I’m designing a DND character. He is a Leonin, lion person. Im not sure if its okay to base him off of tribes in Africa. I want to get very specific for which tribe I choose. I don’t just want to look and think “Oh, that’s nice, I’ll add that.” I want to research what certain things mean. But as a white person who has nothing to do with Africa or Africans, I’m not sure if its okay. Would it be better to do a general African vibe? Or study a specific tribe to take things from?
Im also not sure if it would be good since he is an animal character and his class is a Barbarian. Not sure if that’s implying bad things about Africans. I really don’t mean to be rude. I just want to make a character who actual represents Africa culture.
An alternative I can do is just classic fantasy barbarian clothes and accessories. But that’s really boring to me.
Edit:Thanks for all the advice. I’ll take it all into consideration. Also for some clarification. This was for his clothes not his personality. Maybe I could look at lion king the Broadway musical for ideas? I also know that there is a multitude of cultures depending on where you go in Africa. Which is why I would narrow it down to an area or specific tribes in an area. I just wanted something to look authentic. But it would have zero bearing on his personality.
I wasn’t sure if it would be disrespectful to have something generally African looking or to base it off of an actual tribe. Especially with me being a white person.
While the geographical context you're addressing is different, the sensitivities I think you're trying to address are similar in sentiment to this locked thread. And I imagine the advice you'll get here will be identical, probably from the same posters.
I’m designing a DND character. He is a Leonin, lion person. Im not sure if its okay to base him off of tribes in Africa. I want to get very specific for which tribe I choose. I don’t just want to look and think “Oh, that’s nice, I’ll add that.” I want to research what certain things mean. But as a white person who has nothing to do with Africa or Africans, I’m not sure if its okay. Would it be better to do a general African vibe? Or study a specific tribe to take things from?
Im also not sure if it would be good since he is an animal character and his class is a Barbarian. Not sure if that’s implying bad things about Africans. I really don’t mean to be rude. I just want to make a character who actual represents Africa culture.
An alternative I can do is just classic fantasy barbarian clothes and accessories. But that’s really boring to me.
I guess this depends on what you think African culture is? Because there isn't "one" culture; there are many. Something based on Zulu is going to be different that say Maasai or Berber. But with any 'borrowing' from a tribal culture, you do run the risk of being a caricature. So rather than do that, build up your own culture.
As a thought exercise, your ancestors were probably nomadic; Are they now? What did they hunt? And don't assume african land mammals; dinosaurs, are valid hunting options, as are dragons/wverns etc. What gods do they worship (your own list) or are the more like druids and the forces of nature. Give them unique names; don't borrow them. Is the culture still tribal? Who is in charge? if they have urbanized, what type of government do they have? What traditions on birth, coming of age, marriage (or becoming a worthy suitor) , and death are there? What holidays or sacred days are there? Are there rules like "Only hunters or warriors can touch certain weapons" Are some rites not to be seen by outsiders or even just outside families? Is there a lot of veneration around hunting? Or is there more about family? Is the weather something your pray for (rain) or something you make offerings to avoid (drought). You can borrow elements or ideas from ANY culture and make it work.
What I wouldn't do is 70-100% emulate a specific tribe. That feels like a minefield.
Just above all, make it a well researched and respectful endeavour. No stereotypes, no winging it. As a Welshman, I'd have no issue with you using my culture as a reference or a base for a character. I'd even like it. Just don't make them someone who has a fondness for sheep and say he's Welsh - that will even you at best a string eye roll. African culture us no different. A respectful take is welcome - just make it something that Africans in question would recognise and feel proud of, not just some 2d backwards tribe member.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
My main piece of advice for this: make sure your character be defined by more than just their culture. 'African' isn't a personality. This Leonin is an individual with their own wants, needs, and motivations. These things can be informed by their culture and upbringing, but you should also consider what individual experiences and relationships have shaped who you are. One of the biggest risks with playing this type of character is winding up as a shallow stereotype or caricature. By actually putting thought into the character itself, and not just the character's culture, you can avoid this pitfall.
Personally, I think a more general vibe is safer than trying to 100% emulate a specific tribe. Its easier to properly make a character inspired by a certain culture or aesthetic than a character that perfectly portrays a culture. You'll never be able to really step into those shoes. On top of that, some of the nuance that shapes a particular culture won't translate over to the DnD world.
As long as you're approaching it respectfully and not distilling yourself down to a comical stereotype, I don't think you should worry too hard about it.
Edit: Saw this and liked it a lot, so I wanted to emphasize it:
I'd also open it up further and not just lean into a particular human culture, but look at how lion social structures work.
