My problem with vile darkness

[boothbey]

Damn..someone beat me too it. Exalted Light. Nice idea. heh

 

[Xarlen]

Judging by the BoVD, the BoEL would just be Goodie Good, and not actual good. Bleh.

 

[Nightfall]

While I like what has been mentioned in the book (Thank you Ray! , I will admit, I'm a little more interested in the Ravenloft look at "Heroes" and "Villians".

 

[Dreaddisease]

Biblical references to evil can take two forms (actually more but I'm using two to state my point). The path to hell marked with good intentions. The state of the knowingly sinful. Good intentions are the lures of doing something so that the end is met. The little temptations or idle omissions creating sin.

ON the other hand you have very sordid, squalid and VILE images that are painted so well in christian minds. The state of the pagans worshipping strange gods in the moonlight with blood drenching their pale skin. Or the homosexual and murderous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

I think the Vileness of Evil is well understood by all who look at evil. Yes, the realities of most 'sin' committed is that it is not done with gross results or in a disgusting manner. But, to say that Vile Evil does not represent Religious ideology of evil is perfectly false. Religious people will often associate evil with gross and sleazy and disgusting things (such as cannabolism, murder, rape, orgies, reverting to animal instincts or nature, etc...).

You could always focus on the small things that leads characters toward evil, but I don't think when they get kicked out of their order for Gluttony or Lust will they really be enjoying their Gaming experience.

Anyways...

 

[Xarlen]

Well, Christianity, or rather Christian Acetisim kicked in right about the time the Romans hit rock bottom in their morale, with the homosexuality and orgies and whatnot, and thus To Them that was pretty much as 'grossly vile' as a Cancer-mage.

Sin 'twisted' people. It made them ugly and horrible. Look at the Scarlet Letter, where the doctor became a bent, ugly man for his sin, as well as Demsdale.

Edit: Fixed for confusion.

 

[kenjib]

You might want to check out Kenzer's Villain Design Handbook, which takes more the approach you want. I haven't been able to find a copy on the shelf to look at though, so I don't have it and can't say much from personal experience, just what I've heard.

 

[Dragongirl]

Well, Christianity, or rather Christian Acetisim kicked in right about the time the Romans hit rock bottom in their morale, with the homosexuality and orgies and whatnot, and thus that was pretty much as 'grossly vile' as a Cancer-mage.

Certainly hope you are saying that as morales for the time and not starting something about homosexuality in current times.

 

[Buttercup]

I won't have a copy of the book until this weekend at the earliest, so I can't comment on any particulars of its contents.

I did want to say though, that we should probably try to avoid religious and political discussion in connection with BoVD, lest we get the thread shut down.

And I would tend to agree with those who point out that the book has been marketed as vile rather than evil, so we shouldn't be surprised if it's a bit disgusting.

 

[barsoomcore]

Well, Christianity, or rather Christian Acetisim kicked in right about the time the Romans hit rock bottom in their morale, with the homosexuality and orgies and whatnot, and thus that was pretty much as 'grossly vile' as a Cancer-mage.

I would take exception to the idea that homosexuality ought to be pictured as "grossly vile" or an example of rock-bottom morals on these boards. You're free to believe what you like, of course, but I do find it hurtful when people make statements like that.

 

[Buttercup]

Ya, Barsoomcore. I predict this thread is due to close RSN.