Son of the Serpent
Pupil
It definitely is human nature to do this to am extent. Actually its been observed in many MANY animal species. Crows for instance. Big time. They will pluck feathers from those who defy the gate keeping and will even permanately maim or shun repeat offenders somewhat commonly.It’s definitely not human nature, and it’s not unique to D&D or even gaming generally. Gatekeeping is a product of the cultivation of identity, which fandom is a form of. When one’s identity is built around being a fan of something, one is inclined to establish the merit of that identity, which is done (among other things) by setting standards by which to judge one’s status as a fan. It’s not an inborn instinct, it’s a learned behavior, resulting from a culture obsessed with merit.
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