Swan Wood - Discussion Thread - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bêthberry · 03-10-2003, 10:45 AM

It is great to see Swan Wood off to such a flying start! I hope all of you have fun writing the game.

Taralphiel in particular needs to be complimented for the way she is directing the gamers to form small alliances and to relate their characters closely to the plotline of the game. Well done!

However, a couple of observations are in order about the nature of the characterizations, particularly for games in Rohan.

Two points are particularly important for Rohan. One, posts must reflect greater thought and development than exists for games in The Shire because the games here are more complex. Characters need to observe their surroundings, other characters, their own motivation, to help readers enjoy the game. Here it should be pointed out that Aylwen and Ransom are setting the standard for this game. Well done, Aylwen and Ransom!

The second point is that all games in Rohan--indeed, in all the RPG forums at the BarrowDowns--must be true to the spirit of Tolkien's writing and not just to any form of fantasy. This is specifically a Tolkien site. Illegitimacy does not exist in Middle Earth, particularly amongst the elves. Also, Tolkien has no elven shield maidens and even Eowyn is an exception. Galadriel's skills lie in diplomacy, management, consensus-building, not in fighting. Taralphiel and Aylwen have done a good job integrating their female characters into the spirit of Tolkien. However, please keep in mind that super-powered, green-eyed Mary Sue heroines detract from good games.

A comment, too, on half-elven characters, who are very rare in Tolkien but who tend to proliferate in RPGs. Tolkien uses half-elven as plot devices; their presence is very much linked to particular situations in the story. No such situations are called for in Swan Wood and so none of the elves should be half-elven. Indeed, it is important for the elf characters to explain why they have not journied West, as it is important for all characters to justify their presence on this particular quest. This is somethhing which many of you have already done. Good show!

Just a few reminders for everyone who might be reading this thread. I'm looking forward to reading this game. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Bethberry,
Moderator for Rohan

[ March 10, 2003: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

03-10-2003, 10:45 AM	#11
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 5,996	It is great to see Swan Wood off to such a flying start! I hope all of you have fun writing the game. Taralphiel in particular needs to be complimented for the way she is directing the gamers to form small alliances and to relate their characters closely to the plotline of the game. Well done! However, a couple of observations are in order about the nature of the characterizations, particularly for games in Rohan. Two points are particularly important for Rohan. One, posts must reflect greater thought and development than exists for games in The Shire because the games here are more complex. Characters need to observe their surroundings, other characters, their own motivation, to help readers enjoy the game. Here it should be pointed out that Aylwen and Ransom are setting the standard for this game. Well done, Aylwen and Ransom! The second point is that all games in Rohan--indeed, in all the RPG forums at the BarrowDowns--must be true to the spirit of Tolkien's writing and not just to any form of fantasy. This is specifically a Tolkien site. Illegitimacy does not exist in Middle Earth, particularly amongst the elves. Also, Tolkien has no elven shield maidens and even Eowyn is an exception. Galadriel's skills lie in diplomacy, management, consensus-building, not in fighting. Taralphiel and Aylwen have done a good job integrating their female characters into the spirit of Tolkien. However, please keep in mind that super-powered, green-eyed Mary Sue heroines detract from good games. A comment, too, on half-elven characters, who are very rare in Tolkien but who tend to proliferate in RPGs. Tolkien uses half-elven as plot devices; their presence is very much linked to particular situations in the story. No such situations are called for in Swan Wood and so none of the elves should be half-elven. Indeed, it is important for the elf characters to explain why they have not journied West, as it is important for all characters to justify their presence on this particular quest. This is somethhing which many of you have already done. Good show! Just a few reminders for everyone who might be reading this thread. I'm looking forward to reading this game. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Bethberry, Moderator for Rohan [ March 10, 2003: Message edited by: Bethberry ] __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.