John a.k.a Sir D said:
Then, Trelian...could you kindly explain why we can't have species that are smaller than the size restriction in the tavern and garden? I never really understood that rule, nor really got an explanation other than, "Because Siani said so," now I'm not sure if that's true or accurate...and I'm not claiming that it is, I'm just a curious little bugger eagerly waiting an answer. And we'll see what it is. I'll most likely suggest or argue part of it...'tis my nature and why would I be wanting to know if I hadn't anything to throw back? Thanks, John.
The reason there are restrictions of many sorts on characters species in the tavern and the garden are twofold IC and OOC.
IC:
Greyhawk is not a loving, accepting cosmopolitan that accepts all individuals on their merits regardless of species, creed or background location. It is a rather harsh and in many ways barbaric world filled with horrifying creatures that have never (and likely will never) show any interest in having (much less displaying) redeeming qualities that would make them acceptable in mainstream human/demihuman society.
As such, these creatures and creatures easily mistaken for them are treated much like modern society treats a rabid dog. If you can, you kill it, if you can't, you run away.
Fae and other tiny humanoids are hence, not viewed by the general public of Greyhawk as cute, lovable little sprites who kiss children on the nose but rather as troublesome and dangerous supernatural beings who might steal children or burn down your house if they disapprove of your lifestyle. Add to that, the "cute" ones are generally more akin to children or pets in their emotional stability. This brings us on to the next point:
Small animals and children are not allowed to run loose in the tavern or garden for the same reason you're not allowed to let them run free in malls, supermarkets or bars in real life. Most apartments won't let you keep pets for fear of damage they might cause so Siani isn't going to let anything that might pee on a customer, bite them (and give them diseases) or otherwise create a ruckus in her her tavern.
It's her tavern, her "castle" per se and IC she doesn't need anyone's approval. There is no equal opportunity board that stands up for the civic rights of animals, supernatural creatures or anyone else. They also don't generally have educations as parazoologists so if it is confusable as a "bad" thing it's likely to be understood to be a bad thing and killed. Having bad things in your tavern is bad for business, particularly bad things that can create problems just by being there and are known for being uncontrollable.
Siani might make exceptions and let in "bad" races she knows can be coerced into following the rules (such as Faerun drow) and are otherwise more or less ideal tavern patrons, but there's no reason to allow in tiny people who bring virtually no business and are known for being, at best, a nuisance.
OOC:
There's a significant proportion of online roleplayers who like the idea that all the things you see while out adventuring you actually have to go adventuring to see because they're... special. Tiny people, talking rats, etc are all creatures that in most fantasy worlds (including the classic archetypes like Middle Earth) live away from people and hence meeting them is a magical experience.
This tends to get diluted and feel silly if you can just wander into a tavern and everyone you see as soon as you step into the tavern is proudly displaying their supernatural heritage. There's not mystery to it, not intrigue of shuffle footing around people who might smash your head open for being one of these races and no magical revelations when you work out that friend of yours is really a ... whatever.
The idea of the supernatural world being a hidden one is a popular one, so popular that White Wolf built it's business around it's World of Darkness range. As I mentioned it's popular in a lot of fantasy such Tolkien (and works heavily influenced by him) and many of the DnD settings (particularly in 1st and 2nd Edition) so the room is there to accommodate the roleplayers.
For the people who don't want all the fuss and bother about worrying if your race is acceptable to walk the streets or not or if your neighbour would frown upon you being descended from a race of beings who consider elven babies a fine delicacy... we have the Bazaar. It's completely accepting and cosmopolitan.
So, as the compromise, the players who want to roleplay only in the "tradition" type fantasy world where magic must be sought out are expected to stay in The Crossroads Tavern (and sub rooms) while those who want to have characters who are completely outlandish are asked to keep those characters in The Bazaar (and sub rooms), those who want to be somewhere in the middle The Rotunda (and sub rooms). For those who enjoy a mix they are encouraged to visit whichever room they please at any time but to please follow the rules of the room.
That means not glittery fairies in the Tavern, no balors in the Rotunda and no complaining that any type of character has no right to exist in Bazaar (unless it violates some other CoC rule).
As such, Setting Co-Ordinators are open to ideas that will build upon the current purpose and theme of their setting. Trelian was fully behind the Cage because it fitted well with the idea of the Bazaar and people expressed a desire for such a thing. Nashira hosts balls in the Rotunda if they fit the occasion and she's able to.
But they're not going to change their setting in ways that run contrary to the purpose and theme of the setting.
Oh, and perhaps we should think about opening a new thread, one that stays like permanently titled "Suggestions for the Site", unless that of course would not be a good idea? I wouldn't have a clue.
Really I'm just leaving it open until everyone is done posting questions and comments I should reply to, that way I can close it and nobody will feel "cut off" or shunned.
