D&D 5E Content Warning Labels? Yeah or Nay?

[Sacrosanct]

But Scandinavia is in Europe...

Yep. But it seems some like to have that distinction. Like how I've found that some prefer to have areas like Greece also called out separately. (Greece is a good example, because even though it's part of Europe, the mythology is not included in this book)

 

[Crimson Longinus]

Yep. But it seems some like to have that distinction. Like how I've found that some prefer to have areas like Greece also called out separately. (Greece is a good example, because even though it's part of Europe, the mythology is not included in this book)

It just sounds weird and makes it seem like the writer doesn't know where Scandinavia is.

 

[Yaarel]

That is just a placeholder term. I'm going to eliminate it completely, and just list as "in order to avoid cultural appropriation, the mythology will focus on European and Scandinavian folklore."

The primary references I used for the Nordic folklore were the Poetic and Prose Eddas, and Dr. Jackson Crawford's various presentations.

Maybe generalizations can be something like the regions: Nordic, Germanic, Slavic, Celtic, Italic, Hellenic.

Each of these have their own complications. For example Finland preserves a Nonindoeuro language but is a vital aspect of Nordic cultures.

Britain seems a solid mix of Celtic, Italic, and Nordic. I would probably group Britain with Celtic in terms of folkbelief concepts.

 

[Yaarel]

For Nordic folkbeliefs, I would make a point to include Scandinavian modern folkbelief from the 1800s.

The way that Nonscandinavians interpret the eddas and sagas often feels wrong to Scandinavians.

By contrast, the later folkbelief gives a more direct sense of the mood and animism, that accurately characterizes the eddas and sagas as well.

Do similarly for Sami and Finland too.

 

[Yaarel]

Despite the cognates, the terms mean different things, and I would studiously avoid the term "gods". Just refer to "Aesir and Jotnar" neutrally. Generally, the Aesir are "helpful" features of the sky and the Jotnar "unhelpful" features of nature. But Jotnar are diverse and some of their features can be helpful too.

 

[Vince_Snetterton]

No. But it's not unreasonable to expect DMs and writers to be decent human beings, and make some effort to provide an enjoyable game; and be aware that it's possible someone might be troubled for whatever reason. If a content creator feels a warning is the way to go, good on them.

How, specifically, is offering such a heads-up wrong?
How, specifically, is encouraging greater awareness of others a bad thing?
What damage, specifically, does having a content warning on a book do to your game?

OK, I am sold. We trigger warning even canon source book, as there is something in each book. Better safe than sorry.

 

[J.Quondam]

OK, I am sold. We trigger warning even canon source book, as there is something in each book. Better safe than sorry.

Aww. Too bad about the cop out response. I was really looking forward to hear you explain how being considerate is bad.

 

[Dire Bare]

Note, I object to "European" if it means misrepresenting Nordic cultures.

But Scandinavia is in Europe...

I'm not European or Scandinavian, but I'm going out on a limb and assuming @Yaarel is Scandinavian. If you're American like me . . . you wouldn't necessarily distinguish between the broad term European and the more specific term Scandinavian. But, it looks like some folks do.

How would most Scandinavians view this? Would most find being lumped in with other Europeans distasteful? I don't know, but it's worth listening to others to start finding out.

It just sounds weird and makes it seem like the writer doesn't know where Scandinavia is.

No, it really doesn't.

 

[MGibster]

I'm not European or Scandinavian, but I'm going out on a limb and assuming @Yaarel is Scandinavian. If you're American like me . . . you wouldn't necessarily distinguish between the broad term European and the more specific term Scandinavian. But, it looks like some folks do.

And I can dig that. I don't imagine a Mexican wants people lumping their culture in with that of the United States. I think it might be common for Americans to lump all Europeans together for a variety of reasons, but partially because we're a nation of immigrants. I'll pretty much draw on any European legends, history, folklore, etc., etc. for game inspiration without a second thought but I can see how that might be frustrating to some people.

 

[Vince_Snetterton]

Aww. Too bad about the cop out response. I was really looking forward to hear you explain how being considerate is bad.

Cop out? Really?
I am merely agreeing with you. My stance was always all or nothing. Looks like "all" won out.
If you truly believe there are that many people in the world that need protection from books, well, contact WOTC and begin the process.

I do have one question for you. If WOTC resists your efforts to force them to put trigger warnings on their products, are you prepared to stop playing D&D as part of the boycott to force WOTC's hand?