Yes, Xia, 'generic' is a good way to describe it. I agree, thanks. I'm not sure how to address the generic aspects of EWOM. FFH2 continues to draw me into its lore. I write stories for the character in FFH2, even nameless commanders. EWOM hasn't drawn me in, thus far.
You suggest several things that resonate with me: Perhaps, a number of unique terrain locations would help some. Yes, perhaps making quests 'last' several turns - not just an instant response to 'entering' the goodie hut. Rewards of a unique nature, yes. I think that many of the rewards should, like the winning entry in the quest contest, be, metaphorically speaking, double edged swords. Many rewards should have an 'up' side, and a 'down' side.
SMAC had leader quotes, and quality quotes when discoveries were made. Perhaps, the lore could be revealed, in part, by what the SOVs and heroes say when they have a heart to heart with the player sov. Perhaps some goodie huts might yield tablets that tell about the past, and reveal the story line. Researching in a lost lib/temple might do this. Distant worlds has a story line that gets revealed as the game unfolds. And as it unfolds, the nature of the galaxy is modified.
Might these kinds of thing help EWOM? Might they be viable methods for Brad to share the lore / story with us players?