D&D 5E D&D's Inclusivity Language Alterations In Core Rules

In recent months, WotC has altered some of the text found in the original 5th Edition core rulebooks to accommodate D&D's ongoing move towards inclusivity. Many of these changes are reflected on D&D Beyond already--mainly small terminology alterations in descriptive text, rather than rules changes.

Teos Abadia (also known as Alphastream) has compiled a list of these changes. I've posted a very abbreviated, paraphrased version below, but please do check out his site for the full list and context.

• Savage foes changed to brutal, merciless, or ruthless.
• Barbarian hordes changed to invading hordes.
• References to civilized people and places removed.
• Madness or insanity removed or changed to other words like chaos.
• Usage of orcs as evil foes changed to other words like raiders.
• Terms like dim-witted and other synonyms of low intelligence raced with words like incurious.
• Language alterations surrounding gender.
• Fat removed or changed to big.
• Use of terms referring to slavery reduced or altered.
• Use of dark when referring to evil changed to words like vile or dangerous.

This is by no means the full list, and much more context can be found on Alphastream's blog post.

 

[Reef]

Actions, I don't believe most people has an issue with these words, I've seen no evidence these is the common view.

Again, the fact that a majority is fine with something doesn't make it right.

 

[Micah Sweet]

They hired professionals.

That means nothing beyond that they're being paid to do a job, to be fair.

 

[Henadic Theologian]

If the broader audience's view is that racist language and tropes are required for D&D that's a big problem.

Fortunately there's no evidence that inclusivity hurts sales, for anyone. More inclusive brands always do better in the long term

The view is that the language isn't racist, personally again, I don't care that much about these language changes either way, I have much bigger fish to fry, I'm just answering folks questions.

I'm not sure I have anything else to add, as I'm not really invested in this fight, compared to other things, like fixing the Planescape setting, and building better World Books for settings in the future.

 

[Henadic Theologian]

Claiming it's only a 'handful of people on Twitter' is an attempt to marginalize viewpoints of people who were already bring marginalized.

"Why make changes when the majority (ie me) are perfectly happy bring catered to?"

No I'm claiming these view points aren't truly representive of marginalized communities as folks make them out to be. If they were Disney wouldn't be the current disaster it's come to be.

I've talked with folks from these communities who don't feel represented by these views.

 

[Charlaquin]

Although I could perhaps, maybe just maybe, as is their right, see a time in which wotc would not allow 3rd party licensees to use unapproved language, but that would be the extent of their actual control.

They actually can’t do that now that they’ve released the rules under Creative Commons.

 

[Henadic Theologian]

That's not true, not a judgement on right or wrong of it, just that is not factually true. Audience has a big say on success, and being inclusive to one group, might be viewed as exclusionary to another.

Especially when that attempt at inclusivity is not actually representing the views of that community at large.

They need to put out a wider net if they want to actually represent the views of a community then just some loud folks on Twitter, many if whom get amplified by college educated white liberals.

Go broader with public polling of folks in a particular community at large and not just a self selected poll. Hire actual polling firms with experience in this. Not just D&D fans, but at large.

 

[Reynard]

Fortunately there's no evidence that inclusivity hurts sales, for anyone. More inclusive brands always do better in the long terun.

This is thevthing I think some people are missing or intentionally ignoring: these choices are about money. Brands that ignore this stuff or outright deride it suffer. I mean,just look at the share values of X. It turns out that most people don't want to be associated with brands that promote conspiracy theories and -isms. Who coulda knowed?

WotC knows its audience. If you feel that this is all nonsense, it probably means you aren't it any more.

 

[AstroCat]

They actually can’t do that now that they’ve released the rules under Creative Commons.

Good point although I was imagining a more direct licensing agreement.

 

[Henadic Theologian]

This is thevthing I think some people are missing or intentionally ignoring: these choices are about money. Brands that ignore this stuff or outright deride it suffer. I mean,just look at the share values of X. It turns out that most people don't want to be associated with brands that promote conspiracy theories and -isms. Who coulda knowed?

WotC knows its audience. If you feel that this is all nonsense, it probably means you aren't it any more.

Bot influenced X was always going to be a disaster, I could counter point out the Bud Light Boycott, Miller Light or the Gellette Boycott (transparency I did not support either, especially the mean spirited Budlight Boycott, although I hated the Gillette and Miller Light ads, I refused to particapate in boycotts of them).

 

[bedir than]

That's not true, not a judgement on right or wrong of it, just that is not factually true. Audience has a big say on success, and being inclusive to one group, might be viewed as exclusionary to another.

Except it is true. University, management firms, big investors are all in agreement over this. DEI and inclusion are better for business. The evidence is ovewhelming.

Why Diversity and Inclusion Are Good for Business

Fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion is exactly what today's businesses must do to compete on the global stage.

online.uncp.edu

Inclusion In The Workplace: What It Means And Its Strength | NU

There are many benefits to incorporating inclusion into the workplace. Learn why it's important & some tips on how to accomplish it.

www.nu.edu

How diversity, equity, and inclusion are good for business

Diversity in the workplace—with true inclusion—matters to employees, customers, and your long-term business growth.

www.principal.com

12 Reasons Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Are Important in Business - Claremont Lincoln

From nurturing a more positive workplace to generating fresh insights, investing in intentional DEI practices is an imperative move for every business.

www.claremontlincoln.edu

Diversity wins: How inclusion matters

Although the business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is stronger than ever, many companies’ progress has stalled. A systematic approach and bold action can help.

www.mckinsey.com

Wizards of the Coast is making attempts to include more people in the game. Inclusion's detractors are demanding less inclusion in the game, closing off the people who for the past years say that the game and tables finally welcomed them.

The best way to grow the game is to write and lead it in a way that says "all are welcome." Not to hold onto the tropes that shout loudly "but not you."