The Banality of our Hero, Part I
After years, and years, of playing RPGs I've come up with a list of clichés that are always part of a RPG. I'd like to discuss one that is most the time dismissed as impossible or inconceivable. This truth is; The hero - heroes - will save the world or universe.
How true is this? Is it really inconceivable that a small group can make or break a "world war?" At first glance it really seems impossible but maybe history will lead us to believe otherwise.
Truths:
Time: World War II
Person: General Douglas MacArthur
Now, first, I should say that this is not saving the world it was more saving America during the Pacific War campaign. This man did more than just update the military wardrobe. His strategy in the Pacific was, in historian opinion, what won the Pacific War. Although, he has been viewed as a controversial figure he did do more great things for the United States, and overall the world, than most people could ever dream of doing. (For example, he did a lot for the Japanese economy following the War.)
Time: Civil War
Person: Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
First, I must say...This man is a man. He was one tough son of a ... and that cannot be ignored. Many historians believe that Jackson was the best general in entire Civil War. Jackson's death had enough of a tole that Lee had said, "William, I have lost my right arm." It's even been speculated that if Jackson had stayed alive there is a chance the Civil war would have ended differently.
Arguments:
"All of the men you listed above were LEADERS not FIGHTERS."
Yes, this is true, but there is the fact they are single people and a collection of the finest people could be an "unstoppable" force. (I would make a reference to the 300 Spartans, but frankly I'm tired of hearing about that movie and if I applied the REAL historic record of it I'd lose my argument.)
My argument here is not that it is possible for a group of 4 adventurers to defy all odds and rescue the world from a great evil but only that it might not be so inconceivable as to dismiss it as outright fantasy. The facts remain that great people can do great things.
Note: I'd like to make sure that it's known NONE of my historical references are false, I was at first going to do citations but I felt just relating historical figures to video games would be geeky enough. Also, I didn't go deeply into the explanations about the people because I'm sure nobody wants a history lesson. I'm sure you could find any of these facts on wikipedia, they know everything after all.
-delgertome
"I'm on my way to save the world."
-Operation Ivy
Post Script - Feel free to argue with me if you'd like. (I'd prefer a discussion, but whichever you like.)
How true is this? Is it really inconceivable that a small group can make or break a "world war?" At first glance it really seems impossible but maybe history will lead us to believe otherwise.
Truths:
Time: World War II
Person: General Douglas MacArthur
Now, first, I should say that this is not saving the world it was more saving America during the Pacific War campaign. This man did more than just update the military wardrobe. His strategy in the Pacific was, in historian opinion, what won the Pacific War. Although, he has been viewed as a controversial figure he did do more great things for the United States, and overall the world, than most people could ever dream of doing. (For example, he did a lot for the Japanese economy following the War.)
Time: Civil War
Person: Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
First, I must say...This man is a man. He was one tough son of a ... and that cannot be ignored. Many historians believe that Jackson was the best general in entire Civil War. Jackson's death had enough of a tole that Lee had said, "William, I have lost my right arm." It's even been speculated that if Jackson had stayed alive there is a chance the Civil war would have ended differently.
Arguments:
"All of the men you listed above were LEADERS not FIGHTERS."
Yes, this is true, but there is the fact they are single people and a collection of the finest people could be an "unstoppable" force. (I would make a reference to the 300 Spartans, but frankly I'm tired of hearing about that movie and if I applied the REAL historic record of it I'd lose my argument.)
My argument here is not that it is possible for a group of 4 adventurers to defy all odds and rescue the world from a great evil but only that it might not be so inconceivable as to dismiss it as outright fantasy. The facts remain that great people can do great things.
Note: I'd like to make sure that it's known NONE of my historical references are false, I was at first going to do citations but I felt just relating historical figures to video games would be geeky enough. Also, I didn't go deeply into the explanations about the people because I'm sure nobody wants a history lesson. I'm sure you could find any of these facts on wikipedia, they know everything after all.
-delgertome
"I'm on my way to save the world."
-Operation Ivy
Post Script - Feel free to argue with me if you'd like. (I'd prefer a discussion, but whichever you like.)
Posted by Delgertome on Saturday, August 25, 2007 01:47PM
- 3 comments
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Keywords:
rpg,
history,
humanity
