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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Faolyn" data-source="post: 8224502" data-attributes="member: 6915329">My personal problem with them is that they don't make sense as a people from a psychological standpoint:A: They don't seem to understand the concept of personal property (despite being presumably made by the same gods that made other races that do understand that).B: They aren't afraid of the consequences for their actions.But then they lie about having taken stuff. "Oh, just holding on to this for you!" "I have no idea how it got there!" The only reason for them to lie is if they're aware that they did something wrong and don't want to get in trouble. If A and B are true, and they are truly creatures of innocence like the books claim, then they should have no problem owning up to their mischief. "Yes, I took it because it was pretty / shiny / matched something else I have / looked lonely / wanted to see if I could. Want it back? Here!" In addition, if they truly have no concept of personal property, then what they really should be doing is taking stuff and giving it to people whom they think need it more, which is often not them. But--well, it's been absolute ages since I read any of the novels so maybe I'm just forgetting stuff; I mostly just know from the gaming books--I can't recall this being a major part of their characterization. They should have a reputation as Robin Hoods, not as kleptomaniacs.And yet, (almost) everyone seems to like them. And those that don't like them tend to either be seen as curmudgeons or are considered to be part of an evil race.So I'm kind of left with two opposing ideas when it comes to kender. Either they can't function competently in typical society (I used to work with developmentally disabled adults in a sheltered day program and knew numerous people who, due to low IQ and poor self-control, fit A and B above, and as such needed a great deal of supervision), or they are actually a species of sociopaths that have managed to fool everyone (possibly using hidden magic) into thinking they're just innocent and child-like.The fact that kenders are also beloved of gamers who want to act like thieving dicks to the rest of their table is just icing on their highly disturbing cake.Now, kender can be redeemed. Take away their lack of fear and just give them the halfling-like resistance to magical fear; make it so they can feel normal trepidation before doing stupid stuff. Make it so they either understand what personal property is, are willing to own up to their actions, or are willing to distribute their stolen goods as much as they are willing to take it.</blockquote>

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