Matt Mercer will, I expect, never do an African or Asian accent on CritRole. He has done a (pretty terrible, no offense Matt) Scottish one though. Liam used German as the base for his previous character, and Marisha's current one is faux posh British. Matt's not Scottish, Liam's not German, Marisha's not English. Now, I understand why Matt won't do ethnic accents and I understand why "white" accents are not considered problematic for white players. At the same time though, I can't help but think it's a little bit ridiculous. It's ok for me, a white guy living in Belgium, to affect an exaggerated French -r- and intersperse every other sentence with "hon hon hon", but not to imitate Apu from the Simpsons and throwing out five "thank you, come again" comments per ten minutes of talking. Eastern-European accents are acceptable, North-African ones are not. Imitating Roberto Benigni in La Vita è Bella is not problematic; imitating Nigel Ng as Uncle Roger is. None of these distinctions should matter: as long as I'm not mocking entire populations they should all be fair game, and if I am none of them should be. Now, I could still offend people involved in a game of mine with any of these and if so I should arguably be respectful of that and make sure it doesn't happen; but otherwise if it genuinely doesn't come from a place of mockery, contempt or prejudice I don't think taking inspiration from any culture should be an issue.
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Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
Matt Mercer will, I expect, never do an African or Asian accent on CritRole. He has done a (pretty terrible, no offense Matt) Scottish one though. Liam used German as the base for his previous character, and Marisha's current one is faux posh British. Matt's not Scottish, Liam's not German, Marisha's not English. Now, I understand why Matt won't do ethnic accents and I understand why "white" accents are not considered problematic for white players. At the same time though, I can't help but think it's a little bit ridiculous. It's ok for me, a white guy living in Belgium, to affect an exaggerated French -r- and intersperse every other sentence with "hon hon hon", but not to imitate Apu from the Simpsons and throwing out five "thank you, come again" comments per ten minutes of talking. Eastern-European accents are acceptable, North-African ones are not. Imitating Roberto Benigni in La Vita è Bella is not problematic; imitating Nigel Ng as Uncle Roger is. None of these distinctions should matter: as long as I'm not mocking entire populations they should all be fair game, and if I am none of them should be. Now, I could still offend people involved in a game of mine with any of these and if so I should arguably be respectful of that and make sure it doesn't happen; but otherwise if it genuinely doesn't come from a place of mockery, contempt or prejudice I don't think taking inspiration from any culture should be an issue.
I'm not an accents expert, but Mercer seems to use Middle-Eastern or North African accents for his Marquesian characters, which have appeared as far back as Campaign 1. Just so you know. And someone going "hon hon hon" every other sentence would irritate me. But you do you I guess?
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Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
Matt Mercer will, I expect, never do an African or Asian accent on CritRole. He has done a (pretty terrible, no offense Matt) Scottish one though. Liam used German as the base for his previous character, and Marisha's current one is faux posh British. Matt's not Scottish, Liam's not German, Marisha's not English. Now, I understand why Matt won't do ethnic accents and I understand why "white" accents are not considered problematic for white players. At the same time though, I can't help but think it's a little bit ridiculous. It's ok for me, a white guy living in Belgium, to affect an exaggerated French -r- and intersperse every other sentence with "hon hon hon", but not to imitate Apu from the Simpsons and throwing out five "thank you, come again" comments per ten minutes of talking. Eastern-European accents are acceptable, North-African ones are not. Imitating Roberto Benigni in La Vita è Bella is not problematic; imitating Nigel Ng as Uncle Roger is. None of these distinctions should matter: as long as I'm not mocking entire populations they should all be fair game, and if I am none of them should be. Now, I could still offend people involved in a game of mine with any of these and if so I should arguably be respectful of that and make sure it doesn't happen; but otherwise if it genuinely doesn't come from a place of mockery, contempt or prejudice I don't think taking inspiration from any culture should be an issue.
I'm not an accents expert, but Mercer seems to use Middle-Eastern or North African accents for his Marquesian characters, which have appeared as far back as Campaign 1. Just so you know. And someone going "hon hon hon" every other sentence would irritate me. But you do you I guess?
Honestly I don't personally think it matters what your skin color is. Assuming you don't have any personal history of mocking people based on their ethnicity and/or culture I'd say you're good to go. And while I think making respectfully a researched character is a great thing to do, I don't think it's a must, I think you'd be fine doing a more loosely stereotypical character based on whatever culture inspires you. By that I mean that I don't you think you really need to do deep research into a specific african culture, if you were to have a general idea of african themes that inspires you, just as I don't expect someone making a typical knight character to research if their armor design all come from one particular european culture. One important note that is it should be done in good faith, of course you never want to make a character with the intention of making fun of people, as a group or otherwise.
I think I mostly agree pangurjan in the sense that everything is fair game aslong as you're not doing it with any bad intentions, you should be good... Oh and as long as everyone at your table is comfortable of course, no reason to loose friends over a character concept.
