being a lovely secondary. plus having a specialized mage class that might work their way up/gain mod approval to have a herald mage (for example) be taught adept magic by the tayledras could make for interesting divergences, along with just fun with magic in general.

i think the mod would have to come up with a good rule set over what abilities can be had/what the limits are/if they can be worked around or boosted with mod approval if a good reason is given. there's so much potential there and i'd love to see this worked up.