The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Swan Wood

Bêthberry · 03-16-2003, 09:54 AM

Elfhelm,

The stipulation about shield maidens (and, actually, to the use of a high proportion of female characters), arises from the need to respect the spirit of Tolkien and the narrative purpose of a game. There is no proscription against using them, but they must be incorporated into a game in a way meaningful to the story and not simply because a gamer is most comfortable writing that kind of character. There has to be a reason consistent with the game to have a high proportion of female characters.

Writing for Rohan does not involve escapist wish-fulfilment. It requires competent writing skills, complex development beyond the two paragraphs expected in The Shire, and a clear understanding that the aesthetic experience of the reader is important.

Enjoyment of the challenge of writing different characters is part of the experience of writing here at the BarrowDowns. We aim for high-quality, well-written, Tolkien-related storytelling. Those looking for looser interpretations and different guidelines should perhaps try other RPG sites.

Bethberry

[ March 16, 2003: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

03-16-2003, 09:54 AM	#62
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 5,977	Elfhelm, The stipulation about shield maidens (and, actually, to the use of a high proportion of female characters), arises from the need to respect the spirit of Tolkien and the narrative purpose of a game. There is no proscription against using them, but they must be incorporated into a game in a way meaningful to the story and not simply because a gamer is most comfortable writing that kind of character. There has to be a reason consistent with the game to have a high proportion of female characters. Writing for Rohan does not involve escapist wish-fulfilment. It requires competent writing skills, complex development beyond the two paragraphs expected in The Shire, and a clear understanding that the aesthetic experience of the reader is important. Enjoyment of the challenge of writing different characters is part of the experience of writing here at the BarrowDowns. We aim for high-quality, well-written, Tolkien-related storytelling. Those looking for looser interpretations and different guidelines should perhaps try other RPG sites. Bethberry [ March 16, 2003: Message edited by: Bethberry ] __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.