The Gaming Outpost

News: Still have the cold, and haven’t been able to do anything on the Ki Project. The stuffy nose is bad enough, but when you add in the aches and the fatique. No fun.



Essay: But I did say I would post something every day, and I aint feeling that bad. So here’s today’s effort.



Continuing with our story theme I present another question for you; what sort of stories are told in your campaign. In particular, what sort of stories are told by the non-humans? Do the long-lived peoples go in for lengthy epics told over many nights. Are the short-lived folks fond of short tales and anecdotes?



What are the subjects? Mighty heroes or clever rogues? Do they teach probity and honor, or adaptability?



A lot can be learned of a people by the stories they tell. The rulers favor stories of great heroism and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Their subjects stories of cleverness, of outwitting those in power. Consider the character of Bugs Bunny, a trickster constantly outwitting and bedeviling authority figures, bullies, and damn fools.His stories were told by men involved in a near constant battle with people in authority over them. His stories appealed, and still appeal, to those of us also struggling against authority figures in all walks of life.



For the Indians of the American southwest the trickster Coyote exemplifies the qualities desired. Clever, quick. using his wits and wiles to survive in a perilous land. To the Franks of Carolingian France the stories of Roland and his brother paladins at the court of Charlemagne, taught lessons of honor and courage. The importance of self sacrifice and the need to place country and king above one’s self. Bugs is a hero of the underdog, Roland a hero of the ruling class.



How a people view themselves can be seen in the stories they tell. Take two races that live under the rule of a third. A race that considers itself better than its “betters” will tell stories in which the hero gains his just rewards by outwitting the dull-witted rulers. A race that sees itself as unjustly oppressed will tell tales of vile betrayal and just revenge. To use a DnD analogy, you wouldn’t expect gnomes to appreciate kobold legends.



So do the races of your world tell stories, and what kind? What qualities and virtues do they extoll? What vices and crimes do they decry? How does society shape these stories. How do the stories shape society?



Coming Up: Unless I’m struck by a serious bout of inspiration, it would appear that this impromptu series of essays on story in RPGs has come to an end. I’ve got an idea for an essay on the subject of hair, but that’s going to take some research. Don’t think hair’s important? Take a look at all the hair care products on drug store shelves.



If nothing else you’ll get an introduction to the Ki Project. As always comments are welcome, either through private email (mythusmage@cts.com) or on the forums. Till tomorrow.



Alan