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Is D&D combat meant to be heroic?
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<blockquote data-quote="Campbell" data-source="post: 3390944" data-attributes="member: 16586"><p>On this matter we are in total agreement. Although I would hesitate to call prevailing against one's enemies on the basis of tactics and ability as heroism. Characters who accomplish such feats on a regular basis are what I'd call great men, rather than heroes. To me, heroism is about standing for something greater than yourself, holding steadfast to virtue, and being willing to make personal sacrifices in the name of your noble causes. A hero can also be a great man, but isn't necessarily so. The same could also be said in reverse. </p><p></p><p>For example, Corwin from Roger Zalazny's Amber Chronicles and Elric are quintessential examples of great men, but aren't exactly heroic. Although both eventually take part in some very noble endeavors, they are principally motivated by their own standing,show disregard for the wellbeing of others, and are very hesitant to make personal sacrifices. Achilles,Jack Sparrow, and Alexander the Great also fit this mold.</p><p></p><p>On the flip side, Frodo Baggins is heroic but not a great man ... er... Halfling. On his journey to Mount Doom Frodo is protected by others every step of the way, often needs to be saved from his own foolish actions, and shows very little in the way of adventuring talent. Yet he presses on, doesn't succumb to moral darkness, shows mercy to his enemies, and was always willing to make the personal sacrifices that were required of him. I'm hard pressed to think of many examples of this kind of character outside of Middle Earth. Perhaps it's a sign that I'm not really a fan of this character type.</p><p></p><p>Examples of great men who are also heroes would include Sir Gawain,William Turner,Aragorn, and a good number of other fantasy protagonists. I would argue that not a lot of mythic characters, or historical figures fit this category.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Campbell, post: 3390944, member: 16586"] On this matter we are in total agreement. Although I would hesitate to call prevailing against one's enemies on the basis of tactics and ability as heroism. Characters who accomplish such feats on a regular basis are what I'd call great men, rather than heroes. To me, heroism is about standing for something greater than yourself, holding steadfast to virtue, and being willing to make personal sacrifices in the name of your noble causes. A hero can also be a great man, but isn't necessarily so. The same could also be said in reverse. For example, Corwin from Roger Zalazny's Amber Chronicles and Elric are quintessential examples of great men, but aren't exactly heroic. Although both eventually take part in some very noble endeavors, they are principally motivated by their own standing,show disregard for the wellbeing of others, and are very hesitant to make personal sacrifices. Achilles,Jack Sparrow, and Alexander the Great also fit this mold. On the flip side, Frodo Baggins is heroic but not a great man ... er... Halfling. On his journey to Mount Doom Frodo is protected by others every step of the way, often needs to be saved from his own foolish actions, and shows very little in the way of adventuring talent. Yet he presses on, doesn't succumb to moral darkness, shows mercy to his enemies, and was always willing to make the personal sacrifices that were required of him. I'm hard pressed to think of many examples of this kind of character outside of Middle Earth. Perhaps it's a sign that I'm not really a fan of this character type. Examples of great men who are also heroes would include Sir Gawain,William Turner,Aragorn, and a good number of other fantasy protagonists. I would argue that not a lot of mythic characters, or historical figures fit this category. [/QUOTE]
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