http://drunkandugly.com/category/rogue-trader/ I'm listening to a podcast set in the Warhammer 40k universe. Now, it's no secret that Blizzard cribbed from both Warhammer and 40k for Warcraft, and Starcraft. Also, Fading Suns borrows elements from Dune. As I'm listening to this podcast though, I realize that Fading Suns is close to a rebranded 40k setting, and it's 40k taking a lot from Dune. Finally, it hits me, what these settings all have in common is New Spain, AKA Mexico while under the control of the Spanish Empire. Now, Dune may have been an allegory on he middle east and oil. However, Dune, Warhammer 40k, Warcraft, Starcraft, and Fading Suns may have all been radically different had had it not been for Zorro. The Zorro books highlight this time period, outlining the caste system, and vast separation of wealth. You can see the interplay of politics and adventure, along with elements of intrude that would define the later works. It was really a strange moment to see the connections, and this may not be any kind of real secret, but it was new to me, and I thought it was worth sharing.