But let's extend the metaphors. Let's take all the negative stereotypes about gamers. They are antisocial. They are nerds. They are fat. They don't understand hygiene. They are weaklings who can't do a single pushup. They hate girls. Now, let's make a monster named Grognard, make them chaotic evil, and put them in the Monster Manual as creatures to fight or bully. Let's make nearly every encounter with them one where the characters are supposed to beat them up or mock them. And we'll say "but some grognards can be good people".
Well, being a nerd isn't a negative stereotype... but anyway, IME most "gamers" like girls very much... they just had a hard time talking to them. And certainly not antisocial since gaming, is, a social event and was when friends met to hang out--often talking about girls we liked. So... I think your Grognard needs some work but putting that aside for now...
Bully or mock them? Even back in the day that really wasn't cool. Unfortunately, most people who went along did so because they were afraid of becoming the victim, themselves.
How do you feel about my grognard? I'm sure people will not connect them to real gamers. You certainly wouldn't be offended that they use the same language used to mock gamers in the real world. They're made up. Silly elf game. Get rekked grognard!
Well, I can only speak for myself, but no I don't connect with your Grognard at all. None of the people I played with really would have fit most of those stereotypes, either:
Antisocial? No, we all had friends as gamers and outside the game. I, myself, played sports and was a Scout in Elementary School.
Nerd? Nope. Smart, certainly. Near top of my class (or at the top depending on which grade...). But I was well-liked and social and such.
Fat? Not by a long shot! If anything, I was skinny then and, well, at 51, I am starting to put on some pounds... We had one "fat kid" in our group. That was it, and he wasn't antisocial or such either. He was more a class clown.
Poor hygiene? Well, we were boys so I'll admit sometimes it wasn't top of the list, but still we showered and brushed our teeth.
Weaklings? While not "jocks" or "sport-o's" I'm pretty sure all of us in school and college could do a push-up. Now, pull-ups were something else.
Hate girls? LOL are you kidding? Teenagers in middle school and high school? We LOVED girls. At least half of us had girlfriends or dated. By the time college rolled around, using 1-3 members of my gaming groups were girls! (Well, women.)
So, no, I don't relate to your language use, etc. of a Grognard "gamer" at all. Now, I know some guys like that in one or two aspects, but even those we welcomed and didn't bully or mock. Maybe I just grew up around nicer people?
I mean, the game didn't tell me to go beat up gamers. It just said I'm justified in disliking fat, smelly, awkward creatures.
No offense, right?
Did it? Or did you just read it that way?
Y'all keep believing what you want. I'm done. I gotta get ready for game tonight. Can't wait to beat up some fat, smelly antisocial gorgnards tonight. Fictionally, of course.
Well, whatever you enjoy I guess--it's your game.