Edit: One good question I find is important with any concept though, is if I've actually thought about how their particular culture/personality actually informs their actions. I've burned my fingers on thinking up rather high concept character ideas only to have no idea how to actually carry them out in in roleplay.
If you aren't going to be portraying this on a stream, then go ahead with whatever stereotypes you like.
A lot of PCs take stereotypes from different sources, picking some Earth cultures to help provide you with a starting point isn't a bad thing, and makes it easier to begin playing a character.
Um, are you playing on Earth? If your playing an official setting, there is no African influence to adopt. You can mix whatever cultural influences you think fit your character.
Consider looking up the culture of Leonin and the setting analog for the culture your seeking.
Um, are you playing on Earth? If your playing an official setting, there is no African influence to adopt.
Not to be a pedant, but this is besides the point. Entire D&D settings have been made using real world influences and inspiration, including Africa. There have been more discussions about potentially offensive parallels between D&D races and cultures and real world ones than I care to count. I think it's an issue that gets overstated a lot, but it's definitely an issue (and as a cis white male, I'm not in any position to tell people they're making too much of this even if I can try to put it in perspective a little bit).
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Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
People from any culture might be delighted to be portrayed as a Leonin. It's the raging barbarian bit that's potentially more of an issue due to character features that dictate behaviour.
If you're going with respect then respect everything evenly. In a situation, if you were also poking fun, do so evenly.
People of any ethnicity can portray people of other ethnicities and, as long as everyone is evenly respected, it may ideally be fine.
It might even potentially be a great and constructive journey to explore another culture in roleplay. Keep your eyes and heart open. It could be good.
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I’m designing a DND character. He is a Leonin, lion person. Im not sure if its okay to base him off of tribes in Africa. I want to get very specific for which tribe I choose. I don’t just want to look and think “Oh, that’s nice, I’ll add that.” I want to research what certain things mean. But as a white person who has nothing to do with Africa or Africans, I’m not sure if its okay. Would it be better to do a general African vibe? Or study a specific tribe to take things from?
Im also not sure if it would be good since he is an animal character and his class is a Barbarian. Not sure if that’s implying bad things about Africans. I really don’t mean to be rude. I just want to make a character who actual represents Africa culture.
An alternative I can do is just classic fantasy barbarian clothes and accessories. But that’s really boring to me.
Edit:Thanks for all the advice. I’ll take it all into consideration.
Also for some clarification. This was for his clothes not his personality. Maybe I could look at lion king the Broadway musical for ideas? I also know that there is a multitude of cultures depending on where you go in Africa. Which is why I would narrow it down to an area or specific tribes in an area. I just wanted something to look authentic. But it would have zero bearing on his personality.
I wasn’t sure if it would be disrespectful to have something generally African looking or to base it off of an actual tribe. Especially with me being a white person.
While the geographical context you're addressing is different, the sensitivities I think you're trying to address are similar in sentiment to this locked thread. And I imagine the advice you'll get here will be identical, probably from the same posters.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
I guess this depends on what you think African culture is? Because there isn't "one" culture; there are many. Something based on Zulu is going to be different that say Maasai or Berber. But with any 'borrowing' from a tribal culture, you do run the risk of being a caricature. So rather than do that, build up your own culture.
As a thought exercise, your ancestors were probably nomadic; Are they now? What did they hunt? And don't assume african land mammals; dinosaurs, are valid hunting options, as are dragons/wverns etc. What gods do they worship (your own list) or are the more like druids and the forces of nature. Give them unique names; don't borrow them. Is the culture still tribal? Who is in charge? if they have urbanized, what type of government do they have? What traditions on birth, coming of age, marriage (or becoming a worthy suitor) , and death are there? What holidays or sacred days are there? Are there rules like "Only hunters or warriors can touch certain weapons" Are some rites not to be seen by outsiders or even just outside families? Is there a lot of veneration around hunting? Or is there more about family? Is the weather something your pray for (rain) or something you make offerings to avoid (drought). You can borrow elements or ideas from ANY culture and make it work.
What I wouldn't do is 70-100% emulate a specific tribe. That feels like a minefield.
I'd also open it up further and not just lean into a particular human culture, but look at how lion social structures work.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
I'd agree with the three posts so far.
Just above all, make it a well researched and respectful endeavour. No stereotypes, no winging it. As a Welshman, I'd have no issue with you using my culture as a reference or a base for a character. I'd even like it. Just don't make them someone who has a fondness for sheep and say he's Welsh - that will even you at best a string eye roll. African culture us no different. A respectful take is welcome - just make it something that Africans in question would recognise and feel proud of, not just some 2d backwards tribe member.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
My main piece of advice for this: make sure your character be defined by more than just their culture. 'African' isn't a personality. This Leonin is an individual with their own wants, needs, and motivations. These things can be informed by their culture and upbringing, but you should also consider what individual experiences and relationships have shaped who you are. One of the biggest risks with playing this type of character is winding up as a shallow stereotype or caricature. By actually putting thought into the character itself, and not just the character's culture, you can avoid this pitfall.
