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Message: <blockquote data-quote="TiQuinn" data-source="post: 9413540" data-attributes="member: 4871">Because invariably in fiction, as well as at the table, the explanation for these characters and their heritage involve sexual assault (orcs invaded our homeland) or the characters are outsiders because, of course, mixed heritage is something to be looked down on.This is present in plenty of fiction both old and new. Tanis Half-Elven of Dragonlance fame was originally a product of rape until that was retconned much later. Then of course, he was an outsider living amongst humans because naturally a half-elf has to be treated as such in fantasy literature. Ditto Vax and Vex of Vox Machina/Critical Role whose characters are treated as inferior because of their mixed heritage by their father and the other elves.It’s a tiresome, self-perpetuating trope. Whether it’s players at the table or authors writing a book, if there is a mixed heritage fantasy character, chances are they will feel the need to explain that mixed parentage and many times it’s going to lean into either sexual assault or experiencing racism.</blockquote>