As a person of Rom heritage, I was concerned when I started playing Alliance, as well as some other fantasy LARPs, at the prevalence of some facets of the races in the game. Colour me amazed that, weeks after I joined and played at my first game, I spoke with Mike V about them, and he said "Oh, we're already working to change that. Don't worry. But thank you for your input."
That was about 4 years ago now. And I've been sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what came about, with various theories being thrown my way over the years. I saw what some chapters did to minimize the impact, and I expressed my appreciation for that whenever it happened.
But now, we have the national answer. Something that is incredibly awesome, if you ask me, and maintains the flavour of the race without at all impinging on real cultures or perpetuating real stereotypes. The story in the race packet is entertaining, but I am appreciative most of all of the note in the costuming and RP section that suggests that should you incorporate real life bits, that you do so respectfully towards both the real culture you're borrowing from and the immersion of the game you're playing.
I love the various artwork that shows different placements of the gem, which gives people a very clear idea of things they can do, while leaving it wide open for other inspiration and encouraging artistic expression. It strays from the idea that it was a "bindi," and clearly shows it to be a fantasy race tied into the world of Fortannis and the history of Alliance.
I want to commend the creators of the race packet, the people who thought this all up, and the artists they got to draw those great pictures. I'm really looking forward to finally being able to play a character of this culture, and I owe it all to them.
Thanks you guys, you rock!
That was about 4 years ago now. And I've been sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what came about, with various theories being thrown my way over the years. I saw what some chapters did to minimize the impact, and I expressed my appreciation for that whenever it happened.
But now, we have the national answer. Something that is incredibly awesome, if you ask me, and maintains the flavour of the race without at all impinging on real cultures or perpetuating real stereotypes. The story in the race packet is entertaining, but I am appreciative most of all of the note in the costuming and RP section that suggests that should you incorporate real life bits, that you do so respectfully towards both the real culture you're borrowing from and the immersion of the game you're playing.
I love the various artwork that shows different placements of the gem, which gives people a very clear idea of things they can do, while leaving it wide open for other inspiration and encouraging artistic expression. It strays from the idea that it was a "bindi," and clearly shows it to be a fantasy race tied into the world of Fortannis and the history of Alliance.
I want to commend the creators of the race packet, the people who thought this all up, and the artists they got to draw those great pictures. I'm really looking forward to finally being able to play a character of this culture, and I owe it all to them.
Thanks you guys, you rock!