Fantasy The Underworld Breathes: A Monster Fantasy

[Durandal]

-snip-

Fantasy settings rarely include evolution. The races are almost always created by some sort of god, gods, titan, titans, or other higher power- in this case, us.

 

[Syrenrei]

That's it, @Durandal , you're provoking me to make mutants! Except they will be beautiful and perfect like X-Men. Specifically Psylocke because she was so smoking hot in that last very unimpressive X-Men movie that I almost changed my sexuality.

 

[Durandal]

-snippity snip snip-

Yeah but you're still creating them! Creationists 1, Evolutionists 0! Check mate Evolutionists (B')


(> )


(Also someone just discovered the smilies here (>BD))

 

[Syrenrei]

Evolution isn't real! We can't have evolved from apes because there are still apes in the world. IT MAKES NO SENSE.


(I'm kidding)

 

[Frederick]

Fantasy settings rarely include evolution. The races are almost always created by some sort of god, gods, titan, titans, or other higher power- in this case, us.

Then why have all of the shit creatures too? What kind of greater being decides that they're going to make one awesome being and one terrible one? Why make something that requires sleep?

 

[Durandal]

When you get into a race that is "better than all the rest" I find it hard to suspend the disbelief I already have with fantasy. I like fantastical things, sure, but I want characters/races/species to have boons and drawbacks. If I wanted to have a character that was superior in every way and great at everything I'd just make a deity. And if I wanted that in another character/race/species I'd likewise play with someone who wanted to god-mode in the most literal sense. That's not to say I haven't role-played a deity in any capacity, but even then I give them flaws because the perfectly perfect awesome isn't fun to me.

Also I want to say that... I really feel like those of you against elves are doing so out of a bit of a flawed understanding. In most settings, elves aren't actually better than the rest in every way. They may seem like it at first and most importantly they may be played like it by unskilled players or portrayed as it by untalented writers, but it is rarely actually the case.


Take Tolkein's elves for instance. They might seem like they're better than humans in every way- they're more graceful, faster, longer-living, better vision... But they also have serious flaws. They are slow to act, preferring a wait and see approach and careful consideration over what they view as brash, reckless decisions that the other races make by acting swiftly. They are also quick to give up, as they have a paradise awaiting them across the Sea, they are ready to just throw in the towel rather than staying and fighting for what's right. Plus they can be corrupted- Orcs were originally elves that were tortured and twisted, Galladriel was severely tempted by the power of the One Ring, etc.

Then why have all of the shit creatures too? What kind of greater being decides that they're going to make one awesome being and one terrible one? Why make something that requires sleep?

I'm sorry, are you asking me for a universal rule that applies to all settings? Or are you asking about a specific setting? Every setting has its own reasons why- they often include (but are not limited to):

• Different power levels of gods/beings doing the creating (the more powerful gods can create more awesome races)
  
• Different time periods they are created in (earlier races have had more time to perfect themselves/master science or magic)
  
• Different goal when creating the races (a race of arbiter/judges/environmentalists has to be more powerful than the under races they rule over)
  
• Different intentions due to lessons learned (an early race of near perfect beings might have revolted against the creators and thus prompted less powerful/perfect creations for take 2)
  

 

[Syrenrei]

@Durandal : Oh, I readily admit that. I think I said it a few posts ago now that my bias against elves is because they are often played poorly in a more freeform setting, so I wanted to sort of move away from "Ugh, an elf" and create a race with some elven characteristics but with also distinct differences. I encourage someone else to redeem them in this RP by making a well-rounded and interesting elf concept though! (Like @Auren )

 

[Durandal]

-snip-

Right, I quoted you but I wasn't specifically replying to just you, more just that sentiment expressed in general. As I said earlier, I wholeheartedly agree with your outlook on the matter.


By the way, for anyone looking for an interesting portrayal of elves, I recommend taking a look at the Fair Folk in Exalted. They're clearly elves, even if called something else... and yet not superior-humans-with-pointy-ears at all.

 

[Syrenrei]

I haven't looked at the new edition of Exalted. Do you still roll 20+ dice for everything?

 

[Durandal]

I haven't looked at the new edition of Exalted. Do you still roll 20+ dice for everything?

I don't know! I think so, though. I have the third ed. pdf but haven't got around to reading it much yet. I looove the Exalted setting but the rules are just atrocious. (BP) If I was to run an Exalted game I would use a home-brewed custom rule set. (^U^)

 

[Avouleance]

Not an argument I intended to start but entertaining to read. I'll admit I meant the original question as a joke (about the way elves are usually elitist). Still had fun working on the weirder version of the elves though (not sure if it's one I'd use though for pc ideas).

 

[Hell Diver]

Thread should be up shortly. PRetty tired, been a long day so It'll probably be around 10-11 est that its actually posted. I'll tag everyone that interested. And if you're still interested just tag me in a post below.

 

[Avouleance]

@Mycoid tag

 

[StoneWolf18]

@Mycoid Interested! ^^

 

[Auren]

@Durandal : Oh, I readily admit that. I think I said it a few posts ago now that my bias against elves is because they are often played poorly in a more freeform setting, so I wanted to sort of move away from "Ugh, an elf" and create a race with some elven characteristics but with also distinct differences. I encourage someone else to redeem them in this RP by making a well-rounded and interesting elf concept though! (Like @Auren )

Like that one rp that we were in like... 2 years ago? xD

 

[Jays]

Yep, this is definitely more than 8 people

 

[Syrenrei]

Yep, this is definitely more than 8 people

Competition for spots! Do you know why?

 

[Frederick]

Oh... Uh... Awkward.

 

[Jays]

Natural selection to wipe out the inferior race?

 

[Syrenrei]

I think the first step is to see who actually applies versus those who merely have expressed interest. From there they will probably evaluate each application to see who actually followed completed the application versus posting a WIP that is more like a "Work in Never-Finishing-ness." And then who followed the rules and vision versus the random applicant who wants to make unicorns with who breath fire and are impervious to damage or something.


So who knows, maybe it'll whittle down naturally or maybe they'll have to get a big old DENIED stamp. Just try your best!

 

[Jays]

Oh, I do know that. Was just trying too hard to be funny, as I often do.

 

[Durandal]

Oh, I do know that. Was just trying too hard to be funny, as I often do.

I thought it funny. We're creating fantasy races, survival of the fittest, the strongest race survives. Whittle out the inferior races, race war now!


I got your humor and I enjoyed it! (> )

 

[Transparent]

Oooooh.....fun.

 

[Jays]

@Durandal Thanks a lot mate. No one ever appreciate my humor, especially Syren.

 

[Syrenrei]

@Jays It's true, I am practically evil incarnate. Yup.