Personally, I think a more general vibe is safer than trying to 100% emulate a specific tribe. Its easier to properly make a character inspired by a certain culture or aesthetic than a character that perfectly portrays a culture. You'll never be able to really step into those shoes. On top of that, some of the nuance that shapes a particular culture won't translate over to the DnD world.
As long as you're approaching it respectfully and not distilling yourself down to a comical stereotype, I don't think you should worry too hard about it.
Edit: Saw this and liked it a lot, so I wanted to emphasize it:
Matt Mercer will, I expect, never do an African or Asian accent on CritRole. He has done a (pretty terrible, no offense Matt) Scottish one though. Liam used German as the base for his previous character, and Marisha's current one is faux posh British. Matt's not Scottish, Liam's not German, Marisha's not English. Now, I understand why Matt won't do ethnic accents and I understand why "white" accents are not considered problematic for white players. At the same time though, I can't help but think it's a little bit ridiculous. It's ok for me, a white guy living in Belgium, to affect an exaggerated French -r- and intersperse every other sentence with "hon hon hon", but not to imitate Apu from the Simpsons and throwing out five "thank you, come again" comments per ten minutes of talking. Eastern-European accents are acceptable, North-African ones are not. Imitating Roberto Benigni in La Vita è Bella is not problematic; imitating Nigel Ng as Uncle Roger is. None of these distinctions should matter: as long as I'm not mocking entire populations they should all be fair game, and if I am none of them should be. Now, I could still offend people involved in a game of mine with any of these and if so I should arguably be respectful of that and make sure it doesn't happen; but otherwise if it genuinely doesn't come from a place of mockery, contempt or prejudice I don't think taking inspiration from any culture should be an issue.
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
I'm not an accents expert, but Mercer seems to use Middle-Eastern or North African accents for his Marquesian characters, which have appeared as far back as Campaign 1. Just so you know. And someone going "hon hon hon" every other sentence would irritate me. But you do you I guess?
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
That's possible, I'm no expert, but Jarett Howarth at least has a Eastern-European accent as confirmed by Matt himself.
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
Honestly I don't personally think it matters what your skin color is. Assuming you don't have any personal history of mocking people based on their ethnicity and/or culture I'd say you're good to go. And while I think making respectfully a researched character is a great thing to do, I don't think it's a must, I think you'd be fine doing a more loosely stereotypical character based on whatever culture inspires you. By that I mean that I don't you think you really need to do deep research into a specific african culture, if you were to have a general idea of african themes that inspires you, just as I don't expect someone making a typical knight character to research if their armor design all come from one particular european culture. One important note that is it should be done in good faith, of course you never want to make a character with the intention of making fun of people, as a group or otherwise.
I think I mostly agree pangurjan in the sense that everything is fair game aslong as you're not doing it with any bad intentions, you should be good... Oh and as long as everyone at your table is comfortable of course, no reason to loose friends over a character concept.
Edit: One good question I find is important with any concept though, is if I've actually thought about how their particular culture/personality actually informs their actions. I've burned my fingers on thinking up rather high concept character ideas only to have no idea how to actually carry them out in in roleplay.
If you aren't going to be portraying this on a stream, then go ahead with whatever stereotypes you like.
A lot of PCs take stereotypes from different sources, picking some Earth cultures to help provide you with a starting point isn't a bad thing, and makes it easier to begin playing a character.
Um, are you playing on Earth? If your playing an official setting, there is no African influence to adopt. You can mix whatever cultural influences you think fit your character.
Consider looking up the culture of Leonin and the setting analog for the culture your seeking.
Not to be a pedant, but this is besides the point. Entire D&D settings have been made using real world influences and inspiration, including Africa. There have been more discussions about potentially offensive parallels between D&D races and cultures and real world ones than I care to count. I think it's an issue that gets overstated a lot, but it's definitely an issue (and as a cis white male, I'm not in any position to tell people they're making too much of this even if I can try to put it in perspective a little bit).
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
People from any culture might be delighted to be portrayed as a Leonin. It's the raging barbarian bit that's potentially more of an issue due to character features that dictate behaviour.
If you're going with respect then respect everything evenly. In a situation, if you were also poking fun, do so evenly.
People of any ethnicity can portray people of other ethnicities and, as long as everyone is evenly respected, it may ideally be fine.
It might even potentially be a great and constructive journey to explore another culture in roleplay. Keep your eyes and heart open. It could be good.